Tim Green

>> Three Stars alum John Lee continues his series of Wednesday nights, leading his fusion quartet at Utopia. 9 p.m. No cover.

>> Jamaican jazz legend Monty Alexander begins a four night stand at Blues Alley on Thursday. Tickets to the nightly 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Saxophonist Bruce Swaim has been a regular on the local scene for nearly 30 years. Catch him on Thursday at Twins Jazz. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.

>> Baltimore based saxophonist Tim Green plays regularly with area musicians Todd Marcus and Allyn Johnson, but also performs with nationally recognized musicians like bassist Christian McBride. Green 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.

>> Twins Jazz hosts earthy and soulful jazz vocalist Tamm E. Hunt this Friday and Saturday for 9 and 11 p.m. sets. Tickets are $15.

>> On Saturday, The Overtone Quartet, featuring bassist Dave Holland, saxophonist Chris Potter, pianist Jason Moran, and drummer Eric Harland, will perform 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. sets at the Kennedy Center‘s Terrace Theater. Tickets are $35 (preview forthcoming).

>> The Kennedy Center‘s special weekend continues on Sunday, when the Center hosts the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition, where tomorrow’s jazz stars perform before an all-star panel of judges. This year’s competition focuses on the bass, so the adjudicators include Dave Holland, Ron Carter, John Patitucci, and other luminaries of the low end. The competition culminates with a gala concert celebrating the 70th anniversary of Blue Note Records. Performers will include stars of the iconic label, past and present. Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. show are $35 to $75.