This Week in Jazz
>> An annual highlight of the Kennedy Center's educational outreach is the Betty Carter's Jazz Ahead program. The program identifies outstanding emerging artists and brings them together under the tutelage of experienced artist-instructors who coach and counsel them. Carter, the late, legendary vocalist, began the program in New York in 1993, but it was brought under the auspices of the Kennedy Center in 1998. Tonight, tomorrow, and Friday, the Millennium Stage will showcase the 2008 participants of Jazz Ahead. The performances are at 6 p.m. Free
>> The show is predictably sold out, but if you have tickets to see blues icon Buddy Guy tonight or tomorrow at the Birchmere, then lucky you. 7:30 p.m. $49.50 + Ticketmaster fees.
>> The FREE Rhythm Road concert series at National Geographic Live! continues this Thursday. The 6:15 p.m. set will showcase the jazz-funk of vocalist Maya Azucena, and world jazzers Alvin Atkinson and the Sound Merchants play at 7:15 p.m. The shows take place in the Grosvenor Auditorium at 1600 M Street, NW.
>> Beginning Thursday, guitarist Larry Coryell, a pioneer of the jazz-rock fusion movement of the 1970s, will celebrate his 65th birthday with a four night stand at Blues Alley. The daily 8 and 10 p.m. sets will also feature an ace rhythm section comprised of bassist Mark Egan and drummer Paul Wertico. Tickets are $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> New York based songstress Leslie Casey comes to Twins Jazz on Thursday along with pianist Jessica Stewart, bassist Hideshi Omachi, saxophonist Neal Spitzer, and drummer Clemens Zecha. 8 p.m. $10
>> Local jazz mainstay Allyn Johnson, a member of Three Stars alums The Young Lions, brings another of his groups, Divine Order, to Twins Jazz for 9 and 11 p.m. sets on Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $15.
>> It's another fine weekend of local music at Bohemian Caverns. On Friday, trombonist and Three Stars alum Reginald Cyntje will lead a group and Saturday will feature the Jolley Brothers, led by twin brothers, pianist Noble and drummer Nathan. Tickets to the 9 and 11 p.m. sets are $15.
>> On Sunday, the Howard University Jazz ensemble will team up with Japan's Tateshina High School Jazz Club on the Millennium Stage. The Tateshina group will kick off the annual Cherry Blossom festival on Saturday. 6 p.m. Free
>> Yesterday, we told you all about local jazzer Will Rast. Well, Sunday is a perfect opportunity to see him live along with his latest project, Funk Ark, an 11-piece ensemble that plays old school 60s and 70s style funk. The band will perform at Bossa Bistro & Lounge. 10 p.m. Call 202-667-0088 for cover information.
>> A hot set of local musicians will be performing next Monday at Blues Alley in the form of the Duende Quartet. In 2007, Duende was one of six jazz quartets chosen for the aforementioned Rhythm Road program. The group consists of ace pianist Harry Appleman, bassist Josh Schwartzman, and hand percussionists Sam Turner and Mark Merella. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $18 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> We've often listed Jazz Night in Southwest in this post, but unfortunately we've ignored its fraternal twin, Blue Monday in Southwest. The series presents great traditional blues every Monday from 6 to 9 p.m. for just $5. Next Monday's show features guitarist Tom Newman.
>> The latest incarnation of 70s jazz-funk powerhouse Tower of Power comes to the Birchmere next Monday for a 7:30 p.m. set. $49.50 + Ticketmaster fees.
>> The Jazz Academy of Music is a manifestation of a longtime dream of local saxophonist and music teacher Paul Carr (pictured above), to extend the music education opportunities afforded him, as an inner city youth, to others. The Academy Orchestra, comprised of students, will be performing 8 and 10 p.m. sets next Tuesday at Blues Alley. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $18 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
Image courtesy Paul Carr