>> The Kennedy Center‘s Celebrate Mexico begins on Saturday (our preview is forthcoming), but this week, the Millennium Stage will be hosting a number of Latin American artists from a variety of South and Central American styles. The free daily shows begin at 6 p.m.
>> Tonight, ace saxophonist Azar Lawrence leads an impressive group at Blues Alley featuring drummer Billy Hart and trumpeter Nicholas Payton. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $35 + 12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>>Samir Moulay Elmehdaoui is a young jazz guitarist who has returned to the area after spending 8 years in L.A. He will be playing at Twins Jazz on Thursday along with a band featuring pianist Allyn Johnson, saxophonist Elijah Balbed and others. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10.
>> Trumpeter Roy Hargrove regularly appears on the roster of the D.C. Jazz Festival. He’ll be returning to the area, leading a band on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday at Blues Alley. On Friday, Roberta Gambarini will headline at the club. The Italian singer often collaborates with Hargrove, so it’s quite possible that he will appear at the club as well, although it has not been officially announced. Tickets are $30-$35 + 12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Local regular Antonio Parker will lead a tribute to Charlie Parker on Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> Pianist extraordinaire McCoy Tyner made his name playing with John Coltrane’s seminal quartet. The NEA Jazz Master will be performing a 7:30 p.m. show at the Birchmere on Friday. $39.50.
>> Bohemian Caverns hosts two exciting, young and local musicians in saxophonist Tim Green (Friday) and world-jazz violinist Matvei Sigalov (Saturday) for 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets. Tickets are $15.
>> Saxophonist David Schnitter is well respected among those in the know, but is not a commonly recognized player because of his decision to concentrate on his teaching practice at New York’s New School. He will make a rare D.C. appearance on Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. Tickets to the 9 and 11 p.m. sets are $15 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
