Pianist Allyn Johnson will direct the UDC big band at Monday’s Calvin Jones Big Band Festival, held at UDC

>> One of the country’s most respected jazz composers, Alan Blaylock, who holds the position of Chief Arranger with the Air Force’s big band, The Airmen of Note, will perform tonight at Blues Alley with his own jazz orchestra. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $18 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Baltimore saxophonist Kevin Robinson leads his talented eight-piece band tonight at Twins Jazz. The ensemble combines unusual instrumentation with spoken word, and sometimes visual artists, to create a moody and textured sound. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.

>> Marty Nau, longtime altoist for the Navy big band, performs at the Millennium Stage on Thursday. The performance will recreate the arrangements on Charlie Parker‘s landmark 1949 recording, Charlie Parker with Strings.

>> Few trumpeters possess the mind blowing technique of local mainstay Vaughn Nark. Now retired from the Air Force big band, Nark plays regularly throughout the area and across the country. He will lead his own group through 8 and 10 p.m. sets on Thursday. Tickets are $18 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Talented young trumpeter Jon Crowley is starting to make waves in New York’s crowded jazz scene. He will bring his group down to D.C. for a Thursday night performance at Twins Jazz. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.

>> Unbuckled alum Matt Grason leads his new project, House of Soul on Thursday at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge. The band plays deep house using live instrumentation, and features some of the city’s best, including keyboardist Jon Ozment, and Three Stars alums Matt Rippetoe and Charles Ostle. The band will swap sets with Unbuckled 7 alum and global electronica DJ, v:shal kanwar. 10 p.m. No cover.