Frédéric Yonnet.>> Prior to becoming a smooth jazz superstar, trumpeter Chris Botti played with artists ranging from Sting to Paul Simon. He’ll bring his platinum selling sound to Wolf Trap tonight for an 8 p.m. show. $25-$42.
>> Vocalist Patty Ascher‘s repertoire includes bossa nova and jazz standards as well as more contemporary material. Catch the Brazilian native on Friday as she performs on the Millennium Stage. 6 p.m. Free.
>> Comet Ping Pong hosts a triple bill of experimental sounds on Friday that will feature Les Rhinocéros, Yeveto and Dusting Wong. 10:30 p.m. $8.
>> Over 20 years have passed since The Gypsy Kings hit it big with their version of “Bamboleo”. They band hasn’t slowed down at all, and they will be at Wolf Trap on Friday and Saturday with their unique blend of flamenco, jazzy guitar and Latin rhythms. 8 p.m. $25-$42.
>> Vocalist Akua Allrich is one of the local jazz scene’s rising stars. She will hold things down at Bohemian Caverns this Friday and Saturday, paying tribute to legendary singers Nina Simone and Miriam Makeba. 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets. $18 in advance, $23 at the door.
>> Michaela Harrison is a N’Awlins-based singer who is equally at home in theater productions, with a choir or on stage at a jazz club. She’ll be at Twins Jazz this Friday and Saturday for 9 and 11 p.m. sets. $15 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Frédéric Yonnet‘s prodigious harmonica skills have landed him on stage with the likes of Prince, Stevie Wonder and a host of others. He is now supporting his new album, Reed My Lips, and will take the stage on Friday and Saturday at Blues Alley. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Over his 40-plus year career, Charles Covington, Jr. has held faculty positions at Howard and Peabody, performed for Presidents and has earned a Life Master title from the U.S. Chess Federation. The respected pianist will perform on Saturday at the Millennium Stage. 6 p.m. Free.
>> Saxophonist Brian Settles has been hard to miss of late, with a memorable performance at the DC Jazz Festival and a month long residency at Bohemian Caverns. He will return to the historic club on Sunday along with his band, Central Union, to celebrate the release of the group’s new album, Secret Handshake. 7 and 9 p.m. sets. $12 in advance, $15 at the door.
>> The Bossa Bistro & Lounge hosts the deep groove of DuaBASS on Sunday. 9:30 p.m. $5.
>> Last year, violinist Karen Briggs impressed us with a strong performance at the Kennedy Center. The Virginia native returns to the area on Tuesday for 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
