>> This week’s big event is, of course, the 15th Annual Capital Jazz Fest at Merriweather Post Pavilion, which begins today and runs through Sunday. As is the norm for this event, the lineup is heavy on the smooth jazz and R&B tip, but it also incorporates some more challenging artists. Highlights include Herbie Hancock, Anita Baker, Al Jarreau, Ramsey Lewis, and David Sanborn. Visit the event’s web site for the full schedule, and tickets are available through the Merriweather Post web site.

>> Tonight, local native Ravi Joseph (pictured) performs at Twins Jazz. Joseph was named winner of the 2006 Keter Betts Memorial Jazz Scholarship and is currently a student at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music. This up and coming talent has a bright future and will be playing with bassist Joshua Bayer and drummer Greg Holloway. Visit the club’s web site for more information.

>> Jazz has always been open to music from around the world. Though not a jazz band per se, Kantara brings its unique blend of traditional Appalachian and Tunisian music to the Millennium Stage on Thursday. The 6 p.m show is free and open to the public.

>> The Westminster Presbyterian Church features live, straight-ahead jazz every Friday through its Jazz Night in Southwest concert series. Admission is $5 and and there is no fee for children under 16. Visit the web site for more information and a complete schedule.

Filed Under: Al Jarreau, As, children, church, David, herbie hancock, jazz, Jazz Fest, Jazz Night, merriweather post pavilion, miami, millennium stage, millenniumstage, music, Night, R&B, Tonight, twins jazz, twinsjazz, university, Westminster Presbyterian Church,