COEUR d'ALENE - Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. today for a performance by Grammy-nominated and twice Emmy-nominated pianist Philip Aaberg, who will perform selections from his two Christmas albums, "Wild Christmas" and his 2013 release, "High Plains Christmas" on Dec. 4 at The Salvation Army Kroc Center in Coeur d'Alene.

Aaberg's original holiday music and spirited Christmas favorites were featured last year on the PBS broadcast, "Christmas with Philip Aaberg." This live performance will expand on that televised show.

A Montana native, Aaberg's music is known for being an interpretation of the landscapes of the Northwest, the mountains, valleys, forests and plains.

"He is a true composer, as well as a great interpreter," said fellow pianist George Winston. "His music so deeply captures the essence of Montana, and yet it is so universal."

Born in Havre, Mont., and raised in Chester, Mont., Aaberg was playing in dance bands by age 14. He later earned a music degree from Harvard and after moving to Oakland, Calif., fell in with the Elvin Bishop Group, playing and writing some songs. His piano playing is even featured on Elvin's biggest hit, "Fooled Around and Fell In Love."

Aaberg then signed with Windham Hill Records in 1985 and showed off his eclectic background in the highly acclaimed solo album, "High Plains." He followed that with seven more solo releases, including the Grammy-nominated 2000 release, "Live from Montana." He has also regularly appeared on the popular "Windham Hill Sampler" albums during the past 20 years as well as performed with the Boston Pops Orchestra, The Marlboro Chamber Music Festival, Peter Gabriel, The Doobie Brothers and many others. His piano can be heard on more than 200 albums. He was Emmy-nominated for his work with PBS's "All-American Jazz" program.

Now back in Montana, his label, Sweetgrass Music, strives to make music that "connects a global audience to the sweeping landscape of the West." Although classically trained, Aaberg celebrates many traditions with his compositions. He weaves strains of blues and bluegrass as well as rock and new music throughout his melodic tapestries.

Reserved seat tickets are $25 and are available at the Salvation Army Kroc Center front desk, 1765 W. Golf Course Road in Coeur d'Alene or online at kroccda.org or by calling (208) 667-1865.

Artist info: www.sweetgrassmusic.com.