ATL bassist Robby Handley takes the stage at the Highwire downtown tonight (Tuesday) from 8 pm to 11 pm, joining Kenosha Kid regulars Dan Nettles, Neal Fountain, and Marlon Patton for some of our town's most creative improvisation.

Ricia Washington of the Classic City Jazz. Photograph by Bob Brussack.

To mark the end of each semester, Mitos Andaya's Classic City Jazz vocal ensemble gathers at the Porterhouse Grill on Broad near North Ave. to join the resident PrimeTime Jazz trio for an evening of wonderful music from the American Songbook. Tonight's the night, folks. The trio, including Doc McCutchen -- in from Alabama -- will play a set beginning at about seven p.m. Then the trio will be joined by CCJ. I think I have all that right. Anyway, I'm there. No cover that I know about. You can eat. The food's first-rate, especially the sides. Or you can hang at the bar with me.

This week's edition of the newsletter has hit the streets. -- Bob

After a dozen years, the venue will shut its doors on January 1, done in by increased competition and the sour economy.

Bassist Patrick Atwater backs Ricia Washington and the Classic City Jazz tonight at the UGA Chapel.

Kate Mulligan-Ferry of the UGA vocal jazz ensemble Classic City Jazz performs with the group this evening at the UGA Chapel on North Campus. Photograph by Bob Brussack.

Two performances begin at 8:00 pm. The Classic City Jazz, UGA's premier vocal jazz ensemble, takes the stage in the congenial confines of the UGA Chapel on North Campus. Free and open to the public. And Kenosha Kid, featuring fabrics of harmony and rhythm from the mind of Dan Nettles, entertains at Hendershot's. No cover.

Rand had his portable audio recorder going the other night at Highwire, and he's posted the trio's performance of Sonnymoon for Two, an inflectious Sonny Rollins blues Chris Enghauser taught us a couple of weeks ago at Square One. Check it out. And be sure to listen for Mike Beshara's solo turn at bass.

Last night during the first set at the Highwire, pianist Rand Lines called for a Bb blues. Rand played the head to the Sonny Rollins tune "Sonnymoon for Two." During the solos, Mike Beshara went beast on bass. I don't know how many choruses he took, but I would have given him more if he'd wanted them. And get this: Rand told me during the first break that Mike already had played two gigs yesterday! Great work, Mike! Looking forward to hearing you and the trio again soon. -- Bob

Headliner Darmon Meader on the main stage at this year's Twilight Jazz Festival. Photograph by Bob Brussack.