>> Tonight, Chicago’s freewheeling fusion quartet Hudson pays a visit to Busboys & Poets. 9 p.m. $10

>> The big event of the week is the 13th Annual Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival at the Kennedy Center, which begins on Thursday and runs through Saturday. In addition to a series of free shows on the Millennium Stage, the event features a lineup of world class artists at its ticketed events. Highlights include performances by drummers Terri Lyne Carrington, Cindy Blackman (pictured), and D.C. native Allison Miller, along with 15-year-old wunderkind saxophonist Grace Kelly and keyboardist Keiko Matsui. Tickets are $35.

>> Thursday also marks the start of a four night stand at Blues Alley by veteran jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut, who we saw recently at the Kennedy Center. Tickets to the daily 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Local quintet Minor Thoughts brings its repertoire of straight ahead standards, post bop and Latin influenced jazz to Twins Jazz on Thursday. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.

>> Baltimore based guitarist Mark Mosley, a retired member of the Army’s service band, leads his own group this Friday at Bohemian Caverns. Tickets to the 9 and 11 p.m. sets are $15.

>> Inspired by the likes of Al Jarreau, local vocalist AJay Parham has developed a sound that is an infectious blend of jazz, R&B, and pop. He will be performing on Friday at HR-57 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $12