>> Ballrogg, a Norwegian duo comprised of woodwind player Klaus Ellerhusen Holm and bassist Roger Arntzen, plays a spacious form of free jazz that is an influential part of the scene in northern Europe. They are playing Blues Alley tonight at 8 and 10 p.m. Tickets are $20 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Also tonight, the Potomac Jazz Project, led by bassist Stan Hamrick, performs at Twins Jazz. The group specializes in classic standards from the be-bop and post-bop eras. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.

>> Saxophonist Joshua Redman (pictured) blew us away last year, and while his band's lineup has changed, he's returning to Blues Alley this Thursday through Sunday for 8 and 10 p.m. sets with the same sax/bass/drums format. Tickets are $35 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge, advance purchase required.

>> Attention swing dancers and lindy hoppers! Glen Echo park is where you want to be this weekend for the D.C. Lindy Exchange, a weekend long event featuring live music and plenty of dancing. Now where exactly did I put my two-toned wingtips and zoot suit?

>> On Friday and Saturday, Twins Jazz will feature the Michael Thomas Quintet, a group of fiery local musicians whose playing is an update to the hard bop swing of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. Tickets to the 9 and 11 p.m. sets are $18.

>> It's a weekend of local music at Bohemian Caverns this weekend. Local bassist Romeir Mendez leads a group on Friday, while saxophonist Luis Faife leads his quartet on Saturday. Tickets to the 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. sets are $15.

>> First of all, don't forget to check out what's going on this week as part of the Smithsonian's Jazz Appreciation Month. This Sunday is Family Day at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. 1 to 4 p.m. Free

>> Local guitarist Ravi Joseph, a student at the University of Maryland and regular performer at Twins Jazz, returns to the club on Sunday along with veteran local players James King and Greg Holloway. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.

>> Sunday is also a great night to head over to Bossa, as guitarist Leni Stern plays an 8:30 p.m. set and Rob Coltun's band, Improviso, performs a 10:30 p.m. set. Call 202-667-0088 for cover information.

>> Blues Alley has been setting a great trend recently by featuring jazz ensembles from local high schools and colleges. Not only is this a chance for the public to see the future of jazz, but it also gives the kids a chance to get a taste of what it feels like to play in a professional setting. Next Monday, the jazz ensemble from Henry Wise High School in P.G. County performs a 7:30 p.m. set. $15

>> Two veterans of the local scene are teaming up next Tuesday at Blues Alley for an evening of American roots music. Guitarist Billy Hancock and saxophonist Jacques Johnson have been performing in the area for decades. Johnson is also a retired member of the Army Blues, the Army's premiere big band.

Photo from Joshua Redman's MySpace page