Sheila E. >> Two giants team up tonight at Wolf Trap. Stanley Clarke set a new bar for bassists in the late ’60s and ’70s through his work with Stan Getz and Return To Forever. George Duke got his start with Frank Zappa, and then became a force in the fusion era. Opener Boney James joins the two legends for an 8 p.m. show. $25-$42 + fees.
>> Keyboardist and smooth jazz star Marcus Johnson performs a 7:30 p.m. set tonight at The Hamilton. $27.50 + fees.
>> Trumpeter Victor Haskins is an active musician in Richmond’s jazz scene, and will pay D.C. a visit tonight with 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Twins Jazz. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> D.C. blues legends, The Nighthawks perform 8 and 10 p.m. sets tonight at Blues Alley. $20 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> To describe percussionist Sheila E‘s career as pioneering would be a gross understatement. Hailing from the Escovedo family, which includes a number of Latin music’s most prodigious instrumentalists, she went on to become one of Prince’s chief collaborators during the 1980s. After having solo hits with “Love Bizarre” and “Glamorous Life”, she established herself as a first call session musician and producer. She is currently touring with her new band, fDeluxe, which adds a pop sheen to Sheila E’s Latin jazz roots. fDeluxe will be performing on Thursday at The Howard Theatre. 8 p.m. $25-$30.
>> Area saxophonist Dan Wallace leads a group on Thursday at Twins Jazz, featuring excellent local pianist Harry Appelman. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Mixing jazz and traditional blues, pianist/vocalist Mose Allison has become an institution unto himself. The veteran is a regular at Blues Alley, and will return to the club for a 4-night stand that begins on Thursday. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> On Friday, Jazz Night in Southwest hosts pianist Alex Jenkins and his trio. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> Considered by many to be the premiere vocal group in jazz, The Manhattan Transfer are still going strong after decades of singing together. The group will be at The Birchmere on Friday for 7:30 p.m. show. $55 + fees.
>> Saxophonist Javon Jackson earned his reputation playing with the great Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. His career has since included stints with Elvin Jones, Freddie Hubbard, Betty Carter, Cedar Walton, Ron Carter and many, many other greats. Jackson will be leading his own group on Friday and Saturday at Bohemian Caverns. $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Bassist Romeir Mendez is quickly moving up the ranks within the local jazz community. He will lead an excellent group of area musicians on Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz, including saxophonist Tim Green and pianist Allyn Johnson. 9 and 11 p.m. sets. $15 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> HR-57 hosts regulars Antonio Parker (Friday) and Thad Wilson (Saturday). 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $15.
>> Anthony Pirog can be seen playing his guitar in just about every conceivable setting, from rock to avant-garde jazz. His trio will likely run through this entire gamut during his 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Twins Jazz on Sunday. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Blue Monday Blues hosts Jacques “Saxman” Johnson and his band. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> Alto saxophonist Brent Birckhead already has a stellar reputation, having performed with Benny Golson, Geri Allen and others. As a student at Howard University, he won numerous awards for his abilities. The area native will begin a month long Artist-in-Residence showcase on Tuesday nights in September at Bohemian Caverns. 7 and 9 p.m. sets. $10.
