>> Tonight's pick takes place at Bohemian Caverns, as Three Stars alum Will Rast leads his smokin' 11-piece band, Funk Ark, through two sets. Tickets are $10, 8 and 10 p.m. sets.

>> The words "smooth," "jazz," and "violin," rarely ever appear in the same sentence, but well traveled bowman Michael Ward connects the dots tonight at Blues Alley. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Drummer Brian Choper leads the Choper Jazz Project tonight at Twins Jazz. The group features veteran players from the area's service bands as well as saxophonist Zulfugar Baghirov. Call 202-234-0072 for set times and cover information.

>> Under-appreciated pianist Dick Morgan is one of the most soulful, swingin', and entertaining jazz musicians on the circuit today. The veteran has performed with artists ranging from Sinatra to Etta James. On Thursday, he leads his own group with 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. Tickets are $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Based out of Philadelphia, vocalist Joanna Pascale (pictured) has been labeled one of jazz's rising stars. She'll be performing 9 and 11 p.m. sets this Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz along with a band that includes monster saxophonist Tim Warfield. Tickets are $18.

>> The District's elder statesman of jazz, Buck Hill, leads a group at Jazz Night in Southwest. The ensemble will include bassist Butch Warren, who played on many classic Blue Note recordings during the 60s. 6 to 9 p.m. $5

>> In addition to being a featured soloist with the Army Blues and the Army Jazz Ambassadors, local trumpeter Tom Williams has performed with the likes of Patti LaBelle, Stevie Wonder, and Mel Torme. On Friday, he will bring his own group to Blues Alley. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $22 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Local drummer Maurice Lyles leads his own group on Saturday at the Millennium Stage. 6 p.m. Free

>> Tommy Cecil is one of the busiest bassists on the local scene and has been for years. He'll be at Blues Alley on Saturday. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $22 tickets + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Three Stars alums and DCist faves The Young Lions return to Bohemian Caverns this Saturday for 9 and 11 p.m. sets. Tickets are $15.

>> Pianist John Eaton has performed in venues ranging from tiny jazz clubs to the East Room of the White House. He brings his mastery of the Great American Songbook to Blues Alley on Sunday for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $25 tickets + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Bassist Keith Wesby is sure to lay down some sweet grooves this Sunday at Twins Jazz. His sound is representative of contemporary jazz, but the group tries to pay homage to classic fusion in performance. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.

>> On Sunday, check out the Ha-lle-lu-jazz Project, which blends traditional African rhythms with the improvisational elements of jazz. They will be playing at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge. 10 p.m. No cover.

>> Those who haven't caught the regular performers at Bohemian Caverns should make sure to do so. Three Stars alum Thad Wilson leads his nine piece orchestra every Monday for just $5 + a two drink minimum. Vocalist Heidi Martin leads her band every Tuesday night beginning at 9:30. There's no cover if you get there before 10, $5 if you get there later.

Image courtesy of Joanna Pascale