Mike Stern.>> Vocalist and Howard University jazz professor Connaitre Miller is currently an artist-in-residence at Strathmore, and tonight she will give a 7:30 p.m. recital at the Mansion. $15.
>> Pianist/vocalist Aziza Miller certainly has a resume that stands out. As an educator, she was Alicia Keys’ high school music teacher, she spent time as Natalie Cole’s music director and she was a key musician in the Broadway production of The Color Purple. Miller will be leading her group tonight at Blues Alley for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $20 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Chanteuse Donee Middleton brings her group, Jazz Noir, to Twins Jazz tonight. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> In 2011, pianist Gene D’Andrea, saxophonist Bobby Muncy and bassist Kevin Pace joined forces and formed the D.C. Jazz Composers Collective. The organization, which just recently earned official 501(c)(3) status, is aimed at showcasing the original work of local composers and will eventually branch out into educational activities. In the mean time, the founders have released an album under the DCJCC moniker and they will perform material from that recording on Thursday at The Phillips Collection at Phillips After 5. 5 to 8:30 p.m. $12.
>> Max Raabe und das Palast Orchester recreate the cabaret sounds that were popular in their native Germany during the 1920s. They are currently touring the U.S. and will make a stop at the Music Center at Strathmore on Thursday for a program that will include songs by Gerswhin, Weil and other composers of the day. 8 p.m. $28-$58.
>> Afro-roots ensemble Eme & Heteru will perform 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Twins Jazz on Thursday night. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Guitarist Mike Stern and drummer Dave Weckl are among the most influential jazz instrumentalists of their generation, and they have been collaborating on projects together for over 20 years. On Thursday, the two will come to Blues Alley and co-lead a band through four nights of 8 and 10 p.m. sets. The group will also include master bassist John Patitucci. $40 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Local trumpeter DeAndrey Howard leads his group on Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> Altoist Marshall Keys began his career with jazz-funk pioneers, The Blackbyrds, and his resume includes extended stints with soul-jazz organist Jimmy McGriff. He will lead a band at Bohemian Caverns on Friday and Saturday that features veteran keyboardist Federico Pena (Me’Shell N’Degeocello, Maxwell) and monster drummer Mark Prince. 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets. $18.
>> Speaking Tube is a trans-Atlantic collaboration between New York-based bassist Pascal Niggenkemper and Parisians Emilie Lesbros (vocals) and Frantz Loriot (viola). The trio will be at Twins Jazz this Friday and Saturday for 9 and 11 p.m. sets. $15 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Bill Charlap and Renee Rosnes, jazz pianists who are also husband and wife, will be at the Kennedy Center on Saturday to play an evening of duets from their critically acclaimed release, Double Portraits. 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. sets. $30.
>> Talented up-and-comer Eliot Seppa will lead a group of fellow upstarts through 8 and 10 p.m. sets on Sunday at Twins Jazz. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Blue Monday Blues hosts Danny Blew and the Blues Crew. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> Big Band Caliente is a local jazz orchestra that recalls the classic Cuban sound of the 40s and 50s. The 18-piece ensemble will be at Blues Alley on Monday. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $20 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Picking up where the great Charlie Byrd left off, guitarist Nate Najar is bringing his hero’s classic nylon string sound to a new generation of jazz listeners. Najar will perform on Tuesday at Blues Alley. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $20 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
