Joshua Redman (second from the left) and James Farm. >> West African star Youssou N’Dour will give a free concert tonight at the Kennedy Center to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps. The performance is at 6 p.m. in the concert hall, but tickets will be distributed beginning at 4 p.m.
>> Philly-based vibraphonist George Weldon leads his trio tonight at Twins Jazz. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Saxophonist Lee Konitz is the last surviving member of Miles Davis’s legendary “Birth of the Cool” ensemble. He is known for teaming up with young musicians, and this week he will perform twice with D.C.’s own Brad Linde. Along with pianist Dan Tepfer, they will play a sold-out concert on Thursday at Strathmore. On Friday, they will play the second concert in the Atlas Performing Arts Center‘s on-going jazz series. 8 p.m. $25.
>> Bossalingo, a local Latin jazz outfit run by guitarist Michael Joseph Harris will perform on Thursday at Twins Jazz. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Vocalist Rachelle Ferrell brings her signature blend of jazz and R&B to Blues Alley for a four night stand beginning on Thursday. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $60 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> On Thursday, the PostClassical Ensemble launches PostClassical Underground, a series of concerts at Bohemian Caverns presenting the intersection between the jazz and classical genres. The maiden concert features Russian pianist Genadi Zagor in an all-Gershwin program that will feature classical arrangements with extended improvisations, as Gershwin himself intended. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $20. Stay tuned for a full preview.
>> The Red Door (443 Eye St NW) hosts one of its signature DIY jazz shows on Thursday. The performance from bassist Juini Booth and steel pan percussionist Jonathan Scales showcases music that is very much rooted in the American jazz tradition, but with an eye toward global influences. 8 p.m. $20 suggested donation.
>> Excellent local saxophonist Lyle Link will lead a group on Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. $5. On Saturday, Jazz Night organizers will stage the 10th Annual D.C. Jazz Preservation Festival, which will run at the same venue from noon to 8 p.m. and features a different act every hour. Free.
>> The bassoon is not an instrument that one normally associates with jazz, but Daniel Smith disagrees. On Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz, Smith will place the “classical” woodwind instrument in a quartet setting for 9 and 11 p.m. sets. $15 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Christian Scott is a brilliant young trumpeter who is introducing a commercially viable sound into modern jazz. He will be playing 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets on Friday and Saturday at Bohemian Caverns with able backing from pianist John Lamkin‘s band. $22.
>> HR-57 hosts regulars Antonio Parker (Friday) and Jimmy “Junebug” Jackson (Saturday). 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $15.
>> Bassist Matt Grason is often seen around town leading his jazzy house band, House of Soul. On Sunday, he’ll lead a trio version of the ensemble — cleverly dubbed Soul Patch — at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge. 10 p.m. $3.
>> Joshua Redman is one of the most consistent jazz saxophonists out there, always giving satisfying concerts that are forward-thinking, yet accessible. His new project is James Farm, a quartet with pianist Aaron Parks, bassist Matt Penman and drummer Eric Harland. The group has been getting rave reviews and will be at UMD’s Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center on Sunday for a 7 p.m. show. $45/$9 students.
>> Blue Monday Blues hosts the Andy Poxon Band. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> Guitarist, vocalist and area native Eban Brown performs 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley on Monday. $20 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Blues man Memphis Gold brings is authentic Delta sound to Blues Alley on Tuesday. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $20 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
