Dr. Lonnie Smith

>> If you've never seen Chicago blues king Buddy Guy in concert, then you best make your way down to Wolf Trap tonight because at 72 years old, he's still one of the best performers around. Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. show are $22-$40.

>> Dr. Lonnie Smith, the turban sporting master of the Hammond B-3 organ, begins a four night stand at Blues Alley on Thursday. Tickets to the daily 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> The Black & Tan Fantasy Band, led by Thievery Corporation bassist Ashish Vyas and drummer Jerry Buscher (French Toast, Fugazi), plays every Thursday at the 18th Street Lounge from 6 to 8 p.m.

>> Saxophonist Perry Conticchio leads a quintet this Friday at Jazz in the Garden. A former doctor, Conticchio left his practice to become a full time jazz musician. His group will include trombonist and Three Stars alum, Reginald Cyntje. 5 p.m. Free

>> Three Stars alum Will Rast leads his smokin' 11-piece funk big band, The Funk Ark, this Friday at Comet. 9 p.m.

>> HR-57 will feature regulars Rhythminic Accents (Fri.) and saxophonist Antonio Parker (Sat.) this weekend. The music runs from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $12

>> Trumpeter Marcus Printup has performed as a sideman with many jazz stars, ranging from Betty Carter to the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. He'll lead a group this Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.

>> Charles Covington, Jr., is a professor of music at the Peabody Conservatory and will be playing at the Millennium Stage on Saturday. His credits include B.B. King, Sonny Stitt, Chuck Berry, and others. 6 p.m. Free

Melody Gardot

>> On Saturday, SMV, a supergroup led by bassists Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller, and Victor Wooten performs an 8 p.m. show at Wolf Trap. Stay tuned for a full preview later this week. Tickets are $22-$75.

>> Torch song chanteuse Melody Gardot has an inspiring story that we told you about last year, when she was in town to showcase her burgeoning talent. She visits the area again on Sunday, where she will be playing a 7:30 p.m. show at the Birchmere. $20 + Ticketmaster fees.

>> The recently profiled Rob Coltun, an owner of the Bossa Bistro & Lounge, leads his band, Touch Acoustra, at the club on Sunday. 10 p.m. No cover.

>> Lovers of Latin music should head down to Blues Alley on Monday to see Origem, hands down the District's finest Latin jazz ensemble. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets are $20 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> DCist has been known to hype the terrific service bands in the area. Here's your chance to check out one of the best. The Navy Commodores, the U.S. Navy's premiere jazz ensemble, will be playing the Millennium Stage next Tuesday. 6 p.m. Free

>> The members of ATL's Jaspects all received formal jazz training at Morehouse College, but are now trying to fuse that knowledge with a more urban sound. This jazz/hip-hop collective will be performing next Tuesday at the historic Bohemian Caverns. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $10.