Jason Moran>> Vocalist Nnenna Freelon performs a 7:30 show at Strathmore tonight. The concert benefits Bowie State University’s general scholarship funds. $20 to $40.
>> Luke Stewart, the free jazz editor at CapitalBop, also leads the OOO Trio. Tomorrow, his band will be opening for saxophonist Matt Parker, who will be in town leading his own experimental group at the Red Door (443 I Street NW). 8 p.m. $10.
>> Frenchman Sergent Garcia burst onto the European music scene in the late ’90s with a blend of reggae, dancehall and salsa that he dubbed “Salsamuffin.” He is currently touring the U.S. and will be at the Black Cat on Thursday. 8 p.m. doors. $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
>> The Outlaw Collective, led by drummer Cameron Outlaw, performs 8 and 10 p.m. sets on Thursday at Twins Jazz. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Jazz Night in Southwest pays tribute to legendary pianist and composer Horace Silver with a band of excellent local musicians. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> Trumpeter David Weiss formed The Cookers to build on the explosive post-bop sound of the mid- and late-1960s. The septet boasts a host of veterans with over 250 years of collective experience that includes over 1,000 recordings. They’ll be at Bohemian Caverns on Friday and Saturday for 8:30 and 10:30 p.m .sets. $35. Stay tuned for a full preview.
>> HR-57 hosts regulars “Junebug” Jackson (Friday) and trumpeter Thad Wilson (Saturday). 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $15.
>> Project Natale is one of the area’s premiere traditional jazz bands, performing in a variety of venues. The band will be at Twins Jazz this Friday and Saturday for 9 and 11 p.m. sets. $15 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> The 21st annual Rosslyn Jazz Festival takes place on Saturday with with vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater, New Orleans pianist Henry Butler, saxophone prodigy Grace Kelly and the Al Williams Quartet. 1 p.m. Free. If you’re in the Maryland suburbs on Saturday, head over to the Silver Spring Jazz Festival. The lineup includes headliner Marcus Johnson, Project Natale and others. 3:30 p.m. Free.
>> Several years have passed since we profiled pianist Jason Moran, one of the most inventive player/composers of his generation. He will return to the District on Sunday with his band, Bandwagon, to play 7 and 9 p.m. sets in the intimacy of Bohemian Caverns. $20.
>> There are going to be many events commemorating 9/11 this weekend, but CapitalBop will present a jazz driven tribute on Sunday at the Red Door (443 I Street NW). The lineup includes Cricket Fusion, bass clarinetist Todd Marcus, saxophonist Brent Birckhead and Brian Settles, who will lead musical meditation for the occasion. 7 p.m. $10 suggested donation.
>> Blue Monday Blues hosts Danny Blew and the Blues Crew. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> The Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition is among the most prestigious jazz showcases in the world, giving rise to some of the most celebrated musicians in the genre. On Monday, the Kennedy Center will host a gala to celebrate the competition’s 25th anniversary. The event will honor Aretha Franklin and will feature past winners, internationally renowned artists, and young aspiring jazz musicians. Hosts include Thelonious Monk, Jr, Phylicia Rashad and Billy Dee Williams. 7:30 p.m. $50 to $75 + fees.
>> A Lithuanian native now residing here in the District, Robert Kupstas is a singer who is accomplished in European pop and classic jazz settings. He will perform 8 and 10 p.m. sets on Monday at Blues Alley. $20 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> The Odd Men In is a trio that has steadily been gaining notice in New York’s crowded scene. They will be at Twins Jazz on Tuesday for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
