Settle yourself on alphabet street with the rich musings of the J Quartet, from New York’s Julliard School. This vibrant and eclectic string quartet was formed in 2002 and has been coached by a variety of legendary music personalities including Robert Mann of the Juilliard String Quartet, members of the Shanghai and Mendelsshon Quartets, as well as Itzhak Perlman. From North Carolina, Oklahoma, Korea and New Zealand, the J Quartet perform standards such as Haydn or Beethoven, to French contemporary music, to original works for mandolin and string trio by Chapel Hill native Jennifer Curtis. This month’s performances will support the members’ graduate studies, and benefit the Ai Kwang Won School for the mentally and physically disabled in Koje-do, Korea. Joining the quartet is special guest pianist Kimball Gallager. Dec. 17, Carol Woods, 7:30 p.m. 968-4511. Dec. 19, Carolina Friends School, 7:30 p.m. 929-1800. Dec. 20, The Forest at Duke, 8 p.m. 419-4021. Dec. 21, Hill Hall, UNC, 4 p.m. 962-1039.