Some big names - and one big mouth - take the court tonight at 1st Mariner Arena.

The man, the legend, the lefty, John McEnroe, headlines the lineup at Pam Shriver's BCF Tennis Challenge. The annual event hosted by the tennis great and Baltimore native raises money for the Baltimore Community Foundation.

Others slated to play include John Isner, who knocked off Andy Roddick at the U.S. Open this year, Melanie Oudin, who became a sensation in New York after defeating Maria Sharapova, veteran star Lindsay Davenport, and doubles gurus Mike and Bob Bryan.

The always-entertaining Orioles Challenge this year is a pitcher's affair, with Jeremy Guthrie and Brad Bergesen set to play.

The first serve is hit at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $25 and can be ordered online or by calling Ticketmaster.

It doesn't have to be a Christmas tree for Baltimoreans to wrap lights around it. If you've never been to 34th St. in Hampden, you need to check it out. It makes most Christmas light displays look like nothing more than a single nightlight was used.

Last week the Washington Monument was illuminated, and tonight, lamp posts in Canton Square follow suit.

The switch will be flipped at 6 p.m., and following that there's an arrival by Santa and musical performances by Smooth Teaze, the Adeline Singers, and chorus groups. Champagne, egg nog, Irish coffee, and hot chocolate will be available, and the stores and restaurants on O'Donnell St. will be offering discounts.

Two Baltimore musical institutions have been honored with Grammy award nominations.

The children's band, Milkshake, is a finalist in the Best Musical Album for Children category, and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra's recording of of Leonard Bernstein's Mass (conducted by Marin Alsop) is among the nominees for Best Classical Album. The producer of the CD, Steven Epstein, also is nominated for Producer of the Year.

You don't get much more disparate than that, musically speaking, but both groups should be lauded for their accomplishments. Congrats Milkshake and the BSO, and good luck in the Jan. 31 competition.

So much to do this weekend. Here are a few other events you might be intrigued by over the next few days:

Friday

Elvis, Elvis, and more Elvis - Baltimore's Night of 100 Elvises kicks off at 6 p.m. at the Lithuanian Hall, 851-3 Hollins St. The main ballroom will host at least 12 bands and 12 Elvis tribute artists. All entertainers will perform all Elvis music, all night. No song will be duplicated in the ballroom. You get the picture. Tickets are $55 and include drinks and a southern buffet.

Saturday

Merry Tuba and Holiday Sing - More than 250 brass players perform at the Harborplace Amphitheater perform a special holiday concert at 3:30. The Heart of Maryland Chorus precedes them, at 3, and from 11 to 2:30 audience members are invited to join in as part of a sing-along.

NOTE

I thought you also may be interested in knowing that the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra has extended its registration deadline for its "Hallelujah! Community Sing-A-Long" on Dec. 9. The deadline is now Dec. 7, so get your lungs ready and register online.