Poet Amiri Baraka will perform at Twins Jazz on Friday>> As we mentioned yesterday, the Sonic Circuits Festival of Experimental Music is in session. Tonight, the Millennium Stage will host several of the festival’s performers for a preview. 6 p.m. Free
>> Saxophonist John Kocur will be playing tonight at Utopia with a talented group of young local musicians, including bassist Andrew Cox, guitarist Josh Walker, and drummer Dave McDonald. 9 p.m. No cover
>> On Thursday, The Meyer Auditorium at the Freer Gallery will host Indian classical violinist L. Subramaniam, one of the most celebrated musicians in Carnatic music. Advance tickets to the 7:30 p.m. show are sold out, but an allotment of free tickets will be distributed at the door on a first come-first served basis, beginning at 6:30.
>> Employing the somewhat unusual combination of baritone sax, bass, and drums, New York’s Reed’s Bass Drum is a group that tries to break new ground while maintaining a healthy respect for tradition. They will be performing on Thursday at Twins Jazz. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.
>> Celebrated guitar/vocal duo Tuck & Patti set up shop at Blues Alley on Thursday night for a four night stand of 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets are $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Davey Yarborough, director of the jazz program at the Ellington School for the Performing arts, will lead a group with his wife, vocalist Esther Williams, this Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest. They will be playing with a fine rhythm section of local regulars that includes pianist Wade Beach, bassist Wes Biles, and drummer Francis Thompson. 6 to 9 p.m. $5
>> An icon of African American culture, poet/playwright/activist Amiri Baraka comes to Twins Jazz on Friday night for a reading with jazz accompaniment. Leading the backing band will be woodwind artist Renè Profit-McLean. Tickets to the 9 and 11 p.m. sets are $20.
>> The Kennedy Center‘s fall jazz season kicks off in earnest this Friday, as vocalist Melissa Walker plays the KC Jazz Club with a band that includes monster bassist Christian McBride and veteran drummer Clarence Penn. Tickets to the 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. sets are $25.
