Eastern Blok

>> Vocalist Kathleen Grace is touted as the perfect blend of jazz vocalist and singer/songwriter. Her formidable talents will be on display tonight at Blues Alley. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $18 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Drummer Brian Choper leads the Choper Jazz Project tonight at Twins Jazz. Call 202-234-0072 for set times and cover information.

>> Tomorrow night, Serbian guitar virtuoso Goran Ivanovic leads Eastern Blok (pictured) at Twins Jazz. The group blends traditional Balkan melodies with the improvisational elements of jazz. Thursday night’s performance will also feature the vocal talents of singer Grazyna Auguscik. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.

>> The Yellowjackets have become somewhat of a jazz institution. Since the 1970s, the group has put out albums that run the gamut from in-your-face fusion to the smoothest of smooth jazz. On Thursday, they’ll begin a 4-night stand at Blues Alley with daily 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Saxophone wiz Eric Marienthal will be featured as a special guest throughout. Tickets are $32.50 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge. Advance purchase required.

>> Young tenor saxophonist Brian Settles has been making a name for himself in the local jazz scene, performing regularly at Jojo’s and subbing for bandleader Thad Wilson on Mondays at Bohemian Caverns. This Friday and Saturday, he will lead his own group through 9 and 11 p.m. sets at the historic venue. Tickets are $15.

>> This Friday and Saturday, bassist Essiet Okon Essiet and multi-instrumentalist Ronnie Burrage team up to co-lead Third Kind of Blue at Twins Jazz. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.