>> One of the biggest names in smooth jazz, altoist David Sanborn, begins a five night stint at Blues Alley tonight with daily 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets are $50 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Our first must see of the week takes place at Twins Jazz, where the club will feature three ensembles under the direction of local saxophonist Brad Linde. The University of Maryland Jazz Chamber Ensemble will play the first set while the second and third sets will feature a nonet and septet that will pay tribute to the great Miles Davis. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.

>> Head over to Epicurean & Co. to check out Pablo Grabiel & Friends. He plays every Wednesday with his group the Bemsha Quartet from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Grabiel's other group, a rotating roster from his company, Grabielismo Productions, also performs at Maggiano's Little Italy every Friday and Saturday from 7 to 10:30 p.m.

>> Hard working local trumpeter Thad Wilson leads his chordless trio every Thursday at Jojo's from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m., no cover.

>> Our next must see of the week also takes place at Twins Jazz this Friday and Saturday as the club hosts blazing Latin jazz pianist Benito Gonzalez (pictured). Tickets to the 9 and 11 p.m. sets are available here. $15

>> We have competing Latin influenced must-sees on Friday because that night, at 8 p.m., the Conga Kings take the stage at Lisner Auditorium. The band is an 11-piece rumba group featuring three master congueros of Afro-Cuban music: Candido Camero, Carlos "Patato" Valdes and Giovanni Hidalgo. Tickets are $20 to $45 + Ticketmaster fees. A limited number of discounted student tickets will be available at the box office the day of the show.

>> Long since sold out, the Kennedy Center presents its annual Django Reinhardt Festival this Friday and Saturday at the KC Jazz Club. The festival features father-son guitarists Dorado and Samson Schmitt, as well as violinist Florin Niculescu, accordionist Ludovic Beier, and bassist Brian Torff. Sets are at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Interested jazz fans should contact the box office for last minute cancellations.

>> On Sunday, Improviso plays it's groove based jazz at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge at 9:30 p.m. Call 202-667-0088 for cover information.

>> Smooth jazz saxophonist Grover Washington, Jr. may be gone, but his music lives on. On Sunday at The Birchmere, Jason Miles will lead a smooth supergroup in a tribute to Washington. Tickets to the show are $45 + Ticketmaster fees.

>> The Embassy of Israel presents Alon Yavnai, a collaborator of violinist Regina Carter and Latin giant Paquito D'Rivera, as he performs at Blues Alley next Tuesday with 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets are $20 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Also on Tuesday, New Jersey's Christopher Dean Band brings its Delta, Chicago, and Texas-style blues and soul to the Millennium Stage at 6 p.m.

Photo from Benito Gonzalez's MySpace page