This Week in Jazz

Matt Rippetoe, photo by Doug Sanford

>> Tonight's pick takes place at Utopia, where Three Stars alum Matt Rippetoe will be leading a group that includes trumpeter Joe Herrera, pianist Dan Roberts, bassist Andrew Cox, and drummer Larry Ferguson. The band will be playing Rippetoe's original material, in addition to selections by legendary pianist Keith Jarrett. 9 p.m. No cover

>> The Sabroso Latin Jazz Ensemble mines the great jazz songbook and infuses it with an Afro-Cuban flavor. The group will be performing tonight at Twins Jazz. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.

>> Malian performer Cheick Hamala Diabate, a master of the West African nation's griot tradition will be playing on Thursday at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge. 10 p.m. No cover

>> Guitarist and local native Ravi Joseph recently completed his music studies the University of Miami's renowned music school. He will lead a group of veterans on Thursday at Twins Jazz. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.

>> B3 organist Joey DeFrancesco began his career as a teen prodigy, but he is now considered a road tested veteran. He played Blues Alley in 2007, delivering a fine performance. He will return to the club for a four night stand, beginning on Thursday. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Jazz in the Garden offers a great evening of music this Friday, where DCist faves and Three Stars alums The Young Lions will be performing from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Special guests include violinist Matvei Sigalov and Three Stars alum John Lee. Free

>> Vocalist Lena Seikaly is still quite young, but has already started racking up accolades and is now a regular on the local scene. Check out this new talent this Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. Tickets to the 9 and 11 p.m. sets are $15.

>> Not jazz, but interesting nonetheless. The Nava Ensemble performs masterpieces from the Persian classical repertoire through an ensemble of Iranian musicians ranging in age from 8 to 20 years old. The group will play the Millennium Stage on Saturday at 6 p.m. Free

>> On Monday, the Millennium Stage will feature the Positive Vibrations Youth Steel Orchestra, an award-winning steelpan group from Maryland that performs all genres of music, from jazz and gospel to R&B and calypso. 6 p.m. Free

>> Now is as good a time as any to remind everyone in jazzland that the city's only regular big band night takes place every Monday at Bohemian Caverns. Three Stars alum Thad Wilson leads his jazz orchestra every week, sets start at 8 p.m. $5

>> Vocalist Kathleen Grace has been getting rave reviews from critics across the country. Catch this up-and-comer at Blues Alley on Monday, where she will be playing 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Her special guest for the night, will be another fresh voice in jazz, bassist/vocalist Kristin Korb. Tickets are $18 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.