First, a group to keep an eye out for: Jim Ketch's Swingtet.​ They got another​ deserved tanding ovation at Sharp Nine last Friday night. Every time I've heard them they've been better than the time before.

​Second, just because "summer" has started doesn't mean the music is cooling off:

​Tuesday:​ The Shed hosts the premier final performance of the John Palowitch Electric Band since John is about to leave this area after having practiced with guitarist Russell Favet, bassist Kenny Phelps-McKeown, & drummer Devin Fuller for the last couple of years. ​I can't miss such a unique event.

​Friday-Saturday:​ Kate McGarry & Keith Ganz have NY-based pianist Gary Versace join them for these two nights, celebrating their emergence from a Durham recording studio. ​I'll be there one night.

Next Sunday:​ Singer Ti Harmon fronts a piano-bass-drum trio in a concert at the Coleman House at 809 Smith Level Road in Chapel Hill 4p. Having seen her perform there a couple of years ago, I'll be there.

​​And, for those wanting outdoor jazz now: ​try either guitarist Brad Maiani at the Looking Glass Tuesday 7p or the Triangle Jazz orchestra at 300 Meadowmont Village Circle 6p (map on TJO website).

In the middle of a very good comparison of the Art of Cool Fest & Moogfest in this week's Indy Week, Allison Hussey calls AOCF a "jazz" festival. That designation troubles me. I know AOC has contributed greatly to the growth of our jazz scene, but the Festival has gone so far beyond jazz that its music really needs another name lest "jazz" fans go attend only to go away frustrated.

​That's where I'm double-troubled--because I can't think of any easy name for its music than "Cool Music"! Cicely has done such a good job of carefully improvising her year-to-year line-up & on-going music promotion that she's transcended any one style of music. It's definitely "cool" in many senses of the word.

​Allison, since jazz was only one-third of the AOC Fest this year, what name would you suggest that isn't "jazz"? Cicely, how about you?

Something you missed:​ Guest saxist Stephen Riley playing at the Station Satuday afternoon with drummer Atticus Reynolds & bassist Butler Knowles. In addition to doing his usual fine soloing, Stephen incited many drum & bassist solos with insistent reminders of what could be played. Definitely fine inter​-play, so good that it's magic to non-musician me...

Somethings you shouldn't miss:

​​1. The Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble at the Pittsboro Roadhouse 7:30.​ After another foray to the Essentially Ellington competition at Lincoln Center, they play their last concert for this school year for your listening--& dancing--pleasure.

​2. The NCJRO at Sharp Nine Tuesday 8p.​ I don't think they're sold out yet. Always a musically lusty, fun show.

​3. The Jim Ketch Swingtet at Sharp Nine Friday 8p.​ Jim does as good a job with the Swingtet as he does with the NCJRO--& this usually sells out too. Again, magic I enjoy.

​A few other interesting things:

​--The Grewen-McKeown Quartet at Imbibe Thursday 7p, if for no other reason than soon-to-depart alto saxist John Palowich should be sitting in. Even if he isn't, the music is as fine as the half-price wines.

​--When Decatur Street Beat plays, you hear New Orleans history--this time Friday night at Saladelia 7p.

--If you want dinner with your music, Jo Gore sings at Parizade Friday 6:30p/

​--So I see a pianist named Brad Merritt is playing at Sharp Nine 8p Friday. Who he? Well, he's not only the head of UNC's Dermatology Department, but Dave Finucane says he's a very good pianist. Worth taking a look & listen at.

​--Singer Ti Harmon, pianist Andrew Berinson, & their group are at Irregardless 9p. Another dining & jazz opportunity.

​That it's for this week unless I find something else notable in the meantime...