Well, we've definitely reached the doldrums of August, so things have slowed down quite a bit in Jazz Land. Nonetheless, there's still some interesting stuff to check out this week.

>> Tonight, catch the Afro Bop Alliance, a Latin jazz ensemble based out of Annapolis, as they pay a visit to the Millennium Stage. The free show begins at 6 p.m.

>> Also tonight, 17-year old Elijah Balbed takes the stage at Twins Jazz with a group of fellow university students. The music starts at 8 p.m. Call (202) 234-0072 for cover information.

>> On Thursday, Joshua Rich comes to Twins Jazz for an evening of solo piano. Call the club for more information.

>> This Friday and Saturday, saxophonist Luis Faife brings his straight ahead sound to HR-57. Call (202) 625-6229 for showtime and cover information.

>> The price tag might be obscene, but this week's must see is Herbie Hancock (pictured), who comes to The Birchmere on Sunday for a 7:30 p.m. set. Accompanying him will be drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, who has toured with everyone from Frank Zappa to Sting to Faith Hill, and bassist Nathan East, who has played with Eric Clapton for decades. $75 + Ticketmaster fees.

Photo by Y. Yoneda; taken from Herbie Hancock's website

>> This Friday, a fine group of local musicians, including bassist James King and vocalist Chad Carter, comes to Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. $5.

>> On Saturday, catch Charles Covington, Jr. on the Millennium Stage. The pianist and Peabody Conservatory professor has played with Sammy Davis Jr., Eartha Kitt, Clark Terry, Milt Jackson, Hank Jones, and others.

>> We can always count on the Millennium Stage to deliver unusual music, can't we? On Monday, Moroccan lute artist Haj Youness, recipient of the Golden Lute Medal and director of the Greater Casablanca Music Conservatory, illustrates the Arabic, Judaic, and sub-Saharan roots of Moroccan music. 6 p.m. Free, as always.

>> Next Tuesday, catch the afro-latin jazz sound of Triple Continent at Twins Jazz. Call the club for more information.