It’s a slow week in jazz land because of the holiday, but there’s still some great music happening. Happy 4th of July, everyone!

>> Smooth jazz saxophonist Walter Beasley comes to Blues Alley for a four night stand, beginning this Thursday, with daily 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets. $35.

>> This week’s top pick is legendary drummer Andrew Cyrille (pictured), who brings a group to Twins Jazz this Friday and Saturday. This man has played with artists ranging from Coleman Hawkins to Mary Lou Williams to avant-garde pianist Cecil Taylor. Joining him will be bassist Lisli Atkinson and saxophonist Bruce Williams. Tickets are $27 for a 9 p.m. or 11 p.m. set, and available online.

>> Also on Friday and Saturday, celebrated contemporary jazz vocalist Rachelle Ferrell comes to The Birchmere. Tickets, available through Ticketmaster, to the 7:30 p.m. sets are a whopping $55, but those who can afford it will hear a vocalist at the top of her game.

>> Blues lovers should head over to the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage this Saturday and Sunday evening. Saturday’s show, part of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, features Piedmont blues musician Jeffrey Scott. Sunday’s performance is part of the Indian Summer Showcase, sponsored by the National Museum of the American Indian, and features Blues Nation, a traditional blues ensemble led by Tom Machauty-Ware of the Kiowa and Comanche tribes. The 6 p.m. sets are free and open to everyone.

>> On Monday, guitarist Dan Leonard brings a trio featuring bassist Steve Sachse and drummer Andy Hamburger to Bossa Bistro & Lounge for an evening of straight ahead jazz. Call 202-667-0088 for more information.

>> Vocalist and Telarc recording artist Tony DeSare comes to Blues Alley next Tuesday for 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets. $25.

Image taken from Wikipedia