Patti Austin.

>> Drummer Vinson Valega leads a group through 8 and 10 p.m. sets tonight at Twins Jazz. $10 plus $10 food/drink minimum.

>> Legendary pianist Monty Alexander has played with many a jazz great since arriving in the United States fifty years ago from his native Jamaica. He begins a four night stand at Blues Alley this evening, with 8 and 10 p.m. sets tonight through Friday. $35 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge. Alexander will be playing 6 and 10 p.m. sets on Saturday, and there will be a special New Year’s Eve package for $100 plus $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Veteran Baltimore alto saxophonist Arnold Sterling leads a band this Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. $5. A screening of the 1961 film, Paris Blues, follows the show. The movie stars Paul Newman and Sidney Poitier with music from Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. 9:15 p.m. Free.

>> Piano great Larry Willis will lead his group on Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. Friday’s sets are $20 plus $10 food/drink minimum. The club will offer a New Year’s Eve package for $85.

>> Celebrated R&B and jazz singer Patti Austin will ring in the New Year at the Kennedy Center on Saturday, leading a 6-piece band through her interpretation of classics by the great Duke Ellington. Tickets to the 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. sets are sold out, but it’s worth contacting the box office for last minute availability.

>> Organist/vocalist Bill Heid leads a band at Blue Monday Blues. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.

>> Blues Alley hosts blues group Johnny and the Headhunters on Monday. 7 to 11 p.m. $15 plus $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Smooth jazz saxophonists Dee Lucas and Tony Exum, Jr. team up for a tribute to composers George Howard and Cole Porter on Tuesday at Blues Alley. $20 plus $12.50 minimum/surcharge.