>> David Sanborn‘s name is virtually synonymous with smooth jazz. He will be performing tonight and tomorrow with R&B vocalist Brian Culbertson at the Birchmere. 7:30 p.m. $65 + fees.
>> Drummer Vinson Valega is an area native who has played with some of New York’s finest musicians. He will lead a group tonight at Twins Jazz. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Drummer Charles Ostle plays with a number of groups around town. On Thursday, he will lead his own band at the Rockville Town Square as part of its free concert series. The Oscillators features bassist Glen Oliff, saxophonist Matt Rippetoe and guitarist John Lee. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Lee will also be performing with his own group on Friday at Jazz in the Sculpture Garden. 5-8:30 p.m. Free.
>> Diana Krall is not only a fantastic vocalist and pianist, whose talents have led to crossover success and two Grammy awards. She will be performing on Thursday at Wolf Trap with opener Denzal Sinclaire. 8 p.m. $35-$50 + fees.
>> Singer Emy Tseng performs Brazilian and straight-ahead jazz standards on Thursday at Twins Jazz. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> The Nordic Jazz Series kicks off on Friday with a performance from IPA at Twins Jazz. In addition to six nights of performances at the club, the series also includes wo concerts at the Swedish and Finnish Embassies, Visit the series web site for full schedule and ticketing information.
>> On Friday, Jazz Night in Southwest hosts an all-star band that will back vocalists Integriti Reeves and Christie Dashiell, who made waves as featured vocalists with Howard University’s Afro Blue on NBC’s The Sing-Off. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> Under the direction of pianist Oscar Hernández, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra is one of the country’s best Latin jazz ensembles. The band will play an 8:30 p.m. show at The Hamilton on Friday. $33-$48.50.
>> Son of jazz icon John Coltrane and named after celebrated Indian musician Ravi Shankar, it’s hard to imagine Ravi Coltrane pursuing anything but music as a career. The 46-year old saxophonist as charted a fine career for himself, and will be leading a group on Friday and Saturday at Bohemian Caverns. 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets. $22.
>> HR-57 hosts regulars Antonio Parker (Friday) and AJ Parham (Saturday). 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $15.
>> Amir Gwirtzman, one of Israel’s leading jazz musicians, will perform on the Millennium Stage on Saturday. 6 p.m. Free.
>> Javier Limón is considered one of the most foremost producers in contemporary flamenco. He has created a program called Flamenco Soul, a program of some of the world’s best flamenco musicians that traces the history of the genre. The tour will make a stop at The Howard Theatre on Saturday. 8 p.m. $25 in advance/$30 at the door.
>> Recently profiled experimental duo Janel & Anthony will team up with kindred spirits Jean Cook (violin/loops) and David Brown (percussion/piano) on Sunday at Bohemian Caverns as part if its Sundays @ 7 series. 7 p.m. $15.
>> Blue Monday Blues hosts singer Lady Di and her band. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> In April 2011, producer Gerald Watson and DJ 2-Tone Jones released Shaolin Jazz, a project in which vocals by rappers from legendary rap group,Wu-Tang Clan, were mashed up with jazz instrumentals and samples. The duo will recreate their creation during a live show at Blues Alley on Monday. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $18 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Gypsy jazz accordionist Dallas Vietty leads a group on Tuesday at Twins Jazz. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Jimmie Vaughan spent his early professional years in the shadow of his legendary brother, Stevie Ray. But he has emerged as a world class musician in his own right since his brother’s death in 1990. Vaughan will be performing on Tuesday at The Howard Theatre. 8 p.m. $26 in advance/$30 at the door.
