by Kelly Babcock

Wednesday, November 11th, from 6PM to 8:30, at the Owen Sound & North Grey Union Public Library, join Dave Hawkins of 8th St. Music Factory for Collaborative Hour & Open Mic - the Ukulele edition. No experience with the ukulele? No problem! The 8th Street Music Factory will be providing ukuleles for all to try. admission: free

Thursday, November 12th, at 8PM, at Heartwood Concert Hall, 939 Main St., come out and see Ian Sherwood and Coco Love Alcorn live at Heartwood Concert Hall. Ian and Coco; two ECMA nominated artists share the stage for an evening of original music and storytelling at it's best. admission: $15, doors at 7:30PM

Thursday, November 12th, at 9PM, at the Avalon Jazz Lounge & Patio, 229 9th Street E., It's Jazz Jam! Come out and jam on any kind of jazz you want. Bring an instrument or your voice and join Kaelin Murphy at the Avalon! admission: pay what you can

Friday, November 13th, at 9PM, at the Avalon Jazz Lounge & Patio, 229 9th Street E., Koopa Troop brings the nostalgic sounds of video games to life in a quirky 5-piece ensemble. Donning their Nintendo-themed costumes, 5 Toronto jazz musicians embrace their inner nerd and become a live, musical nostalgia machine. admission: pay what you can

Saturday, November 14th, at 12 Noon, at Frog Ponds Café, 209, 8th St. E., SHORE THING from St. Catharines, who are getting ready to release their debut full length album, will be bringing their unique blend of folk, indie and soul to the Ponds. admission: pay what you can

Saturday, November 14th, at 9PM, at the Avalon Jazz Lounge & Patio, 229 9th Street E., Carole Warren, jazz singer and pianist will be performing with renowned players Steve Kennedy and Bob Hewus. If you were thinking to treat yourself to something special, here's your chance. admission: pay what you can

Special heads up, next Wednesday, November 18th, Matthew Byrne & Sherman Downey will be in town for a show that promisses to make you homesick for the East, even if you've never lived there. Stay tuned.