Loide celebrates the release of her new album on Saturday at Blues Alley. Courtesy the artist.>> Cross-cultural phenomenon Ester Rada was born in Israel and translates her Jewish-Ethiopian heritage into an amazing mélange of sound that takes in jazz, blues, funk, and soul. She’ll perform a free 7 p.m. outdoor show this evening at Strathmore.
>> Danielle Wertz is an area native who is now pursuing a music degree from the University of Miami. The talented young vocalist performs 8 and 10 p.m. sets tonight at Twins Jazz. Tickets $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Bandleader Eric Felten leads his jazz orchestra on Thursday through 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. The band will take a nostalgic look at the big band classics that were popular during World War II. Tickets $27.50 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Area saxophonist John “The Smoker” Kocur leads his group through 8 and 10 p.m. sets on Thursday at Twins Jazz. Tickets $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Saxophonist Elijah Jamal Balbed will debut his new organ quartet on Thursday at Dukem Jazz. 9 p.m. No cover.
>> A group of area veterans convene at Jazz Night in Southwest on Friday to honor Baltimore jazz legend, Arnold Sterling. 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets $5.
>> Drummer Aaron Walker brings his band to Twins Jazz on Friday and Saturday for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $15 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Brian Settles is one of D.C.’s top saxophonists, largely because of his constantly evolving approach to music. He will lead a band on Friday and Saturday at Bohemian Caverns. 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets. Tickets $18 online/$23 at the door.
>> Loide serves up a mix of contemporary jazz and warm Afro-Luso (African-Portuguese) melodies and rhythms. The D.C.-based vocalist will be at Blues Alley on Saturday to celebrate the release of her new album, In Time. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $24 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Bassist Tommy Cecil has been a mainstay of the local scene for many years. He and pianist Bill Mays teamed up to form a duo with an incredible level of musicality and sensitivity. The two have found a niche with their masterful interpretations of Stephen Sondheim’s songbook, which will be the focus of their Sunday night performance at Blues Alley. Tickets $25 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Saxophonist Bobby Muncy is an in-demand sideman who plays with a number of groups around town. He’ll lead his own quartet on Sunday at Twins Jazz. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Blue Monday Blues hosts the Gladys Clark Blues Sensation. 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets $5.
>> Swing Shift, a local big band, performs 8 and 10 p.m. sets on Tuesday at Blues Alley. Tickets $22 plus minimum and surcharge.
