>> It's been a while since we've mentioned this, but young musicians or any fan of local jazz should make it a point to check out the jam sessions that take place all over the city. HR-57 hosts jazz jams every Wednesday and Thursday ($8 for general admission, $4 for participants) from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m., along with a blues jam every Saturday from 1 to 6 p.m (free). In addition, Twins Jazz hosts a jam session every Sunday night beginning at 9 p.m. Columbia Station on 18th Street also hosts a jam session on Sunday afternoons.

>> Latin jazz icon Gato Barbieri makes a weekend stop this Friday through Sunday at Blues Alley. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $38 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Our first must see of the week is unfortunately sold out, but if you can find tickets, try to check out trombonist Sarah Morrow (pictured) this Friday at the Kennedy Center's KC Jazz club for 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. sets. Morrow is finding new and innovative ways to merge the harmonic sophistication of jazz with the grooves of R&B and hip-hop. DCist will have a preview of the show later this week. $15

>> Senegalese saxophonist Abdoulaye Ndiaye, now based in New York, brings his infectious mix of traditional African music and modern jazz to Twins Jazz this Friday and Saturday. He is coming to town in support of his latest album, Dakar by Night. Tickets to the 9 and 11 p.m. sets are $15.

>> Bohemian Caverns is home to another great set of shows this Friday and Saturday as powerhouse tenor saxophonist Tim Warfield pays a visit to the historic club. In addition to several first rate releases as a bandleader, Warfield has played as a sideman with many of today's younger generation of jazz stars. Tickets to the 9 and 11 p.m. sets are $20.

>> Three Stars alum Reginald Cyntje (pictured) continues his free Community Concert Series at Twins Jazz on Saturday afternoon from 3 to 6 p.m. Be sure to check out this fine trombonist who is going above and beyond in order to make jazz accessible to the community.

>> See the future of jazz this Sunday as the Blues Alley Youth Orchestra plays the Millennium Stage. The band features some of the areas finest young musicians ages 11 to 17. 6 p.m. Free

>> After a brief hiatus, Three Stars alum Thad Wilson returns to his regular Monday night gig at Bohemian Caverns along with his orchestra. 8 to 11 p.m. $5

>> Local vocalist Tarea Anderson will perform her take on the great jazz standards on Monday at Blues Alley. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $18 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Tuesday's show at Blues Alley looks like it could be something special. Local saxophonists David Bond and Andrew White, one of the world's authorities on John Coltrane, will team up for a show that is sure to run the gamut from traditional standards to the avant-garde. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

Images from artist websites