Simply sublime -- String sextet at The Seasons on Saturday

We at On magazine hear it all the time, the tired refrain, "There's nothing to do in Yakima."

Well, aside from the fact that it's hardly ever true in the first place, that old chestnut overlooks the existence of places like The Seasons Performance Hall, which regularly draws nationally and internationally acclaimed musicians. The venue's intimate performances, universally acclaimed by those who attend, are too often played to sparse crowds.

So here is On magazine's challenge to you: Before you complain about not having anything to do, check out the entertainment offerings at places like The Seasons, The Capitol Theatre, the Yakima Sports Center and Carmen's Comedy Club.

That's my lecture. Here's my recommendation: See Denise Dillenbeck lead a string sextet at The Seasons on Saturday. Dillenbeck is among the best violinists in the West. She'll play solo, then in a quartet, then in the sextet, kicking off the venue's four-show Classically Romantic series.

"It's really celebrating Romantic composers," Seasons spokeswoman Ellie Strosahl says. "That's the most beautiful, timeless music in the classical music canon."

Tickets for Saturday's show, which begins at 7:30 p.m., cost $15. Tickets for the entire four-concert series cost $45. For tickets or information, visit www.theseasonsyakima.com or call 509-453-1888. The Seasons is at 101 N. Naches Ave.

-- Pat Muir