This Week in Jazz
>> Our first item this week has absolutely nothing to do with jazz but it's just too noteworthy not to mention. This week, The Millennium Stage hosts the 2007 Coupe Mondiale World Accordion Championships. Tonight through Sunday, each free 6 p.m. concert will showcase a different internationally renowned accordion ensemble. Admit it, you're curious.
>> As we told you yesterday, trumpeter Terence Blanchard will be celebrating the release of his new album with a four night stand, beginning on Thursday, at Blues Alley. 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets are available here. $27.50 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Anyone who hasn't checked out Jazz Night in Southwest should do so. Every Friday, for $5, attendees get to see 3 hours of straight ahead jazz performed by some of D.C.'s finest. This Friday the series will feature Thad Wilson's Ugetzu Big Band.
>> For the past two weeks, Twins Jazz has been running the Reggie Workman’s Sculptured Sound Series, which features artists invited by Workman, the famed bassist. This week's must see is drummer Billy Hart (pictured), who will bring a group to the club this Friday and Saturday as part of the series. A D.C. native, Hart has appeared on over 400 recordings with jazz icons such as Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter. His group this weekend will feature Michael Bowie (bass) and D.C.’s own Allyn Johnson (piano) and Antonio Parker (sax) with special guest, trumpeter and grandson of the late trumpeter Doc Cheatham, Theo Croker. Tickets to the 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. sets available here. $20.
Photo from Billy Hart's website
>> While "One of Us" was one of the more annoying songs to come out of the 1990s, Joan Osborne has since redeemed herself with a growing catalog of diverse music, even making guest appearances on records by respected jazz musicians. She comes to The Birchmere this Sunday for a 7:30 p.m. show. Even if you can't get over your images of her dark past, head over to the hall to catch her opener, up-and-coming jazz vocalist Sachal Vasandani (pictured). He has been garnering rave reviews and is one of the few male jazz singers out there who writes original material and doesn't try to sound like Sinatra. Tickets through Ticketmaster. $35 + "convenience" charges.
>> Also on Sunday, Bossa Bistro & Lounge will feature The Vampire Monkeys. The group plays completely improvised music and features Three Stars Alum Matt Rippetoe. Call 202-667-0088 for showtime and cover information.
>> The girl from Good Will Hunting can sing? Well, apparently so. Actress turned singer Minnie Driver brings her Norah Jones-esque torch songs to The Birchmere next Monday. $20.
>> On Tuesday, saxophonist Bobby Selvaggio brings a group to Twins Jazz. He has performed with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, the Joe Lovano Nonet, Kenny Werner, Ryan Kisor, Dan Wall, Jamey Haddad, and Aretha Franklin as well as many other artists. Call 202-234-0072 for more information.
Photo from Sachal Vasandani's MySpace page