Happy Passover! This week’s theme: Legends. Not the Sasquatch/Grendel folk duo you’ve heard so much about, but living giants of their genre, era, or both. Several artists who have reached mythic status in popular culture are popping ‘round to say hello this week.
Monday
One of the best things about D.C. living is all the stuff there is to do for free. Tonight, the Kennedy Center offers some quality gratis jazz, presenting trumpeter Shunzu Ohno. Getting his big break touring with Art Blakey, Ohno has since played with several jazz greats, including Gil Evans and Herbie Hancock. For this performance he’ll be backed by the Howard University Jazz Ensemble. 6 p.m., Free.
Elsewhere in collegiate jazz, Allyn Johnson and the U.D.C. Sextet play Blues Alley. 8 p.m., $15.
Tuesday
Blues great and guitarist Buddy Guy, the guitar that launched a thousand bands, will bring his trademark showmanship to the Birchmere in NoVA. As the inspiration for Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and numerous other blues based bands, it’s not surprising that tonight’s date has sold out. Don’t go rushing to Craigslist just yet – Guy has another date at the Birchmere next week. 7:30 p.m., $45.
Last year Nas released Hip Hop is Dead. Then, the title was an indictment of a struggling genre. In the face of Karl Rove’s performance last week, the title now seems a little prophetic. Trek up to Rams Head Live in Baltimore to see if Nas can fit any palm readings between incendiary rhymes. 8 p.m.
