The River Raisin Jazz Series begins Thursday night. It’s a jazz music event in downtown Monroe, with live entertainment from 6 to 10 p.m. May 15, May 29, June 12, June 26, July 10, July 24 and Aug. 7.

The participating restaurants and bars are 129 Lounge, Cafe Classics, McGeady’s Town Pub, Monroe Street Grill and Rendezvous Lounge. Admission is free, but you pay for your food.

This is a cheap date. You can always get a big dinner if you like. But I suggest going to the venue of your choice on jazz nights and ordering two beers with an appetizer, or refill-able house coffee with dessert!

If you can’t find parking along the curbs, you can park for free at the St. Mary’s Park parking lot or the Lauer Finzel parking lot across the river from St. Mary’s Park (vehicle access is on Monroe St. by the bridge; or on Front St. between The Monroe Evening News and the U.S. Post office buildings.)

You’ll find more details at www.monroeinfo.com.