Randy Weston.>> Sonny Fortune is not often mentioned as one of the great saxophonists, but he should be. An endlessly inventive improviser with a powerful tone, he has played with a who’s who of jazz legends. Fortune will lead a band through 8 and 10 p.m. sets tonight at Blues Alley. $25+ $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Drummer Harris Eisenstadt‘s eclectic influences all come to the fore when he performs. A free form avant-garde musician who also embraces folk traditions, his band and music go anywhere and everywhere. Also a respected composer, he will be leading a group through what is sure to be an unpredictable set tonight at Twins Jazz. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Habib Koité, Oliver Tuku Mtukudzi, and Afel Bocoum are three master acoustic guitarists from Africa and they will join forces on Thursday for Acoustic Africa at the Lisner Auditorium. The program will include both traditional and contemporary material. 8 p.m. $25-$45 + fees.
>> Celebrated smooth jazz guitarist Lee Ritenour begins a four-night stand of 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley on Thursday. $43 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> ELIN, a popular Brazilian jazz and bossa nova artist in New York’s music scene, will make her D.C. debut on Thursday at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge. 9:30 p.m. $5.
>> Howard University’s renowned jazz ensemble, under the direction of Fred Irby, will perform on Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> Brian Settles seems to be everywhere these days. The excellent local saxophonist has created a buzz in appearances with the Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra, his solo set at the Sunday Jazz Lounge and as a sideman in any number of projects. He will appear on Friday and Saturday at Bohemian Caverns leading his trio, which is a group to keep an eye on. 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets. $15 in advance / $20 at the door.
>> The Kennedy Center offers an exciting weekend of music beginning on Friday, when saxophonist Javon Jackson leads an all-star group in tribute to trumpet great Freddie Hubbard. 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. sets. $26. On Saturday, 85-year old pianist and NEA Jazz Master Randy Weston leads his African Rhythms trio, which includes the amazing Lewis Nash on drums. 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. sets. $30.
>> Tom Williams is a first-class trumpeter whose credits includes stints with the Duke Ellington Orchestra and the Army Blues. He will lead an impressive quintet on Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. 9:30 and 11:30 p.m. sets. $15 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> It’s a day of jazz at Strathmore on Saturday, beginning in the afternoon with Discover Jazz, part of the Mansion’s Family Discovery Series. Pianist Vince Evans will lead a program on the history of jazz designed for parents and children age 6 and up. 2 p.m. $10. That evening, trumpet legend Arturo Sandoval will visit the Music Center’s concert hall. 8 p.m. $20-$55.
>> Yesterday, we introduced you to talented vocalist Akua Allrich. Catch her popular live set on Sunday at Bohemian Caverns. 7 p.m. $12 in advance / $15 at the door.
>> Master Malian singer/songwriter Salif Keita will perform a fundraising event at Liv (upstairs at Bohemian Caverns) on Sunday to raise awareness about the plight of albinos in Africa. 8 p.m. $85 in advance / $100 at the door.
>> CapitalBop‘s popular D.C. Jazz Loft series continues on Sunday with sets from Brian Settles, Braxton Cook, Tiacoh Sadia and the U Street All-Stars. 7 p.m. $10 suggested donation.
>> The Sunday Jazz Lounge, curated by trumpeter Joe Herrera and guitarist Rodney Richardson, will continue this week at its new digs, Bloombars. This week’s session features guest soloist James King on bass. 8:30 p.m. $10.
>> Blues legend Buddy Guy plays a 7:30 p.m. set at the Birchmere on Sunday. You’ll have to visit Craig for tickets.
>> Blue Monday Blues hosts local blues rockers, The Nighthawks. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> Tower of Power was a radio staple in the ’70s due to hits like “What is Hip?” and chart-topping albums like Back To Oakland, which exemplifies the band’s infectious combination of funk, soul and jazz. Members have come in and out over the years, but the band still packs a punch, and will be on stage at the Birchmere on Monday. 7:30 p.m. $49.50 + fees.
>> Band leader Brad Linde‘s Dialogues and Duets series continues on Tuesday at Twins Jazz. This session will feature saxophonist Sarah Hughes and guitarist Anthony Pirog. 8 p.m. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Dutch native Michiel Borstlap is one of the most respected pianists in Europe and has played with a host of luminaries on both sides of the Atlantic. He will be at Blues Alley on Monday and Tuesday for intimate solo performances. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
