A sampling of things going on around the hoods today. There may be more in the happenings section (our ever-expanding listings). Send your listings to editor [at] westphillylocal.com

• Premier performance of Missa Brevis for the Virgin of Guadalupe • 8 p.m. • Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral • 3723 Chestnut St. • Donation: $5-10

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church composer in residence Scott Ordway presents his piece, which is based on travels he did in Mexico last Spring. Here is video from the final dress rehearsal:

• Diabetes Education Classes • 11 .a.m. – 12:30 p.m. • Mercy Hospital Outreach Center • 5322 Cedar Ave.

• Women of Faith and Hope Cancer Self-Support Group • 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. • Mercy Hospital • 501 S. 54th St., administrative conference room, 1st floor.

• Books Through Bars 20th Anniversary Party • 7 p.m. • Dock Street Brewing Co. • 701 S. 50th St.
The 20th anniversary party of Books Through Bars will include music by DJ Half-Breed and spoken word by Andrea “Philly” Walls. Pizza and Beer will be served. Suggested donation is $15-$25 and advance tickets are available at Books Through Bars.

West Catholic will get another chance at a state title. The Burrs defeated Lewisburg 21-7 at Hersheypark Stadium on Friday in the PIAA Class AA football semifinals. West running back Brandon Hollomon gained 206 yards, including a 65-yard touchdown run to seal the win.

West will take on undefeated South Fayette, who defeated Forest Hills 49-12 in the other semifinal. The championship game will be Saturday at Noon at Hersheypark Stadium.

Here are some highlights compliments of Easternpafootball.com.

If you were planning to head to Clark Park for some caroling tonight, you’re going to have to wait a week. The caroling that was planned to start at 5 p.m. today will now take place next Sunday, Dec. 19, at the maintenance shed near 45th and Regent.

We know. The easy thing to do is get some kind of worthless small appliance for your uncle or your in-laws. Maybe even two if they are on sale. Stay strong. Help is on the way.

We suggest: one sweet West Philly hoodie from Vix Emporium, two gift sets from Dock Street, three books from Bindlestiff, four meals from Desi Chaat House, five Green Line mugs, six Studio 34 Pilates classes, seven Community Acupunctures, eight Four Worlds loaves, nine Younglove’s purses…

OK, lame. But you get the point. There are lots of great, affordable, unique gift ideas around the neighborhoods. In addition to the shops above and a bunch of others, a couple of holiday fairs are also going on this weekend:

Second Saturday Holiday Craft Sale • Saturday, Dec. 11, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. • The Rotunda • 4014 Walnut St.

This is a big one. It includes more than 30 local vendors with local goods.

• Holiday Craft Sale • University City Arts League • 4226 Spruce Street • Saturday – 6 p.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Friday, 3 p.m.-9 p.m.

Several local artists will have jewelry, pottery, handwoven clothing, handmade cards and a bunch of other amazing stuff for sale.

Tonight is a good chance to hear some great music in a nice venue at a great price – if you live in West Philly and can prove it.  The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, a New Orleans staple, is playing tonight at 8 p.m. at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts‘ Zellerbach Theater (3680 Walnut St.)

The band is performing its “Creole Christmas” show, which is always a hot draw in New Orleans. If that weren’t enough enticement, tickets are only $10 if you have ID showing that you live in one of the following zip codes:  19104, 19131, 19139, 19142, 19143, 19151 and 19153. The ticket price is part of the West Philly Rush Hour Program.

Tickets are available two hours before the show for one hour. So tickets for tonight’s show are available from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. You can only buy them at the Center box office and a limited number are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. The seats will be located throughout the venue at the management’s discretion. Up to two tickets are available per person and the purchaser must show a valid driver’s license or non-driver’s license ID that shows the zip code.

A sampling of things going on around the hoods today. There may be more in the happenings section (our ever-expanding listings). Send your listings to editor [at] westphillylocal.com

• Members-only sneak preview • 7 p.m.-10 p.m. • University City Arts League • 4226 Spruce St.

UC Arts League members get a sneak preview of the handcrafted items up for sale in the annual Holiday Craft Show and Sale. The show is open to the general public on Saturday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and then again Monday through Friday 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

• The Philadelphia Science Fiction Society presents fantasy novelist Ellen Kushner • 9 p.m. • The Rotunda • 4014 Walnut St. • Free

Ellen Kushner is a writer of fantasy novels and the host of the radio program Sound & Spirit, produced by WGBH in Boston and distributed by Public Radio International.

• Emil Baumann: Return To The Future exhibition opens today at the Second Floor Gallery • 6 p.m.-9 p.m. • 3809 Pearl Street

Emil Baumann’s present body of work and his exploration of yet another dimension of painting: Still Life. Also on display, Emil Baumann’s recent ceramic art. The exhibition will run Dec 10-Dec 23. For more information call: 215-382-1541.