>> Tonight's a big night for music, beginning with a celebration of one of the great musicians of the 20th century, Frank Zappa. His son, Dweezil, leads a group of Zappa-alums for this tribute, which takes place at Warner Theater. 7:30 p.m., $50/$75 + Ticketmaster fees.

>> Tonight, the musical flavor of New Orleans comes to the Wonderland Ballroom tonight as Yamomanem takes the stage. Call 202-232-5263 for cover information. 9 p.m.

>> Also tonight, jazz vocalist Jamie Broumas comes to Blues Alley for 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets. This D.C. native has played with respected jazz artists such as drummer Billy Hart and pianist Cyrus Chestnut. Tickets available here. $20 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> On Thursday, New York based vocalist Leslie Casey comes to Twins Jazz with a band featuring pianist Jessica Stewart, basist Hideshi Omachi, drummer Clemens Zecha, and saxophonist Casey Howard. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.

>> 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.

>> Two mainstays of the local jazz scene team up this Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz as saxophonist Paul Carr (pictured) teams up with pianist Allyn Johnson, leader of Three Star Alums The Young Lions. Tickets to the 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. sets are available here. $15

>> Catwoman is coming to D.C.! Yes, legendary cabaret singer Eartha Kitt is coming to the Warner Theater on Saturday for an 8 p.m. concert. Tickets are $40-$80 + Ticketmaster fees.

>> Legendary vocalist Andy Bey comes to the Kennedy Center's KC Jazz Club on Saturday. A master of the American songbook, Bey is sure to deliver a wonderful performance during his 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. sets. Tickets are sold out, but contact the box office for last minute availability.

>> Comprised of street children in the Kangemi slum of Nairobi, the Shangilia Youth Choir (pictured) of Kenya will combine Swahili and American gospel music with acrobatics in this 6 p.m. Saturday performance on the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage.

>> Also on Saturday, adventurous jazz saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa (pictured) will team up with Kadri Gopalnath, the man who introduced the saxophone to the Carnatic music world. Joining the duo will be South Indian violinist A. Kanyakumari, guitarist Rez Abbasi, bassist Carlo deRosa, and drummer Royal Hartigan, who is an authority on West African drumming. The 7:30 p.m. concert takes place in the Meyer Auditorium of the Sackler Gallery. Free tickets can be reserved here.

>> Head over to Bossa Bistro & Lounge on Sunday night for MOZ, an album featuring local heavyweights Steve Zerlin (bass) and John Ozment (piano). Call 202-667-0088 for set time and cover information.

>> Also on Sunday, Yamato, the powerful traditional Japanese Taiko drumming ensemble comes to Lisner Auditorium for a 7 p.m. performance. Tickets are $25-$45 + Ticketmaster fees.

>> Pianist Helen Sung comes to Blues Alley on Monday for 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets. Sung's star is on the rise and in addition to working with a number of luminaries, her latest album, Helenistique, has gotten rave reviews. Tickets are $20 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> On Tuesday, the Embassy of Israel is presenting one of the country's outstanding young talents, saxophonist Eli Degibri, for 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. Degibri has toured with Herbie Hancock and his compositions not only embrace traditional jazz, but also incorporate the ethnic rhythms of his homeland. Tickets are $20 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> The music of the Middle East will also pay a visit to the Millennium Stage on Tuesday evening. Moroccan composer and guitarist Tarik Hilal joins forces with Palestinian musicians Joseph Duqmaq (sax), oud player and vocalist Basel Zayed, vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Wissam Murad, and darbouka player John-Robert Handal. 6 p.m. Free.

Images from artist web sites