The Tiger Lillies at the Moore Theatre

The British trio that bills itself as "the world's foremost death oompah band" comes to town to treat Seattle audiences to their special brand of cabaret macabre. Founder Martyn Jacques, whose phlegmy, gravelly falsetto provides the band's signature sound, is also responsible for its often X-rated lyrics.

This has been a busy year for the Lillies. In England, they've released three CDs, including "Sinderella," an epic-length variation on "Cinderella." They also have a new DVD out, "The Early Years" (marketing tag: "If you couldn't be there in the early '90s, then now is your chance").

A bonus for fans: On Friday in Seattle, they'll have CDs to sell and sign, many of them available only in the U.K. or as imports. And they'll revisit tunes from their West End hit, "Shockheaded Peter."

Their appearance here kicks off the Seattle International Cabaret Festival. 8 p.m. Friday, Moore Theatre, 1932 Second Ave., Seattle; $20-$42 (877-784-4849 or www.stgpresents.org).

Michael Upchurch, Seattle Times arts writer