>> An annual highlight of the Kennedy Center‘s educational outreach is the Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead program. The program identifies outstanding emerging artists and brings them together under the tutelage of experienced artist-instructors who coach and counsel them. Carter, the late, legendary vocalist, began the program in New York in 1993, but it was brought under the auspices of the Kennedy Center in 1998. Tonight, tomorrow, and Friday, the Millennium Stage will showcase the 2008 participants of Jazz Ahead. The performances are at 6 p.m. Free

>> The show is predictably sold out, but if you have tickets to see blues icon Buddy Guy tonight or tomorrow at the Birchmere, then lucky you. 7:30 p.m. $49.50 + Ticketmaster fees.

>> The FREE Rhythm Road concert series at National Geographic Live! continues this Thursday. The 6:15 p.m. set will showcase the jazz-funk of vocalist Maya Azucena, and world jazzers Alvin Atkinson and the Sound Merchants play at 7:15 p.m. The shows take place in the Grosvenor Auditorium at 1600 M Street, NW.

>> Beginning Thursday, guitarist Larry Coryell, a pioneer of the jazz-rock fusion movement of the 1970s, will celebrate his 65th birthday with a four night stand at Blues Alley. The daily 8 and 10 p.m. sets will also feature an ace rhythm section comprised of bassist Mark Egan and drummer Paul Wertico. Tickets are $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.