1. No, Christmas isn't always a quiet music time: Just check Raleigh's Neptunes Parlour 12/17, Raleigh's Pour House 12/18, Humbie Pie 12/19 (Peter Lamb & Sidecar Social Club!), Vinos Finos 12/20, Hillsborough's Hot Tin Roof 12/21, Raleigh's Sola 12/22, the Empress Room 12/27, or Irregardless 12/29.
2. Localvocalist Frankie Alexander has retired: That will probably mean more music for her & us (e.g., Irregardless 1/17/19.
3. While watching extravore vocalist Ann Hampton Calloway Friday at Sharp Nine... I saw localvocalist Angela Bingham really enjoying AHC's performance. I see Calloway in her: vocal skills, a feel for both lyrics & music history, & a nice playfulness. Ergo, I look forward to Angela's next performance.
4. Greensboro's O'Henry Hotel works for jazz: They've increasing their jazz steadily over the last year or so from every Thursday night to semi-regular Friday or Saturday night gigs, using mostly Greensboro-based talent plus a smattering of our locavore players. The audience is polite (though needs to learn when to clap) & the sound is good.