The Christmas spirit is upon us — it’s in the air, the stores — and in the live music this week across the Peninsula.
And wait, there’s more! You’re going to get a heads-up on New Year’s Eve events so you can make your plans (see box at right).
Port Angeles
■ Tonight at Castaways Restaurant and Night Club, 1213 Marine Drive, Jerry’s Country Jam is having a special Christmas program of carols and more, including a singalong on some, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
On Friday night, the Jimmy Hoffman Band will give you that much-needed break in your holiday preparations. Dance away to Jimmy’s country rock from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
■ On Friday at Wine on the Waterfront (WOW), 115 Railroad Ave., the CornStalks return for another great night of solid rhythms, grooves and sweet harmonies with Stephanie Doenges, Paul Stehr-Green and Kim Trenerry at 8 p.m., $5.
■ Tonight, Kim Trenerry goes solo at Bella Italia, 118 E. First St., at 8 p.m. This is so not Twilight.
■ On Friday, Les Wamboldt and Olde Tyme Country perform at the Fairmount Restaurant, 1127 W. U.S. Highway 101, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
On Tuesday, Dave and Rosalie Secord and the Luck of the Draw Band play old-time music with guests W.L. Martin and the Old Sidekicks, for an old-fashioned good ol’ time, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
■ Every Tuesday evening at the Port Angeles Senior Center, Seventh and Peabody streets, the Port Angeles Senior Swingers present Wally and the Boys, playing ballroom dance favorites for the dancing pleasure of all seniors 45 years plus from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. $5 cover, first-timers free!
■ On Wednesday at Dupuis Restaurant, 256861 U.S. Highway 101, Bob and Dave play blues with a brew and barbecue from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Sequim and Blyn
■ On Friday at the Oasis Bar and Grill, 301 E. Washington St., the Old Sidekicks play “Golden Country” at 5:30 p.m.
Next Wednesday, zoom in for the boomer music of Final Approach, 5:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
■ Judy Clark sings Christmas standards, smooth jazz and a variety of songs from her new CD, “Bag O’ Tunes,” at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Sequim Starbucks, 1095 W. Washington St., next to Home Depot.
■ Ming’s Buffet, 10181 Old Olympic Highway, presents seasonal stylings by Judy Clark Wednesdays and Thursdays in December from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
On Friday and Saturday, enjoy the holiday expressions from the keyboard of Sandy Lockwood from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
■ At The Buzz, 128 N. Sequim Ave., Kelly Thomas and Victor Reventlow host the very popular and rousing open mic Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
■ On Friday at Stymie’s Bar & Grill at Cedars at Dungeness, 1965 Woodcock Road, the jazz and blues stylings of Jenny Davis will put you in a holiday mood from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
■ On Friday at the Club Seven Lounge at 7 Cedars Casino in Blyn, let Danny Vernon put you in a “Blue Christmas” mood with his fantastic Elvis Tribute Show from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
On Sunday, it’s a Li-li Christmas when the Casino’s own Li-li and Dennis Crabbe perform all your Christmas favorites from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
On Monday, join Barry Burnett and world-class drummer Tom Svornich for We Be Jammin’. Bring your axe or tickled tonsils and join the fun from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Port Townsend
■ Tonight at the Upstage, 923 Washington St., the Old Crusty Minstrels host a Key City Players fundraiser and singalong. Cover by donation.
On Friday, the Polly O’Keary Blues Band plays award-winning blues at 8 p.m. $12 cover.
Phone 360-385-2216 for info and reservations.
■ On Friday at Sirens Pub, 823 Water St., the Pitfalls return to their rock roots at 9 p.m. $5 cover.
■ Tonight, the Crow Quill Night Owls play at 8 p.m. at the Undertown, 211 Taylor St.
On Friday at 6:30 p.m., catch Christmas Hi-Jinks with George Rezendes, Paul Rogers, Dirk Anderson and Tom Svornich followed by Brett Pemberton, Chris Sands and friends from 8 p.m. to midnight. $5 cover.
■ Steve Grandinetti plays guitar at the Owl Sprit Cafe, 218 Polk St., tonight and Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
■ Tonight, classical guitarist Trevor Hanson plays at Ichikawa Japanese Cuisine, 1208 Water St., from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
■ Every Monday, Trevor Hanson plays guitar at Alchemy, 842 Washington St., from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
■ Steve Grandinetti plays and sings at the Northwest Maritime Center Cafe in Port Townsend, Thursdays and Friday from noon till 2 p.m.
High notes
My wish for you is a music-filled holiday season.
Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas!
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John Nelson is a self-styled music lover and compulsive night owl who believes in “KLMA — Keep Live Music Alive” on the North Olympic Peninsula. His column, Live Music, appears every Thursday.
Are you performing in or promoting a live music gig? Contact John by phoning 360-565-1139 or emailing news@peninsuladailynews.com, with John Nelson in the subject line. And note: Nelson’s new deadline is Monday at 5 p.m. preceding Thursday’s column.
Also, check out “Nightlife,” a listing of entertainment at nightspots across the Peninsula, in Friday’s Peninsula Spotlight magazine.