Pink Martini, Chieftains part of Seattle Symphony's 2008-09 Pop Culture series

Seattle Symphony has announced what executive director Thomas Philion calls "not your parent's Pops series." The 2008-09 schedule:

Oct. 6: Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile. Meyer is a master of the double bass; Thile was the mandolin player for the now dormant Nickel Creek. They'll perform original work composed solo and together.

Jan. 13, 2009: Portland's traveling mini orchestra Pink Martini. The band tours with about 15 musicians and plays songs that sound like an alternately exciting and relaxing European vacation.

Feb. 17, 2009: The Chieftains, featuring Paddy Moloney. Though the Chieftains' Irishness is a musicultural education, they aim for the gut with nary a trace of trite nostalgia.

June 25, 2009: Mariza, a singer who works in the Portuguese fado tradition.

Popular Culture series subscriptions start at $90 and can be purchased at the Seattle Symphony ticket office at the corner of Third Avenue and Union Street, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday; online at www.seattlesymphony.org or by phone at 206-215-4747.

Andrew Matson: 206-464-2153 or amatson@seattletimes.com