Paul Thorn / Courtesy

You know what could help brighten an otherwise dark, cold, depressing COVID-19 winter these next few months? Music. That’s what.

Walton Arts Center this week announced plans to host shows next month, with roots artist Paul Thorn coming to the venue on Dec. 3, and jazz act the Emmet Cohen Trio set to perform on Dec. 5.

Thorn was raised in Tupelo, Mississippi, and is known for his “muscular brand of roots music” that has been called “bluesy, rocking, and thoroughly Southern American.” Over his 20 year career, he has performed alongside artists such as Bonnie Raitt, Mark Knopfler, Sting and John Prine among many others.

Cohen, a pianist and composer, is still in his 20s and is considered to be a prodigy of his craft. His trio pays homage to the old piano masters like Jelly Roll Morton and Fats Waller, and features dynamic contributions from bassist Russell Hall and drummer Kyle Poole.

Both shows start at 7:30 p.m. The shows will take place in Walton Arts Center larger Baum Walker Hall, though only a limited number of tickets will be sold to allow space for social distancing.

Tickets to the shows range from $32-$52, on sale now at waltonartscenter.org.