>> Tonight, Chicago's freewheeling fusion quartet Hudson pays a visit to Busboys & Poets. 9 p.m. $10

>> The big event of the week is the 13th Annual Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival at the Kennedy Center, which begins on Thursday and runs through Saturday. In addition to a series of free shows on the Millennium Stage, the event features a lineup of world class artists at its ticketed events. Highlights include performances by drummers Terri Lyne Carrington, Cindy Blackman (pictured), and D.C. native Allison Miller, along with 15-year-old wunderkind saxophonist Grace Kelly and keyboardist Keiko Matsui. Tickets are $35.

>> Thursday also marks the start of a four night stand at Blues Alley by veteran jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut, who we saw recently at the Kennedy Center. Tickets to the daily 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Local quintet Minor Thoughts brings its repertoire of straight ahead standards, post bop and Latin influenced jazz to Twins Jazz on Thursday. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.

>> Baltimore based guitarist Mark Mosley, a retired member of the Army's service band, leads his own group this Friday at Bohemian Caverns. Tickets to the 9 and 11 p.m. sets are $15.

>> Inspired by the likes of Al Jarreau, local vocalist AJay Parham has developed a sound that is an infectious blend of jazz, R&B, and pop. He will be performing on Friday at HR-57 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $12

>> Versatile woodwind player Chip Shelton will lead a group through 9 and 11 p.m. sets this Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. His repetoire pays homage to the diverse traditions of jazz while still maintaining a sense of accessibility. Tickets are $20.

>> The jazz postman and local legend Buck Hill will lead a group through two sets this Saturday at Bohemian Caverns. Hill, the embodiment of D.C.'s jazz soul, is a must see for anyone interested in the history of the local music scene. Tickets to the 9 and 11 p.m. sets are $15.

>> The 2004 winner of the 105.9 FM’s Sexiest Jazz Vocalist Competition, Tarea Anderson, has become a regular on the smooth jazz circuit. She will be performing on Sunday at Twins Jazz. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.

>> The Bossa Bistro & Lounge is the place to be on Monday night as Innerloop takes the stage. The band plays music that is rooted in improvisational jazz, but also incorporates electronic breakbeats and drum & bass elements. The group includes Three Stars alum Will Rast. 10 p.m. No cover

>> Tuesday night will also see some great music at Bossa. Local percussionist/vocalist Gigi, a native of Brazil, will take the stage for a 9:30 p.m. set. No cover

>> Clarinetist Artie Shaw spent decades as one of jazz's great big band leaders. Though he is no longer with us, his legacy lives on as his band continues to tour and play his classic arrangements. The ensemble will make a stop at Blues Alley next Tuesday with 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets are $35 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge. Advance purchase required.

Photo courtesy Cindy Blackman