It's an unusually slow week in JazzLand, but there's still some great stuff to check out and a must-see show coming up this weekend.

>> For jazz fans who prefer the smoother side of things, Pieces of A Dream will be playing tonight through Sunday at Blues Alley. Tickets to the daily 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets are $27.50 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> HR-57 presents a great program tonight that will be much easier on the wallet and probably more educational. Berklee College of Music professor and jazz drummer Ralph Peterson will host a workshop this evening beginning at 6:30 p.m. An 8:30 performance by the Berklee Jazz Ensemble will follow the free clinic.

>> Those of you without tickets to Thursday's M.I.A. show can head down to Twins Jazz to get your share of global sounds. As Criaturas, a group comprised of some of the finest Latin musicians in the area, will be playing an evening of samba and Latin jazz. Call (202) 234-0072 for set time and cover information.

>> Twins Jazz also hosts our pick of the week this Friday and Saturday. For the past several months, bassist Reggie Workman (pictured) has been curating a series of concerts at the club. This weekend he will team up with legendary drummer and fellow John Coltrane alum Rashied Ali, along with veteran pianist Hal Galper. Tickets to the 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. sets are $28. As a special treat to up-and-coming musicians, the trio will hold a discussion on the music business on Saturday at 2 p.m. in the club.

>> Chris Smither is a blues/folk guitarist whose songs have been covered by Diana Krall, Bonnie Raitt, and John Mayall. He will be performing this Sunday at the Barns of Wolf Trap. $22

>> Catch the future of jazz next Monday at Blues Alley with a special 8:30 p.m. performance by the Blues Alley Youth Orchestra. Tickets are $15 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Bassist Francois Moutin and drummer Louis Moutin, twin brothers, bring their Moutin Reunion Quartet to Blues Alley next Tuesday. Joining the Paris-based artists are pianist Pierre de Bethmann and former Miles Davis saxophonist Rick Margitza. Tickets to the daily 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets are $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.