>> Smooth jazz superstars Pieces of a Dream begin a 5 night stand at Blues Alley tonight. Tickets to the nightly 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $27.50 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge, advance purchase required.

>> Usually a trumpet soloist with the fantastic Army Blues jazz ensemble, Graham Breedlove will be leading his own group tonight at Twins Jazz. His quintet will feature New Orleans-based drummer Wayne Maureau. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.

>> With Jen Krupa on trombone and Leigh Pilzer on baritone and soprano saxophones, the group they co-lead plays a combination of classic standards along side fresh originals. The band, which plays Twins Jazz tomorrow night, features Robert Redd on piano, Chuck Redd on drums, and bassist Pete Revell. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.

>> On Thursday, head over to the Lang Recital Hall at the Levine School of Music to catch A Cabaret Evening:Miles Davis and His Sidemen with the Levine Jazz Quintet: Chris Battistone (trumpet); Noah Getz (saxophone); Bob Sykes (piano); Pepe Gonzalez (bass); and Ian Sikora (percussion). 7:30 p.m.

>> On Friday, head over to the Meridian International Center to catch The Future of Jazz as a Tool for Cultural Diplomacy, a panel discussion and concert featuring the great Dave Brubeck (pictured). The discussion accompanies, Jam Session, a photography exhibition at Merdian that DCist reviewed last week. The discussion is part of the Smithsonian Jazz Appreciation Month.

>> Sibling rhythm section mates Joe and Lou Natale lead Project Natale this Friday and Saturday night at Twins Jazz. Their quartet also features the talents of tenor saxophonist Carl Cornwell and monster pianist Bob Butta. Tickets to the 9 and 11 p.m. sets are $15.