This Week in Jazz
Trumpeter and bandleader Thad Wilson |
>> Blue Sky 5 is a traditional swing band that offers vintage jazz that's meant for dancing. Those who want to get their lindy hop on should head to the Millennium Stage at 6 p.m. Free
>> Now that we know what D.C.'s new quarter is going to look like, it's entirely appropriate that tonight the Eric Felten Jazz Orchestra will be playing the Duke's 1960 jazz arrangement of The Nutcracker Suite, in its entirety, at Blues Alley. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Up-and-coming local vocalist Andrea Wood performs classic jazz and pop standards on Thursday night at Twins Jazz. Call 202-234-0072.
>> Smooth jazz saxophonist Marion Meadows will be playing 8 and 10 p.m. sets this Thursday through Sunday at Blues Alley. Tickets are $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Though he now lives in Wilmington, DE, drummer Aaron Walker spent over 15 years living in this area and playing with many of the city's best. He'll return to the District for performances at Twins Jazz on Friday and Saturday. His band will features some fantastic local talent, including bassist Pepe Gonzalez, pianist Jerrol Pennerman, and percussionist Andrae Richardson. Tickets to the 9 and 11 p.m. sets are $15.
>> New York's Eric Lewis has been making waves with his genre-blending and energetic gigs. Having already played many successful shows at HR-57, he returns to the club this Friday and Saturday. This is one musician who is going places, so catch him in the club setting while you can. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $20
>> DCist fave and Three Stars alum Thad Wilson will lead his jazz orchestra on Friday night at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. $5. On Saturday afternoon, Jazz Night hosts a special lecture by legendary pianist Oscar Peterson, entitled Thinking About Jazz. 1 to 3 p.m. Free
>> Bohemian Caverns will be doing its part to spread holiday cheer this weekend. Friday night will feature the Jolley Family along with a string ensemble lead by Peabody Conservatory jazz director, Gary Thomas. Thad Wilson's jazz orchestra will play on Saturday night and will feature vocalist Sharon Clark. The band will return to the club on Monday night for its usual weekly performance. Tickets to the weekend's performances (9 and 11 p.m. sets) are $18 in advance/$20 at the door. Monday night's cover is $5.
>> Blues Alley offers a double dose of holiday jazz next week. On Monday, trumpeter Dave Detweiler, former lead trumpeter of the Army Blues, will lead A Prelude Christmas, while the Redd Brothers will perform another night of seasonal favorites on Tuesday. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $18 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.