Trombone Shorty.>> Saxophonist Miguel Zenón is not only a fine saxophonist and founding member of the SFJazz Collective, but his work to fuse jazz with folk music from his native Puerto Rico has earned him a MacArthur “genius” grant. Zenón will be at the Atlas Performing Arts Center as part of its ongoing jazz series. 8 p.m. $40.
>> Earlier this year, we previewed a Blues Alley performance by guitarist Sanjay Mishra. Unfortunately, that performance was postponed due to inclement weather, but it was rescheduled for tonight at the same venue. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $20 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> To many, Trombone Shorty marks the latest step in the evolution of New Orleans jazz. Along with his smokin’ band, Orleans Avenue, Shorty seamlessly blends old-school New Orleans jazz, funk, soul, rock guitars and hip-hop. The band will be at the 9:30 Club tonight and tomorrow. 7 p.m. doors. $25 + fees.
>> elizabeth! is a skilled trombonist and improviser who introduces elements of storytelling to create a show that is not only musical, but also educational and entertaining. She will be at Twins Jazz tonight for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Just 16 when she was discovered by the great Miriam Makeba, South African vocalist Abigail Kubeka is on her first U.S. tour to launch her new album, Double Take. Kubeka will be performing at Capitol Hill’s Corner Store tonight at 8 p.m. $20 with reservation. Call 202-544-5807.
>> Local vocalist Pam Parker celebrates her birthday at Blues Alley on Thursday with 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $18 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Saxophonist BJ Simmons is a local saxophonist who is part of Wale’s touring group. He is also a studied and skilled jazz player who will be leading a quintet on Thursday at Twins Jazz. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> The Doom Trio is comprised of members of electro-funk-jazz outfit, Basshound. The group will play the Bossa Bistro & Lounge on Thursday. 10:30 p.m. $5.
>> George Botts, a tenor saxophonist who recently passed, spent six decades as part of the local jazz scene. Howard University’s Charlie Young will lead a group on Friday at Jazz Night at Southwest to pay tribute to the D.C. staple. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> The Kennedy Center pays tribute to Dr. Billy Taylor on Friday with Jazz on the Elevens. Music directer Geri Allen will join NEA Jazz Master Toshiko Akiyoshi and a host of other jazz greats, including Howard’s Afro Blue jazz choir, to celebrate the Center’s late Artistic Director for Jazz, who passed away last year at 89. 8 p.m. $35-$50. The event also marks the start of Swing, Swing, Swing, Ken Cen’s 16-day long festival that features a number of free Millennium Stage performances as well as several marquee events.
>> Legendary keyboardist Lonnie Liston Smith began his professional career playing with the likes of Pharaoh Sanders and Miles Davis. His nearly 50-year career has spanned genres from free jazz to hip-hop, and he shows no sign of slowing down. Smith will be at Bohemian Caverns on Friday and Saturday for 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets. $25.
>> Veteran local trumpeter Michael Thomas will lead his quintet this Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. 9 and 11 p.m. sets. $15 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> HR-57 hosts Antonio Parker (Friday) and the Saltman-Knowles Quartet (Saturday). 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $15.
>> Local vocalist Loree K. Slye has a classic jazz style and is the daughter of a U.S. Army officer. She will celebrate Veterans Day on Friday at Blues Alley with 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> The 4th Annual College Park Blues Festival takes place this Saturday at the University of Maryland’s Ritchie Coliseum. The show will feature Warner Williams, Clarence “The Blues Man” Turner and others. 6 to 11:30 p.m. Free.
>> Powerhouse drummer Ernest Coleman leads his band, EC3, on Sunday at Bohemian Caverns. 7 p.m. $15.
>> On Sunday, George Mason University’s Center for the Arts will stage The Miles Davis Experience: 1949-1959. The concert features beat poet-style narration, film, photos and the music of Miles Davis performed by a quintet led by trumpeter Jason Palmer. A pre-performance discussion, free to ticket holders, begins 45 minutes prior to the performance. The concert is at 7 p.m. $22-$44.
>> The dedicated folks over at CapitalBop continue their excellent Jazz Loft series at the Red Door (443 Eye Street NW) on Sunday. This month’s lineup includes bands led by drummer Lenny Robinson, saxophonist Elijah Balbed and pianist Hope Udobi. The concert will also be the official after-party for Reel Fest DC and culminates with an open jam session. 7 to 11:30 p.m. $10.
>> In 1996, Alvin “Youngblood” Hart won the Handy Award for Best New Blues Artist. The soulful vocalist/guitarist will be playing 8 and 10 p.m. solo sets at Blues Alley on Sunday. $20 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> A quintessential blues man, Memphis Gold, will hold court at Blue Monday Blues. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> Saxophonist Andrew White is an unparalleled authority on the music of John Coltrane. White will celebrate what would have been the jazz legend’s 85th year on Monday at Blues Alley. $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Eme & Heteru fuses African roots grooves with a jazz sensibility. They’ll be at Blues Alley on Tuesday, playing 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $18 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
