Kenny Werner.>> Brian Settles has long been one of DCist’s favorite local saxophonists. Tonight, he will perform at the Atlas Performing Arts Center along with his band, Central Union, to support his debut album Secret Handshake. 8 p.m. $25.
>> After studying composition at the Manhattan School of Music, Hilary Kole became the youngest vocalist to perform at New York’s legendary Rainbow Room. Her stature as a jazz singer’s jazz singer has only grown since then, and she will be performing 8 and 10 p.m. sets tonight at Blues Alley. $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Saxophonist Rita Ferreira has kept one foot in D.C. and the other in New York since moving to the States from her native Brazil. She will bring her Latin stylings to Twins Jazz tonight for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> The Kennedy Center‘s Swing, Swing, Swing festival continues this week, and features daily 6 p.m. performances on the Millennium Stage. Check the schedule to see what floats your boat. Free.
>> The Mingus Dynasty Quintet was formed by late Charles Mingus’s widow, Sue Mingus, to create a vehicle through which the legendary bassist’s small group music would survive. The expert band will be at Blues Alley on Thursday and Friday for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Trombonist Reginald Cyntje will celebrate his new album, Freedom’s Children, on Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest. The band will feature Amy K. Bormet on piano, Victor Provost on steel pan and a number of other local all-stars. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> Since forming in 1985, the Turtle Island String Quartet has totally changed the perception of what a classical string ensemble should be. In 2007, they explored the John Coltrane’s masterpiece, A Love Supreme. On Friday at the Mansion at Strathmore, the group will perform the music of Jimi Hendrix, as well as new work by Turtle Island’s founder, violinist David Balakrishnan. 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. sets. $30.
>> The D.C. area is home to many of the premier military bands in the country, which not only provide fantastic listening opportunities, but also augment the local scene. This Friday, the Airmen of Note, the Air Force jazz ensemble, will perform at Lisner Auditorium. Joining them as a special guest will be trumpet legend Doc Severinsen, best known as the bandleader for Johnny Carson’s long-running stint on The Tonight Show. 8 p.m. Free, no tickets required.
>> Multi-woodwind artist Bennie Maupin‘s career exploded in the 1970s, when he recorded a number of fusion classics with Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock. His music has taken a more introspective turn since then, and he will be leading a quartet on Friday and Saturday at Bohemian Caverns. 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets. $25. Stay tuned for a full preview.
>> Kenny Werner is a world-class pianist, composer and educator who has influenced many through his playing and writing. He will be leading his new trio on Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz, where he will also be celebrating his 60th birthday. $20 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> HR-57 hosts regulars Antonio Parker (Friday) and AJ Parham (Saturday). 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $15.
>> Ravi Coltrane has managed to get out from the long shadow of his late, great father and forge an impressive career that is all his own. He will lead a group on Saturday and Sunday at Blues Alley. 8 and 10 p.m sets. $30 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> On Saturday, harmonica ace Frédéric Yonnet will team up with Ethiopian-born signer/songwriter Wayna for the Third Annual “Mo’ Than Jazz” Sickle Cell Benefit Concert. Hosted by the Florida Avenue Baptist Church, proceeds will benefit Faces of Our Children, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness, support and funding for the fight against sickle cell. 5:30 p.m. doors, 6 p.m. show. $25 tax-deductible donation.
Sophie Milman.>> The Manhattan Transfer is arguably the most successful vocal jazz group in history, with 8 Grammys to its name. On Sunday, they will perform with the master of vocalese (wordless singing), Jon Hendricks. Howard University’s Afro Blue and the University of North Texas Jazz Singers are also on the bill. 7 p.m. $20-$60.
>> Beginning in the late ’90s, Fertile Ground was a highlight of the local scene, owning the space where jazz intersects with the African diaspora. The group decided to go its separate ways in 2010, but dynamic singer Navasha Daya is planning to release her solo debut. She will preview material from the album on Sunday at Bohemian Caverns. 7 and 9 p.m. sets. $15.
>> Yamato is a 17-piece percussion ensemble specializing in the ancient art of Japanese taiko drumming. They will bring their power and theatricality to the Lisner Auditorium on Sunday for a 7 p.m. performance. $15-$45. Stay tuned for a full preview.
>> The Fourth Stream blends jazz improvisation with global influences. They will play the Bossa Bistro & Lounge on Sunday. 8:30 p.m. $5.
>> In the 1970s, Tower of Power was a pioneer of the jazz-funk sound that brought together the instrumental sophistication of jazz with hard-driving funk grooves. The band’s current lineup will be at the Birchmere on Monday for a 7:30 p.m. show. $49.50 + fees.
>> The Groove Skool Band, a local smooth jazz outfit, performs 8 and 10 p.m. sets on Monday at Blues Alley. $20 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Blue Monday Blues hosts the Deanna Bogart Blues Band. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> Ideal Bread is a New York-based ensemble dedicated to performing the music of Steve Lacy, an under-appreciated saxophonist who has nonetheless influenced many a jazz musician. The band will perform at the Red Door (443 I Street NW) on Monday in a show co-sponsored by CapitalBop. Opening will be local trombonist Reginald Cyntje and his band, who just recently put out an album, Freedom’s Children. 8 p.m. $15 suggested donation. BYOB.
>> Russian-born, Israeli-raised, and now Toronto-based vocalist Sophie Milman is considered among the Great White North’s brightest young jazz stars. She will be at Blues Alley on Tuesday for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
