Max Oliver and Olly Usiskin

GIGS are allowed again and venues are gingerly reopening bookings with the relevant restrictions in place. And, following interventions from the Music Venue Trust, there will no longer be a requirement for food to be served with alcohol at live music events after the government accepted that many music venues are not set up to provide this. There is 50 per cent capacity or 1,000 head limit (whichever is lower) and distancing rules will be in place. Still, if you are missing raw, live performances, and feel safe to venture out, you now have options! Jazz Café opens on Dec 3 with Pyjaen, then Beat of Brazil (Dec 4), Ariwo Live (Dec 5), Sanctifie Christmas special (Dec 6), Marisha Wallace (Dec 14) and on Boxing Day, two rousing sets of Aretha’s Anthems. Islington Assembly Hall has The Cromagnon Band (Dec 10) and Pop Will Eat Itself (Dec 12), while The Old Queen’s Head is hosting a Cardi B Brunch party (DJ’s not live obvs!), bottomless prosecco, and a whole playlist of female-led bumper tracks. Tickets sold for tables (Dec 5+19).

• Hampstead drummer Ollie Usiskin has a surprising past – having been the drummer for actor Sir Christopher Lee’s heavy metal music video The Bloody Verdict of Verden as well as drumming on both Charlemagne Albums and Lee’s heavy metal album The Omens of Death. Now, he has taken an altogether different turn, teaming up with Camden-based electric cellist Max Oliver to release their debut jazz album Usiskin / Oliver DUO. With three-times Grammy winner Jimmy Haslip as executive producer, the album is conveniently out in time for Christmas.

• The destruction of Denmark Street and other music havens is the inspiration for Tankus The Henge’s latest album Luna Park!, a protest album that imagines a utopian new world where music and creativity are valued (out tomorrow – Dec 4).

• We missed it last year but BST Hyde Park continues with its plans for summer 2021, with the latest headliner – Duran Duran announced for July 11. Support Nile Rodgers and Chic and the diva’s diva Grace Jones.

• Get your fill of cosy Christmas feels at The Crazy Coqs Swinging Christmas lunchtime series, a set of concerts at Brasserie Zedel’s infamous club. Running from December 9-18, see the likes of Sara Dowling, Louise Marshall, Elaine Delmar, James Hudson, Joanna Eden and Lizzie Ball.