December is upon us - and many great shows on the scene. This week has a dozen live events on Thursday, eleven on Friday, ten on Saturday.

And looking to the rest of the month, things will continue at a busy pace - with special concerts and holiday sounds.

We’ll sample sounds from Lakecia Benjamin, Lisa Ferarro, Ann Hampton Calloway, New York Voices, Benny Benack III, Etta Cox, Bethany James and a visit to some more sounds from Aaron Diehl’s new chamber music release of Mary Lou Williams’ Zodiac Suite.

One notable event is being hosted by the Washington Jazz Society on December 6th - Etta Cox with the Ladies of Jazz - joined by Denise Sheffey-Powell and Bethany James.

December 9th is the triumphant return of saxophonist, band leader and writer Lakecia Benjamin - coming to the New Hazlett Theater on December 9th for Kente Arts (along with sounds from her just-grammy-nominated CD, Phoenix).

Holiday sounds coming up have many notable women talent the weeks ahead —

• the New York Voices with “Let it Snow” at MCG Jazz for two shows, December 2nd.

• Lisa Ferraro and Jazz Up the Holidays at MCG Jazz December 4th, and

• The Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra with Ann Hampton Calloway, December 21st the Pittsburgh Playhouse at Point Park University.

• Orrin Evans has a Holiday Extravaganza coming to the City Winery

Also, the Carnegie in Carnegie has a post-Christmas show with Benny Benack Jr and Benny Benack III on December 27th - which will also be a sendoff for Maggie Forbes, Executive Director - and the last show in the music hall for a while as it undergoes major renovations.

The Scene - Thursday at 6 - Friday and Saturday at noon - Sunday at 5 on WZUM