Marc Cary.>> Area guitarist Joel Harrison‘s interests range from jazz, to country, to Indian classical music. For tonight’s performance at the Atlas, Harrison has assembled a guitar/string ensemble to celebrate the work of the late drummer/composer, Paul Motian. 8 p.m. $15 to $25 + fees.
>> A member of jazz’s first family, Delfeayo Marsalis earned a reputation as a jazz producer, but in recent years has established himself as a top-notch trombonist. He will be at The Hamilton tonight for a 7:30 p.m. set. $17 to $30.50 + fees.
>> Charlie Barnett is the chief composer for local lounge act, Chaise Lounge. He will be performing tonight in different setting, playing at the Mansion at Strathmore with Strathmore Artists-in-Residence Owen Danoff and Deborah Bond. 7:30 p.m. $13.50 to $15.
>> Trombonist Reginald Cyntje concludes his Making of the Love Album series tonight at Twins Jazz. The idea behind his Wednesday night sessions in November was to develop material for his forthcoming recording, Love, whose compositions are musical meditations and prayers. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Pianist Larry Brown has been a fixture on the local scene for many years, and his deep swing has always made him an in-demand musician. Brown will be leading his critically acclaimed quartet on Thursday at Bohemian Caverns. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $15 in advance/$20 at the door.
>> South African guitarist Jonathan Butler has spent 25 years at the forefront of the smooth jazz scene, earning multiple Grammy nominations along the way. He begins a four night stand of 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley on Thursday. $50 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> The One Step Down was a hip little spot in Foggy Bottom. At the time of its closing in 2000, it was the among the longest continuously running jazz clubs in the country. On Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest, a group of area veterans who were regular performers at the club will pay tribute to an important piece of D.C.’s jazz history. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> A native of Panama, Danilo Pérez took the jazz world by storm when he began his recording career nearly 20 years ago. He cut his teeth playing with the likes of Wayne Shorter and Tito Puente, and is now considered among the finest pianists of his generation. Pérez will lead his trio through a 7:30 p.m. set on Friday at the Kennedy Center‘s Terrace Theater. $30 + fees.
>> Pianist Marc Cary is an innovative musician whose curiosity has led him to embrace sounds from any and all traditions. He will set up shop at Bohemian Caverns on Friday and Saturday with a band that includes District mainstays Brian Settles and Tarus Mateen, as well as percussionist Sameer Gupta. 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets. $23 in advance/$28 at the door.
>> Véronneau was formed in 2010 by French Canadian vocalist Lynn Véronneau and her husband, guitarist Ken Avis from Northern England. Now based in NoVa, the group will perform on Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. 9 and 11 p.m. sets. $15 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> HR-57 hosts regulars Antonio Parker (Friday) and the EC III Quartet (Saturday). 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $15.
Christie Dashiell. >> It’s always great to see a local artist get much deserved recognition. Vocalist Christie Dashiell is an alum of the prestigious Betty Carter Jazz Ahead at the Kennedy Center, and a graduate of Howard University, where she turned heads during Afro Blue’s run on NBC’s The Sing Off. Dashiell will be leading her own group on Saturday at the Center’s KC Jazz Club as part of its Discovery Artist series. 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. sets. $16 + fees.
>> In its nearly forty years together as a group, Spyro Gyra has gone from in-your-face fusion, to a more smooth sound, and then back again. The influential group will be at The Hamilton on Saturday for an 8:30 p.m. set. $46 to $61.50 + fees.
>> Born in Virginia and a graduate of Howard, trumpeter Lewis ‘Flip’ Barnes has always gravitated toward music that tends to go outside of the box. The veteran musician will be at Bohemian Caverns on Sunday for 7 and 9 p.m. sets. $15 in advance/$20 at the door.
>> Bobby Muncy has assembled a stellar group of local musicians for his 8 and 10 p.m. sets on Sunday at Twins Jazz. A rhythm section comprised of pianist Allyn Johnson, bassist Kris Funn and drummer Larry Ferguson will be on hand to accompany the saxophonist. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Fiery guitarist John Lee has been hitting the road with a number of acts. Area fans will get a chance to see him on Sunday at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge, where he will debut a new quartet that includes saxophonist Matt Rippetoe. 9 p.m. Call 202-667-0088 for cover information.
>> Blue Monday Blues hosts The Nighthawks. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> Star smooth jazz saxophonist Dave Koz will be at the Music Center at Strathmore with his new holiday show. His band features pioneering drummer/percussionist Sheila E. 8 p.m. $31.50 to $55.
>> Few young musicians have created more waves in the jazz world than guitarist Julian Lage. Still in his early 20s, Lage has played with a number of greats and is constantly touring as a bandleader. Lage will bring a quartet to The Hamilton on Monday. 7:30 p.m. $17 to $27.50 + fees.
