Music helps so many of us get through the everyday grind — the early morning sound of the alarm, the boring paperwork, the stinky diaper changes and washing the dishes. This week, people in this community have some great opportunities to dive head-first into the music scene with the wonderful combination of the Savannah Jazz Festival from Sept. 23-30 and Hinesville’s ninth annual Blues & BBQ on Saturday night, Sept. 29.

This year will be my first visit to the Savannah Jazz Festival and my second to Hinesville’s Blues & BBQ, and I’m completely jazzed.

Last year, my husband and I stopped in to check out the music and food briefly, but this year I plan to clear my evening for a night full of good tunes and good eats.

I also hope to spend at least one day in Savannah checking out the great jazz artists there, including Judge Jay Stewart’s band, which is playing Friday night at 8:15 p.m. in Forsyth Park.

Saturday’s Hinesville lineup includes Jimmy Wayne Renfro, Everready and Joey Gilmore from 4-11 p.m. downtown. My daughter probably will demand we leave before 11, but I’m sticking around for as long as she will allow.

Since she also happens to be a fan of music and barbecue, my luck is looking up.

Now that summer’s long gone and we’re all back to the hustle and bustle of school, sports and the long wait until our next vacation, this week is the perfect opportunity to clear your head and enjoy the beauty of mind-blowing musical artistry and finger-licking-good barbecue — two of my favorite things in the world.