OK, folks — it’s holiday crunch time.

And that means, the moment has arrived when you’ve got to buckle down, take yourself to somebody’s retail establishment and plunk down coinage to (at long last) secure those Christmas gifts for a family member, friend, co-worker or whoever.

So … what to buy? Well, we’ve got a few ideas — especially if your family member, friend, co-worker or whoever is a music fan.

Just take a look below and check out our gaggle of gift picks for the music lover in your life (from CDs to DVDs and live shows) along with info on where to buy said item … before it’s too late.

CDs

Dear Friends: An Evening With The Foreign Exchange: Presenting a fresh collection of music from North Carolina’s own award-winning soul/R&B/hip-hop duo The Foreign Exchange. Members Phonte and Nicolay created Dear Friends — which is a recording of a private acoustic show they performed for 40 randomly selected friends and supporters this past February — as a companion piece, of sorts, to their last studio album Authenticity. Whether you’ve seen the FE crew live or not, this CD provides a perfect opportunity to witness the band in a whole new light. For more info and/or to buy it: The Foreign Exchange website. 

#LocationLocationLocation: Singer/musician Anthony David is back with his latest project #LocationLocationLocation. The CD, which dropped Dec. 6, features six tracks from his live EP, The Setup, three remixes from his last album, As Above, So Below, and three completely fresh tunes. David’s gritty/bluesy vocal style has yet to be heard by the masses, but he’s definitely a talent due for wider exposure. For more information and/or to buy it: Amazon.com. 

Mr. Nice Guy: Vocalist/songwriter Eric Roberson has been making waves in the indie soul world for more than 10 years and on Mr. Nice Guy, his eighth album, he’s showing no signs of slowing down. His latest CD features 15 brand-new tracks, including duets with Phonte (from the previously mentioned FE crew), Jean Baylor (formerly of Zhane) and more. For more information and/or to buy it: Amazon.com — or locally at Manifest Discs (6239 South Blvd., 704-552-8448).  

DVDs

"Still Bill": Since this film was only released in limited locations when it debuted, many folks have yet to view "Still Bill." The documentary catches up with legendary singer Bill Withers, explaining what he’s been up to in recent years and shedding light on his rise to stardom back in the day. For more information and/or to buy it: Amazon.com. 

The Best of Soul Train, Vol. 4: Relive the glory days of black America’s favorite music show: "Soul Train." This latest edition of the “Best of” series includes appearances by Luther Vandross, Wilson Pickett and more. For more information or to buy it: Amazon.com. 

Live music

A Charlie Brown Christmas with Pianist David Benoit: There aren’t too many more opportunities to see great live music in Charlotte before 2012 hits — but this is one show you definitely shouldn’t miss. Catch David Penoit (Saturday, Dec. 17 at 8 p.m. at the Halton Theater) on the piano, presenting his take on Vince Guaraldi’s music from that legendary TV special. For more information and/or to buy tickets: 704-330-6534 or halton.cpcc.edu/tickets.

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