1. If you want to go to the best free jazz peformances in NC...Check out this nightly lineup at UNC's Moeser Auditorium in Hill Hall Mon-Thurs 7p:
Monday: Jim Ketch leads the faculty sextet
Tuesday: Kate McGarry accompanied by Scott Sawyer
Wednesday: Gregg Gelb leads the La Fiesta Latin Band
Thursday: Kobie Watkins Grouptet
2. If you want to hear innovative, playful piano that will bring you joy...See NC-born Sean Mason whenever he appears locally. He was delightful Friday night at Sharp Nine.
This Week: I'm actually enrolled in the non-musician part of the UNC Jazz Camp, but I'd be at the nightly concerts anyway. They're too good to miss.
But, if you need alternatives...
Thursday:
- Pianist Jonathan Markow, often joined by guests, at the Empress Room 7:30p.
- Singer Frankie Alexander at the Eddy Pub 7p. Worth at trip to Saxapahaw.
- Guitarist Devin Frazier's sextet playing his compositions at Sharp Nine 8p. If I've shaken my cold & have any energy left this week, I should be there.
- Kobie Watkins' Grouptet honors Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers 8p. Tickets going fast but I've got two.