Joe Chambers.>> Although not one of the most well-known drummers to come out of the ’60s post-bop era, Joe Chambers is certainly among the best. A textural player who is also a skilled vibraphonist, Chambers will be leading the 19-piece Moving Pictures orchestra tonight at the Atlas. The big band is comprised of D.C.’s finest musicians, and will be playing Chambers’ compositions and arrangements. 8 p.m. $15-$25.
>> Local ensemble Veronneau brings their easy-going blend of Brazilian samba and French gypsy jazz to the Mansion at Strathmore tonight for its Art After Hours series. 7:30 p.m. $15.
>> Saxophonist Kurtis Adams is an award winning composer who now directs the jazz program at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV. Adams will lead a group through 8 and 10 p.m. sets tonight at Twins Jazz. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Tab Benoit specializes in the Delta blues, but also brings in cajun influences from his native Louisiana. In addition to being a skilled guitarist, Benoit is also an ardent environmentalist dedicated to preserving the Gulf Coast’s endangered wetlands. Benoit will be leading a group on Thursday at The Hamilton. 7:30 p.m. $22.50-$38.
>> Bonnie Raitt has had a pioneering career, breaking ground for female performers in both blues and pop. She will bring her distinctive slide guitar and vocal style to Wolf Trap on Thursday. R&B legend Mavis Staples opens. 8 p.m. $30-$48 + fees.
>> Tinariwen is a band of Tuareg-Berber musicians from the Sahara Desert region of northern Mali. The band formed in the late-’70s when its founders came together as refugees in Libya. The band has since gained acclaim throughout Europe and is now touring North America. They will be at the Howard Theatre on Thursday for an 8 p.m. show. $22 in advance/$25 at the door.
>> Talented local saxophonist John Kocur will lead his band on Thursday at Twins Jazz. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Jazz Night in Southwest hosts guitarist Earl Wilson and his band. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> Akua Allrich is a talented vocalist who is starting to spread her wings beyond the local jazz scene. She will be headlining a show on Friday at the Carter Barron Amphitheater. 7:30 p.m. Free.
>> Raul Midón combines a soulful voice, unique guitar style, and thoughtful lyrics to create a unique mash-up of R&B, Latin and jazz. He will lead a group on Friday at the Howard Theatre. 8 p.m. $15 in advance/$20 at the door.
>> The Young Lions, comprised of Allyn Johnson on piano, drummer Quincy Phillips and bassist Kris Funn, have long been faves here at DCist, and were in fact one of the first jazz acts we profiled on these pages. The band will set up shop at Bohemian Caverns on Friday and Saturday for 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets. $18 in advance/$23 at the door.
>> In 1980, guitarist Pat Martino, who was well established in the jazz community, suffered a brain aneurysm that left him with no memories of playing music. Through years of practice and rehab, he learned to play guitar again. Martino will lead an organ trio and celebrate the release of his latest album on Friday and Saturday at Blues Alley. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $32.50 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Trumpeter Thad Wilson has long been a mainstay of the local jazz community. He will be leading his latest project, Double Vision, on Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. 9 and 11 p.m. sets. $15 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> The 4th Annual Silver Spring Blues Festival takes place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. in downtown Silver Spring. The concert will feature two stages and a dozen local and regional acts. Free.
>> Steve Smith is the consummate “drummer’s drummer.” He provided the backbeat to Journey’s massive hits in the ’80s, and then went on to form jazz supergroup Vital Information, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The band will be at Blues Alley on Sunday for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Surface to Air is a trio comprised of tabla player Rohin Khemani, bassist Jonti Siman and guitarist Jonathan Goldberger. Its music is based on lush textures that float over the subtle rhythms of Khemani’s percussion. The band will be at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge on Sunday for an 8:30 p.m. show. Stay tuned for a full preview.
>> Blue Monday Blues hosts singer Lady Rose and her band. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> Capital City Voices is a 30-member jazz choir that will be giving its spring concert on Tuesday at Blues Alley. The program will feature compositions and arrangements from director Peggy Stern, as well as songs from the Nancy Wilson/Cannonball Adderley songbook. 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. sets. $20 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
