Cyro Baptista (bottom right) and Beat the Donky, photo by Eleonora Alberto.

>> Sadly, there are reasons for jazz fans in America to be envious of Europe’s jazz scene. With a robust audience, government support and a major festival in nearly every country, the music is thriving. Tonight, one of Europe’s finest, Danish pianist Karen Bach, will lead a trio at Twins Jazz. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.

>> Sometimes referred to as the “Bono of Jazz,” pianist/vocalist/philanthropist Rick DellaRatta uses his music to work towards social change. His main vehicle is an ensemble of international musicians, dubbed Jazz for Peace. DellaRatta & Co. will perform a 6:30 p.m. show on Thursday at Twins Jazz to benefit Mentoring to Manhood. $35.

>> Grammy-winning trumpeter Terence Blanchard has long been a DCist fave. He sets up shop on Thursday for a four-night stand of 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. $37.75 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> In a recent interview with DCist, NEA Jazz Master Jimmy Heath jokingly referred to local legend Buck Hill as “that retired postman who plays the shit out of the tenor.” Shame on you if you are a fan of the local scene and haven’t seen Hill play. But you’ll have another chance on Friday, as the 84-year old master leads a band at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.

>> HR-57 hosts regulars Antonio Parker (Friday) and Rhythminic Accents (Saturday). 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $15.

>> Local vocalist Heidi Martin will lead a band on Friday and Saturday at Bohemian Caverns, paying tribute to the great Herbie Hancock. 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets. $15 in advance, $20 at the door.

>> Trumpeter and long time local mainstay Michael Thomas will lead his quintet through 9 and 11 p.m. sets on Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. $15 + $10 food/drink minimum.

>> Brazilian percussionist Cyro Baptista has played with luminaries ranging from Herbie Hancock to Paul Simon to Sting. He is currently on tour with his eclectic band, Beat the Donkey (featuring local guitar whiz John Lee), and their closest stop will be on Saturday at Baltimore’s Creative Alliance at the Patterson. 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show. $20.

>> 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. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $5.

>> Blue Monday Blues hosts the Linwood Taylor Band. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.

>> Smooth jazz saxophonist Elan Trotman pairs up with keyboardist Matt Cusson on Tuesday for 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. $20 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Classical Indian violinist Nistha Raj and Grammy-nominated rapper Christylez are among the special guests slated to perform with The Fourth Stream on Sunday at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge. 8:30 p.m. $5.