This Week in Jazz
Peter Erskine.
>> Celebrated clarinetist Eddie Daniels and pianist Bob James, of the smooth jazz super group Fourplay, will team up for a three-night stand at Blues Alley beginning on Thursday. The band will include legendary drummer Peter Erskine, whose resume includes the Stan Kenton Orchestra, Weather Report, Steely Dan, Diana Krall, and a host of others. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $45 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Kenny Rittenhouse, a gifted trumpeter in the U.S. Army Blues, will lead a group of local all-stars on Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest. The band includes Three Stars alums Reginald Cyntje and Allyn Johnson, alongside saxophonist Lyle Link and bassist Zack Pride. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> The son of a record collector who owned some 15,000 LPs, guitarist David Lighton was exposed to a wide variety of music from a very early age. In addition to his playing, Lighton contributes to the jazz scene as a writer at AllAboutJazz.com. His group will be at Twins Jazz on Friday and Saturday for 9 and 11 p.m. sets. Tickets are $15 + $12 minimum/surcharge.
>> Brazillian vocalist Kenia incorporates the music of her native Brazil into a contemporary setting, earning her notice from smooth jazz critics and fans. She'll lead her group through 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets on Friday and Saturday at Bohemian Caverns. Tickets are $15.
>> The D.C. Blues Society presents the 22nd Annual D.C. Blues Festival on Saturday at the Carter Barron Amphitheater. The event, running from noon to 7:30 p.m., features five acts on the mainstage, workshops, children's activities, and more. Free.
>> Zeebop is a local group that blends jazz with the grooves of soul and funk. They'll be at Twins Jazz on Sunday for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10.
>> Smooth jazz trumpeter Lin Rountree, an Alexandria native now based in Detroit, will play 8 and 10 p.m. sets on Sunday at Blues Alley. Tickets are $20 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Rootdown brings its jazz/groove/jam band sound to the Bossa Bistro & Lounge on Sunday. 10 p.m. Call 202-667-0088 for cover information.
>> Local veteran Jacques "Saxman" Johnson leads a band next week at Blue Monday Blues. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> Michelle Webb is a multi-faceted musician who uses a variety of unique, custom made instruments to stretch the boundaries of the guitar. Fluent in a variety of styles, her playing has led her to tours and performances all over the world. Catch her unique sound on Tuesday at Blues Alley, as she plays 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets are $18 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.