Sonny Rollins.>> The Red Door (443 I Street NW) continues its presentation of cutting edge, avant-garde music tonight with Giant Dwarf. The duo is a collaboration between German guitarist Martin Philadelphy and drummer Jeremy Carlstedt, exploring a diverse set of sounds. First class local saxophonist Brian Settles will open the evening with a solo set. 8 to 11 p.m. $10 suggested donation.
>> The jazz series at the Atlas continues tonight with legendary vibraphonist Teddy Charles. Charles, who has played with icons such as Charlie Mingus, Charlie Parker and Miles Davis, will lead ten excellent local musicians for the 8 p.m. set. Tickets are $25.
>> Grammy winner Roy Hargrove was considered one of jazz’s young lions when he broke onto the scene in the 1990s, and is now one of its finest trumpet players. No stranger to D.C., Hargrove will begin a five-night stand of 8 and 10 p.m. sets tonight at Blues Alley. $40 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Ambient soundscape artist Yoko Kamitani, also known as Yoko K., is the first electronic musician to be selected as an Artist-in-Residence at Strathmore. She will perform at the Mansion tonight and October 26. 7:30 p.m. $12.
>> Washington Musica Viva is a non-profit arts organization whose mission is to produce public performances of a broad range of classical, jazz-based and contemporary chamber music. Tonight on the Millennium Stage, WMV presents Dvorák Jazz Dances, a work for jazz quintet by contemporary composer Charley Gerard that was inspired by Dvorák’s two series of Slavonic Dances. 6 p.m. Free.
>> Time in Transit is a band out of New York that embraces influences ranging from straight-ahead jazz to drum n’ bass. They will perform 8 and 10 p.m. sets on Thursday at Twins Jazz. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> If you want to hear top notch musicians laying down thick grooves, head to the Rock n’ Roll Hotel on Thursday to catch keyboardist Will Rast and The Funk Ark, who will be sharing the stage with the backing band from the touring production of FELA!, which is currently running in town. 8 p.m doors. $10.
>> Assembled by trumpeter Joe Brotherton, Cricket Fusion is a relatively recent addition to the local scene, playing groove infused improvisations aimed at marrying rhythm and exploration. The band will be at Bohemian Caverns on Thursday for an 8 p.m. show. $10.
Leni Stern.>> Pianist Chris Grasso is often seen around town accompanying the area’s best vocalists. He will be leading an excellent group of local talent on Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest. The band includes singer Lena Seikaly, drummer Lenny Robinson and saxophonist Paul Carr. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> Two-and-a-half years have passed since we last checked in with jazz harpist Edmar Casteneda. His unusual instrument plus his prodigious talent makes him one of the most exciting performers in jazz. He will be at Bohemian Caverns on Friday and Saturday for 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets. $20. Stay tuned for a full preview.
>> In 1950, jazz icon Charlie Parker released a pair of orchestral jazz recordings collectively titled, Bird with Strings, Vols. I & II. Saxophonist Steve Wilson has assembled a group that will play these classic charts on Friday and Saturday at the Kennedy Center‘s KC Jazz Club. 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. sets. $26-$30 + fees.
>> Tony Martucci has spent decades as a first-call drummer to area jazz musicians. He will be leading his own group on Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. 9 and 11 p.m. sets. $15 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> HR-57 hosts regulars Antonio Parker (Friday) and drummer Lenny Robinson (Saturday). 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $15.
>> The fine folks at CapitalBop continue their Jazz Loft series on Sunday at The Red Door (443 I Street NW). The stellar lineup includes bands led by vocalist Akua Allrich, bassist Herman Burney and guitarist Anthony Pirog. A free jazz jam will follow the 7 p.m. show. $10. BYOB.
>> The Ebony Brass Quintet takes the instrumentation of a classical brass ensemble (two trumpets, trombone, Frech horn and tuba), adds gospel overtones and an improvisational element. The result is a jazz group that defies category. They will play Bohemian Caverns on Sunday evening. 7 p.m. $15.
>> Guitarist Leni Stern is a truly global musician who combines her worldly sensibility with a cinematic approach to music making. She will lead a group on Sunday at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge. 9 p.m. $5.
>> Blue Monday Blues hosts Dr. S.O. Feelgood and his band. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> Lying at intersection of forward-thinking jazz, contemporary R&B and hip-hop, keyboardist Robert Glasper has made that space his own. This constantly evolving musician surrounds himself with equally cutting-edge players, and will take the stage for 8 and 10 p.m. sets on Monday at Blues Alley. $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> At 81 years old, the Saxophone Colossus, Sonny Rollins, is still going strong. One of the few giants remaining from the classic jazz era, his impact on the genre is immeasurable. Catch this legend on Monday at the Kennedy Center in a performance sponsored by the Washington Performing Arts Society. 8 p.m. $35-$85 + fees.
