Ambrose Akinmusire.>> Trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire won the prestigious Monk Competition in 2007, and his star has been on the rise ever since. The talented up-and-comer will be performing tonight at the Atlas to support his excellent 2011 release, When The Heart Emerges Glistening. 8 p.m. $15-$25.
>> Blues Alley hosts local blues outfit The Deacons for 8 and 10 p.m. sets tonight. $18 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Marianne Solivan is an up-and-coming vocalist in New York’s crowded jazz scene. She will be at Bohemian Caverns on Thursday to celebrate her latest album, Prisoner of Love. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $15.
>> Veteran local bluesman Tom Principato leads his group on Thursday at the Barns of Wolf Trap. 8 p.m. $22 + fees.
>> Busy local saxophonist Bobby Muncy returns to Twins Jazz on Thursday with his Radiohead Jazz Project, which, as you might guess, puts music by the influential alt-rockers into a jazz context. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Saxophonist Paul Carr and bassist Michael Bowie are not only two of the area’s best players, but they are also accomplished educators. Carr will lead students from his jazz academy and Bowie will direct the Blues Alley Youth Orchestra on Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> Legendary harmonica player James Cotton will hold court at Blues Alley with 8 and 10 p.m. sets Friday through Sunday. $27.50 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Trumpeter Jeremy Pelt took New York by storm when he first arrived in the late ’90s. He has since won numerous accolades and has played with many of the finest in jazz. Pelt will be at Bohemian Caverns on Friday and Saturday, leading his group through 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets. $18.
>> New York-based pianist Noah Haidu has gotten quite a bit of critical notice, and is attempting to turn that into wider recognition. He will be at Twins Jazz on Friday and Saturday, performing with bassist Eric Wheeler and drummer Nasar Abadey. 9 and 11 p.m. sets. $15 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Featuring 30 musicians and dancers from Argentina, the DC Tango Festival takes place on Saturday at Lisner Auditorium. 8 p.m. $20-$45.
>> Fans in his native South Africa refer to singer Vusi Mahlasela as simply, “The Voice.” He began to get international recognition after being signed to Dave Matthews’ record label in 2003. Mahlasela will perform a 7:30 p.m. show on Sunday at The Hamilton. $27.50.
>> Rachelle Ferrell‘s style is rooted in contemporary jazz, but she’s not afraid to bring in R&B, hip-hop and other influences. The singer’s singer will be at The Birchmere on Sunday for a 7:30 p.m. show. $59.50 + fees.
>> Blue Monday Blues hosts guitarist Memphis Gold. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> Bassist Michael Bowie will bring his new project, Sine Qua Non, to Bohemian Caverns on Tuesday. The band features steel pannist Victor Provost, drummer Mark Prince and percussionist Tom Teasley, and puts Bowie’s love of classical Spanish guitar music into a jazz setting. 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. sets. $10.
