This Week in Jazz

Sara Serpa

>> The D.C. based Fuse Ensemble is a collaboration between composer Gina Biver and multimedia artist Edgar Endress. The ensemble performs classical music with influences from jazz, world, minimalism, avant-garde, and electronica. Fuse will perform tonight on the Millennium Stage. 6 p.m. Free

>> The Wright-Spera-Braida Trio came together in Italy and are now on tour in the U.S, performing tonight at Twins Jazz. The group plays a bold and adventurous form of jazz that has garnered some great reviews. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.

>> Blues keyboardist and 11 time WAMMIE winner Tommy Lepson will celebrate the release of his latest album, Putty and Paint, tonight at Blues Alley. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $18 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Keyboardist Dan Roberts assembled a strong group for his Thursday night performance at Twins Jazz. The band will include Three Stars alum John Lee and violinist Matvei Sigalov. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.

>> In 2007, trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire took top honors at the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Trumpet Competition. Catch this up-and-coming artist this Friday at the Kennedy Center. Tickets to the 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. sets are $15.

>> If you miss violinist Matvei Sigalov's gig with Dan Roberts, you'll have a chance to catch him on Friday, when he will bring his worldly sounds to Bohemian Caverns for 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets. Tickets are $15.

>> The late Oscar Peterson was considered one of the great jazz pianists of all time. Roger Kellaway will pay tribute to the legend this Saturday at the Kennedy Center. Tickets to the 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. sets are sold out, but it's always worth contacting the box office for last minute cancellations.

>> Drummer Mark Prince is a fiery player deserving of wider recognition. A skilled percussionist in both the jazz and classical settings, his original music leans toward a contemporary fusion sound. Prince will lead a group on Saturday at Bohemian Caverns. Tickets to the 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets are $15.

>> Pianist Allyn Johnson, one of the District's best jazzers, is most often seen locally playing with DCist faves The Young Lions. He'll be leading his own group this Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. Tickets to the 9 and 11 p.m. sets are $15.

>> HR-57 hosts two regulars this weekend. Antonio Parker will perform on Friday and Jimmy "Junebug" Jackson leads his group on Saturday. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $12

>> Colorado native Gia Mora moved to the East Coast to pursue a career as an actor, and has performed in a variety of regional theaters. She is also an accomplished vocalist, specializing in a classic jazz style. She will perform 8 and 10 p.m. sets on Monday night at Blues Alley. Tickets are $18 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Vocalist Sera Serpa, a native of Portugal, is now based in New York and is developing a strong reputation in that city's great jazz scene. The well traveled and studied chanteuse has a fresh sound, combining international influences with a rich voice and impeccable technique. She will perform 8 and 10 p.m. sets next Tuesday at Blues Alley. Tickets are $20 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.