The Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra.>> Nasar Abadey has been a first call drummer in the local scene for years. He will be leading his group, SUPERNOVA, tonight at the Mansion at Strathmore. 7:30 p.m. $15.
>> Atlanta-based trumpeter Melvin Jones will be at Twins Jazz tonight and tomorrow for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Chucho Valdes has unparalleled technique on the piano, and is considered one of Cuba’s great musicians. He will be performing on Thursday at the Sixth and I Synagogue in a performance staged by the Washington Performing Arts Society. 7 p.m. $35.
>> Genre-crossing composer/percussionist John Hollenbeck, renowned in both the jazz and new-music worlds, is gaining more recognition with his John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble. The groups draws from jazz, world music, and contemporary composition to create an entirely unique sound. The band will be performing at the Atlas on Thursday. 8 p.m. $15-$30.
>> Gloria Reuben is best known as an actress, playing roles in ER and Lincoln. She is also a talented jazz vocalist, and will be performing on Thursday at Blues Alley. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Organist Jackie Hairston leads a quartet on Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> 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 Friday at the Center’s KC Jazz Club as part of its Discovery Artist series. 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. sets. $16 + fees.
>> Smooth jazz saxophonist Marion Meadows is at Blues Alley on Friday to start a three night run of 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Chaise Lounge is a band whose easy going sound belies the skill it takes to pull of its classic style. The group has released a holiday album, and will celebrate its release on Friday at The Hamilton. 8:30 p.m. $20.
>> Saxophonist Tim Warfield will make his annual stop at Bohemian Caverns on Friday and Saturday to play his creative arrangements of holiday favorites. 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets. $20 in advance/$25 at the door.
>> Drummer Keith Killgo is a founding member of hometown funk act, The Blackbyrds. Also an accomplished jazz drummer, he’ll be playing 9 and 11 p.m. sets on Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. $15 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> NPR’s A Jazz Piano Christmas is an annual staple at the Kennedy Center. This year’s show takes place on Saturday and will feature NEA Jazz Master Ellis Marsalis, Jason Moran, Geri Allen, Taylor Eigsti and others playing seasonal favorites. Both sets are sold out, but it’s worth contacting the box office for last minute availability.
>> CapitalBop‘s always excellent Jazz Loft returns this Sunday and takes place upstairs at Marvin. The show will feature bands led by bassist Blake Meister, guitarists Rodney Richardson and John Lee, as well as trumpeter Joe Herrera. 7 p.m. $15 suggested donation.
>> Roy Campbell, Jr. is often associated with the free jazz scene, but the venerable trumpeter cannot be so easily characterized. Catch his adventurous approach to music on Sunday at Bohemian Caverns. 7 and 9 p.m. sets. $15 in advance/$20 at the door.
>> Blood, Sweat & Tears were at the forefront of the jazz-rock movement during the 1970s. Though many of the original members have left, the band still tours the world with its horn-driven sound. The group’s latest iteration will be at the Birchmere on Sunday for a 7:30 p.m. show. $49.50 + fees.
>> The Marsalises are often called the first family of jazz. The patriarch, pianist Ellis Marsalis, will be performing on Sunday at The Howard Theatre. 7:30 p.m. $26-$30.
>> Busy local saxophonist Bobby Muncy leads a group on Sunday at Twins Jazz. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Blue Monday Blues hosts guitarist Linwood Taylor. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> The Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra is a gem of the D.C. jazz scene. They will mix things up a bit for the next two Mondays, playing their annual holiday show. These sets always sell out, so get your tickets in advance. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10.
>> Area bandleader Eric Felten assembles his big band on Tuesday at Blues Alley for their annual performance of Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite. $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Herb Scott is a talented young saxophonist who is establishing himself on the local scene. He is December’s Artist-in-Residence at Bohemian Caverns, holding down the venue on Tuesday nights. His run continues on Tuesday with 7 and 9 p.m. sets. $10 in advance/$15 at the door.
>> Robert Cray has been considered a top-tier blues guitarist for over 25 years since the release of his celebrated debut, Smoking Gun. The veteran road warrior will be at the Birchmere on Tuesday for a 7:30 p.m. show. $49.50 + fees.
