Ellington

I received a Facebook message the other day from a guy I'll call Rocker99. His letter was pretty critical, citing he never sees me at any shows in Jackson, or any of his band's shows, for that matter, as well as many other expressive forms of criticism.

As I pondered how to respond to him, I thought I could take my words and express them to other local musicians who may feel this way in this week's notes.

As the music freak that I am, it kills me that I can't make it to every show in Jackson. As a teacher who needs her rest to manage a classroom daily, it's hard to make it to shows during the week due to my day job. If you could start your shows earlier (9 p.m.-ish), I would try to make it. I sometimes can't afford to go to every show—I'm a gal on a teacher's budget, remember.

Also, I perform on the weekends myself, and if I have a weekend off, I don't go far from my house. A lot of you could come to our gigs, too, but again, I understand if you've got a gig when we do or take a weekend off to rest. It's a double-edged sword. My summer has begun, so I plan on seeing as many shows as I can.

As far as coming to your shows, I do appreciate the Facebook invites. That and the emails to [email protected] helps me stay connected. But if I don't know about the show, or you tell me at the last minute, please don't get mad. Just keep a chick updated.

Please send your listings by Mondays at noon so that they make the paper. Anything after that time will be on the website, but not in the paper.

I would love to know more about this city's great music scene. So, if you have any suggestions, please let me know. Anytime you see me out, let's talk.

Tonight, check out Shaun Patterson at Time Out (6270 Old Canton Road), Seth Libbey at Fenian's (901 E. Fortification St.), and DJ Phingaprint at Poets II (1855 Lakeland Drive). Thursday night has Meagan May at Philip's on the Rez (135 Madison Landing Circle, Ridgeland) and the Amazin Lazy Boi Band at F. Jones Corner (303 N. Farish St.).

This weekend, go to the Martini Room at the Regency Hotel (400 Greymont Ave.). They host "Martini Fridays" and "Soulful Saturdays" every weekend, so make it a plan to visit this new upscale establishment.

Friday night, Debauche plays at Hal & Mal's (200 Commerce St.), McB's (815 Lake Harbour Drive) has Hunter and Rick, Fire (209 Commerce St.) has The Wicked Gentlemen, and Martin's (214 S. State St.) hosts Banner Fair. Saturday night get your groove on with Lazy Bone at The Cherokee (1410 Old Square Road), Fade 2 Blue at Reed Pierce's (6791 S. Siwell Road, Byram), and Bones with Swamp Babies at Ole Tavern (416 George St.).

Enjoy the jazz brunch concerts on Sundays at Table 100 (100 Ridge Way, Flowood), King Edward Hotel (235 W. Capitol St.), Sophia's at the Fairview Inn (734 Fairview St.), Char (4500 Interstate 55 N, Suite 142) and Fitzgerald's at the Jackson Hilton (1001 E. County Line Road). All have wonderful musicians and fabulous food, and of course, you'll have a blast.

We still need volunteers for this year's Chick Ball, July 9 at Hal & Mal's. I can't really say much because it's a secret, but the musical lineup this year is going to be awesome. Put this event on your calendar—you don't want to miss this. If you would like to volunteer or donate art, gifts or money, email [email protected] or call 601-362-6121 x16. Watch http://www.jfpchickball.com for the lineup announcement.

Have a great week, and if you see me out, please stop by and say hello!