Benny Golson.>> Beginning in the 1940s and until his death in 1979, Stan Kenton lead one of the most innovative and original big bands of his era. Kenton would have turned 100 tomorrow, and so tonight the Atlas Performing Arts Center has assembled a 19-piece big band to pay tribute to the jazz legend as part of its on-going jazz series. The program will include arrangements by Bill Holman, Bill Russo and Gerry Mulligan, as well as selections from Kenton’s well-known holiday repertoire. 8 p.m. $20.
>> A native of Rio de Janeiro no living in D.C., vocalist Cissa Paz specializes in the music of her native Brazil. She will be performing tonight and tomorrow at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge. 10 p.m. $5.
>> Local jazz-groove band Swagfunk performs tonight at Twins Jazz. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10+$10 food/drink minimum.
>> Pianist Dan Tepfer came to the area most recently to collaborate with iconic saxophonist Lee Konitz and ubiquitous local saxophonist Brad Linde. Tepfer returns to the Mansion at Strathmore on Thursday, where he will use Bach’s Goldberg Variations as a launch pad for solo improvisation. 7:30 p.m. $20.
>> DCist was on hand at the Kennedy Center nearly 3 years ago to celebrate the 80th birthday of legendary saxophonist and NEA Jazz Master Benny Golson. The composer of jazz standards such as “Stablemates”, “Killer Joe”, “Whisper Not” will be at Bohemian Caverns Thursday through Saturday, playing 8 and 10 p.m. sets the first night and 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets over the weekend. $35.
>> For those who have started their holiday vacations a bit early, gifted local vocalist Lena Seikaly will give a day time holiday performance at the Mansion at Strathmore. 11 a.m. $15.
>> Excellent local vocalist Sharon Clark will be leading a group of area all-stars on Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest. Her band includes pianist Chris Grasso, bassist Tommy Cecil, saxophonist Paul Carr and drummer Lenny Robinson. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> It’s a holiday music extravaganza this week at Blues Alley. Local bandleader Eric Felten‘s annual show is always a hit, and is already sold out. There are still plenty of options, as the club will be hosting vocalist Barbara Rosene (Friday), trombonist Jeff Bradshaw (Saturday), the Capitol Bones Big Band (Sunday), trumpeter Dave Detwiler (Monday) and pianist Gregg Karukas (Tuesday). 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $18-$25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Trumpeter Thad Wilson has long been a mainstay of the local scene. He’ll be leading his group on Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. His band will feature highly regarded pianist Johnny O’Neal. 9 and 11 p.m. sets. $15 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> HR-57 hosts regulars Antonio Parker (Friday) and Jimmy “Junebug” Jackson (Saturday). 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $15.
>> Jane Monheit is a jazz singer in the most classic sense. We interviewed her last year around this same time, and the celebrated chanteuse returns to the District on Saturday for a holiday concert at the Kennedy Center. 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. sets. $45 + fees.
>> The Jolley Brothers are among D.C.’s most talented young musicians and always deliver a great performance. On Sunday, they’ll be performing at Bohemian Caverns with vocalist Christie Dashiell, who wowed a national audience as a soloist with Afro Blue on NBC’s The Sing Off. 7 p.m. $15.
>> John Kocur is a talented young saxophonist who is earning a fine reputation as a performer and educator. He will be leading a group on Sunday at Twins Jazz. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> The Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra will give a repeat performance of its special holiday program on Monday a the historic club. 8 to 11 p.m. $15.
>> Blue Monday Blues hosts local blues veterans, The Nighthawks. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> Baltimore-based saxophonist Kevin Robinson leads his septet on Tuesday at Twins Jazz. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
