Jenny Scheinman performs on Friday at the Kennedy Center. >> Guitarist Cristian Perez is February’s Artist-in-Residence at Strathmore. He will bring his fusion of classical, South American, and jazz influences to the mansion tonight for a 7:30 p.m. set. Tickets $15.30 to $17.
>> The Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club had a regular big band night when it first opened, but that didn’t last very long. Thankfully, the venue is making another go of it, bringing back saxophonist Pete BarenBregge to lead a 17-piece band every Wednesday evening for a night of dining and dancing. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Pianist Joe Vetter performs 8 and 10 p.m. sets tonight at Twins Jazz. Tickets $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> The Stooges Brass Band will bring the carnival sounds of New Orleans to The Hamilton on Thursday. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $15-$20.
>> Vocalist Carol Chandler will hold court on Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets $5.
>> Jenny Scheinman has an intriguing take on jazz because of A) her instrument, the violin, and B) the fact that she comes at jazz from a country/bluegrass angle. The result is an approach that embraces all of jazz’s sophistication while retaining the earthiness of American roots music. She will be at the Kennedy Center’s KC Jazz Club on Friday for 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. sets. Brian Blade will join Scheinman. One of the finest jazz drummers of his generation, he is well on his way to establishing himself as one of the all time greats on the instrument. Tickets $26-$32.
>> Aaron “Ab” Abernathy graduated from Howard University’s prestigious jazz program and then went into the hip-hop realm to serve as music director for the underground hip-hop heavyweight, Black Milk. The pianist will return to his jazz roots on Friday to lead the Nat Turner Band at Bohemian Caverns. 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets. Tickets $25 to $77 (includes prix fixe dinner).
>> Frédéric Yonnet‘s original approach to the harmonica has led to performances with Prince, Stevie Wonder and a host of other A-list musicians. His original music draws from jazz, global influences and R&B. Yonnet performs on Friday and Saturday at Blues Alley. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $25 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Born in Italy and now living in Baltimore, Irene Jalenti‘s singing style draws from traditional jazz, gospel and soul. She will bring her rich sound to Twins Jazz on Friday and Saturday for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $15 on Friday, $20 on Saturday, plus minimum and surcharge.
>> President’s Day weekend is upon us, so that means its time for the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival. Once again, Paul Carr and his team have put together an impressive lineup to fill the Rockville Hilton with music. As usual, the program includes competitions for school bands and jazz vocalists, local artists such as Sam Prather and Julie Mack, and world class headliners. The featured acts at this weekend’s festival include Ellis and Delfeayo Marsalis, Winard Harper, Kenny Barron and Carmen Lundy. Visit the festival web site for the full schedule and ticketing information.
>> If you’re looking for an alternative way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, head to the DIY space, The Communiverse (1406 Webster Street NW), for a Saturday afternoon of experimental music, dance, and visual art. The musical acts include avant-gardists Luke Stewart, Lucas Brode and Layne Garrett. 3 to 7 p.m. All ages. There will be a suggested donation at the door.
>> On his latest album, Passion World, vocalist Kurt Elling takes love songs from around the world and puts them through a jazz filter. The material is perfect for a Valentine’s Day concert, and so it will come to pass on Saturday at the Kennedy Center’s Terrace Theater. 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. sets. Tickets $39.
>> Guitarist/vocalist John Pizzarelli will team up with chanteuse Jane Monheit at the Music Center at Strathmore on Valentine’s Day for an evening of romantic jazz. 8 p.m. Tickets $43 to $78.
>> 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 Bohemian Caverns on Saturday to celebrate Valentine’s Day. 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets. 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets. Tickets $25 to $77 (includes prix fixe dinner).
>> Beginning with the legendary Duke, three generations of the Ellington family have led the famous Duke Ellington Orchestra for over 90 years. The big band will bring its timeless music to the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club on Saturday and Sunday. The Valentine’s Day set will include complimentary champagne. 8 p.m. show on Saturday, 7:30 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets $35-$45 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Veteran area vocalist George V. Johnson is best known for adding original lyrics to classic jazz melodies that were originally conceived as instrumentals. He will lead a group on Monday at Blues Alley. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $20 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Next Tuesday is, of course, Mardi Gras, and what would Mardi Gras be without some New Orleans second line? The world-renowned Dirty Dozen Brass Band will be at The Hamilton to bring some Crescent City vibe to the District. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $25-$30.
>> Drummer extraordinaire Lenny Robinson, one of the DMV’s finest, is this month’s Artist-in-Residence at Bohemian Caverns. His Tuesday night sets will celebrate the legendary collaborations of pianist Chick Corea and drummer Roy Haynes. 7:30 and 9 p.m. sets. Tickets $10.
