The late Ronnie Wells, founder of the East Coast Jazz Festival>> Saxophonist Mike Phillips, a rising star in the smooth jazz realm, plays 8 and 10 p.m. sets tonight at Blues Alley. Tickets are $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Baltimore based pianist Matt Wigler is making waves with his blues/boogie style, having collaborated with the likes of Buckwheat Zydeco, and opening for legends such as Buddy Guy. The young up-and-comer will be playing tonight at Twins Jazz. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.
>> Gerald Veasley has long been admired for his bass playing, and has also carved out a solid career that straddles the fence between jazz and R&B. Catch him playing 8 and 10 p.m. sets on Thursday at Blues Alley. Tickets are $20 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> D.C. native Andrea Wood is finishing up her studies as a jazz vocal major at Michigan State, but that doesn’t keep her from playing in town from time to time. She has already won a number of competitions, and has workshopped with a number of jazz greats. Catch her on Thursday at Twins Jazz. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.
>> The Music Center at Strathmore celebrates its 5th Anniversary this Friday with a group of Monterey Jazz Festival all-stars. The lineup includes vocalist Kurt Elling, violinist Regina Carter, and others. 8 p.m. $28-$62
>> Pianist Janelle Gill created a buzz in the local scene while still in her teens, and over the past decade has become a familiar face around town. She will lead a strong quintet featuring vocalist Akua Allrich on Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. $5
>> We guess it’s just smooth jazz week at Blues Alley, which continues on Friday as saxophonist Kim Waters begins a three night stand of 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets are $35 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> From the ashes of the sorely missed East Coast Jazz Festival rises the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival, taking place Friday through Sunday at the Hilton Executive Meeting Center in Rockville, MD. The packed schedule includes master classes from jazz greats, a slew of performances, and in what is sure to be a memorable set, a tribute to the District’s jazz matriarch, the late, great Ronnie Wells, founder of the ECJF. We still miss you Ronnie. Click here for ticket information.
