Amiri Baraka, photo by Lynda Koolish.

>> Transparent Productions, one of the area’s best presenters of cutting-edge jazz, hosts an event tonight at the Takoma Park Community Center featuring the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble. The band consists of percussionist Kahil El’ Zabar, reedist Ernest Khabeer Dawkins and trumpeter Corey Wilkes. The show is part of the We Are Takoma Park concert series, and donations will be collected at the door for the 8 p.m. show.

>> Keyboardist Earl R. Johnson has played with a number of R&B greats, but is also a fine jazz player. He will play 8 and 10 p.m. sets tonight at Twins Jazz with a local rhythm section comprised of drummer Quincy Phillips and bassist Kris Funn. $20 + $10 food/drink minimum.

>> Smooth jazz saxophonist Joe Johnson plays 8 and 10 p.m. sets tonight at Blues Alley. $20 + $12.50 minimum and surcharge.

>> Artists Against War-DC is a not-for-profit association engaging artists to utilize their art as a voice within today’s political dialogue. The group will be holding a performance/fundraiser on Thursday at Twins Jazz. Call 202-234-0072 for more information.

>> As we mentioned in yesterday’s preview, bassist Buster Williams will lead his all-star quartet, Something More, through a four-night stand of 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley, beginning on Thursday. The band features drummer Cindy Blackman, pianist Patrice Rushen and saxophonist Steve Wilson. $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Poet, essayist and civil rights revolutionary Amiri Baraka was the founder of Harlem’s Black Arts Movement in the 1960s, and continues to be a vital artist. The Obie award winning Professor Emeritus from SUNY Stonybrook will perform 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets on Friday at the historic Bohemian Caverns. Baraka will return to the club on Saturday to team up with bassist William Parker and pianist Dave Burrell in a tribute to the great Curtis Mayfield. Tickets are $25.