​So I'm already trying to figure out how to divide my time between Al Strong & the Art of Cool Fest promo at Strowd's in CH & the Chad Eby Quintet at Sharp Nine (haven't heard Chad live yet) when the WNCU jazz calendar voice says the DTown Brass is playing at the Kraken, out NC 54 West from Carrboro 5 miles or so. While the Kraken website calls DTown a "psychedelic-jungle-jazz-funk-orchestra", I say imagine Sun Ra leading a New Orleans jazz funk band. I.e., I can't miss this performance, starting at 9p.

​That means I have to decide how to further divide myself. Didn't need to do that 2-3 years ago...

I found out yesterday that the G2B Gastropub in Durham has closed. I'm not sure how much a gastronomic loss that is, but both the Mint Julep Jazz Band & the Keenan McKenzie Band no longer have their regular gigs there. Shit happens, but I hate to see local musicians having to find other regular gigs...

I bought my AOCF tix yesterday. Here's what I'm doing:

​Friday: ​I'll check out harpist Brandee Younger at the Durham Arts Council PSI Theater at 6:00 to see if she's melodic &/or into the wimpy soul jazz on her new CD, leaving early enough to get a good seat/space at the Armory for saxist J.D. Allen at 7:45. Since AOCF moved trumpeter-pianist Nic Payton to 10:30p to fit in a non-jazz performer at 9p, I'll probably then look for food & drink while deciding whether to return. Depends on energy.

Saturday:​ This is the potentially longer & (musically) hotter day for me since I'd like​ to see Zoocru during the "Jam.Sip.Shop" event at the Armory at 1p. Then I may take a nap somewhere to get me restarted with the Brazilian drum crew Caique Vidal at the Armory at 4p, leaving early enough for a good seat for the evening at the DAC/PSI Revive Stage: drummer Otis Brown III (5:30p), drummer Kendrick Scott (my favorite, at 7p), & bassist Derrick Hodge (another fav, at 8:30). With luck, all the Revive Music performers will do a final number at the end. We'll see.

​That's plenty of music for me. AOCF, thanks for bringing them to Durham!