>> Those who want to hear smooth sounds with global influences should head down to Blues Alley this week as guitarist Jonathan Butler comes to town for a 3-night stand beginning Thursday. Tickets to the 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets are available here. $43 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Mavis “Swan” Poole, an up-and-coming young vocalist who is an alum of the prestigious Betty Carter Straight Ahead Jazz Workshop will perform at Twins Jazz on Thursday. Call (202) 234-0072 for set time and cover information.

>> The first must see of the week is the phenomenal bassist John Patitucci (pictured), who will be performing along side all-star drummer Brian Blade and guitarist Larry Koonse this Friday at the Kennedy Center’s KC Jazz Club. Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. sets are sold out, but it’s always good to call the box office for last minute cancellations.

>> Our next must see of the week is the Jared Gold Trio, which performs this Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. Guitarist Avi Rothbard and drummer Pete VanNostrand will join B-3 organist Gold, who performed in D.C. recently with saxophone legend Oliver Lake, for the 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. sets. Tickets are $15.

>> As son of legendary bassist John Clayton, pianist Gerald Clayton has music flowing through his veins. The 22-year old, a finalist in this year’s Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition, comes to The Kennedy Center on Saturday night for sets at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Unfortunately the $15 tickets appear to be sold out, but keep your eyes open for last minute availability.

>> HR-57 welcomes two local saxophonists this weekend as Antonio Parker brings his band on Friday night and Luis Faife performs on Saturday. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $12