>> This DCist does not even try to hide his unabashed bias for South India's Carnatic music. Catch one of the genre's finest vocal improvisers, M.S. Sheela, performing tonight on the Millennium Stage. 6 p.m. Free

>> Richmond-based guitarist Joshua Walker will throw down tonight at Twins Jazz. Walker has studied with some of the biggest names in jazz and has performed throughout the country. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.

>> Underappreciated piano ace Kenny Werner comes to Blues Alley tonight and tomorrow along with bassist Jorge Roeder and drummer Richie Barsay. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Cellist Dana Leong blew us away last fall at Duke Fest with his blend of acoustic and electronic sounds. He returns to D.C. on Thursday at 7:15 p.m. to perform at the National Geographic's Rhythm Road concert series. N'awlins jazzer Devin Phillips performs at 6 p.m. Free

>> D.C. native and current music student at Michigan State, Lulu will throw her official CD release party for her new recording, Lulu's Back in Town, this Thursday at Twins Jazz. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.

>> The Millennium Stage welcomes Ragtime scholar and specialist "Perfessor" Bill Edwards this Friday. 6 p.m. Free.

>> If you catch one show this week, it has to be jazz saxophone legend Sonny Rollins (pictured) this Friday at the Kennedy Center. We'll have a full preview of the show later this week. The 8 p.m. show is sold out, but it's always worth contacting the box office or the Washington Performing Arts Society, the sponsors of the show, for last minute cancellations. Rollins will also be participating in a discussion on Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Freer Gallery of Art. Tickets are $20-$30. The lecture is part of the Smithsonian's Jazz Appreciation Month.

>> We are also in the midst of the District's annual Big Band Jam, possibly the finest big band showcase in the country. The event kicks off in earnest with a special three night stand by the Duke Ellington Jazz Orchestra, in celebration of the109th birthday of D.C.'s favorite musical son. Sets are Friday through Sunday at 8 and 10 p.m. Tickets are $40 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> An incredible young pianist out of New York who defies genre, Eric Lewis is a must see. He will perform this Friday and Saturday at HR-57. 9 p.m to 1 a.m. $15

>> Saxophonist Kelly Shepard leads his group, Nomad Stories, through two nights of adventurous world jazz this Friday and Saturday at Twins. Tickets to the 9 and 11 p.m. sets are $20.

>> The Carter Quartet, a family of local musicians, performs this Friday and Saturday at Bohemian Caverns. Tickets to the 9 and 11 p.m. sets are $15.

>> A native of Spokane, WA, member of the Nez Perce Tribe, and current student at Catholic, singer Julia Keefe performs on Sunday at Twins Jazz. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.

>> It's three nights of big band music on the Millennium Stage beginning next Sunday, when vocalist Don Bruce leads a group through jazz and pop standards. Babylon Circus, a French group blending ska-punk, chanson, funk, afro-beat, dancehall reggae, and Eastern European folk music performs on Monday. New York's Blue Night Band, one of the top high school bands in the country will play Tuesday evening. All shows are at 6 p.m. Free

>> We've often sung the praises of the area's military bands, and on Monday you have a chance to see the excellent Army Blues jazz ensemble (pictured) at Blues Alley. The show is FREE, but reservations are required. Call 202-337-4141 for more information. 8 and 10 p.m. sets.

>> Next Tuesday, head over to HR-57 to catch Cuban pianist Chuchito Valdez. Son of Cuban legend, Chucho Valdez, this concert is a must for lovers of Latin jazz. 7 to 10 p.m. $15/$10 w/ student ID.

Images from the Army Blues and Sonny Rollins's websites