>> The keepers of traditional New Orleans jazz, The Preservation Hall Jazz Band (pictured), whose members range in age from 31 to 88, visit The Lincoln Theater tonight. Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. show are $30.

>> For those who prefer to look to the future instead of the past, fusion violinist Jean-Luc Ponty comes to The Birchmere to perform his unique blend of jazz, rock, and world music. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. and will feature special guest Vinx on percussion. Tickets are $29.50 and are available through Ticketmaster.

>> Singer Harry Connick, Jr. brings his big band to Wolf Trap this Thursday for an 8 p.m. set. Tickets are $30-$52.

>> Hammond B-3 virtuoso Joey DeFrancesco begins a four night stand at Blues Alley this Thursday. Sets are at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. and there is a $25 cover.

>> Also on Thursday, blues harmonica player John Nemeth comes to Twins Jazz. This up-and-comer has already gained positive notices around the country. First set around 8 p.m., call 202-234-0072
for cover info.

>> Thankfully, the Millennium Stage always provides a cheaper alternative to these rather pricey venues. This Thursday veteran drummer Bertell Knox, who played with guitar legend Charlie Byrd for years, leads a quartet for a free 6 p.m. performance.

>> Trumpet player Kenny Rittenhouse put together a group of fantastic local players for performances this Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. Joining him will be pianist Janelle Gill, bassist Michael Bowie, and drummer J.C. Jefferson, Jr. Advanced tickets are available for $15 per set.

>> Legendary vocalist Cesaria Evora comes to Wolf Trap with a new album of Cape Verdean songs. Also performing is Brazilian Seu Jorge, who you'll remember as the Portuguese singer who loves David Bowie from The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. The show begins at 8 p.m., and tickets run between $20-$40.

>> Guitar legend Larry Carlton, who has performed with the likes of Joni Mitchell and Steely Dan, comes to Blues Alley for one night only on Monday. Sets are at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m and tickets are available through the club's web site.

>> See the future of jazz next Tuesday as pianist Alex Brown (pictured) brings a quartet to Twins Jazz. This native of Columbia, MD is still a student at the New England Conservatory but has already released two CDs as a leader and has won numerous awards. Contact the club for more details.

Photos taken from the Preservation Hall and Alex Brown's MySpace pages