Art of Cool announced its 2016 lineup last week. It's a progressive jazz feast!

Performers = harpist Brandee Younger, saxist Marcus Strickland, singer Charanee Wade, trumpeter Terence Blanchard & E-Collective, saxist JD Allen, trumpeter/pianist Nicholas Payton, saxist Kamasi Washington, drummer Otis Brown III, bassist Derrick Hodge, singer Tayor McFerrin, & drummer Kendrick Scott & Oracle.

They are generally younger, more eclectic, & very interesting. You now have six months to decide whom to see when. Go to www.aocfestival.org for more info.

So I start to publish a very long update & Weebly decides I need to sign back in, which it's never done before. Result? I lose everything! I start again...

Today's choices = Andrew Berinson now playing piano at Beyu until 2; pianist Martin Eagle joins the 3-5p Durham West End Wine Bar group; & Brad Maiani hunkers over his melodic guitar at the Station in Carrboro this evening.

This week =

--the UNC jazz faculty plays its fine "Distracted Society" CD at UNC's Hanes Art Building auditorium 7:30p Monday. I'll be there.
--the Black Experience--guitarist Will Darrity, pianist Ernest Turner, drummer Larry Q Draughan, bassist Justin Henry--at Beyu 7p Thursday. I'll be there.
--The Duke Jazz Ensemble plays with guest drummer Terri Lynn Carrington, Baldwin Auditorium, 8p.
--Singer Lois Deloatch & guitarist Scott Sawyer at Sharp Nine, 7p. Transparency: I helped set this up as a field trip for my Guide To Local Jazz class. I'll be there.

Not as busy a week as some but still plenty of choices, worth some thoughts:

--Don't forget the usual suspects. E.g., Ernest Turner holds forth every Monday night at the Shed, followed by a jam session of primarily younger players.
--With Doug Largent busy on another gig, guitarist Brad Maiani leads a trio at the Looking Glass Tuesday night & next Sunday night at the Station, both in Carrboro.
--Both the Beyu  & Sharp Nine are busy this weekend.

--Trumpter Al Strong leads the fusionish Zoocru at University Place mall 6-9p Thursday night. Not your average jazz venue, but they're opening the mall Cineplex (i.e., movie theater). I shall be there.
--UNC student & fine drummer Atticus Reynolds leads a youthful, talented group at the Shed Saturday night. I shall be there.
--Guitarist Scott Sawyer leads a number of his students guitarists at Sharp Nine Friday night. If you like jazz guitar, this is the place for you.

And, before I forget in my occasional dotage, NCCU vocal jazz professor Lenora Helms has a recital of her work Tuesday night at B.N. Duke Auditorium on campus at 7p. I shall be there. Please do join me!