Rokia Traore>> Local vocalist Denine Wilson pays tribute to the great Billie Holiday this evening at Twins Jazz. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover infromation.
>> Tonight, the Embassy of Paraguay presents guitarist Dani Cortaza for 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. Now based locally, Cortaza is known for his virtuosic technique and knowledge of numerous Latin American genres. Tickets are $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> The Markov Jazz Process is a sax/piano/drums trio that blends Latin influences with an experimental and free form mentality. The group will be playing Twins Jazz on Thursday. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $10 + $12 minimum/surcharge.
>> Guitar legend Bucky Pizzarelli has been a fixture on the jazz scene for the past six decades, and has toured with the likes of Benny Goodman, Stephane Grappelli, and Zoot Sims. He’ll begin a three night stand of 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley beginning on Thursday. Tickets are $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Jazz Night in Southwest presents the Howard University Jazz Ensemble on Friday night. Under the direction of Fred Irby, the band is consistently one of the top collegiate ensembles in the region. 6 to 9 p.m. $5
>> Celebrated pianist George Winston has a style that merges his love of traditional stride piano with the rural American folk tradition. He will give a solo concert on Friday at the Music Center at Strathmore. Tickets to the 8 p.m. show are $22-$47.
>> Blending the songs of contemporary rock and pop with a huge dose of verve and energy, pianist Eric Lewis is making waves in the jazz world. He’ll return to HR-57 this Friday and Saturday. Make sure to get there early, as he always packs the place out. Saturday’s set will feature an opener, the Saltman-Knowles Quintet. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $20
>> CC Booker III, a soul jazz outfit whose chief influences are King Curtis, Ray Charles, and Booker T & The MGs, will be at Twins Jazz this Friday and Saturday celebrating the release of its latest album. Stay tuned for a full preview. 9 and 11 p.m. sets. Tickets are $17 + $12 minimum/surcharge.
>> Fans of world music should consider checking out either or both of two fine shows taking place at GWU’s Lisner Auditorium this weekend. Caetano Veloso, who performs on Saturday, was a pioneer of Brazil’s Tropicalia movement in the 1970s, but has since incorporated rock, reggae, and other genres into a truly international sound (8 p.m., $35-$75 + fees). Malian singer Rokia Traore will perform on Sunday. Considered one of the best voices to come out of West Africa in recent years, her shows have gained worldwide praise for their joyous energy. (7 p.m., $25-$35 + fees).
