Ahmad Jamal>> Young up-and-coming saxophonist Elijah Balbed leads his group tonight at Twins Jazz. Call 202-432-0072 for set time and cover information. Apparently the Twins website has the wrong information. Trumpeter Joe Herrera informs us that he will be performing at Twins with bassist Corcoran Holt, drummer Andrew Hare, and bandleader/guitarist Rodney Richardson. Call 202-432-0072 for set time and cover information.
>> In what has become an annual event, legendary pianist Ahmad Jamal returns to close out another year at Blues Alley. He will be playing 8 and 10 p.m. sets tonight, along with a special New Year’s Eve performance along with the Keter Betts Memorial Band. Tickets are $40 to $160.
>> Twins Jazz rings brings the aughts to a close with pianist Larry Willis, who begins a 3 night stand at the club on New Year’s Eve. Tickets for the celebration package are $75, while Friday’s and Saturday’s sets have a $15 cover + $12 minimum/surcharge.
>> Guitarist John Pizzarelli will be at the Kennedy Center on New Year’s Eve, paying tribute to the Chairman of the Board with selections from his latest album, Dear Mr. Sinatra. Tickets to both sets are sold-out, but if you manage to snag one, you’ll be able to attend the New Year’s celebration that will take place in the Grand Foyer from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.
>> Three Stars alum Will Rast will lead his Funk Ark on New Year’s Eve at Bohemian Caverns. The band’s set will start just before midnight. Call 202-299-0800 for cover information.
>> Baltimore jam-band Basshound will give the District a taste of its infectious blend of jazz and electronic sounds with a New Year’s Eve show at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge. Call 202-667-0088 for set time and cover information.
