This is the time of the month when venues/performers still have to update their February calendars. So--while I have a couple of recommendations--I'll blog Part II later this week. But first...

​I have these pieces of news:

The Beyu has changed its Friday-Saturday performance times: They are now 7 & 9p sets, good for those liking earlier performances & late suppers but bad for folks like me occasionally doubling up on performances.

Drummer Larry Q Draughn is moving to Detroit: Between listening to others talking with Larry & talking with him myself, it sounded like he's moving there to join the ministry. I know he's quite spiritual but know nothing about his formal status, other than as a darned good drummer. Will miss him... 

The Pittsboro Roadhouse is starting a jazz series: Starting tonight with the Heart of Carolina Jazz Orchestra, the Roadhouse now has jazz every Monday except for their monthly Dean Martin tribute. Go to http://pittsbororoadhouse.com/calendar/ for more info. Good to have another venue with a regular jazz schedule, this time spotlighting big band music.​

Don't miss the Jim Ketch Swingtet at Sharp Nine Friday night 8p: Jim & his five young companions not only have played great jazz 3-4 other times, they've sold out too. If you want tickets move quickly.

​More to come when I know more....

Yeah, I know the movie is called "Groundhog Day", but this week is sorta the same as the last two: the Usual Suspects earlier in the week or so & then Too Many Choices on the weekend....

Tuesday (aka Today):​ The monthly NCJRO performance is tonight at Sharp Nine 8p. As of yesterday there were still 20 tickets available but they may have gone.

Wednesday:​ The Zen Poets haven't played that much in the last few months but are at C Grace 9p. ​I'm leaning in that direction myself.
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​Friday: I'll see extravore singer Candace Hoyes sing Ellington tunes, accompanied by locally-raised pianist Chris Pattishall, at Raleigh's Contemporary Art Museum (CAM) 8p. ​But, if I couldn't do that, I'd have to choose between/among:
​--an MLK celebration at Hayti in Durham featuring NCCU jazz players; the Slide Effects trombone quintet at Sharp Nine; Ariel Pocock leading a Planned Parenthood fundraiser at the Shed; Al Strong at Alley 26; pianist Elmer Gibson at Irregardless; &/or Decatur Street Beat's Dixieland at Saladelia in Durham.

​Saturday: I'll hear Dave Finucane & Scott Sawyer at Sharp Nine 8p. ​​I could go to:
​--drummer Atticus Reynolds at the Shed; Primera Jazz's Latin tunes at the Beyu; Al Strong Quartet at C Grace; &/or John Palowich at Irregardless.

​Oh, I must also mention the memorial for environmental health leader & pianist Steve Wing at 1p Saturday 2/28 at the UNC School of Public Health. Steve played with a lot of local players over the years, including Gregg Gelb's Second Line Stompers, which will play at the the service...

Yup, another week with too many choices this weekend but the Usual Suspects available earlier (e.g., it's time for me to see Yeaux Katz have a good time at 2nd Wind Wednesday night).

 ​How to choose among these on Friday:
​--At 6:30p you can choose between pianist Gary Brunotte at Brasa Steakhouse or the Doug Largent organ trio at Irregardless.
​--At 8p, among singer Jo Gore & pianist Ernest Turner at the Station; bassist Lance Scott at the Beyu; saxist Shaquim Muldrow & singer Dupresha Townsend at the Shed; Tea Cup Gin at the Franklin Hotel. ​I particularly enjoy the Gore-Turner combo but feel NCCU students Muldrow & Townsend deserve more exposure.
​--At 9:30, either Al Strong at C Grace, Ariel Pocock at