Bobby McFerrin, photo by Carol Friedman.>> The Atlas Performing Arts Center‘s jazz series continues tonight with the Chris Byars Octet with special guest pianist Freddie Redd. Byars is an award winning composer who has been selected four times to participate in Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rhythm Road global outreach program. Redd is a hard bop legend whose greatest success came in the 1950s, when he scored the film and play, The Connection. 8 p.m. $15-$25.
>> Guitarist Rodney Richardson is a staple of the local scene and last year he released This is The Rodney Richardson Trio, a classic sounding recording featuring organist Will Rast and drummer Larry Ferguson. The band has been on hiatus for a spell, but will return to performing with 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Twins Jazz tonight. $10+$10 food/drink minimum.
>> Saxophonist Bruce Swaim has performed with the likes of bassist Keter Betts, drummer Carl Allen and vocalist Rosemary Clooney. He will perform at the Mansion at Strathmore on Thursday with his own quartet as part of Strathmore’s on-going series celebrating American composers. 7:30 p.m. $30.
>> Still in his teens, guitarist Graham Keir has won a number of awards and already sounds like an experienced player. He will be performing on Thursday at Twins Jazz. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Trombonist Jeff Bradshaw is a staple of Philly’s music scene and has performed as a sideman with a number of first-rate artists, including Jill Scott and members of The Roots. He will be leading his own band on Thursday at the Millennium Stage, playing material from his forthcoming release, Bone Appetit. 6 p.m. Free.
>> Trumpeter Kenny Rittenhouse will be leading a group of local all-stars on Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest. The band includes saxophonist Lyle Link, pianist Allyn Johnson and others. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> Jayme Stone has been dubbed the “Yo-Yo Ma of the banjo.” The gifted Canadian native will perform at the Mansion at Strathmore on Friday along with his band to support his latest release, Room of Wonders. The album is a collection of songs inspired by folk dances from around the world. The 8 p.m. show is sold out, but it’s always worth contacting the box office for last minute availability.
>> Omrao Brown has turned the historic Bohemian Caverns into the District’s best jazz club during his tenure as owner. Part of it comes from sound business acumen, part of it comes from his own upbringing. Brown’s father, Leonard Brown, is an established saxophonist and jazz academic. The elder Brown will perform his annual tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. at the club on Friday and Saturday night, leading his group, Joyful Noise. 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets. $18 in advance/$22 at the door.
>> Fiery Latin jazz pianist Benito Gonzalez teams up with saxophonist Azar Lawrence and bassist Ameen Saleem on Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. 9 and 11 p.m. sets. $15 + $10 minimum/surcharge.
>> Last spring, we profiled local bassist Cheikh Ndoye prior to his memorable performance at Blues Alley. The night was such a success that the club invited him back for a 3-night stand of 8 and 10 p.m. sets beginning on Friday. Returning with him is an all-star group featuring harmonica ace Frédéric Yonnet, violinist Karen Briggs and others. $35 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>>HR-57 hosts regulars Antonio Parker (Friday) and Jimmy “Junebug” Jackson (Saturday). 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $15.
>> The Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Jazz Orchestra, performing on Saturday at the Millennium Stage, features students from many of the region’s premiere music programs. 6 p.m. Free.
>> Talented young drummer Aaron Seeber leads his quartet on Sunday night at Twins Jazz. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Bobby McFerrin is one of the most inspiring performers one can hear, and he will be celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday at the Kennedy Center with the Let Freedom Ring Choir. Free tickets are required and will be distributed two per person in line on Monday, January 16, 2012, in the Hall of Nations, beginning at 5 p.m. The show is at 6 p.m. and will be held in the Concert Hall.
>> Blue Monday Blues celebrates MLK day with the Mike Westcott Blues Band. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> Monday will be a special occasion for the Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra, as they will be wishing bon voyage to long time saxophonist Charles Phaneuf, who is returning to his roots in North Carolina to assume the position of Executive Director at The Little Theater in Raleigh. Fare thee well, good sir! 8 to 11 p.m. $7.
>> Monday marks the start of the Indian Jazz Series at Blues Alley, co-presented with the Indian Embassy. The series features up-and-coming vocalist Sachal Vasandani on Monday and area guitarist Sanjay Mishra on Tuesday. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $20 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge. Stay tuned for a full preview of the series.
