Jazz in the Garden, photo by philliefan99

>> Blues Alley will feature some outstanding local talent the rest of this week and through the weekend. Tonight, the club will features first rate pianist Larry Brown and his quintet, which features, among others, GWU jazz director Peter Fraize on saxophone. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $20 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Kerensa Gray, winner of the 20th Annual Billie Holiday Vocal Competition will lead a group tonight at Twins Jazz. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $12 + drink minimum.

>> Celebrated jazz vocal ensemble, The Manhattan Transfer, will bring their 3 decades of experience to the stage on Thursday and Friday at the Music Center at Strathmore. Tickets to the 8 p.m. show are $25-$65.

>> Catch one of D.C.’s up-and-coming homegrown talents on Thursday at Bohemian Caverns. Guitarist Rodney Richardson grew up in the District, went through the music programs at Ellington and Howard, and is now regular performer throughout the area. He’ll lead a trio through 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets are $10.

>> Fans of a more progressive jazz sound should head down to Twins Jazz on Thursday to hear bassist Keith DeStefano and his octet, Puzzlebox. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $10 + drink minimum.

>> Pianist Dick Morgan is not only one of the best pianists in the area, but is also one of the most entertaining jazz performers you’ll ever see. Catch his 8 or 10 p.m. set on Thursday at Blues Alley. Tickets are $22 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Fans of Afrobeat should head over to the Rock and Roll Hotel on Thursday to check out Elikeh, the local ensemble that will celebrate the release of its latest album, Adje! Adje!. 8:30 p.m. $10

>> One of the area’s best free concert series, the National Gallery of Art’s Jazz in the Garden, kicks off this Friday with vocalist Leslie Summey. 5 to 8:30 p.m. Free