Bobby Watson.

>> Saxophonist/composer Charley Gerard started the The Broken Reed Saxophone Quartet in 2002. The group’s material embraces everything from classical influences to atonal jazz. The quartet will be performing 8 and 10 p.m. sets tonight at Twins Jazz. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.

>> Smooth jazz saxophonist Brian Pinner leads his Forte Jazz Band through 8 and 10 p.m. sets tonight at Blues Alley. $20 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Vocalist Jamie Broumas has been a recognizable local talent since she broke onto the scene over 20 years ago. She will be leading a group through 8 and 10 p.m. sets on Thursday at Blues Alley. $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> John Kocur is an award winning composer, educator and saxophonist who plays in a variety of settings around town. He will be leading his band through a program of original material on Thursday at Twins Jazz. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.

>> Local avant-garde acts Les Rhinoceros and Anthony Pirog will join a bill with New York outfit Father Figures on Thursday night. The DIY show takes place at 4912 Third Street NW. 8:30 p.m. Free. BYOB.

>> The Mansion at Strathmore presents a special day time concert on Friday, presenting vocalist Mary Alouette. She will be leading a group playing holiday favorites in the gypsy jazz style of 1930s Paris. 11 a.m. The show is sold out, but it’s worth contacting the box office for last minute availability.

>> Long-running smooth jazz act Pieces of a Dream will be performing at The Birchmere on Friday. 7:30 p.m. $35 + fees.

>> Area pianist Eric Byrd leads an eight piece ensemble comprised of D.C.’s finest on Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest. The group will pay tribute to the great Ray Charles. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.

>> Bobby Watson‘s career path was set in 1977, when the talented young saxophonist joined Art Blakey’s famed Jazz Messengers, eventually moving up to the role of Music Director. In the subsequent 35 years, Watson has worked with all of the greats in jazz, and has recorded 26 albums as a bandleader. His group will pay a visit to Bohemian Caverns this weekend, where it will play 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets on Friday and Saturday. $25 in advance/$30 at the door.

>> Drummer Howard “Kingfish” Franklin has had presence on the local scene for nearly 20 years. He will be celebrating his birthday this weekend at Twins Jazz with the help of world class pianist Larry Willis. 9 and 11 p.m. sets. $15 + $10 food/drink minimum.

>> HR-57 hosts regular Antonio Parker on Friday. On Saturday, the club will feature vocalist Claire Dickson, who at just 15-years old is already earning critical praise and numerous student awards. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $15.

>> The Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra returns to its home venue on Saturday afternoon for a matinee performance of its always popular holiday program. 3 p.m. $15.

>> Blue Monday Blues will move to Sunday night this week with a performance from Queen Aisha. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.

>> The Jolley Brothers, twin brothers Nathan and Noble Jolley, will co-lead their group on Sunday evening at Bohemian Caverns. 7 and 9 p.m. sets. $15 in advance/$20 at the door.

>> Saxophonist Bobby Muncy continues his string of Sunday nights at Twins Jazz with his alt-rock/jazz group, the Radiohead Jazz Project. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.

>> Area trumpeter Dave Detwiler will play a selection of holiday tunes on Sunday at Blues Alley. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $18 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> The Millennium Stage hosts its annual Christmas Day Jazz Jam, featuring a number of local heavyweights playing everyone’s holiday favorites. 6 p.m. Free.