Craig Brenner Trio
tutto bene
Wednesday May 2, 8 p.m.

After a final or large project is completed, I always treat myself to something fun, be it a new pair of shoes or dinner out with friends. The end of another semester is no different.

Now that the year is winding down and the insanity of class and work is finally wearing off, take a cue from me and reward yourself. And what better way to unwind than with some good wine and jazz?

After a seven-month absence, the Craig Brenner Trio is returning to good old B-town for a gig at wine café tutto bene. It’s a big comeback for the trio, which plays jazz, blues, boogie-woogie and covers of Ruth Brown, Ray Charles and other greats.

Wine, jazz, the end of the school year and the start of summer music ... I’d say this is a pretty unbeatable event!

And the tutto bene gig is just the beginning. One month later, on June 2, Craig, Bob Seeley and Mark Braun (aka Mr. B) will appear in Bryan Park at the the kick-off to the Bloomington Parks and Rec summer concert series.

Ladies First/Straight No Chaser
Buskirk-Chumley Theater
April 26 and 28, 8 p.m.

Going along with the theme of finals and finishing up the year, the end of the spring semester just wouldn’t be complete without a performance by the talented ladies and gentlemen of a cappella groups Ladies First and Straight No Chaser.

Ladies First, on the 26th, will perform their eighth concert in Bloomington. These women have been singing the hits, as well as the golden oldies, since 1999, and not only are their voices beautiful, but they’re all so nice!

The boys of Straight No Chaser are no slouches, either. They have been performing for even longer than Ladies First – 11 years to be exact – and they have seven albums and a couple national tours under their belts. Talk about a solid group of guys! Anyone who has opened for Aretha Franklin is good in my book.

So, if you’re looking for a couple of good shows to close out the school year, check out Ladies First and Straight No Chaser and add some harmony to your life!

Caitlin Brase can be reached at .