This Week in Jazz
>> Tonight, head on over to the Bossa Bistro & Lounge to check out Alfredo Mojica's Latin Jazz Project at 10 p.m. No cover
>> New York based saxophonist and composer Brian VanArsdale has been making waves with his latest album, From the Heart. This up-and-coming performer will be at Twins Jazz tomorrow night in support of this recent release. Call 202-234-0072 for set times and cover information.
>> A prodigal son returns to the Kennedy Center this Friday. Drummer Winard Harper paid his dues in D.C. before heading to the Big Apple to play with some of the finest in jazz. He will be leading is own group in the Terrace Gallery for 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. sets. Tickets are sold out, but it's always worth contacting the box office for last minute availability.
>> Bassist Michael Hawkins has toured with greats such as pianist Cyrus Chestnut and saxophonist Jimmy Heath. He'll be leading his own group, Band of Brothers, for a blend of gospel and straight-ahead jazz. Shows are this Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz with 9 and 11 p.m. sets. Tickets are $16.
>> What happens when you combine the soul of U Street with international melodies? Find out this Friday and Saturday when Three Stars alums and DCist faves The Young Lions team up with violinist/guitarist Matvei Sigalov (pictured) at Bohemian Caverns. Tickets to the 9 and 11 p.m. sets are $15.
>> Among the most ancient traditions of improvisational music are the Hindustani and Carnatic forms of India. This Saturday at GMU's Harris Theater, one soloist and one percussionist from each tradition will team up for a concert dubbed North India meets South India. Performers include violinist Sandhya Srinath, mrdangam player Srinath Bala, sarod player Soumya Chakraverty, and tabla player Debu Nayak. Part of the Trinity Music Festival. 6:00 p.m. Free
>> Also on Saturday, avant-garde saxophonist Steve Lehman combines solo saxophone with electronic textures at The Velvet Lounge. Lehman is a critical darling, having been named a Rising Star in Downbeat Magazine's 2006 and 2007 International Critic's Poll. D.C. Improviser's Collective opens. 10 p.m. $10
>> Two time Wammie nominee for Best Instrumentalist, keyboardist Will Rast brings his latest project, Funk Ark, to Bohemian Caverns on Sunday for 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. sets. Also be sure to look out for Rast's feature next week in the latest installment of DCist's Three Stars series. $10
>> The military big bands that are stationed in the area are a must for any jazz fan. Featuring top notch musicians who play a wide array of material, the concerts are always excellent, and more importantly, FREE. The Army's Jazz Ambassadors, the touring arm of the Army band, will be playing 8 and 10 p.m. sets next Monday at Blues Alley. Call 202-337-4141 to make reservations.
>> Journeyman bassist Brian Bromberg has toured the world along side legends in both the jazz and pop world. Next Tuesday, he leads his own group with 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley as he tours in support of Downright Upright, his latest recording that was nominated for a Grammy in the Contemporary Jazz category. Tickets are $30 +$12.50 minimum/surcharge.
Image from Matvei Sigalov's MySpace page