Re-Discovery: If you know who's playing at Brasa Steakhouse lounge--the hard part--you can pretty much have private concert next to the musicians. That was my Friday evening, hearing pianist Ariel Pocock & bassist Keith Ganz over two hours & decent pinot noir.
This Week: During the week I plan to catch up on trombonist Danny Grewen & pianist Robert Griffin at Imbibe Monday night 7p & Yeaux Katz at 2nd Wind Wednesday night 7p. Note the early-to-bed-friendly starting times. And, I need to remember (as I didn't last week) singer Jo Gore on my local WCOM 6p Thursday.
Friday = too many choices! I plan to start with pianist Mark Wells & trumpeter Al Strong at Brasa 7p (see above for a good reason to) because they've played together forever, followed by saxophonist Dan Hitchcock & singer Anne-Claire Niver at Sharp Nine 8p. But that's not to deter anyone from Decatur Street Beat at Saladelia 7p, or local legend Stanley Baird's soul jazz at the Beyu 7 & 9p, or Juan Alamo leading Marimjazzia at UNC's Moeser Auditorium in Hill Hall 7:30p.
Saturday: OK, I'll do two straight nights of Al Strong, this time at Sharp Nine 8. But I also recommend saxophonist Keenan McKenzie's group (including a vocalist) at C Grace 9p.
Sunday: The 1st Annual Carrboro Django Fest pairs fine extravore guitarist Stephane Wrembel with the local Onyx Club boys at Cats Cradle 4p. Let's hear it for gypsy jazz!