Allyn Johnson>> This week is Nordic Jazz Week in Washington, D.C., an event which features a number of free and ticketed concerts around town. Visit the website for a complete line up. Tonight, the Hamiltonian Gallery on U Street will feature Little Red Suitcase, an alternative jazz duo from Copenhagen. 6 p.m. Free
>> Chaise Lounge is a local sextet specializing in a brand of lounge jazz that was quite popular in the 1960s among the college set. The band plays 8 and 10 p.m. sets tonight at Blues Alley. Tickets are $20 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> National Geographic’s final Rhythm Road concert of the spring takes place on Thursday and features a double bill of the Charlie Porter Quartet and The Student Loan. 6 p.m. Free
>> Poet/musician Gil Scott-Heron, best known for the seminal “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised,” begins a four night stand at Blues Alley on Thursday. Tickets to the nightly 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $35 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Baltimore based saxophonist Arnold Sterling leads a local rhythm section on Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. $5
>> HR-57 hosts regular performers, the Saltman-Knowles Quartet on Friday and Saturday. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $12
>> Local mainstay and DCist fave Allyn Johnson will bring his piano wizardry to Bohemian Caverns on Friday and Saturday, along with his gospel jazz outfit, Divine Order. The band features a rotating lineup that may even feature a string section or gospel vocalists. Tickets to the 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets are $18.
>> The Afro Bop Alliance is a burnin’ Latin jazz outfit made up of some of the best players in the area. Winners of a 2008 Latin Grammy for Best Latin Jazz Recording, the Annapolis based septet will be performing this Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. Tickets to the 9 and 11 p.m. sets are $20 +$12 minimum/surcharge.
