The Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra playing at the now defunct club in 2016. The BCJO kicks off the Petworth Jazz Project’s 2017 season on Saturday (Photo by Sriram Gopal).
WEDNESDAY, MAY 24
Organist Alex Jenkins plays Alice’s Jazz & Cultural Society with his band. 6 to 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
Simone Baron puts the accordion in an unusual context using her hybrid jazz ensemble, Arco Belo, which also incorporates strings and percussion. Baron is this month’s artist-in-residence at Strathmore, and plays a 7:30 p.m. recital. $17.
Veteran saxophonist Benny Sharoni plays 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Twins Jazz. $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
THURSDAY, MAY 25
Alice’s Jazz & Cultural Society is normally dark on Thursdays, but makes an exception this week for the Cubano Groove’s Latin jazz. 6 to 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
Chicago-based vocalist Spider Saloff brings a group to Twins Jazz for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
Mallet percussionist Roy Ayers is one of the most sampled artists of all time. The soul jazz legend will hold court at the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club on Thursday and Friday with guest vocalist Carolyn Malachi. 8 p.m. $40-$55 plus minimum and surcharge.
Brazilian vocalist Cissa Paz is at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge for her monthly appearance. 10 p.m. $10 at the door.
FRIDAY, MAY 26
The U.S. Coast Guard’s Dixieland Jazz Band plays Jazz in the Garden. 5 to 8:30 p.m. FREE
Anthony “Swampdog” Clark brings his traditional blues sound to Alice’s Jazz & Cultural Society. 6 to 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
Rick Whitehead is a local mainstay who spent 22 years playing guitar for the Air Force’s Airmen of Note big band. His long-running trio plays Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
Area vocalist Aaron Myers leads his band at Mr. Henry’s. 8 to 11 p.m. Two item per person minimum.
Rhizome hosts an evening of experimental music from J. Soliday, Luer, and Patrick James Cain. 8 p.m. $10 donation.
John Lamkin is a familiar face in the local scene. The drummer and Baltimore native has played with many of the world’s finest, including Chick Corea, Pharoah Sanders, and the late Abbey Lincoln. He assembled a team of area all-stars to play 9 and 11 p.m. sets on Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. $15 plus minimum and surcharge.
SATURDAY, MAY 27
The Dardanella Great Gatsby Party on the Lawn takes place on the grounds of the National Cathedral from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Foggy Bottom Whomp Stompers and Shannon Gunn & The Bullettes will provide the music. Gunn & Co. will play transcriptions of big band music from 1926-1932. $55.
The Kennedy Center is celebrating John F. Kennedy’s centenary this season, culminating with a memorable series of events taking place this week. The celebration’s star-studded marquee event is on Monday and includes Jason Moran performing Duke Ellington’s Far East Suite. However, the event we’re excited about is Saturday’s open house. The venue opens its doors with over 30 performances, including one by D.C.’s own JoGo Project, and activities for all ages. Noon to 10 p.m. FREE
The 2017 season of the Petworth Jazz Project performance series kicks off with a performance from the much loved and missed Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra. Baba Ras D opens with a 6 p.m. show for the kids and then the BCJO plays from 7 to 9 p.m. FREE
Alice’s Jazz & Cultural Society hosts a holiday weekend jam session from 6 to 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
Vibraphonist Chuck Redd plays The Alex from 8 to 11 p.m. $20 minimum, reservations recommended.
SUNDAY, MAY 28
Pianist George Burton teamed up with bassist and producer extraordinaire Derrick Hodge to create his debut album, The Truth of What I Am > The Narcissist. His band performs on the Millennium Stage at 6 p.m. FREE
Rhizome‘s African Diaspora series continues with a bill featuring Gezachew T. Mariam, Tsedaye Makonnen, and Kumera Genet. 4 p.m. $10 in advance/$12 at the door.
Area vocalist Janine Gilbert-Carter brings a band to Alice’s Jazz & Cultural Society. 6 to 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
Sharón Clark‘s classic style and impeccable technique make her a true singer’s singer. The area veteran leads her band through 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. $25 plus minimum and surcharge.
MONDAY, MAY 29
The Commodores, the U.S. Navy’s premiere big band, plays the Millennium Stage at 6 p.m. FREE
Blues singer Nadine Rae and her band play Blue Monday Blues. 6 to 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
TUESDAY, MAY 30
Vocalist Iyona Blake comes to Blues Alley for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $20 plus minimum and surcharge.
Shannon Gunn‘s Firebird Organ Trio returns to Columbia Station and will play J.J. Johnson’s classic album, Proof Positive, in its entirety. 8 to 11 p.m. FREE
Cheik Hamala Diabate, D.C.’s resident master griot, continues his long-running Tuesday night residency playing infectious West African sounds at Bossa. 9:30 p.m. FREE
