2013 Latin Grammy nominee Manuel Valera will lead his band at Bohemian Caverns on Friday and Saturday. >> Casuarina, one of the top groups of Rio de Janeiro`s new samba and choro scene, performs tonight on the Millennium Stage. Free, 6 p.m.
>> Our Mood Swings performs 8 and 10 p.m. sets tonight at Twins Jazz. Tickets $10 plus food and drink minimum.
>> Vocalist Mandy Harvey experienced a sudden and unexpected hearing loss three years ago that left her legally deaf. Despite the setback, she continues to sing and will be performing on Thursday at the Millennium Stage. Free, 6 p.m.
>> Woodwind artist/composer/arranger James Bazen leads the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club‘s resident jazz orchestra on Thursday at the club. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $10 plus food and drink minimum.
>> Trumpeter Kevin Cordt has performed with notables such as Phil Lesh and Joan Osborne. He leads a quartet on Thursday at the Big Bear Cafe. Free but reservations are recommended. 8 p.m.
>> Pianist Jason Yeager infuses improvisational jazz with diverse musical elements such as Vietnamese Buddhist chant-inspired melodies, drum ‘n’ bass rhythms, classical music, Argentine folk styles and more. The young musician will be leading a trio on Thursday at Twins Jazz. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $10 plus food and drink minimum.
>> Acoustic guitarist Cristian Perez leads his trio on Thursday at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge, presenting an evening of globally inspired jazz. $5, 9:30 p.m.
>> Trombonist Reginald Cyntje continues to roll out his latest album, Love. On Friday, he’ll lead an ace group of local talent at Jazz Night in Southwest. The band includes pianist Allyn Johnson, bassist Herman Burney, vocalist Christie Dashiell and others. $5, 6 p.m.
>> Vocalist Mary Alouette‘s new album, The Lark, showcases her unique blend of gypsy jazz and electronic music. She will celebrate the recording’s release on Friday at the Mansion at Strathmore. $15, 7:30 p.m.
>> Baltimore native Tracy Hamlin has toured with acclaimed smooth jazz group, Pieces of a Dream, as its lead vocalist. She will be headlining her own show on Friday at the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club. $20 plus food and drink minimum, 8 p.m.
>> Acclaimed trumpeter John D’earth will be leading a group of local heavyweights on Friday at Saint Mark Presbyterian Church. The band includes bassist Leonardo Lucini, trombonist Jim McFalls and others. $20, 8:30 p.m.
>> A native of Cuba, Manuel Valera has established himself as one of the top Latin jazz pianists since he made his move to New York. Valera will lead his band, the New Cuban Express, on Friday and Saturday at Bohemian Caverns. $18-23, 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
>> Veteran local trumpeter Michael Thomas will lead his quintet on Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. $15 plus food and drink minimum, 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
>> HR-57 hosts regulars Antonio Parker (Friday) and Alfredo Mojica (Saturday). $15.
>> Bandleader Doc Scantlin leads his Imperial Palms Orchestra on Saturday at the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club. The ensemble specializes in the classic big band sound of the ’20s, ’30s and ’40s. $35 plus food and drink minimum, 8 p.m.
>> Saxophonist Bobby Muncy plays in a number of projects around town, and leads a number of groups with varying lineups. On Sunday at Twins Jazz, he leads his alt-rock influenced Radiohead Jazz Project, which features guitar alchemist Anthony Pirog. $10 plus food and drink minimum, 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
>> Charlie Sayles leads The Blues Disciples for a night of harmonica driven blues at Blue Monday Blues. $5, 6 p.m.
>> Vocalist Heidi Martin concludes her run as July’s Artist-in-Residence at Bohemian Caverns on Tuesday. $15-20, 7 p.m.
>> Alto saxophonist Marty Nau has been a familiar face on the local scene for over 30 years. He will lead his regular Tuesday session at Twins Jazz. $10 plus food and drink minimum, 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
