The MarVell Building, Durham’s newly opened “upscale, downtown meeting place” at 119 W. Main St., is now in the rock ‘n’ roll business. Aside from offering a conference center and office space for rent, the property’s Event Center is beginning to book rock shows, making it one of a handful of new Durham rock venues that includes Blayloc Café, 305 South and Joe & Jo’s. Nathan Asher & The Infantry play MarVell on Thursday, Dec. 15, followed by Slugnut on Thursday, Dec. 29 with Network of Terror.

For more information, see www.marvellbldg.com or keep your eyes wide for sporadic mix tapes of upcoming bands on the MarVell schedule that promoters are leaving around local hangouts and record stores.

Holiday music part 2
Last week, we published a selection of holiday music events. Since then even more events have rolled in. Check out Get Out, Best Bets and 8 Days a Week or our calendar at music.indyweek.com for a complete set of listings. Here’s a selection for this week:

Wednesday, Dec. 14

  • Bill Leslie performs music from his album Christmas in Carolina at Quail Ridge Books & Music at 7 p.m.

    Friday, Dec. 16 & Saturday, Dec. 17

  • The Long Leaf Opera Company performs Amahl and the Night Visitors–Menotti’s Christmas opera at East Chapel Hill High School. Both performances are at 8 p.m., and advance tickets–$16 for adults, $10 for kids–are recommended.
  • 21st Records Holiday Party Beat Battle at the Berkeley Café.
  • Bach, Beethoven and carols composed by Gwyneth Walker are featured in Chapel Hill Community Chorus’ 25th anniversary performance at UNC’s Hill Hall. The show starts at 7:30 p.m.

    Saturday, Dec. 17

  • Christmas International Party at Carmen’s Cuban Cafe & Lounge in Morrisville;
  • Cool John Ferguson, who released the bluesy Cool Yule last year, plays Tir na nOg Irish Pub and Restaurant at 10:30 p.m.

    Sunday, Dec. 18

  • David Spencer & Scott Cash perform Christmas songs at a free concert at Chapel Hill Bible Church.
  • Mishpacha, offering Hanukkah music for the family, plays at Quail Ridge Books & Music at 2 p.m.
  • Raleigh Flute Choir–13 flutes in all, including bass and contrabass flute–perform their Christmas concert at the N.C. Museum of Art at 3 p.m.