Braxton Cook

>> Many a jazz musician has looked to the Indian subcontinent for inspiration. Tonight, the Millennium Stage hosts Sreevidhya Chandramouli, a Carnatic musician and faculty member at the University of Oregon who plays the veena. 6 p.m. Free

>> So who knew the conch shell could be used as a bona fide jazz instrument? Steve Turre, whose primary horn is the trombone, augments his shows with his impressive shell playing. Hear his unique sound tonight at Blues Alley. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Jeff Aug uses a variety of techniques to create mindblowing sounds from his acoustic guitar. The technical wiz will perform on Thursday at the Millennium Stage. 6 p.m. Free

>> Henry Butler is a star of the New Orleans music scene. Beginning his career as a straight ahead jazz pianist, he has since shifted to focus almost exclusively on the blues. Butler will perform 8 and 10 p.m. sets on Thursday at Blues Alley. $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Trumpeter Jon Crowley is starting to make a name for himself in New York’s crowded jazz scene, where he leads his own group and has performed with heavyweights like John Scofield. Crowley’s quartet will perform on Thursday at Twins Jazz. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.

>> Three Stars alum Will Rast leads his jazz funk band, Funk Ark on Friday at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge. Also on the bill is Brooklyn’s electro-rock outfit, ZXL. 10:30 p.m. $5

>> Baltimore’s Todd Marcus leads an excellent jazz orchestra that we profiled some time ago. In addition to that larger ensemble, he performs in smaller groups. On Friday and Saturday, he will perform at Twins Jazz with a quartet that features pianist Larry Willis, a former member of Blood, Sweat & Tears.