Sonny Rollins, photo by John Abbott>> If you can make it out to only one show this week, then go hear the great Sonny Rollins tonight at the Kennedy Center. The Saxophone Colossus likes our town, so it’s sure to be a memorable show. 8 p.m. Tickets are $35 to $78.
>> Just before the Sonny Rollins show, Three Stars alums The Jazz Update will join young musicians from the D.C. public school system on the Millennium Stage to perform as The Capitol Jazz Project. 6 p.m. Free.
>> Not long ago, we profiled the jazz program at the University of Maryland, under the direction of saxophonist Chris Vadala. Tonight, Vadala will perform with his own group at the Mansion at Strathmore. 7:30 p.m. $17.
>> The Fourth Wall, a collective dedicated to developing the avant-garde scene in D.C., presents a triple bill tonight at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge. The show features vibist Khan Jamal, bassist Vattel Cherry, and Chromatic Mysteries. 8 p.m. Call 202-667-0088 for set time and cover information.
>> Violinist Miles Stiebel has not only performed with national acts such as Chicago, Tony Bennett and Ray Charles, but is also a respected promoter. He’ll lead a group tonight at Blues Alley for an evening of holiday music. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $22 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> The Blair Mansion in Silver Spring is quickly establishing itself as a jazz venue of note. In addition to regular jam sessions and workshops, the club/restaurant features a wide variety of music. Tonight, it will host vocalist Sidney Lawrence ($10 cover), and tomorrow, harmonica wiz Frederic Yonnet will pay a visit ($20 cover). Both shows are at 8 p.m.
>> The Killer Stilts are a trio of self-described divas that blend jazz, blues, and funk with humorous spoken word to create an irreverent dialogue covering topics ranging from beauty, money, sex, religion, and politics. They’ll be at Twins Jazz on Thursday. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $15 + $12 minimum/surcharge.
>> White Flag‘s show at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge on Thursday doesn’t really fall within jazz, but any group that involves a dialogue between three Palestinian musicians from Gaza and three Israeli musicians from Tel Aviv might be worth checking out. 8 p.m. Call 202-667-0088 for cover information.
>> District native Chad Carter has spent the past ten years establishing himself as a vocalist here, and now has started performing all along the East Coast. He’ll be at Bohemian Caverns on Thursday with a group local veterans. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $20.
