John Lee, photo by Erika Horn

>> The Kennedy Center‘s Conservatory Project, now underway, brings together ensembles from the country’s best music schools for a series of performances on the Millennium Stage. Tonight’s show will feature The Berklee College of Music‘s World Strings. Featuring students from all over the world, the ensemble draws from Celtic, bluegrass, jazz, rock, and classical styles. 6 p.m. Free

>> Vocalist Heidi Martin, a regular on the local scene, plays and intimate set tonight at the Mansion at Strathmore, leading her quintet through a program of selections from their latest release, You Hit the Spot. Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. show are $15.

>> Check out the jazz infused neo-soul sounds of the Secret B-Sides tonight at Twins Jazz. 8 and 10 p.m. sets, $10.

>> A pioneer of the fusion movement in the 1970s, Larry Coryell has spent the past 35 years touring the world and playing on over 70 albums. He sets up shop on Thursday at Blues Alley, leading his trio through a four night stint of 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets are $25 +$12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Unbuckled alum Matt Grason leads his live House band, House of Soul, on Thursday at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge. The group also includes Three Stars alums John Lee and Charles Ostle, keyboardist Jon Ozment, and vocalist Rochelle Rice. 10 p.m. $3

>> Along with being a leading voice in jazz academia, directing the program at Temple University, trumpeter Terell Stafford is also one of the country’s best on his instrument. He has performed with the likes of McCoy Tyner, Benny Golson, Kenny Barron, and a host of others. Stafford will lead his own group this Friday and Saturday at Bohemian Caverns. Tickets to the 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets are $22.

>> Joe and Lou Natale formed Project Natale in 1998, just after having moved to the area. Teaming up with monster pianist Bob Butta, the group has performed regularly ever since. They’ll be celebrating the release of their latest album, Links, this Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. Tickets to the 9 and 11 p.m. sets are $15 + $12 minimum/surcharge.