Nasar Abadey.

>> Dick Morgan is a local institution and one of the most entertaining pianists around. Tonight, he will give his annual Christmas concert at Blues Alley. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Trumpeter Herb Robertson is well respected in the jazz scene, both in avant-garde and straight-ahead settings. He is featured tonight at Twins Jazz, leading The Augmented Fourthtet. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.

>> Blues guitarist Tom Principato is a local mainstay, having racked up over 20 Wammies during his long career. Catch him tonight on the Millennium Stage. 6 p.m. Free.

>> Jeff Antoniuk and the Jazz Update (***) will perform an evening of holiday music tonight at U-topia. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. No cover.

>> While he’s rightfully associated more with the hard rock shredding scene that was popular in the late 80s and early 90s, no one can deny the influence of 70s jazz-rock fusion in Joe Satriani‘s music. The real life guitar hero will be at the Music Center at Strathmore tonight for an 8 p.m. show. Tickets are $45-$65 + fees.

>> Drummer Nasar Abadey is a long time veteran of the local scene, and recently served as a cultural ambassador under the State Department’s Rhythm Road program. He will team up with local all-stars James King (bass) and Allyn Johnson (piano) on Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. 9 and 11 p.m. sets. $15 + $10 minimum/surcharge.