Reginald Cyntje celebrates the release of his latest album, Spiritual Awakening, on Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest and on Sunday at Bohemian Caverns.

>> Trumpeter Dave Douglas and saxophonist Joe Lovano have distinctive approaches on their respective instruments that allow them to explore new musical ideas while having one foot firmly rooted in tradition. The two highly regarded artists will be at Blues Alley tonight to co-lead a world class quintet. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $30 plus minimum and surcharge.

>> Guitarist Elijah Cole is just 16-years-old, but the local native is already racking up impressive awards and honors, as well as gigs at prestigious venues. The talented youngster will lead a quartet through 8 and 10 p.m. sets tonight at Twins Jazz. Tickets $10 plus minimum and surcharge.

>> Baltimore’s Orchester Praževica plays high energy music that comes from the traditions of Eastern European Czardas and Gypsy Swing, but also with a heavy dose of jazz and blues. The band will be at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge tonight. 9 p.m. Tickets $5.

>> The Harry Bells is a group saxophonist Matt Rippetoe, one of the first local jazz musicians we profiled here on DCist, co-founded with the ubiquitous trumpeter Joe Herrera. The band plays an infectious calypso style inspired by Harry Belafonte and will perform on Thursday at Bohemian Caverns to celebrate Rippetoe’s 40th birthday. 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. sets. $15 in advance/$20 at the door.

>> A German native now living and playing in Indianapolis, pianist Monika Herzig brings her blend of originals and jazz standards to Twins Jazz on Thursday. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 plus minimum and surcharge.

>> Trumpeter DeAndre Shaifer is a musical polymath. A fine jazz trumpeter who also holds his own on multiple other instruments, all while moonlighting under his electronic moniker, Dre King, he will lead a quartet of the DMV’s best on Thursday at Dukem Jazz. 9 p.m. to midnight. No cover.

>> Several of the most memorable selections in the Great American Songbook owe their existence to songwriter Johnny Mercer. “Skylark,” “Come Rain or Come Shine,” “Stardust” and “That Old Black Magic” are just a few tunes that he wrote or co-wrote and that went on to become part of the standard jazz repertoire. Guitarist/vocalist John Pizzarelli comes to Blues Alley on Thursday for a four-night run during which he will explore Mercer’s classic songs. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $40 plus minimum and surcharge.

>> Prolific area trombonist Reginald Cyntje will celebrate the release of his new album, Spiritual Awakening, on Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest. The band is comprised of first class local talent, including saxophonist Brian Settles and vocalist Christie Dashiell. 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets $5. He will also take a slightly larger ensemble to Bohemian Caverns on Sunday to continue the album launch. 7 and 9 p.m. sets. Tickets $15 in advance/$20 at the door.

>> April Ellington and Edward Ellington, children of the late Duke Ellington, lead The Savoy Ellingtons. The big band will be at the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club on Friday to re-create the ambiance of New York in the 1940s. 8 p.m. Tickets $25-$35 plus minimum and surcharge.

>> The Kennedy Center‘s 20th Annual Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival honors the ladies of the genre this weekend. Friday’s performance features groups led by drummer Sylvia Cuenca, trumpeter Ingrid Jensen and pianist Michele Rosewoman. Ladies Sing the Blues, Catherine Russell, Brianna Thomas and Charenee Wade perform on Saturday. 7 p.m. Tickets $45. As part of the festival, the Millennium Stage will host Camille Thurman on Friday and Shacara Rogers on Saturday. 6 p.m. Free.

>> Years have passed since we profiled Baltimore bass clarinetist Todd Marcus, who blends sounds from his Egyptian heritage into his original jazz compositions to create rich textures and unusual tonalities. Given the vagaries of jazz economics, it’s a rarity for his nine-piece band (plus a vocalist) to perform in D.C., so those who appreciate true jazz composers should head to Bohemian Caverns on Friday for Marcus’s 8 and 10 p.m. sets. The band features some of the best musicians from D.C. and Baltimore, including saxophonist Brent Birkhead, trombonist Jim McFalls, bassist Kris Funn and vocalist Irene Jalenti. Tickets $20 in advance/$25 at the door.

>> Saxophonist Jeff Antoniuk brought together a group of world class local artists to form the MARS 4-tet. Using loops and electronics, the band’s repertoire extends from African styles to Led Zeppelin covers. The quartet will be at Twins Jazz on Friday and Saturday for 9 and 11 p.m. sets. Tickets $15 plus minimum and surcharge.

>> Area vocalist Indigo Love pays tribute to the great Sarah Vaughan on Saturday at AMP. 8 p.m. Tickets $20-$30.

>> Saturday brings yet another tribute concert from a top-flight area vocalist as Lena Seikaly honors Billie Holiday at the Atlas. CapitalBop will host a free 7 p.m. discussion with Seikaly in advance of the 8 p.m. show. Tickets $22-$28.

>> The Howard Theatre‘s Sunday jazz brunch will feature smooth jazz saxophonist Jaared. 1 p.m. $20-$40 plus minimum and surcharge.

>> This Week in Jazz is devoted to live music, but we’ll make an exception for the fundraiser that Adams Middle School (2020 19th Street NW) is holding on Sunday. The bilingual school is hosting a Tropical Dance Party that will feature salsa, merengue and bachata tracks to introduce party-goers to the dance styles of Latin America. Instructors will be on hand from 1 to 2 p.m. to get things started and the music won’t stop until 7 p.m. $10 suggested donation.

>> CapitalBop is launching a summer series of free concerts at The Hill Center, beginning this Sunday with a performance from bassist par excellence Kris Funn and his band, Cornerstore. A 20-minute Q&A will precede two sets from the group. 5 p.m. Free.

>> Bob James is considered a pioneer of the smooth jazz sound. He is touring to celebrate his 75th birthday and will be at The Birchmere on Monday. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $39.50.