>> Tonight a jazz institution takes the stage at Blues Alley as The Yellowjackets begin a 4-night stint. The quartet, which is in its third decade of music making, will play daily 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets. There is a $35 cover + $10 food and drink minimum. Tickets are available through the club’s web site.

>> On Thursday, The Minor Thoughts Quintet visits Twins Jazz. This local quintet plays a mix of standards and original tunes in a variety of jazz styles. Call (202) 234-0072 for ticket information, as they’re not available online for this show.

>> This week’s must see is Cassandra Wilson (pictured), one of the finest jazz vocalists performing today. She comes to The Birchmere on Thursday. At $49.50, the tickets are definitely on the pricey side, but Wilson will shine in this room and her stellar rhythm section will consist of pianist Cyrus Chestnut, bassist Reginald Veal, and drummer Herlin Riley. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.

>> Local bassist Mark Saltman brings his quartet to HR-57 for two nights of burning straight ahead jazz. The music runs from 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. There is a $12 cover.

Image of Cassandra Wilson taken from her MySpace page