Pharoah Sanders, photo by Quentin LeBoucher.>> Saxophonist Jeff Antoniuk was one of the first jazz artists we profiled on DCist. In the intervening five years, he has released two critically acclaimed albums and has continued to be one of the area’s most active players. Antoniuk will be leading his group tonight at the Mansion at Strathmore. 7:30 p.m. $15.
>> In 1930’s, guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stephan Grappelli teamed up at the Hot Club of Paris to create what would be called Gypsy Jazz, which became the definitive sound of European jazz for years to come. The Hot Club of DC, featuring guitarist Stephan Caucheteux, violinist Benjamin Brooks, guitarist Craig Bumgarner and upright bass player Rick Netherton, recreates this sound. The band will be at Twins Jazz on Thursday for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Pharoah Sanders first made his name during the free jazz movement of the late 1960s, most notably through his playing on John Coltrane’s later recordings. Since then, his approach to music has become more subdued, but he nonetheless retains the edge of a relentlessly exploratory musician. The 71-year old Sanders will be performing at Bohemian Caverns from Thursday through Saturday. 8 and 10 p.m. sets the first night, then 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets over the weekend. $40.
>> The Yellowjackets have a history that stretches back 35 years, and were among the many notable acts to emerge from the fertile jazz fusion movement of the 1970s. Though the lineup has changed through the years, the group is still putting out quality music. The band will begin a four night stand at Blues Alley on Thursday, and the lineup will feature Russell Ferrante on keys, Bob Mintzer on sax, William Kennedy on drums and Felix Pastorius on bass. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $30 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> The military bands that are stationed in and around D.C. provide some of the area’s finest musicians. The Army’s premiere jazz band, the U.S. Army Blues, will be playing a program of classic and contemporary big band music on Friday at the Millennium Stage. 6 p.m. Free.
>> Jazz Night in Southwest will host Karen Lovejoy and the Lovejoy Group on Friday. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> Gabriel Alegria is one of Peru’s most acclaimed musicians. In addition to a performing career that has taken him around the globe, Alegria is an Associate Director of Jazz Studies at NYU. On Friday and Saturday, Alegria will bring his Afro-Peruvian sextet to Twins Jazz for 9 and 11 p.m. sets. $15 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Fiery Latin jazz sensation Chuchito Valdes, son of Cuban legend Chucho Valdes, will perform 9 and 11 p.m. sets at HR-57 on Friday and Saturday. $25.
>> Transparent Productions kicks off its ’12-’13 Sundays @ 7 series this week with a performance from Sync. Woodwind artist Ned Rothenberg‘s ensemble performs music that draws from a variety of ethnic traditions, as well as the avant-garde. The trio also includes tabla player Samir Chatterjee and guitarist Jerome Harris. 7 p.m. $15.
>> Blue Monday Blues hosts Tinaz Blues. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> Pianist Amina Figarova has steadily maintained her jazz sextet for years, a commendable feat when it comes to New York’s crowded jazz scene. The lyrical pianist will bring the group to Blues Alley on Monday for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $20 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> As we said in yesterday’s profile, saxophonist Brent Birckhead will be appearing every Tuesday in September at Bohemian Caverns. 7 and 9 p.m. sets. $10.
>> Joe Lovano‘s D.C. appearances are all too rare. Blending his huge sound and prodigious technique with a sensitivity for melody and texture, he belongs in the pantheon of jazz legends. Lovano will bring one of his newest ensembles, Us Five, to Blues Alley next Tuesday to begin a three night stand of 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $37.75 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
