NEA Jazz Master Benny Golson performs at Bohemian Caverns this weekend. >> Clarinetist Artie Shaw led one of the big band era’s most popular ensembles during the ’30s and ’40s. Though Shaw passed away nearly 10 years ago, his orchestra still exists as an entity and will be performing its classic material tonight at the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club. Swingtopia opens. 6:30 p.m. Tickets $14 to $28 plus food and drink minimum.
>> Bassist Victor Wooten and percussionist Roy “Futureman” Wooten are best known for their groundbreaking work as part of Bela Fleck & The Flecktones. Tonight, they will team up at The Birchmere with their equally talented siblings, Joseph and Regi Wooten, to perfom as The Wooten Brothers. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $35.
>> Saxophonist Matt Rippetoe was one of the first local jazz musicians featured on DCist and was part of a crop of artists that came to the area during the last decade to breath new life into D.C.’s resurgent jazz scene. He will be performing with guitarist Rodney Richardson and trumpeter Joe Herrera tonight at Twins Jazz. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $10 plus food and drink minimum.
>> The Eric Felten Jazz Orchestra performs Duke Ellington’s arrangement of The Nutcracker Suite tonight at Blues Alley. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickes $25 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Veteran area band leader James Bazen leads his big band on Thursday at the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club for a selection of holiday favorites. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $20 plus food and drink minimum.
>> The Latin Grammy nominated Afro Bop Alliance will be at Twins Jazz on Thursday for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $12 plus food and drink minimum.
>> Smooth jazz star Marcus Johnson comes to Blues Alley on Thursday to begin a four night run of 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $27.50 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Pianist Eric Byrd has assembled a group of local all-stars to pay tribute to the late, great Ray Charles on Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets $5.
>> The Spanish Harlem Orchestra will be at Strathmore on Friday to add some Latin flair to seasonal favorites. 8 p.m. Tickets $26 to $60.
>> Veteran area trumpeter Michael Thomas leads his group on Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $17 plus food and drink minimum.
>> HR-57 hosts regulars Antonio Parker (Friday) and AJ Parham (Saturday). 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets $15.
>> DCist was honored to be present when NEA Jazz Master Benny Golson celebrated his 80th birthday at the Kennedy Center. Now 84-years old, the saxophone legend and composer of standards like “Killer Joe” and “Stablemates” is still going strong. Golson’s band will be performing 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets on Friday and Saturday with 7 and 9 p.m. sets on Sunday at Bohemian Caverns. Tickets $35 online/$40 at the door.
>> Chaise Lounge performs a brand of easy going, yet sophisticated jazz that was made popular by Capitol Records in the early ’60s. The band will be at the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club on Saturday to perform selections from its recent Christmas album. 8 p.m. Tickets $25 plus food and drink minimum.
>> Saxophonist Kenny Nunn received numerous awards while in high school and is currently pursuing a jazz studies degree at Howard. He has started making forays into clubs as a bandleader and will be at Twins Jazz on Sunday. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $10 plus food and drink minimum.
Ed. note: Sriram Gopal will be on vacation and DCist’s jazz coverage will resume on January 8, 2014. Here are some notable shows in the mean time:
>> An innovative drummer who’s not afraid to bring some showmanship and wit into the mix, Matt Wilson is a jazzer who makes sure that his audiences get their money’s worth. Wilson will lead his Christmas Tree-O! at the Atlas on 12/19. 8 p.m. Tickets $20-$33.50.
>> For fans of the local jazz scene, the performances taking place at Blues Alley on 12/23 are a must-see. Trumpeter Joe Herrera, guitarist Rodney Richardson and vocalist Lena Seikaly will team up with other area faves for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $18 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Pianist Monty Alexander begins a 5 night run at Blues Alley on 12/27 that culminates with a New Year’s performance. Visit the club’s website for details and ticket packages.
>> D.C. native Ben Williams has been taking the jazz world by storm since he won the 2009 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Bass Competition. He has worked with an impressive list of artists that includes Herbie Hancock, Wynton Marsalis, George Benson, Pat Metheny, Terrence Blanchard, Roy Hargrove, Benny Golson and Stefon Harris. Williams will bring his own group to Bohemian Caverns on 12/27 and 12/28. 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets. Tickets $20 in advance/$25 at the door.
>> Pianist/vocalist Freddy Cole never really earned a reputation deserving of his formidable talent, largely because of the long shadow of his legendary brother, Nat. Still going strong, despite being in his early 80s, Cole is now much more appreciated. He will perform at the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club on 12/28 and 12/29. Tickets $40 to $50.
>> Trombone Shorty continues the jazz-funk tradition created by the parade bands of his hometown, New Orleans, but also adds a swagger that comes from hip-hop and other contemporary influences. He will bring his band, Orleans Avenue, to 9:30 Club from 12/29 through New Year’s Eve. Openers include locals acts Funk Ark, Chopteeth and Trouble Funk. Tickets $35 for the first two nights, $75 for the New Year’s show.
>> Crescent City icon Dr. John will perform a New Year’s Eve show at The Hamilton. 9 p.m. doors. Tickets $104-$114.
>> Another excellent local showcase takes place at Jazz Night in Southwest on Jan. 3. Saxophonist Lyle Link leads a group that includes drummer Lenny Robinson and vocalist Akua Allrich. 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets $5.
