Ellington

So, this is Christmas. The week before the biggest holiday of the year, and I’m in exactly the same place as I was at the beginning of the month—no presents bought, no Christmas cards mailed or even remotely addressed, no decorations hanging up anywhere, and no holiday cooking (now, that may be a good thing). In between everything from Christmas parties, last-minute shopping, and trying to see all of your friends and family who are home for the holidays, I hope all of you are planning to hear some wonderful local music in the City with Soul.

On Wednesday, Dec. 19, Sneaky Beans hosts bands Real Live Tigers from Fayetteville, Ark., Electrician from Oakland, Calif., and Jackson’s new breakout artist, Zach Lovett. If you feel like starting the pre-holiday weekend early, make your presence known at Pop’s Saloon for Ladies Night; Olga’s hosts Joseph LaSalla, and Burgers and Blues features Jesse “Guitar” Smith.

Thursday night, instead of a tacky Christmas sweater, break out your Hawaiian shirts, straw hat and flip-flops for Jackson’s surf band, Buddy & The Squids with Lavandus in Space at the first annual Surfin’ Christmas Extravaganza at Hal and Mal’s. The same night also has a gaggle of ladies nights’ events throughout the city, so after work or a day of frazzled Christmas shopping, check jfp.ms/musiclistings and head to a local establishment for music and libations. Former Jacksonian Lizzie Wright has invited pals Laurel Isbister and Alex Pieschel to perform with her at Morningbell Records, so stop by and tell her hello!

On Friday, our very own American Idol, Skylar Laine, along with Southern Halo, performs at the Brandon Civic Center; The Capitol Grille has Fearless Four; and Soulshine’s new location on Lakeland Drive hosts Barry Leach.

Saturday night, check out the eccentrically awesome music at The Capri for Esperanza Plantation’s Showcase featuring The Weeks, Questions in Dialect, Johnny Bertram and The Golden Bicycles, El Obo, Bear Colony and TB Ledford. Head on up the street to Duling Hall to check out Jackson’s new favorite band, Rosco Bandana.

We also have Mississippi bluesman and blues legacy Gary Burnside performing at Martin’s Lounge, and if you missed Grady Champion at Underground 119 on Friday, he performs again Saturday at the same location—so no excuses!

Add Lee Bains and the Glory Fires to your list of music to see Saturday night. They perform at Ole Tavern with local indie band Liver Mousse. If your crew feels like cutting loose on the dance floor instead, make your way to the Capitol Grille in Deville Plaza for DoubleShotz; to Soul Wired Café for DJ C-Lecta, Reed Pierce for Snazz; Bottoms Up for dancing or Last Call Sports Grill for Time to Move Band.

I hope all of you have a great Christmas with family and friends. Please show your love for our city’s music scene by buying merchandise from local bands (for yourself or Christmas gifts), booking bands for private functions, attending concerts, throwing a dollar or two in the tip jar and spreading the word about bands and solo artists playing this holiday season.

Have a holly jolly Christmas!

Get music venue info at jfp.ms/venues.