Dr. Lonnie Smith.>> Brazilian pianist Eliane Elias is known internationally for her considerable abilities. Tonight, she will team up with vocalist Jacqui Naylor, who is known for her creative way of transporting pop tunes into the jazz idiom. The duo will perform a 7:30 p.m. set at The Birchmere. $29.50 + fees.
>> Ace bassist Chris Minh Doky splits his time between New York and Copenhagen, and played with countless artists on both sides of the Atlantic. He will lead his own group, The Nomads, through 8 and 10 p.m. sets tonight at Blues Alley. The band features Dave Weckl, one of the all-time great drummers, and explores the intersection between jazz and electronica. $30 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Local bassist Keith Wesby leads a band through 8 and 10 p.m. sets tonight at Twins Jazz. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> A German native now living and playing in the States, pianist Monika Herzig brings her blend of originals and jazz standards to Twins Jazz on Thursday. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Violinist Chelsea Green spent 20 years playing the classical repertoire, but she now tries to put the violin in unexpected settings. She will lead her band on Thursday at Bohemian Caverns. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $15 in advance/$20 at the door.
>> Tropicalia is an exciting new addition to the District’s music scene. The club, located at 14th and U Sts. NW, will feature live acts and DJs with a focus on trans-global music. On Thursday, the venue will host blind Sierra Leone-born musician, Sorie Kondi, who will be performing with electrified self-crafted instruments. 9 p.m. Free. DJs to follow.
>> Rachelle Ferrell‘s style is rooted in contemporary jazz, but she’s not afraid to bring in R&B, hip-hop and other influences. The singer’s singer will be at Blues Alley from Thursday through Sunday. $60 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Trumpeter and local mainstay Michael Thomas will lead his band on Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> The Rippingtons, founded by guitarist Russ Freeman, have been at the forefront of the smooth jazz scene since the mid-’80s. They will be performing a 7:30 p.m. set at The Birchmere on Friday. $35 + fees.
>> Pianist Eric Lewis is among the most dynamic performers in jazz, and has carved himself a niche by taking rock anthems and putting them in a jazz setting. He will be at HR-57 on Friday and Saturday to celebrate the release of his new album, ELEW Rockjazz Vol. 2. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $25.
>> Jacques Schwarz-Bart has played saxophone for the likes of Roy Hargrove, Danilo Perez, Ari Hoenig, Meshell N’Degeocello, D’angelo and Chucho Valdes. He is now leading his own group, playing jazz that draws inspiration from his multi-ethnic heritage. Schwarz-Bart will be at Bohemian Caverns on Friday and Saturday, touring in support of his latest release, The Art of Dreaming. 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets. $23.
>> The Kennedy Center kicks of its ’12-’13 jazz season this weekend with two exceptional keyboardists. Pianist Mulgrew Miller will lead a group through 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. sets on Friday, while B-3 virtuoso Dr. Lonnie Smith will do the same on Saturday. $26-$30 + fees. Also, stay tuned for our interview with Jason Moran, the Center’s new Artistic Adviser for jazz.
>> Heidi Martin has long been a familiar voice among area vocalists. This Friday and Saturday, she will be leading a group at Twins Jazz in tribute to the late, great Abbey Lincoln. 9 and 11 p.m. sets. $15 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Twins Jazz has launched a Carribean Jazz Brunch that takes place every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Trombonist Reginald Cyntje provides the music.
>> Bohemian Caverns and Transparent Productions continue their Sundays @ 7 jazz series with guitarist Joe Morris, who will lead a trio featuring bassist William Parker. 7 p.m. $15.
>> Saxophonists Lyle Link and Marty Nau continue their weekly sets at Twins Jazz on Sunday and Tuesday, respectively. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Blue Monday Blues hosts harmonica player Charlie Sayles and his band. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> Guitarist Pete Muldoon, a Howard grad, begins his October residency of Tuesday night performances at Bohemian Caverns. 7 and 9 p.m. sets. $10 in advance/$15 at the door.
>> Roy Hargrove is considered among the finest trumpeters playing today. He and his band will begin a six-night stand of 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley on Tuesday. $40 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
