Joshua Redman.>> Washington Musica Viva has a special focus on local composers, women composers, African-American composers, composers suffering under political oppression, and unfamiliar masterpieces of all kinds. Tonight, the group will perform on the Millennium Stage, and the program will feature the music of Czech composer Jaroslav Ježek, arranged for jazz sextet by contemporary composer Charley Gerard. 6 p.m. Free.
>> Talented young pianist Julian Pollack visits Twins Jazz tonight. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Pianist Cyrus Chestnut often brings his soulful approach to hard bop to the District. On Thursday, he begins a four night stand of 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Twins Jazz hosts pianist Luke Carlos O’Reilly on Thursday. O’Reilly is a Colombian native now based in Philly, and will be leading his regular band on this gig. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Drummer Nasar Abadey has long been an important voice in the local scene. On Friday, he leads a group of local all-stars at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> Local trumpeter and Grammy nominee Michael Thomas will lead his hard swinging quintet on Friday and Saturday at Bohemian Caverns. 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets. $18.
>> HR-57 hosts regulars Antonio Parker (Friday) and Cheyney Thomas (Saturday). 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $15.
>> Sheryl Bailey is a respected guitarist and educator who has taught at a number of top music schools. She will be co-leading a group this weekend at Twins Jazz with Aaron Walker, a drummer who graduated from Howard and has since played with Abbey Lincoln and a host of top-flight jazzers. 9 and 11 p.m. sets. $15 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> The 22nd Annual Rosslyn Jazz Festival boasts a fantastic lineup that includes Howard University’s Afro Blue, vocalist Rene Marie, woodwind artist Don Byron, and saxophonist Joshua Redman. 1 p.m. Free.
>> If you’re on the Maryland side of the beltway, head to Silver Spring on Saturday for its annual jazz festival, featuring headliner Sergio Mendes. 4:30 to 10 p.m. Free.
>> CapitalBop‘s monthly jazz loft will take place on Sunday at 7 p.m. at the Montserrat House. The evening’s lineup will include Siné Qua Non, the new project from bassist Michael Bowie, drummer Howard “Kingfish” Franklin‘s quintet and the Pete Muldoon Project. $10 suggested donation.
>> Lyle Link, one of the area’s best saxophonists, will lead his own group on Sunday at Twins Jazz. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Blue Monday Blues hosts Mary Shaver & the Smokin’ Polecats. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> After years of playing as a sideman with the likes of Earth, Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones and Whitney Houston, saxophonist Gary Bias is making a name for himself in the world of smooth jazz. He will lead a group through 8 and 10 p.m. sets on Monday at Blues Alley. $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Talented young saxophonist Brent Birckhead continues his month-long residence at Bohemian Caverns on Tuesday. 7 and 9 p.m. sets. $10.
>> Guitarist Chris Thomas King is best known for the Robert Johnson-esque character he portrayed in the hit Coen Brothers film, O Brother, Where Art Thou?. While that role recreated a certain place and time, he has devoted his career to bringing the blues into the 21st century. King will bring his contemporary sound to Blues Alley on Tuesday for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $20 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
