Eastern Blok

>> Drummer Brian Choper leads the Choper Jazz Project tonight at Twins Jazz. Call 202-234-0072 for set times and cover information.

>> Tomorrow night, Serbian guitar virtuoso Goran Ivanovic leads Eastern Blok (pictured) at Twins Jazz. The group blends traditional Balkan melodies with the improvisational elements of jazz. Thursday night's performance will also feature the vocal talents of singer Grazyna Auguscik. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.

>> The Yellowjackets have become somewhat of a jazz institution. Since the 1970s, the group has put out albums that run the gamut from in-your-face fusion to the smoothest of smooth jazz. On Thursday, they'll begin a 4-night stand at Blues Alley with daily 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Saxophone wiz Eric Marienthal will be featured as a special guest throughout. Tickets are $32.50 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge. Advance purchase required.

>> Young tenor saxophonist Brian Settles has been making a name for himself in the local jazz scene, performing regularly at Jojo's and subbing for bandleader Thad Wilson on Mondays at Bohemian Caverns. This Friday and Saturday, he will lead his own group through 9 and 11 p.m. sets at the historic venue. Tickets are $15.

>> This Friday and Saturday, bassist Essiet Okon Essiet and multi-instrumentalist Ronnie Burrage team up to co-lead Third Kind of Blue at Twins Jazz. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.

>> If you want to listen to some hot musicians while getting your groove on, head to the Bossa Bistro & Lounge on Saturday to hear Sin Miedo, one of the area's best salsa acts. 10:30 p.m. $5

>> On Sunday, the Chicago based Moshier-Lebrun Collective, lead by pianist Josh Moshier and tenor saxophonist Mike Lebrun, arrive at Twins Jazz. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.

>> Though the show has little to do with jazz, we would be remiss if we didn't encourage you to go see maestro Bobby McFerrin (pictured left) host and perform at the Kennedy Center's A World of Voices. The show features McFerrin alongside renowned a cappella ensembles from all over the world. Highlight's include South Africa's famed Ladysmith Black Mambazo and the D.C. area's own Sweet Honey in the Rock. Tickets to the 8 p.m. show are sold out, but it's worth contacting the box office for last minute availability.

>> We often list shows taking place at Jazz Night in Southwest, but don't forget it's sister event, Blues Monday. This Monday's show features local act BG & the Mojo Hands. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.

>> The Outlaw Collective is a group led by drummer and local native, Cameron Outlaw. Now in his second year at the Berklee College of Music, Outlaw assembled a group of his most talented classmates for next Tuesday's performance at Blues Alley. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $18 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.