Sofia Rei.>> Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, vocalist Sofia Rei is now based in New York and is gaining notice for her soulful blend of traditional South American rhythms, jazz harmonies and electronic colors. Rei will bring her unique sound to the Millennium Stage tonight for a 6 p.m. show, supporting her latest release, Sube Azul. Free.
>> New Orleans has seen an explosion of great young brass bands in recent years that respect the Crescent City’s celebrated tradition, while adding a more contemporary flavor. The Stooges Brass Band is one such group and they’ll be playing the Millennium Stage on Thursday. 6 p.m. Free.
>> Local afrobeat group Eme & Heteru will be performing 8 and 10 p.m. sets on Thursday at Twins Jazz. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Piano great Mose Allison returns to Blues Alley on Thursday to begin a four night stand of 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Tedd Baker is the lead tenor saxophonist for the Airmen of Note, the premiere jazz ensemble of the U.S. Air Force. Baker’s debut release, Mugshots, earned critical praise and he will be playing selections from the recording, as well as new material, this Friday and Saturday at Bohemian Caverns. 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets. $15.
>> The Anderson Twins are area natives who recently graduated from the prestigious Juilliard School. In addition to leading their own quintet, they perform with respected acts such as the Village Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. The brothers will bring their group to Twins Jazz on Friday and Saturday for 9 and 11 p.m. sets. $15 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Talented local vocalist Lavenia Nesmith will lead a group on Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> HR-57 hosts regulars Antonio Parker (Friday) and Rhythminic Accent (Saturday). 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $15.
>> It was just over a year ago that 26-year old vegetable vendor Mohamed Bouazizi set himself on fire to protest government corruption in Tunisia. That single event is recognized as the seed that grew into the Arab Spring, a seminal moment in world history. On Sunday, Tunisian violinist Nidhal Jebali and American pianist Kimball Gallagher will play a free program in the Kennedy Center‘s Terrace Theater featuring their own original compositions, as well as works by Franck, Paganini, and Jaloul Ayad, the Tunisian Minister of Finance, in commemoration of this event. 6 p.m.
>> One of the most respected guitarists of his generation, 57-year old Eric Johnson was among the crop shredders who managed to break into the mainstream in the late ’80s and early ’90s. In Johnson’s case, his “Cliffs of Dover” was not only became a popular single on rock radio, but went on to win a Grammy for Best Rock Instrumental. Johnson will appear at the Birchmere on Sunday for a 7:30 p.m. show. $35 + fees.
>> Blue Monday Blues hosts vocalist Queen Aisha and her band. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> Composer and multi-instrumentalist Clint Maedgen is a member of the renowned Preservation Hall Jazz Band out of New Orleans. On Tuesday, he will perform on the Millennium Stage with cellist vocalist Helen Gillet, who is best known for eclectic mix of New Orleans jazz, funk, country rock, and French chansons. 6 p.m. Free.
