Khaira Arby.>> Trombonist Fred Wesley is a funk legend, having played with James Brown’s legendary horn section, Ray Charles, Tina Turner and a host of other icons. He will be leading the new JBs tonight during a free 6 p.m. performance on the Millennium Stage. Part of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.
>> Tonight’s performance at Strathmore by the Chopteeth Afrofunk Big Band is the first of this week’s lineup of outstanding bands that explore the music of West Africa. Cooking up a spicy stew of modern jazz, Yoruba tribal music and James Brown-inspired rhythms, the band is sure to get you moving. The free outdoor concert begins at 7 p.m.
>> Jazz writers have long been taking notice of Denver-based vocalist Rene Marie, and this is especially true since the release of her latest recording, The Voice of My Beautiful Country, which explores American music ranging from jazz, to rock, to rhythm & blues. Marie will be leading a band tonight at Blues Alley for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> On Thursday, smooth jazz star Marcus Johnson begins a four-night stand of 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. $27.50 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Local bassist Keith Wesby brings his impeccable technique to Twins Jazz on Thursday, where he’ll lead his group through 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Lori Williams brings her silky voice and leads a group of area veterans on Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> HR-57 hosts regular Antonio Parker on Friday and Saturday. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $12.
>> Fiery Latin jazz pianist Benito Gonzalez will perform 9 and 11 p.m. sets on Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. His group will feature guest saxophonist Azar Lawrence. $15 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Malian singer Khaira Arby has become somewhat of a critic’s darling here in the U.S. since the release of her latest album, Timbuktu Tarab. Bringing her mixed Berber and Sonrhai roots, her sound draws from West African desert blues and infuses it with high-energy electric guitar, funky drum breaks and traditional instrumentation. Khaira and her band will be at The Red Palace on Saturday, with excellent local afropop band Elikeh opening. Doors at 8 p.m., show at 9 p.m. $12 in advance, $15 at the door.
>> The original lineup of Béla Fleck and the Flecktones has re-formed for the first time in nearly 20 years, recently releasing a new album, Rocket Science. The band will bring its unique bland of jazz, bluegrass and electronics to Wolf Trap on Sunday, where it will share the stage with the Carolina Chocolate Drops and Abigail Washburn & The Village. Stay tuned for a full preview. 7 p.m. $25-$40 + fees.
>> CapitalBop‘s D.C. Jazz Loft series returns to the Red Door (443 Eye St NW) on Sunday and will feature saxophonist Brian Settles, the Jolley Brothers and trombonist Reginald Cyntje, among others. A jazz jam will follow the 7 p.m. show, so musicians in attendance are encouraged to bring their instruments. $10. BYOB.
>> The Sunday Jazz Lounge, curated by guitarist Rodney Richardson and trumpeter Joe Herrera, will be at Twins Jazz every Sunday in July. The Lounge features an opening solo set from a different artist each week, and then the guest joins the Richardson/Herrera Quartet. This week’s soloist will be bassist Gavin Fallow, who is promoting his eponymously titled new release. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $5.
>> Blue Monday Blues hosts guitarist Mike Westcott and his band. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> Tony Martucci has long been one of the area’s most sought-after drummers. He will lead a band on Monday at Blues Alley to celebrate his latest release, Life in Hand. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $18 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Guitarist Charlie Sigler is a Baltimore native who is now pursuing his music degree at William Patterson College in New Jersey. He’ll lead a band through 8 and 10 p.m. sets on Tuesday at Twins Jazz. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> An area native now based in L.A., keyboardist Gregg Karukas has played with a number of smooth jazz greats. He returns home to Blues Alley on Tuesday to lead his own group. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $22 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Keyboardist Will Rast leads his afro-jazz ensemble, The Funk Ark, on Tuesday at Eighteenth Street Lounge. 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. $5.
