Nnenna Freelon>> Of course, the big event going on this week is the D.C. Jazz Festival. We previewed and made our picks for DCJF yesterday, so check out that post for a more thorough roundup. Today, we’ll just mention a few other goings-on in the local jazz world.
>> In yesterday’s DCJF preview, we mentioned the Berklee World Jazz Nonet, a group comprised of nine top music students from nine different countries. The band’s repetoire reflects the rich cultural diversity of it’s members. In addition to performing tonight on the Millennium Stage, they’ll perform on Thursday at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge (9 and 11 p.m. sets) and Friday at Jazz in the Garden (5 to 8:30 p.m). All the shows are free.
>> The amazing Nnenna Freelon, whose silky vocal delivery has impressed us in previous performances, will be performing tonight at the Birchmere. 7:30 p.m. $29.50 + fees
>> Cuban saxophonist Luis Faife, a regular performer in D.C., leads a tribute to DCJF artistic director Paquito D’Rivera tonight at Twins Jazz. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10
>> Saxophonist George Botts used to play with the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday when they would roll through town. Still an active player, he’ll be leading a group of fine local talent on Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. $5
>> Israeli guitarist Assaf Kehati is making waves with his spacious sound, influenced by the classic recordings of the ECM, the great European jazz label. He’ll be playing 9 and 11 p.m. sets this Friday and Saturday with a band featuring the legendary Billy Hart on drums. Tickets are $20 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Local drummer Vinson Valega is a veteran who has played with a number of greats, including Grover Washington, Jr. and Clarke Terry. He’ll lead his own group on Sunday at Twins Jazz. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10
>> Guitarist and blues man Tom Newman leads his trio at Blue Monday Blues. 6 to 9 p.m. $5
>> Jeff Beck has been one of the most influential guitarists for over 40 years, since he replaced Eric Clapton in The Yardbirds. While never attaining the mainstream popularity of Slowhand, he’s carved a sound that lies at the intersection of rock, blues, jazz, and world music. Catch him at Wolf Trap on Monday. Tickets to the 8 p.m. show are $25-$42 + fees.
>> On Tuesday, the Italian Cultural Institute presents pianist Marco di Marco, a long time star of the European jazz world. He’ll perform 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. Tickets are $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
