Buck Hill

>> The Firecracker Jazz Band keeps alive music from jazz's early days, whether it be N'awlins ragtime, standards of Tin Pan Alley, or the Parisian jazz of Django. The group, which features ex-members of The Squirrel Nut Zippers and Tommy Dorsey's Big Band, will bring its hot sound to Twins Jazz tonight. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.

>> At just 28 years old, tenor saxophonist Frank Catalano has already performed with the likes of crooner Tony Bennet, trumpeter Randy Brecker, and guitar hero Carlos Santana. He will lead his own group tonight through two sets at Blues Alley. Tickets are $20 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Not too long ago we profiled Rob Coltun, owner of the Bossa Bistro & Lounge and someone who is committed to the District's humble, but steadily growing, jazz scene. He will lead his band, Improviso, on Thursday at Bossa. 10 p.m. No cover.

>> Few vocalists have the talent, breadth, and range of Rachelle Ferrell, who effortlessly crosses the lines between urban contemporary pop, gospel, classical music and jazz. Ferrell's four night stint at Blues Alley begins on Thursday. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $60 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Allan Harris was building a fine career as a jazz crooner along the lines of Johnny Hartman when he decided to shake things up. He will perform at the Kennedy Center this Friday in support of the second installment from his Cross That River trilogy project, Cry of the Thunderbird. This theatrical concert, set in the 1850s, chronicles the life-transforming journey of Blue, an escaped slave from Louisiana who makes his way to Texas, where he becomes a black cowboy. The music combines jazz, gospel, blues, country, bluegrass, folk, and Native American strains. Tickets to the 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. sets are $25.

>> The "Wailin' Mailman," D.C. legend Buck Hill, will be playing sets this Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. Now in his 80s, Hill is semi-retired, so here's a wonderful chance to catch this local institution. Tickets to the 9 and 11 p.m. sets are $15.

Jen Krupa and Leigh Pilzer

>> H.R. 57 hosts regulars Antonio Parker and "Junebug" Jackson on Friday and Saturday, respectively. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $12

>> Saturday night is always a good night to stop by the Bossa Bistro & Lounge, where one of D.C.'s finest salsa groups, Sin Miedo, lays it down starting at 10:30 p.m. $5 cover

>> Sharon Clark is an artist on the rise. 2008 marked the release of Do it Again - A Tribute to Shirley Horn, a warm tribute to the late, great pianist and vocalist. This came after her gaining top honors at the Savannah Music Festival's American Traditions Competition and the prestigious Billie Holiday Vocal Competition in 2007. On Saturday, Clark will lead a fine group of local musicians through two sets at the historic Bohemian Caverns. Tickets are $15.

>> Inspired by trombone/bari sax duos of yore, Jen Krupa and Leigh Pilzner, two regulars of the District's jazz scene, formed the Jen Krupa-Leigh Pilzner Quintet. Along with a rhythm section comprised of the area's best, the two will be playing 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley next Tuesday. Tickets are $18 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.