Charles McPherson>> Local guitarist Rodney Richardson is a product of the jazz programs at Ellington and Howard University. Catch his classic sound tonight at Twins Jazz, where he’ll lead a trio featuring Three Stars alum Will Rast on organ. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.
>> Blues vocalist Ruby Hayes is one of the area’s most well known and well traveled practitioners of the genre, specializing in the classic sounds of Chicago and New Orleans. Catch her tonight at Blues Alley, where she will be playing 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets are $18 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> An eclectic mix of jazz and world music, Hiroshima will bring its international sound to The Birchmere on Thursday for a 7:30 p.m. show. $39.50 + Ticketmaster fees.
>> At just 22 years old, drummer and Virginia native Billy Williams is already making waves on the jazz scene, playing with veterans such as Cyrus Chestnut. He’ll lead a trio on Thursday at Twins Jazz that will feature D.C.’s own piano monster, Allyn Johnson. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.
>> Unbuckled 7 alum Matt Grason leads House of Soul on Thursday night at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge. The group specializes in jazz house using live instrumentation, and features Three Stars alum Charles Ostle, vocalist Niki Lagos, and often Three Stars alum Matt Rippetoe. 10 p.m. $3
>> Legendary blues harmonica player James “Superharp” Cotton sets up shop at Blues Alley on Thursday and Friday with 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets are $30 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Three Stars alums and DCist faves The Young Lions perform on Friday at Jazz in the Garden. 5 to 8:30 p.m. Free
>> It’s a night of jazz flute this Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest, where flautists Bill Haymon and and Arch Thompson will lead a group of excellent local players. 6 to 9 p.m. $5
>> Saxophonist Charles McPherson is well respected by veterans and students alike, and was the featured altoist in Clint Eastwood’s Charlie Parker bio-pic, Bird. He has still never gained mainstream (for jazz) recognition, despite having played with the great Charles Mingus from 1960 to 1972, as well as other masters from the be-bop and post-bop eras. Catch this under-appreciated master on Friday and Saturday at Bohemian Caverns. Tickets to the 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets are $18.
