This Week in Jazz

The Occidental Brothers International Dance Band

>> Tonight, smooth jazz superstar Chris Botti plays a sold out show at the Birchmere. Those interested in attending the 7:30 p.m. set should pay a visit to Mr. Craig immediately.

>> If you don't have tickets to the Birchmere, consider checking out the Occidental Brothers International Dance Band tonight on the Millennium Stage at 6 p.m. The group specializes in Central and West African dance music, including soukous and highlife. Free

>> On Thursday, a young up-and-comer and D.C. native, tenor saxophonist Elijah Balbed, will lead the Young Emperors at Twins Jazz. His band will include bassist Adam Neely, drummer Ele Rubenstein, and vibist Andrew Bort. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.

>> Arnold Sterling is a hidden gem of the local jazz scene. Saxophonist and Baltimore native, he spent the '50s playing with the great Jackie Wilson, and then made a name accompanying organists such as Jimmy McGriff and Percy Smith. Sterling will lead a group this Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. $5

>> On Friday, master acoustic jazz guitarist Gene Bertoncini will begin a three night stand of 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. The veteran musician plays a mix of traditional and Latin jazz, and will be accompanied by a standout local rhythm section comprised of bassist Tommy Cecil and drummer Chuck Redd. Tickets are $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Anyone who has not seen the Latin fire of pianist Benito Gonzalez is missing out. He will be leading a group through 9 and 11 p.m. sets this Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. The shows will feature guest saxophonist Azar Lawrence, a powerhouse in his own right. Tickets are $20.

>> On Sunday at Twins Jazz, saxophonist Ben Boker, a member of the U.S. Naval Academy Band, will lead a group playing standards and originals that recall the classic hard-bop sound of Miles Davis, Art Blakey and Herbie Hancock of the late '50s and early '60s. His band will include Unbuckled 7 alum Matt Grason on bass. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.

>> Next week, Blues Alley will feature a week-long Latin Jazz Series. On Monday, the Embassy of Paraguay will sponsor 8 and 10 p.m. sets by master acoustic guitarist Dani Cortaza, whose style mixes traditional Latin sounds with smoother underpinnings. On Tuesday, the club will feature Argentine bassist and composer Pablo Aslan, who will lead Avantango, a tango-jazz ensemble featuring New York based Argentine musicians. Tickets to Monday's 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $18 + 12.50 minimum/surcharge, while Tuesday's cover is $25.

>> Local jazz-funk fave Mojai, featuring Le Loup bassist Dan Ryan and Three Stars alum John Lee, will be playing at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge. 10 p.m. No cover