This Week in Jazz
Poet Amiri Baraka will perform at Twins Jazz on Friday
>> Saxophonist John Kocur will be playing tonight at Utopia with a talented group of young local musicians, including bassist Andrew Cox, guitarist Josh Walker, and drummer Dave McDonald. 9 p.m. No cover
>> On Thursday, The Meyer Auditorium at the Freer Gallery will host Indian classical violinist L. Subramaniam, one of the most celebrated musicians in Carnatic music. Advance tickets to the 7:30 p.m. show are sold out, but an allotment of free tickets will be distributed at the door on a first come-first served basis, beginning at 6:30.
>> Employing the somewhat unusual combination of baritone sax, bass, and drums, New York's Reed's Bass Drum is a group that tries to break new ground while maintaining a healthy respect for tradition. They will be performing on Thursday at Twins Jazz. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.
>> Celebrated guitar/vocal duo Tuck & Patti set up shop at Blues Alley on Thursday night for a four night stand of 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets are $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Davey Yarborough, director of the jazz program at the Ellington School for the Performing arts, will lead a group with his wife, vocalist Esther Williams, this Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest. They will be playing with a fine rhythm section of local regulars that includes pianist Wade Beach, bassist Wes Biles, and drummer Francis Thompson. 6 to 9 p.m. $5
>> An icon of African American culture, poet/playwright/activist Amiri Baraka comes to Twins Jazz on Friday night for a reading with jazz accompaniment. Leading the backing band will be woodwind artist Renè Profit-McLean. Tickets to the 9 and 11 p.m. sets are $20.
>> The Kennedy Center's fall jazz season kicks off in earnest this Friday, as vocalist Melissa Walker plays the KC Jazz Club with a band that includes monster bassist Christian McBride and veteran drummer Clarence Penn. Tickets to the 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. sets are $25.
>> Three Stars alum and DCist fave Thad Wilson leads his quartet this Friday and Saturday at HR-57. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $12
>> Trumpeter and faculty member at the Peabody Conservatory, Donvonte McCoy leads his band this Friday and Saturday at Bohemian Caverns. Tickets to the 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets are $15.
>> The same folks that bring you Jazz Night in Southwest present the 8th Annual D.C. Jazz Preservation Festival on Saturday, Sept. 26, taking place at Pond Park, located at 6th and Eye St., SW. Performers include many of the city's finest, including Paul Carr, Buck Hill, Nasar Abadey, and many more. Noon to 9 p.m. Free
>> African roots collective Elikeh will perform a mix of Afro funk and traditional music from Togo on Saturday at the Millennium Stage. 6 p.m. Free
>> Not long ago, we profiled Malian guitarist Vieux Farka Touré, and his subsequent show did not disappoint. He will be returning to the area on Saturday, performing a benefit for Malian schools at the NOAA Auditorium and Science Center. 7 p.m. $20
>> Up-and-coming local chanteuse Lena Seikaly brings her mix of standards and original compositions to Twins Jazz on Saturday night. A recent participant of the Betty Carter's Jazz Ahead program at the Kennedy Center, this is a musician to watch. Tickets to the 9 and 11 p.m. sets are $15.
>> Psychedelic jazz collective Circus of Saints is a rotating cast of musicians that congregates every once in a while for an evening of free form and freefall improvisation. They'll be at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge on Sunday. 9 p.m. Call 202-667-0088 for cover information.
>> Jacques "Saxman" Johnson leads a stompin' band on Monday at Blue Monday Blues, the blues counterpart to Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. $5
>> Saxophonist Dave Binney is a rising star who is building a strong reputation for himself as a multifaceted composer and improviser. He will be at Blues Alley on Monday, leading a band that includes a DCist favorite, drummer Brian Blade. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Busy local trumpeter Joe Herrera leads his group, the Landscaping Crew, on Tuesday at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge. 9:30 p.m. Call 202-667-0088 for cover information.
>> Guitarist Bobby Broom has a classic sound and plays with a highly developed sense of melody. He'll be at Blues Alley on Tuesday for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets are $22 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.