Patricia Barber performs on Friday at the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club. Photo by Jimmy Katz. >> Lena Seikaly is among the DMV’s most talented vocalists, with a book that ranges from original songs to classics from bygone eras. She’ll lead her group for a 7:30 p.m. set tonight at the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club. Tickets $10 plus minimum and surcharge. If you can’t make it out tonight, or feel like staying in the city on Thursday, she’ll be playing a free set at Dukem Jazz. 9 p.m. to midnight.
>> His work with the legendary Meters alone would cement bassist George Porter, Jr.‘s place in music history. Add to that work with artists as diverse as Patti LaBelle, Paul McCartney, and Tori Amos, and you’ve got a truly storied career. Porter will bring his own band, Runnin’ Pardners, to The Hamilton tonight for a 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets $20-$25.
>> Ruthie Foster developed her voice in Texas churches before unleashing that formidable instrument on the blues. Her previous two albums have been nominated for Best Blues Album and critics are expecting the same for her latest, Promise of a Brand New Day. Foster will appear tonight at The Howard Theatre along with Stax-era soul singer, William Bell. 8 p.m. Tickets $25-$60 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Paul Carr plays a number of important roles in the DMV’s jazz community. He is a first rate saxophonist, a respected educator and an experienced arts presenter, most notably with his annual Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival. Carr will get a chance to put on his musician hat tonight with 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. Tickets $25 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Violinist Nistha Raj brings her blend of Indian classical music, jazz, and other world rhythms to the Millennium Stage on Thursday. She will be performing materials from her debut album, Exit 1. 6 p.m. Free.
>> Drummer Nate Smith is regularly seen playing with the great bassist, Dave Holland. His own band, Kinfolk, specializes in a brand of jazz that carries with it a heavy R&B influence. The ensemble will be at the Mansion at Strathmore on Thursday for a 7:30 p.m. set. Tickets $22.50-$25.
>> Baltimore-based saxophonist Dan Wallace leads his group through 8 and 10 p.m. sets on Thursday at Twins Jazz. Tickets $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Jane Monheit‘s classic style has made her one of the most admired jazz vocalists of her generation. On her latest effort, she pays tribute to the jazz and cabaret material made popular by Judy Garland. Monheit performs 8 and 10 p.m. sets from Thursday through Sunday at Blues Alley. Tickets $40 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> This weekend’s performances at the Loews Madison Hotel will feature Trio Caliente on Thursday (6 to 9 p.m.), vocalist Bonnie Harris on Friday (8 to 11 p.m.) and singer Lori Williams on Saturday (8 to 11 p.m.) Free.
>> A group of area veterans will pay tribute to the great Oscar Brown on Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest. Brown wrote over 1,000 songs and was also a noted civil rights activist. 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets $5.
>> Organist Cory Henry is best known for his work with the jazz-groove outfit, Snarky Puppy. He also tours with his own band, which will be at Bohemian Caverns on Friday. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $18 online/$23 at the door.
>> Patricia Barber is a true triple threat: innovative composer, gifted singer and inventive pianist. On her latest album, Smash, she brings all these qualities to the fore with a collection of songs that brings a fresh and intelligent perspective on tried-and-true themes. Barber will be at the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club on Friday for an 8:30 p.m. set. Tickets $25 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Benito Gonzalez took the D.C. jazz scene by storm in the early 2000s when he moved to this area from his native Venezuela. He moved to New York several years ago, leading his own bands and playing with a number of jazz greats, but still pays regular visits to our fair city. Gonzalez will play Twins Jazz on Friday and Saturday. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $15 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> The U St. Jazz Jam, which takes place every Saturday night at Dukem, is a chance to see up-and-coming artists hone their craft. Not only that, but name acts that are appearing in the District’s various clubs also pay a visit after their respective sets. This week’s house band will be led by drummer Quincy Phillips. 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. No cover.
>> A master of West African rhythms, and credited as one of the founders of the Afro-pop genre, Salif Keita is also known as a spokesperson and activist for people with albinism. He will perform a special acoustic show on Sunday at the Lisner Auditorium. 7 p.m. Tickets $45-$85.
>> Area saxophonist Bobby Muncy leads his excellent Radiohead Jazz Project on Sunday at Twins Jazz. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> The Italian Embassy is partnering with Blues Alley to present a series of Italian jazz artists next week. The series opens with guitarist Fabrizio Sotti on Monday and pianist Daniela Schachter on Tuesday. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $20 plus minimum and surcharge.
