Bumping up the cool factor
HG Bistro & Lounge
The Wilshire Trio, April 14, 8-11 p.m., no cover, 1618 E. Main St., Puyallup, (253) 845-5747. Reservations are recommended.
Alfred's Cafe and Bubble Room
Mike Nelson Trio, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.  every Friday and Saturday, no cover, 402 Puyallup Ave., Tacoma, (253) 627-5491.

Area jazz lovers are rejoicing as we usher in another month of tasty jazz at two locations to consistently give them their fix. HG Bistro & Lounge in Puyallup and Alfred's Cafe and Bubble Room in Downtown Tacoma offer jazz each weekend. After Red Kelly's venue closed and we lost the man himself, the Tacoma area seemed to dry up in the lounge jazz department, but HG Bistro is quickly making a name for itself by stepping up its entertainment and providing a spot where a well spent romantic evening can be had over dinner and cocktails. The Wilshire Trio shines with a micro cast on keyboards, upright bass and soul drenched vocals April 14.The following Friday sees exceptional jazz singer Greta Matassa in the house. With her incredible talent range showcased doing scat, tributes to Billy Holiday and Ray Charles or well loved standards, Matassa is a showstopper and just can't help it. If the hair doesn't stand up on your arms, you might want to check your pulse. Area music veteran David Keys closes out the month with a trip up and down his keyboard accompanied by guitar, percussion and vocals. This piano man has been known to dip into blues and funk, spicing up his jazz.
Getting their feet wet in the music department, the folks at Alfred's Cafe and Bubble Room offer up the Mike Nelson Trio each weekend. This solid act consisting of guitar, percussion and stand-up bass performs straight-ahead jazz, jazz standards and classic bossa nova. Fans of the deep hum, thump and rumble of a stand-up bass will be delighted; watching Nelson on guitar is like catching a skilled cake decorator in action. It looks cool, and you're sure you could do it, but something tells you it's harder than you think. The gentlemen even manage to incorporate a little blues flavor. Their tender ballads are brought out as well, much to the delight of couples leisurely dining and softly chatting under an amber glow cast by gold chandeliers. The trio incorporates many different types of music into their show beginning at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, making for an eclectic musical experience that is easy to enjoy in Alfred's laid-back lounge or the main dining area. - Jennifer Johnson