While most venues will remain dark this weekend, New York’s Arthur’s Tavern will host music on both Christmas Eve and Christmas. This evening Cuban-born pianist Axel Tosca will perform at 7pm and J.B.’s bassist Fred Thomas will play at 10pm. (Thomas served as James Brown’s bassist for 36 years beginning in 1971.) Then, on Christmas, The Creole Cookin’ Jazz Band–whose lineup has included the father of Ween/JRAD bassist  Dave Dreiwitz for decades–will honor their regular Sunday night commitment with a 7pm Christmas appearance. All shows are free of charge.

Arthur’s reopened for the first time since the pandemic earlier this year. The historic space has undergone a renovation since closing during the COVID crisis.