Monday Michuru, photo by Juan Chami

>> Today marks the start of the Smithsonian’s Jazz Appreciation Month. There are dozens of great events associated with the program, far too many to list in this space, but you can find a full calendar of events here. This week’s highlight is the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Ensemble re-visiting Miles Davis’s modal period, and in particular, his masterpiece, Kind of Blue. The performance will take place this Saturday at the National Museum of Natural History’s Baird Auditorium. 7:30 p.m. $25

>> In conjunction with Jazz Appreciation Month, the Library of Congress will be hosting a jazz film series curated by local veteran pianist Larry Appelbaum. The full schedule and descriptions of all the films are available here.

>> Jazz saxophonist/composer John Kocur is this month’s Artist-in-Residence at The Music Center at Strathmore. Tonight, he will be performing at the Strathmore mansion to launch his residency. 7:30 p.m. $10

>> Three Stars alums The Oscillators, led by drummer/composer Charles Ostle, performs on Thursday night at Twins Jazz. The band includes Three Stars alums John Lee and Matt Rippetoe. 8 p.m. Call 202-432-0072 for cover information.

>> Also on Thursday, Geri Allen, outstanding pianist and Howard University alum, will be performing at the Mansion at Strathmore. Allen has performed and recorded with all of the jazz greats, and is also an accomplished bandleader in her own right. 7:30 p.m. $25

>> Saxophonist Marshall Keys leads a great ensemble this Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest. The band will be playing a tribute to New Orleans, and will feature tap dancer Johne Forges. 6 to 9 p.m. $5

>> First off, vocalist Monday Michiru just has an awesome name. Daughter of legendary jazz pianist Toshiko Akiyoshi, she is one of few performers who blends jazz and R&B without succumbing to the blandness one normally associates with smooth jazz. She will be performing this Friday and Saturday at Bohemian Caverns, in support of her new release, Nexus. The band will include some of New York’s finest players, including guitarist Dave Gilmore and bassist Fima Ephron. Tickets to the 8 and 11 p.m. sets are $22.50.