‘Tis a happy day here at DCist HQ, jazz lovers! This Week in Jazz made its debut on D.C.’s best web site one year ago this week. We hope you’ve enjoyed the weekly listing and that it has inspired you to check out some of the fine improvisational music we have in our nation’s capital. So without further ado, let’s get to this week’s agenda.

>> Tonight is the 5th Annual Congressional Blues Festival, held on the Kennedy Center‘s South Plaza. Make sure to check out our interview with festival headliner, Robert Cray. 6 p.m.

>> Let’s also not forget that we’re smack in the middle of the annual Big Band Jam. Blues Alley is hosting a number of bands this week including tonight’s tribute to Ella Fitzgerald with vocalist Sharon Clark. Other highlights include daily masterclasses and performances of high school bands from around the country at the Sylvan Theater, located on the grounds of the Washington Monument, as well as a series of shows on the Millennium Stage.

>> There’s only one place to be on Thursday night and that’s at DC9 for Unbuckled 7, featuring Muhsinah (***), Motel (pictured), and DJ v:shal kanwar. Also be sure to check out yesterday’s profile of Motel’s Matt Grason. Doors are at 9 p.m. $8