With Dave Holloman of Appalachia Cookies Company.
With Dave Holloman of Appalachia Cookies Company.

I’m certainly no Grinch, but my days attending the annual Southern Christmas Show may be coming to an end. Parking prices are outrages, the food court is pricy, and the lack of African American vendors was glaring.

Everything is not for everybody, so I’ll probably fade away in 2018.

Cookies, cookies, cookies. Do you love homemade cookies straight from the oven? If so, Appalachia Cookie Company, located in the University area, aims to please.

Although I’m counting calories, I couldn’t resist the cheesecake cookie, which was delicious. I found myself staring at the blueberry white chocolate but took a pass. These days, a vanilla protein shake is my highlight for a sweet treat.

If you are shopping near Chancellor Park Drive, make sure to check out Appalachia Cookie Company.

Now for my weekend picks.

FRIDAY

Will Downing Soulful Sounds of Christmas ~ Singer Will Downing is known as “the Prince of Sophisticated Soul,” an icon of R&B and jazz. Join him, along with jazz pianist Alex Bugnon (my favorite jazz musician) and singer Maysa Leak, known by fans of smooth jazz for her solo work and for her work with the British band Incognito. Ovens Auditorium (2900 E. Independence Blvd). Time: Doors open at 7 p.m. Show 8 p.m. More info.

SATURDAY

Carolina Jazz Concert Series ~ Featuring trombonist Buff Dillard and guitarist Terence Young (both with separate sets) at McGlohon Theater (345 N. College St). Dillard was born into a musical bloodline and picked up his first instrument at age six. Young is considered one of the world’s most talented and electrifying lead guitarists. Time: 8 p.m. More info.

SUNDAY

Empowerment Authors Showcase ~ Local, regional, national and international independent authors will share their stories of overcoming life experiences. Meet the authors, take pictures, enjoy a musical intermission and books. This event is free and open to the public the third Sunday of each month. Location: HQ at Packard Place (222 S. Church St). Time: 3 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. More info.

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Toni Baker-Tyson is an entertainment columnist for Qcitymetro.com. She enjoys being a social butterfly out on the town, loves live music, the arts, and foreign films. Her passion is volunteering with the...