Acoustic Christmas on Sunday at Modesto Centre Plaza

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Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without sleigh bells ringing, herald angels singing and rock stars unplugging.

The annual B93.1 FM Acoustic Christmas show is back for another program of stripped-down sounds Dec. 7 at Modesto Centre Plaza.

The popular holiday show has been an area tradition since 1999, when it first brought in artists to play the largely acoustic show. Performing this year will be Live, Carolina Liar, Lenka, HoneyHoney and Justin Nozuka.

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WHAT: B93.1 FM Acoustic Christmas
WHEN: 6 p.m. Dec. 7
WHERE: Modesto Centre Plaza, 1000 L St.
TICKETS: $100 first row (general admission and preferred seating sold out), tickets still available to win
CALL: 551-9393
ONLINE: www.b931.com

Tammy Cruise, of B93.1's Cruise 'N' Good, said the station looks for an eclectic mix of big names and up-and-comers for each year's show. Over the years, Acoustic Christmas has sold out in only a few days, if not minutes, and become a favorite for all ages.

"It's Christmastime, so people come out with friends and family," Cruise said. "I think why this show is special because it's stripped down. You don't usually get to see acts play like that and in such a small venue. It's so much more intimate."

This year's headliner is the alternative-rock band Live. The multiplatinum-selling group broke through in the mid-'90s with its No. 1 album "Throwing Copper." The CD spawned the hits "Lightning Crashes," "I Alone," "Selling the Drama" and "All Over You."

The band's follow-up, "Secret Samadhi," debuted at No. 1. The group has released five albums since, including its new CD/DVD release, "Live at the Paradiso -- Amsterdam," which came out earlier this month.

Lead singer Ed Kowalczyk played a B93.1 Underground Lounge show in Modesto in 2006.

"Really, I think Live wasn't on the radar when we started planning this show," Cruise said. "But then we heard they had a new CD coming out and this new single, so we thought we couldn't go wrong. People are excited to see Live and Ed Kowalczyk again."

This year's other performers include:

Carolina Liar: The group's single "I'm Not Over," from its major-label debut, "Coming to Terms," has climbed the charts this year.

Lenka: The Australian television actress turned singer gained national attention with her poppy hit, "The Show," which was featured on iTunes and Old Navy commercials.

HoneyHoney: Signed to Kiefer Sutherland's label, Ironworks, this duo plays an upbeat mix of folk, jazz, bluegrass and rock. The video for "Little Toy Gun" was directed by Sutherland.

Justin Nozuka: The 20-year-old Canadian singer/songwriter played an Underground Lounge show earlier this year and released his debut album, "Holly," last year.

A sellout is expected for the 1,300-capacity show, but tickets will be available all weekend and next week through station giveaways.