This Week In Jazz
>> Local group Ocio brings its repertoire of classic jazz standards to Twins Jazz tonight. Call (202) 234-0072 for cover information.
>> It might be a bit of a drive for those of us who live in D.C., but Jeff Antoniuk and the Jazz Update, a stellar band comprised of saxophonist Antoniuk, bassist Tom Baldwin, pianist Wade Beach, and drummer Tony Martucci, plays tonight at 49 West in Annapolis. Their album, Here Today, has charted in both the U.S. and Canada. The music starts at 8 p.m. and there is a $10 cover.
>> Up and coming drummer Cameron Outlaw brings a group to Twins Jazz this Thursday. A D.C. native, this youngster has just finished his first year at the Berklee College of Music.
>> Also on Thursday, Blues Alley mixes it up a bit by bringing New York based singer/songwriter Jon Regen to town for 8 p.m. and 10 p.m sets. His band features bassist Jonathan Sanborn and drummer Sunny Jain. There is a $20 cover.
>> This week's must see takes place Friday as the famed Turtle Island String Quartet (pictured) takes on John Coltrane's classic, A Love Supreme, in the hallowed halls of the National Cathedral. The 7:30 p.m. concert is part of the Washington National Cathedral's Summer Music Festival. Tickets are $25 to $65 and are available online.
>> Though not jazz, per se, DCist would be remiss if we did not tell you about the Take 6 (pictured) concert, taking place this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Equal parts gospel, jazz, R&B, and pop, Take 6 is one of the finest vocal ensembles around and will be a treat for any music lover. And there's even a local tie, as the group's baritone, Cedric Dent, studied for his doctorate in music at the University of Maryland. Also part of the Washington National Cathedral's Summer Music Festival.
>> This weekend, pianist Larry Willis brings a group to Twins Jazz for sets on Friday and Saturday night. This elder statesman has played with everyone from saxophonist Jackie McLean to Blood, Sweat & Tears. Tickets are available through the club's web site.
>> On Sunday, catch the jazz stylings of pianist Wayne Wilentz at Utopia. The music starts at 9:30 p.m. and there is no cover.
>> On Monday, afro-funk comes to Blues Alley in the form of Plunky & Oneness. Sets are at 8 and 10 p.m. and there is an $18 cover.
>> On Tuesday, the Millennium Stage features the all-female Eleggua Group, named after the Afro-Venezuelan saint “who opens the ways.” The group's unique sound comes from its juxtaposing African polyrhythmic percussion and Spanish vocals. The free concert begins at 6 p.m.
Images taken from TISQ's and Take 6's MySpace pages