This Week in Jazz
Pianist Allyn Johnson will direct the UDC big band at Monday's Calvin Jones Big Band Festival, held at UDC
>> Baltimore saxophonist Kevin Robinson leads his talented eight-piece band tonight at Twins Jazz. The ensemble combines unusual instrumentation with spoken word, and sometimes visual artists, to create a moody and textured sound. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.
>> Marty Nau, longtime altoist for the Navy big band, performs at the Millennium Stage on Thursday. The performance will recreate the arrangements on Charlie Parker's landmark 1949 recording, Charlie Parker with Strings.
>> Few trumpeters possess the mind blowing technique of local mainstay Vaughn Nark. Now retired from the Air Force big band, Nark plays regularly throughout the area and across the country. He will lead his own group through 8 and 10 p.m. sets on Thursday. Tickets are $18 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Talented young trumpeter Jon Crowley is starting to make waves in New York's crowded jazz scene. He will bring his group down to D.C. for a Thursday night performance at Twins Jazz. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.
>> Unbuckled alum Matt Grason leads his new project, House of Soul on Thursday at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge. The band plays deep house using live instrumentation, and features some of the city's best, including keyboardist Jon Ozment, and Three Stars alums Matt Rippetoe and Charles Ostle. The band will swap sets with Unbuckled 7 alum and global electronica DJ, v:shal kanwar. 10 p.m. No cover.
>> The annual Big Band Jam is in full effect this weekend. The Sylvan Theater on the Monument Grounds will host day long events featuring local high school big bands on Thursday and Friday, and will culminate on Saturday with a concert featuring the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra. A full schedule is available here.
>> Percussionist Ricky Loza was a regular on the local scene throughout the '80s and '90s. He died of a sudden heart attack a few years ago at a jazz festival that he organized in his native El Salvador. Jazz Night in Southwest hosts a tribute to this local great, featuring monster pianist Benito Gonzalez. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> Lovers of soul jazz need to end up at Bohemian Caverns this Friday and Saturday to check out the heartfelt sounds of pianist Doug Carn. His music fuses the sophistication of modern jazz with a sentiment that is rooted firmly in the African American experience. Tickets to the 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets are $20.
>> Alto saxophonist Anthony Nelson is steeped in the hard bop traditions of the '50s and '60s. His soulful, hard swinging style has led to his sharing the stage with the country's greats. He will bring his own group to Twins Jazz this Friday and Saturday for 9 and 11 p.m. sets. Tickets are $15.
>> Vocalist Marlena Shaw has straddled the line between jazz, R&B, and pop for 40 years. The respected chanteuse will hold court this Friday through Sunday at Blues Alley for a tribute to her biggest influence, the great Ella Fitzgerald. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $27.50 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> On Saturday afternoon, the organizers of Jazz Night in Southwest present Thinking About Jazz: An Intergenerational Jazz Experience. Folks are encouraged to bring their young ones along for a warm introduction to the jazz experience and tradition. 1 to 3 p.m. Free
>> The GWU Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of saxophonist Peter Fraize, will perform a 7 p.m. show on Sunday at Bohemian Caverns. $10
>> Three Stars alum John Lee leads his burning trio, the John Lee Experience, on Monday at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge. His second set will feature special guest, and fellow Three Stars alum, Will Rast on keys. 9:30 p.m. No cover
>> On Monday, the annual Calvin Jones Big Band Festival will take place at the UDC Auditorium, located at 4200 Connecticut Ave., NW. The event features big bands from UDC, Howard University, and the University of Maryland. 8 p.m. Tickets are $20/$15 with student I.D.