A jazzy spring series

Tickets for the Montpelier Spring Jazz Series went on sale a month ago, but there are still seats available for the usually swift-selling set. Now that the weather's finally warming, don't expect that situation to last. With only 120 seats in the gallery's raised-stage performance space, Montpelier offers an intimate jazz experience with top-level talent.

The whole thing kicks off on Friday with a performance by the Michael Thomas Quintet, the Grammy-nominated local favorites known for their mid-century, pre-fusion style. The March 12 performance sees a visit from Baltimore-based Ethel Ennis, whose 2005 live album, "Ennis Anyone?," was recorded at Montpelier and was voted best jazz album of that year by the Washington Area Music Association.

Shows are most Fridays through April 30 at 8 p.m. Individual tickets run $20 a piece and are available through the Montpelier Arts Center at 301-377-7800.

Tickets are also available now for the Montpelier Folk and Blues Series, which opens May 7. If you procrastinated getting tickets for the jazz series, don't do the same for the folk and blues program. It's far less likely that a massive blizzard is going to slow sales for that one.

-- Justin Rude