>> Smooth jazz superstars Pieces of a Dream begin a 5 night stand at Blues Alley tonight. Tickets to the nightly 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $27.50 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge, advance purchase required.

>> Usually a trumpet soloist with the fantastic Army Blues jazz ensemble, Graham Breedlove will be leading his own group tonight at Twins Jazz. His quintet will feature New Orleans-based drummer Wayne Maureau. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.

>> With Jen Krupa on trombone and Leigh Pilzer on baritone and soprano saxophones, the group they co-lead plays a combination of classic standards along side fresh originals. The band, which plays Twins Jazz tomorrow night, features Robert Redd on piano, Chuck Redd on drums, and bassist Pete Revell. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.

>> On Thursday, head over to the Lang Recital Hall at the Levine School of Music to catch A Cabaret Evening:Miles Davis and His Sidemen with the Levine Jazz Quintet: Chris Battistone (trumpet); Noah Getz (saxophone); Bob Sykes (piano); Pepe Gonzalez (bass); and Ian Sikora (percussion). 7:30 p.m.

>> On Friday, head over to the Meridian International Center to catch The Future of Jazz as a Tool for Cultural Diplomacy, a panel discussion and concert featuring the great Dave Brubeck (pictured). The discussion accompanies, Jam Session, a photography exhibition at Merdian that DCist reviewed last week. The discussion is part of the Smithsonian Jazz Appreciation Month.

>> Sibling rhythm section mates Joe and Lou Natale lead Project Natale this Friday and Saturday night at Twins Jazz. Their quartet also features the talents of tenor saxophonist Carl Cornwell and monster pianist Bob Butta. Tickets to the 9 and 11 p.m. sets are $15.

>> There are a couple must sees this weekend, the first being guitarist Paul Bollenback (pictured left), who will be performing at Bohemian Caverns on Friday and Saturday with 9 and 11 p.m. sets. His band will include a set of monster local players including drummer Nasar Abadey and bassist Michael Bowie. Tickets are $18.

>> Our next must see takes place this Sunday at the Kennedy Center. Piano legends Dave Brubeck and Ramsey Lewis team up for what will surely be a magnificent way to spend an afternoon. If you can't make it to the show, consider heading to the Center's Terrace Gallery on Saturday at 4 p.m. for yet another discussion featuring Brubeck, this time alongside the great Dr. Billy Taylor. Tickets to both shows are sold out, but it's always worth contacting the box office for last minute cancellations.

>> On Sunday night, consider catching Inner Loop at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge. The group specializes in improvisational breakbeats and drum 'n bass using live instrumentation. 10 p.m.

>> See the musicians of tomorrow perform next Monday at Blues Alley as the George Mason University Jazz Ensemble takes the stage for 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets are $18 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> It's an evening of community bands next Tuesday at Blues Alley. The 8 p.m. set will feature the Olney Big Band and the Mt. Vernon Swing Band will handle the 10 p.m. set. Tickets to each set are $18 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

Dave Brubeck image from Wikipedia
Paul Bollenback image from the Bohemian Caverns website