The Mancuso-Suzda Project

>> One of the freshest jazz drummers to emerge in the past decade, Ari Hoenig leads a burnin' trio through 8 and 10 p.m. sets on Wednesday at Blues Alley. Tickets are $20 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Three Stars alums The Mancuso-Suzda Project will host a CD release party + performance on Wednesday at the Mansion at Strathmore. The show will include special guest MC Christylez Bacon and vibist Chuck Redd. Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. show are $15 and must be purchased in advance.

>> Veteran guitarist Jimmy Bruno pays a visit to Blues Alley on Thursday for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets are $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Jazz-funksters Mocean Worker delivered a strong, albeit under-attended, set last year at the 9:30 Club. On Thursday, the group will hit 18th Street Lounge. As with many a night at ESL, no word on when the show will start or what the cover will be.

>> Guitarist Leni Stern brings her Africa Project, a group fusing jazz and West African styles, to Bossa Bistro & Lounge on Thursday. 10 p.m. No cover

>> If you like your jazz to be a little more smooth, check out the king of smooth jazz, Kenny G on Thursday at Wolf Trap. 8 p.m. $25-$42

>> Legendary blues harmonica master James Cotton will begin a three night stand this Friday at Blues Alley. Not only is he a legend on the mouth organ, but the 73-year old has a reputation for having one of the tightest bands on the blues circuit. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge. Advance purchase required.

Monday Michiru

>> New York based saxophonist Brian VanArsdale leads a fine quintet this Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. 9 and 11 p.m. sets. $15

>> A pair of D.C. heavyweights, vocalist Karen Gray and sax legend Buck Hill, team up this Friday at the Smithsonian Jazz Cafe. Tickets are $12. 6:30 to 10 p.m.

>> First class trombonist and Three Stars alum Reginald Cyntje continues his Community Concert Series with a free show and jazz workshop this Saturday at The Culture Shop. 3 p.m.

>> Vocalist Monday Michiru (yes, that's her real name) is the daughter of legendary pianist Toshiko Akiyoshi. She brings her awesome moniker, voice, and unique blend of jazz, soul, and electronic music to Bohemian Caverns this Saturday. Tickets to the 9 and 11 p.m. sets are $20.

>> Guitar wiz and Three Stars alum Anthony Pirog drops by Bossa Bistro & Lounge next Monday. 10 p.m. No cover

>> Swingsters Big Bad Voodoo Daddy will be celebrating the music of Cab Calloway next Monday at The Birchmere. 7:30 p.m. $35

>> Guitarist Vinny Valentino has a virtuosic style and a sound that recalls the GRP Records sound of the late 80s and early 90s. He will bring his fleeting fretwork to Blues Alley on Monday for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets are $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Unlike many child prodigies who fade into obscurity as they age, 23-year old pianist Taylor Eigsti is poised to become a musician that might be considered among the finest of his generation. Next Tuesday, he will be celebrating the release of his latest album, Let it Come to You, at Blues Alley. Sets are at 8 and 10 p.m. Tickets are $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

Images courtesy of the artists