This Week in Jazz
Tim Green
>> Jamaican jazz legend Monty Alexander begins a four night stand at Blues Alley on Thursday. Tickets to the nightly 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Saxophonist Bruce Swaim has been a regular on the local scene for nearly 30 years. Catch him on Thursday at Twins Jazz. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.
>> Baltimore based saxophonist Tim Green plays regularly with area musicians Todd Marcus and Allyn Johnson, but also performs with nationally recognized musicians like bassist Christian McBride. Green will be leading his own group this Friday and Saturday at Bohemian Caverns. Tickets to the 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets are $15.
>> Twins Jazz hosts earthy and soulful jazz vocalist Tamm E. Hunt this Friday and Saturday for 9 and 11 p.m. sets. Tickets are $15.
>> On Saturday, The Overtone Quartet, featuring bassist Dave Holland, saxophonist Chris Potter, pianist Jason Moran, and drummer Eric Harland, will perform 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. sets at the Kennedy Center's Terrace Theater. Tickets are $35 (preview forthcoming).
>> The Kennedy Center's special weekend continues on Sunday, when the Center hosts the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition, where tomorrow's jazz stars perform before an all-star panel of judges. This year's competition focuses on the bass, so the adjudicators include Dave Holland, Ron Carter, John Patitucci, and other luminaries of the low end. The competition culminates with a gala concert celebrating the 70th anniversary of Blue Note Records. Performers will include stars of the iconic label, past and present. Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. show are $35 to $75.
>> Combining traditional second line grooves with the sounds of contemporary funk and R&B, the Crescent City's Rebirth Brass Band is a group not-to-be missed. The group will be playing Sunday night at Liv, the club level of Bohemian Caverns. Call 202-299-0800 for set time and cover information.
>> Beverly Cosham, a veteran cabaret singer and actress, will be performing at Blues Alley on Monday, fronting a 6-piece ensemble. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $18 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> The Electric Possible is an experimental collective that convenes on a regular basis to expand the horizons of performer and audience. They will be playing the Bossa Bistro & Lounge on Monday. 8 p.m. $5
>> Blue Monday Blues, the blues companion to Jazz Night in Southwest, hosts power trio Midnight Blue. 6 to 9 p.m. $5
>> The District can boast its own master of Mali's griot musical tradition. Cheick Hamala Diabate is a colorful performer who maintains the integrity of his roots, but is willing to put it in a modern context. He'll be performing on Tuesday at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge. Call 202-667-0088 for cover information. 8:30 p.m.