The queen of Seattle's soul, Choklate, cannot exit this year without giving the people what they need: something new. Her self-titled CD—a local hiphop/R&B masterpiece—was released way back in '06, and '09 is just around the corner. We're waiting; we're waiting. If you can't take the waiting, if the pressure is too much, then go to her show, hear her sing, hear her band, and hear the sound that is this city's rhythm and blues. (City Hall Plaza, 600 Fourth Ave, 684-7171. Noon, free, all ages.)