Lionel Loueke.

>> Journeyman drummer Gerald Cleaver leads an excellent group of musicians tonight at Twins Jazz. Cleaver has worked with the likes of Hank Jones, Matthew Shipp and Henry Threadgill. His band includes vocalist Jean Carla Rodea and trumpeter Dave Ballou, who is part of the faculty at Towson University. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.

>> The Jazz Studies program at Howard University presents An Evening of Vocal Jazz tonight in the gallery of the university’s Armour J. Blackburn Center. The program will include all of the program’s vocal ensembles, which includes its award winning group, Afro Blue. 7:30 p.m. Call (202) 806-7097 for more information.

>> Local keyboardist Tommy Lepson has shared the stage with an impressive list of acts as a sideman, and is a top-notch blues singer/player in his own right. He’ll be playing a holiday-themed show tonight at Blues Alley. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $20 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Charles “The X Man” Xavier is a well-known vibist and drummer in the Bay Area, having led a wide array of groups. He’ll be at Twins Jazz on Thursday as part of an East Coast tour. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.

>> If smooth jazz is your thing, head over to the Music Center at Strathmore on Thursday, where multi-platinum selling saxophonist Kenny G will be playing a holiday-themed concert. 8 p.m. $58-$125 + fees.

>> We’ve seen guitarist Lionel Loueke a couple times as part of Herbie Hancock’s touring band. On Friday, Loueke will lead his own trio in a show sponsored by the Library of Congress and La Maison Française at the Atlas Performing Arts Center. Call (202) 399-7993 (ext. 2) for ticket information. 8 p.m., preceded by a 6:15 p.m. Q&A session with the artist.