This Week In Jazz
>> The Israeli Jazz Series at Blues Alley concludes tonight with a combo led by siblings Anat and Avishai Cohen. Woodwind player Anat Cohen is a member of Diva, New York’s burning all female big band, while the younger trumpeter Cohen is starting to make waves on his own after cutting his teeth as a sideman all over New York. 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets are $20 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Tonight's show at Twins Jazz definitely caught our eye. The Prana Trio, led by drummer Brian Adler, combines spoken word with musical explorations inspired by the ancient texts and poetry of Rumi, Hafiz, Lao Tsu, Shankarcarya, Kabir, Issa and others. If you miss tonight's show, they'll be returning to the club the next two Wednesdays. Call (202) 234-0072 for set time and cover information.
>> The Kevin Robinson Ensemble, led by the Baltimore-based saxophonist, comes to Twins Jazz on Thursday to celebrate the birthdays of bandmembers Rick Slye (Drums), Marvin Parks (Vocals), Kevin Robinson (Reeds) and Ruby Glover (Vocals). The band requests attendees to bring a non-perishable food item, toys and/or $10 for admission. All proceeds will be donated to two families.
>> Lovers of the almighty groove should make it a point to head over to the Millennium Stage on Friday to catch the area's one and only Afrofunk Big Band, Chopteeth (pictured). The 14-piece ensemble combines Afrobeat, modern jazz, Yoruba tribal music, and James Brown–inspired rhythms with Ghanaian dance tunes, Senegalese rumba, and Jamaican ska. 6 p.m. Free.
>> On Friday night, The Kennedy Center welcomes jazz violinist Regina Carter, a 2006 winner of the MacArthur "genius grant," and vocalist Carla Cook (pictured). The duo will perform selections from Carter's latest album, I'll Be Seeing You: A Sentimental Journey, a showcase of classics from the '20s, '30s, and '40s. Tickets to both the 7:30 and 9:30 are sold out, but it's worth contacting the box office for last minute availability. $30
>> Journeyman trombonist Frank Lacy has played with some of the greatest in jazz, acting as musical director for Art Blakey's band, as well as performing with Dizzy Gillespie, Oliver Lake, The Eurythmics, and Carla Bley. He comes to Twins Jazz this Friday and Saturday for 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. sets, performing with Paul Carr's group. Tickets are $16.
>> Bassist Romeir Mendez brings his quartet to Bohemian Caverns on Friday for 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. sets. Tickets are $15. On Saturday, the club welcomes Michael Price.
>> Peabody faculty member Donvonte McCoy brings his quintet to HR-57 this Saturday. The music runs from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $12
>> The Millennium Stage offers up even more jazz on Sunday and Monday. The weekend will close with Happy Apple, a trio comprised of David King (drums), Michael Lewis (saxophones) and Erik Fratzke (electric bass). King is best known for his work with The Bad Plus. Monday will see the straight-ahead sounds of the Wayne Timpanick Quintet. Both shows are at 6 p.m. Free
>> The Bossa Bistro & Lounge will host two local acts as the Vampire Monkeys perform on Sunday (9:30 p.m.) and trumpeter Joe Herrera leads a group on Monday (10 p.m.). Call (202)667-0088 for cover information.
>> Local blues guitarist/vocalist Cathy Ponton King brings her swagger to Blues Alley on Monday with 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets are $18 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Burning local trumpeter Kenny Rittenhouse brings his fiery sound to Blues Alley on Tuesday night. The professor of jazz trumpet at GMU is a mainstay on the local scene and performs regularly with his own quartet and the The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra. Tickets are $18 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.