>> Tonight, New York based woodwind player Rob Jacoby comes to Twins Jazz for an evening of straight ahead jazz. Call (202) 234-0072 for set time and cover information.

>> The Big Apple sends another one of its gifted talents to Twins. Daniela Schaechter, a skilled composer, vocalist, and pianist, has already wan numerous awards including the Mary Lou Williams Jazz Piano Competition 2005, The Sister in Jazz Competition 2002, and the Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead Competition 2002. Call (202) 234-0072 for set time and cover information.

>> Born and raised in the U.S., vocalist Stacey Kent went to Europe as a student to study comparative literature. Now based in Britain, she is a star of Blue Note records and she is coming to Blues Alley on Thursday to begin a three night stint. Tickets to the daily 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets are $27 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Fiery and versatile pianist Eric Lewis comes to HR-57 this Friday for a special event. This guy doesn't come to D.C. that often and puts out one of the most energetic jazz shows you'll ever see. $20

>> This weekend, Twins hosts one of D.C.'s finest trumpeters. Michael Thomas (pictured above with his quintet) takes to the stage this Friday and Saturday along with some great local talent. Tickets to the 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. sets are $20.

>> National Public Radio's Jazz Piano Christmas takes place this Friday at the Kennedy Center's Terrace Theater, featuring some of the finest ivory ticklers around playing their favorite holiday treats. This year's artists include Dr. Billy Taylor, Barry Harris, Hank Jones, Ellis Marsalis, and Joey DeFrancesco. Tickets are $35.

>> Another cool show takes place this Friday at the Library of Congress. Cutting edge pianists Vijay Iyer (pictured) and Miguel Zenon each will lead a quartet through their original compositions at the Coolidge Auditorium. The concert begins at 8 p.m. but there will be a pre-concert discussion in the Library's Whittall Pavilion at 6:15 p.m., hosted by Larry Appelbaum, Music Division/Host of the WPFW radio’s Sound of Surprise. No tickets required for the discussion and tickets to the show are available through Ticketmaster or at the door. Free + Ticketmaster surcharge.

>> A must see takes place this Saturday at the Kennedy Center. Terence Blanchard and his band join a chamber orchestra perform music from the films of Spike Lee, most of which have been scored by Blanchard. Tickets to the 8 p.m. show, hosted by Bill Cosby, are $20-$45. As a special treat, on Saturday at 1 p.m., Blanchard will give a talk on the creative process, the current state of jazz, and music in film. The presentation will include a masterclass for young musicians. Tickets are $15.

>> This Sunday, The Beltway Brass plays its "jazzy and jaunty" arrangements of holiday classics at the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage. 6 p.m.

>> Next week seems to be a big band frenzy in our nation's capital. On Monday, catch Three Stars alum Thad Wilson as he leads his jazz orchestra at Bohemian Caverns. $5 + two drink minimum. On Tuesday, local trumpeter Dave Detweiler leads Christmastime in Washington, big band arrangements of holiday songs, at Blues Alley. $18 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge. The club hosts Eric Felten's jazz orchestra on Wednesday for a performance of Duke Ellington's arrangement of The Nutcracker Suite. $22 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge. Tickets to both night's 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets are available here.