George Benson.>> Grammy award winner and Israeli native Miri Ben-Ari‘s fusion of hip-hop, jazz and classical sounds has led to work with Kanye West and other marquis acts. Catch her unique sound tonight at the Kennedy Center‘s Millennium Stage. 6 p.m. Free.
>> Saxophonist and area native Jacob Garbus leads a sextet tonight at Twins Jazz. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> If you’re looking to get your lindy hop on, head over to the Kennedy Center‘s Millennium Stage on Thanksgiving Day and Friday. Daryl Davis will lead a big band on Thursday and Eric Felten‘s orchestra will perform on Friday. Gottaswing will give dance lessons for each of the 5 and 8:30 p.m. performances. Free.
>> Bobby Felder mentored countless local musicians during the 23 years he spent on the faculty at UDC, which ended with his 1992 retirement. He continues to perform, and will be leading a group of the area’s finest musicians in his Capital All-Stars Big Band on Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> Baltimore-based saxophonist Tim Green brings his gospel-infused jazz to Bohemian Caverns on Friday and Saturday for 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets. $15.
>> George Benson is best known for hit R&B songs like his cover of “On Broadway” or “Give Me The Night”, but he started out his career as a soul-jazz guitarist and has often stolen the show at the world’s premiere jazz festivals. Benson will be performing on Friday and Saturday at the Kennedy Center in a tribute to the great Nat King Cole, with help from the NSO Pops Orchestra. 1:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. shows on Friday, 8 p.m. show on Saturday. $20-$85.
>> HR-57 hosts regulars Antonio Parker (Friday) and Jimmy “Junebug” Jackson (Saturday). 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $15.
>> Saxophonist Ben Britton leads his band, Unconventional Riot, on Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. 9 and 11 p.m. sets. $15 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Keyboardist and smooth jazz star Alex Bugnon will play 8 and 10 p.m. sets from Friday through Sunday at Blues Alley. $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Local pianist John Eaton is part jazz performer and part storyteller, delivering his interpretations of the Great American Songbook with amusing observations about their history. This Saturday, he’ll be at the Barns of Wolf Trap with a tribute to Hoagy Carmichael and Cole Porter. 7:30 p.m. $25.
>> The Red Door (443 Eye Street NW) and Goldleaf Studios will present Black Saturday this weekend. The evening, the venue will present an evening of experimental solo performances from saxophonist Diamond Terrifier, guitarist Anthony Pirog, electronic artist Co La and bassist Luke Stewart. 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. $10 suggested donation. BYOB.
>> Members of the Airmen of Note, the U.S. Air Force jazz band, will perform on Monday at the Kennedy Center‘s Millennium Stage. 6 p.m. Free.
>> Blue Monday Blues hosts the Clarence Turner Blues Band. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> Saxophonist Jessy J infuses her sultry smooth jazz sound with a strong Latin flavor. She’ll be at Blues Alley on Monday for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Chaka Khan is an R&B legend, but on her current tour, she’s trying her hand at being a straight-ahead jazz singer. She’ll be at the Birchmere on Monday and Tuesday for 7:30 p.m. shows. $75 + fees.
>> Local vocalist Karla Chisholm brings her classic style to Blues Alley on Tuesday for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $18 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Aaron Seeber is a talented young drummer who won numerous awards whilst an area high school musician. He’ll be leading some fantastic local musicians, including pianist Allyn Johnson and bassist Kris Funn, on Tuesday at Twins Jazz. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
