George Cables>> Since 1997, the Kennedy Center‘s Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead Program has brought emerging young talent to the center for an annual series of workshops with established jazz artists. The two week residency culminates with a series of performances by attendees on the Millennium Stage, which will take place tonight through Friday. 6 p.m. Free
>> Saxophonist John Kocur, a 2010 resident artist at Jazz Ahead, was also a 2008 Artist-in-Residence at Strathmore. He released his debut album, The Smoker, in 2009. Kocur will perform tonight at Twins Jazz , leading a group of talented young artists. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.
>> Vocalist Nicole Henry is a chanteuse in the classic jazz tradition, and has had three albums reach the Top 10 of Billboard’s jazz charts. She will be at Blues Alley tonight for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets are $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> In the 1970s, pianist George Cables earned a reputation as everyone’s favorite sideman, playing with the likes of Sonny Rollins, Joe Henderson, Dexter Gordon, and Art Pepper. He and drummer extraordinaire Winard Harper will co-lead a group they call Griot on Thursday at Bohemian Caverns. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $18.
>> Guitarist Stanley Jordan‘s definitely left an impression on us the last time we heard him. He has invented a wholly personal way of playing his instrument, and is sure to blow minds with his four night stand of solo performances, beginning on Thursday, this week at Blues Alley. Tickets to the nightly 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> On Friday, Jazz Night in Southwest presents The Universal Messengers of Music, a group of local musicians dedicated to celebrating the African-American roots of jazz. 6 to 9 p.m. $5
>> After performing with George Cables, drummer Winard Harper will stick around D.C. this weekend, leading his own group on Friday and Saturday at Bohemian Caverns. Tickets to the 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets are $25.
>> HR-57 hosts regular A.J. Parham on Friday and Saturday. 9 p.m to 1 a.m. $12
>> Now in his 80s, pianist Freddie Redd is best known for his work in the late 1950s, when he scored the play and film, The Connection. Even though he was performing regularly through the height of the hard bop movement and beyond, he was never afforded the same recognition as many other players of that era. Recently, he and Three Stars alum Brad Linde began a collaboration, the results of which will be on display Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. Tickets are $15 + $12 minimum/surcharge.
