This Week in Jazz
>> Those who want to hear smooth sounds with global influences should head down to Blues Alley this week as guitarist Jonathan Butler comes to town for a 3-night stand beginning Thursday. Tickets to the 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets are available here. $43 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Mavis "Swan" Poole, an up-and-coming young vocalist who is an alum of the prestigious Betty Carter Straight Ahead Jazz Workshop will perform at Twins Jazz on Thursday. Call (202) 234-0072 for set time and cover information.
>> The first must see of the week is the phenomenal bassist John Patitucci (pictured), who will be performing along side all-star drummer Brian Blade and guitarist Larry Koonse this Friday at the Kennedy Center's KC Jazz Club. Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. sets are sold out, but it's always good to call the box office for last minute cancellations.
>> Our next must see of the week is the Jared Gold Trio, which performs this Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. Guitarist Avi Rothbard and drummer Pete VanNostrand will join B-3 organist Gold, who performed in D.C. recently with saxophone legend Oliver Lake, for the 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. sets. Tickets are $15.
>> As son of legendary bassist John Clayton, pianist Gerald Clayton has music flowing through his veins. The 22-year old, a finalist in this year's Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition, comes to The Kennedy Center on Saturday night for sets at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Unfortunately the $15 tickets appear to be sold out, but keep your eyes open for last minute availability.
>> HR-57 welcomes two local saxophonists this weekend as Antonio Parker brings his band on Friday night and Luis Faife performs on Saturday. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $12
>> As usual, the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage has some interesting stuff going on this weekend. On Saturday at 6 p.m., Aramis y su Orquesta Ashe will pay tribute to the legendary Afro-Cuban-American salsa singer Celia Cruz. On Sunday, Ballet Hispanico and the Afro-Bop Alliance team up for an evening of music and dance. Members of the ballet will begin latin dance lessons at 5:30 p.m. and then you can road test your moves with live music beginning at 6 p.m. Both night's events are free and open to the public.
>> On Monday, head down to Blues Alley to hear a jazz quintet consisting of faculty members from the Levine School of Music. 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tickets are $18 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Our next must see is The Flail, and adventurous jazz quintet who will perform next Tuesday at Twins Jazz. Consisting of Dan Blankinship (trumpet), Stephan Moutot (tenor sax), Brian Marsella ( piano), Reid Taylor (bass), and Matt Zebroski (drums), the group is performing in preparation for a live recording event at Small's in New York. Call (202) 234-0072 for set time and cover information.
>> A Brazillian bossa nova group consisting of Kiko Freitas (drums), Ney Conceição (bass) and Nelson Faria (guitar), the Nosso Trio comes to Blues Alley on Tuesday for 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets are $22 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
Have a jazzy Halloween everybody!!!
Photo from John Patitucci's MySpace page