Howard University’s Afro Blue ensemble>> Local group Chaise Lounge specializes in a brand of incredibly catchy jazz-pop that was very popular in the early 60s. The band will be performing tonight at Blues Alley. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $18 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Saxophonist and Three Stars alum Matt Rippetoe will be playing a mix of his own material and music by the great Keith Jarrett tonight at Utopia. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. No cover
>> The Transatlantic Collective is an ambitious group whose members hail from New York and Europe. The group blends the lyricism of European classical forms with the improvisational flair of contemporary jazz. They will perform tonight at Twins Jazz. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.
>> Yesterday, we previewed this year’s Duke Ellington Jazz Festival. The event begins on Thursday with a prelude concert featuring pianist Allyn Johnson. The performance, taking place at The Phillips Collection, will also include bassist Herman Burney and flautist Jamal Brown. 5 p.m. Free
>> Thursday also marks the end of National Geographic’s excellent Rhythm Road concert series. The free show will feature local Latin ensemble Duende at 6 p.m., and the blues sounds of the Eli Yamin Band at 7:15 p.m. Both are fresh off the road from international tours sponsored by the U.S. State Department and Jazz at Lincoln Center.
>> Jazz in the Garden will showcase the delightful harmonies of Afro Blue on Friday. Howard University’s a cappella jazz choir has earned national recognition and is a real treat in performance. 5 to 8:30 p.m. Free
>> Duke Fest has teamed up with Busboys & Poets to present music/spoken word performances by artists from New Orleans. On Friday, Kalamu ya Salaam, founder and director of the Neo-Griot Workshop, a New Orleans-based workshop for African American writers will perform. Call 202-387-7638 for cover information. 9 p.m.
>> Saxophonist Marshall Keys has long been a fixture on local stages, and has played with groups as diverse as funk icons, The Blackbyrds, and organist Jimmy McGriff. He will be leading his own group this Friday and Saturday at Bohemian Caverns. Tickets to the 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets are $15.
>> Readers with little ones should make it a point to head out to The Phillips Collection on Saturday or Sunday for Duke Fest’s Jazz n’ Families Fun Day. In addition to live performances, activities will include storytelling, a young artist exhibition, and hands-on arts and crafts. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free
