This Week: Kinda quiet again this week but there are numerous weeknight gigs going on in air-conditioned venues. Pick one gig & go for it...
Friday: I'm likely to see Mark Meadows, a DC-based singer/pianist at the Beyu 7 & 9p. He's hard to categorize since he can mix jazz, hi-hop, & R&B (check "Stay Woke" at https://markgmeadows.com/music) with his singing, or stay jazz's middle road (check https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRaiclFNLhc). He's just a very pleasant, talented performer who deserves a listen...After which I may trundle over to Alley 26 to see what Al Strong has to offer, directly or indirectly.
Saturday: Amid a number of choices, two things are worth noting. First, Art of Cool has a fund-raising jazz jam at Watts & Ward, 200 S. Blount St. in Raleigh 6-8p. I know I'll donate & lean towards stopping in--before, second, going to--->Dave Finucane getting out from his chair at Sharp Nine to lead a quartet featuring Scott Sawyer, bassist Jason Foureman, & powerful drummer Kobie Watkins at 8p. I predict you'll walk out of there having heard solid, solid jazz.
Sunday: My only plan is to see what happens at Chapel Hill's West End Wine Bar 7p in Brad Maiani's absence.