ARLINGTON — Yet another night of live music is now being offered at the Mirkwood and Shire Cafe in downtown Arlington.

Local blues musicians Jeff Nicely and Sean Denton have launched Blue Friday in Arlington, with a schedule that rotates Nicely and friends with Denton’s blues band, The Gryffyn Band, which has appeared in Arlington several times, including its Music in the Park summer before last, and in the Winter Concert Series at the old high school, a fundraiser for the performing arts center at Arlington High School.

Like most musicians, Denton is passionate about sharing his live music with people.

“It all began when Jeff Nicely and I wanted to do something for election night,” said Sean Denton, “and then we started talking about doing it on a regular basis.”

Denton recognized the need for live music where families could enjoy it together for a minimal cost.

“What a great venue,” Denton said. “Arlington needs more live music — the more culture, the better.”

He invited his band members, who come from the urban area to the south and all the way from Black Diamond. They tried one night a month ago, splitting the house.

“It went really well and so we decided to do the first three Fridays of every month, with the fourth Friday featuring Jeff and friends,” Denton said.

The owners of Mirkwood, Anthony and Heather Beck, planned to make the Mirkwood a center of culture when they opened it a year and a half ago.

The goal is to make the Mirkwood a place for families to go for some fun in an evening, Heather Beck said.

To that end, they have an open mic on Wednesday nights. The house band, featuring Heather and friends, plays Thursdays, and they will continue offering all original music on Saturday nights, to compliment Blue Friday in Arlington.

On Friday, Dec. 26, Nicely will be playing with his long-time musical bud, Randy Norris, on guitar, starting 8 p.m.

The cover is $3 per person, with dinner served throughout the evening.