Brian’s picks

Bluesy, jazzy singer-pianist Spencer Day boasts the most effortless and smooth voice of a year’s worth of artists booked for the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic’s Cabaret at The Commons series. See for yourself when he performs at 7:30 p.m. today in concert with an acoustic ensemble. Tickets are $15, $30 and $50. Information: 812-376-2638 or thecip.org.

Puppets reign as far more than child’s play for Don Kirk and Jim Stock. They represent the creativity behind the Hastey Pudding Puppets slated to entertain — and actually educate about American history — at the next Old National Bank’s First Friday for Families free show at 6 p.m. Feb. 5 at The Commons, 300 Washington St. in Columbus. Laughs promise to be as prominent as flag-waving patriotism. Information: 812-376-2539 or artsincolumbus.org.