Jessica Boykin-Settles.>> Pianist Amy K. Bormet‘s inaugural Washington Women in Jazz Festival continues tonight at Twins Jazz. The guest soloists for tonight’s iteration are vocalist Jessica Boykin-Settles and baritone saxophonist Leigh Pilzer. 8 p.m. $15 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Juan de Marcos Gonzalez, founder of the renowned Buena Vista Social Club, leads an Afro-Cuban big band tonight at the Music Center at Strathmore. 8 p.m. $25-$52.
>> Drummer Nathan and pianist Noble Jolley, Jr., brothers following in the footsteps of their late guitarist father, are Artists-in-Residence this month at Strathmore. They will be performing new material tonight at the Strathmore Mansion. 7:30 p.m. $12.
>> The Karabakh Foundation is hosting a performance intended to expose audiences to the powerful melodies and rhythms of Azerbaijan. The concert will take place on Thursday at the Lincoln Theatre and will feature The Natig Rhythm Group and The Rast Group, each featuring a blend of traditional and contemporary sounds. 7 p.m. Free, reservations required.
>> Kevin Eubanks is best known for his role as music director on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Prior to that, he had spent time playing with the likes of McCoy Tyner, Art Blakey, Roy Haynes, Dave Holland and Ron Carter. He is now returning to the jazz world, and will begin a four-night stand of 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley on Thursday. His band will include fellow Leno alum Marvin “Smitty” Smith on drums. $30 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Vocalists Miles Griffith and Renee Edwards team up to co-lead a group on Thursday at Twins Jazz. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Saxophonist/vocalist Carlos Johnson leads a group on Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> Local mainstay Ron Holloway got his start as part of the D.C. jazz scene, but has since earned a rep playing for a number of acts on the jam band circuit, including The Allman Brothers, Gov’t Mule and Susan Tedeschi. He’ll lead his own band on Friday at the Montpelier Arts Center in Laurel, Maryland. The group will feature guitarist John Lee. 8 p.m. $20.
>> GW’s Lisner Auditorium offers two world class vocalists this weekend. Brazilian legend Gal Costa, a key member of the Tropicalia movement, visits the venue on Friday for an 8 p.m. show. Tickets are $25-$50. French vocalist Jil Aigrot gained notice for her interpretations of Edith Piaf’s music in the acclaimed movie La Vie En Rose. She will perform an 8 p.m. show on Saturday. Tickets are $25-$45.
>> Pianist Joel Holmes is a talented young area native who now calls New York home and tours the world with some of jazz’s finest. He’ll return to the District on Friday and Saturday for 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets at Bohemian Caverns. $15 in advance / $20 at the door.
>> A group of local all-stars is on the bill this Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz as drummer Nasar Abadey teams up with pianist Allyn Johnson and bassist James King. 9 and 11 p.m. sets. $15 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> The concept behind trombonist Reginald Cyntje‘s music is to spread love, peace and social justice with each expression, while fusing jazz and his native Caribbean traditions. Cyntje is currently raising funds to record his first album, Freedom’s Children. In addition to launching a Kickstarter project, he is also giving a special afternoon performance on Sunday at Twins Jazz. 3 p.m. $25.
>> On Sunday, the All Souls Church, Unitarian will host a concert featuring clarinetist Evan Christopher, his jazz ensemble, and the All Souls Jubilee Singers. The show will celebrate the music and traditions of New Orleans, while raising money for All Souls relief and rebuilding efforts in the city’s Lower Ninth Ward. 4 to 7 p.m. $20 / $10 for seniors. Call 202-332-5266, Ext. 116 for more information.
>> The Twins Jazz Sunday Jazz Lounge, curated by trumpeter Joe Herrera and guitarist Rodney Richardson, continues this week with special guest vocalist Lena Seikaly. 8 p.m. $5.
>> At face value, Lady Pcoq & The Plumes seem like a throwback to ’90s neo-soul, but anyone who has seen them live will tell you they are so much more. The dynamic group will be playing the Bossa Bistro & Lounge on Sunday. 8:30 p.m. Call 202-667-0088 for cover information.
>> Smooth jazz guitarist U-Nam will perform 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley on Monday. $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Keyboardist Jeff Lorber got his start in the fusion movement of the 1970s, but then went the smooth jazz route in the ’80s and ’90s. He has recently gone back to his roots, and will bring his classic sound to Blues Alley on Tuesday for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Local afropop group Elikeh performs at Bohemian Caverns on Tuesday. 8 p.m. $10.
>> Busy local saxophonist Bobby Muncy leads a group on Tuesday at Twins Jazz. The special event will feature Muncy’s original jazz arrangements of songs by Radiohead. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
