This Week in Jazz
The Army Blues performing at Blues Alley
>> Under the leadership of Professors Alejandro Lucin Peter Fraize, Los Gringos, GWU's student Latin ensemble explores Latin jazz, salsa, and merengue, and a variety of other styles. They will be performing tonight on the Millennium Stage. 6 p.m. Free
>> Saxophonist/flautist Elliot Levin, a mainstay of Philadelphia's jazz scene, has toured with the likes of pianist Cecil Taylor and classic R&B crooners, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes. He will be leading his own group on Thursday at Twins Jazz. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.
>> Smooth jazz guitar star Earl Klugh begins a four night stand at Blues Alley on Thursday. Tickets to the daily 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $43 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> The legendary Buck Hill, the District's jazz patriarch, will be performing this Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. $5
>> Flugelhornist/vocalist Hugh Masekela, the South African jazz legend who is known as much for his anti-Apartheid activism as he is known for hits like "Grazing in the Grass" will be performing this Friday at Zanzibar.Tickets to the 8 and 11 p.m. sets are $25.
>> Those looking for the funky side of jazz should head over to the Bossa Bistro & Lounge this Friday. Three Stars alum Will Rast leads The Funk Ark in a double bill with Brooklyn-ites, The Pimps of Joytime. 10:30 p.m. Call 202-667-0088 for cover information.
>> Monster local trumpeter Kenny Rittenhouse plays all over town in a variety of settings, including the celebrated Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra. On Friday and Saturday, he will lead a group through 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets at Bohemian Caverns. The band will pay musical tribute to the late great trumpeter, Freddie Hubbard. Tickets are $15.
>> Drummer Ronnie Burrage has performed with artists ranging from Duke Ellington to Bobby McFerrin. His quartet will set up shop this Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz for 9 and 11 p.m. sets. Tickets are $15.
>> HR-57 will be hosting a pair of local regulars this weekend. Saxophonist Antonio Parker will perform on Friday and pianist Michael Price will lead a group on Saturday. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $12
>> Cheick Hamala Diabate is a master of the n'goni, a traditional Malian instrument, and a musician steeped in that country's griot tradition. Diabate will be performing on Sunday at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge. 9 p.m. Call 202-667-0088 for cover information.
>> Here at DCist, we don't hide our appreciation of the area's fine military big bands. Next week, Blues Alley will host the Army Blues on Monday, and the Navy Commodores on Tuesday in the run-up to the annual Big Band Jam. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are free, but reservations must be made by calling the club at 202-337-4141.
>> On Tuesday, James Madison University's School of Music presents a wide-ranging program of big band favorites at the Kennedy Center featuring the JMU Jazz Ensemble. Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. show are $25.