8pm: Pop Music

When Depeche Mode targets its Southland stronghold, it’s feeding-frenzy time for one of the most tenaciously loyal audiences in rock. On its first tour in five years, the English band logs four area arena concerts--all sellouts.

* Depeche Mode, with Stabbing Westward, Friday and Saturday at the Great Western Forum, 3900 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood, 8 p.m. Sold out. (310) 419-3100. Also Sunday and Tuesday at the Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim, 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 8 p.m. Sold out. (714) 704-2500.

8pm: Music

For the first of three performances of its annual Christmas show, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles performs “ ‘Tis the Season” at the Alex Theatre. Jon Bailey conducts; gay apparel of the holiday variety will be worn.

* Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles holiday show, Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale, 8 p.m. $15-$35. (800) 233-3123. Also Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m.

all Day: Movies

The animated biblical epic “The Prince of Egypt” tells the story of the Hebrew prophet Moses and Ramses, the future king of Egypt, who were raised as brothers before becoming foes. Industry observers will be watching carefully to see if the public responds to the DreamWorks film, which is more serious and sophisticated in subject matter and tone than most feature-length animated films. Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sandra Bullock and Steve Martin provide some of the voices; songs by Stephen Schwartz.

* “The Prince of Egypt,” which is rated PG for intense depiction of thematic elements, opens Friday in general release.

7:30 & 9:45pm / Jazz

There’s a family resemblance: Singer-pianist Freddy Cole, the younger brother of Nat “King” Cole, celebrates a “Jazz Christmas” with his quartet during these two, holiday-minded performances as he does on his Milestone recording “I Want a Smile for Christmas.”

* Freddy Cole, Founders Hall, Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 7:30 p.m. show $32, 9:45 p.m. show $28. Also Saturday. (714) 556-2787.

8pm: Benefit Concert

Following an enduring L.A. tradition, SoCal stalwarts Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt headline a benefit for victims of Hurricane Mitch. They’re joined in this acoustic music evening by Los Lobos, Sarah McLachlan and Keb’ Mo’.

* Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, Los Lobos, Sarah McLachlan and Keb’ Mo’, Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main St., Santa Monica, 8 p.m. $35 and $100 ($200 ticket includes artists’ reception). (310) 374-4837.

8pm: Theater

The spirit of the season takes a gleeful pummeling in a special three-day return engagement of “Happytime Xmas,” Justin Tanner’s dark hit comedy about the holiday festivities of one very dysfunctional family.

* “Happytime Xmas,” Cast Theatre, 804 N. El Centro Ave., Hollywood, Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 7 p.m. $20. (213 213 462-0265.

Freebies: Local blues singer Shakeh performs at the South Bay Borders Books and Music, 3700 Torrance Blvd., Torrance, 8-10 p.m. (310) 540-7000.

The modern drama “Masks of Angels” is performed by community college students of English as a second language, Wilshire Auditorium, 325 E. Wilshire, Fullerton. Also Saturday, 7 p.m. (714) 992-6090.