Dana Leong (second from left) w/ Milk & Jade

We first came across Dana Leong at opening night of last year's Duke Ellington Jazz Festival, an annual event currently running at venues throughout the city. He came to town again in the spring, performing as part of National Geographic's free concert series.

That show featured his own band, Milk & Jade, which was performing after having completed an international tour as cultural ambassadors on behalf of the State Department. The concert was also a look at what lies in store in the world of jazz. Here was a group of highly skilled musicians who not only saw no boundaries in music, but were also fluent in all the styles they explored, ranging from jazz, to classical, to beat-laden hip-hop. Leong & Co. will bring their exciting sound to the District tonight and tomorrow for two performances at Duke Fest.

"We bring a wide variety of elements but compress them into a tight show," Leong said of his band. "It's exciting, beat driven, and really electrified music."

Leong's performance will feature material off his latest release, Anthems of Life, an uplifting record that features deep grooves and first-rate musicianship. Milk & Jade features Leong on cello, trombone, and electronics, alongside keyboardist Adam Platt, drummer Aviv Cohen, and MC Core Rhythm.

"We were going for big anthemic themes that would stick in people's heads and get the audience pumped up," Leong explained. "A lot of it is inspired by autobiographical incidents. The lyrics are always about inspiring situations."

If the music wasn't enough of a reason to check out this band, Leong, who is based out of New York, seems to be willing to play to the local crowd.

"D.C. is one our favorite places to play because of the wide amount of understanding that the audiences have. If people come they won’t regret it."

Milk & Jade, featuring Dana Leong, will perform 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. sets tonight at Ebenezer's Coffee House. $20 at the door. Tomorrow the group will perform 9 and 11 p.m. sets at Busboys & Poets. $15 at the door.