This Week in Jazz
Joel Holmes |
>> Stickman, a local jazz-fusion outfit that made a name for itself through the 1990s reunites tonight at Blues Alley for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. The band features Peter Fraize, head of GW's jazz program, on saxophone, drummer and Ellington School faculty member Francis Thompson, guitarist Matt Rinker, and other local heavyweights. Tickets are $18 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Trombonist and singer Eric Felten leads his jazz orchestra through two sets tomorrow night at Blues Alley for The Big Band Sound of WWII. A tribute to the popular American music of the day, the show is a great way to start your 4th of July celebration. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> The local jazz community is still recovering from the loss of its matriarch, the amazing Ronnie Wells. Local legend Ron Kearns will lead a group paying tribute to Wells this Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. $5
>> Local drummer Aaron Walker leads a group featuring the excellent pianist, Janelle Gill, this Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. Tickets to the 9 and 11 p.m. sets are $15.
>> Our first pick of the week takes place on Saturday at Bohemian Caverns, as pianist Joel Holmes celebrates the release of his new album, African Skies. Accompanying the outstanding young talent will be violinist Chia-Yin Ma, bassist Eric Wheeler, drummer John Lamkin, and percussionist Themba Mkhatshwu. Tickets to the 9 and 11 p.m. sets are $15.
Alex Brown |
>> Young Alex Brown blew us away at last year's Duke Fest. He'll be playing on Sunday for our second must see at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge. Call 202-667-0088 for set time and cover information.
>> Local heavyweight Paul Carr will be at Blues Alley on Sunday, celebrating the release of Musically Yours, his tribute to saxophone great Joe Henderson. With him on stage will be Tom Williams on trumpet, Allyn Johnson on piano, Michael Bowie on bass, and Harold Summery on drums. Tickets are $18 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Starting this month, the Blue Tuesday Club Trio will set up shop every Tuesday night at Twins Jazz. The band features talented locals Charles Rahmat Woods on flute, Joe Link on drums, and others. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.
>> Next Tuesday, Trio Caliente brings its authentic interpretation of acoustic gypsy rhumba to Blues Alley for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets are $18 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.