Akua Allrich celebrates the release of her new album, Soul Singer, on Sunday at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage.

>> Trumpeter Kenny Rittenhouse is seen most often playing with the U.S. Army Blues, the Army’s premiere jazz ensemble. He also leads his own band, recalling the classic hard bop of the ’50s and ’60s. His band will play 8 and 10 p.m. sets tonight at Blues Alley along with guest vocalist Darden Purcell. Tickets $20 plus minimum and surcharge.

>> Local pianist Joe Vetter performs 8 and 10 p.m. sets tonight at Twins Jazz. Tickets $10 plus minimum and surcharge.

>> The Creative Music series at Union Arts continues tonight with a triple bill that includes Circuit des Yeux and area cellist Janel Leppin. 8 p.m. Tickets $10.

>> The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is currently taking place and focuses on Peruvian culture. From tonight through Friday the Millennium Stage will host traditional and contemporary ensembles from Peru. 6 p.m. Free.

>> Bandleader Eric Felten leads his jazz orchestra through 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley on Thursday and Friday. 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.

>> The jazz program at the University of Maryland has been the training ground for many of the area’s top musicians. Brendan Schnabel is a saxophonist who is currently pursuing a graduate degree at UMD and he will be leading a band on Thursday at Twins Jazz. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $10 plus minimum and surcharge.

>> Area organist Benjie Porecki pays tribute to the great Jimmy McGriff with some of the DMV’s finest on Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets $5.

>> Local jazz combo Dial 251 performs on Friday at Mr. Henry’s along with special guest drummer Lenny Robinson. 8 p.m. to midnight. Two item minimum per person.

>> Herb Scott is a familiar face on the D.C. jazz scene and the alto saxophonist will be taking over Twins Jazz this weekend with 9 and 11 p.m. sets on Friday and Saturday. Tickets $15 plus minimum and surcharge.

>> Vocalist Tacha Coleman Parr brings her mix of jazz, blues and soul to Mr. Henry’s on Saturday. 8 to 11 p.m. Two item minimum per person.

>> Akua Allrich is one of the area’s most dynamic vocalists and has just released her 3rd album, Soul Singer. She will celebrate its release with a free performance on Sunday at the Millennium Stage. 6 p.m. Free.

>> Chris Vadala is the longtime director of the jazz program at the University of Maryland. He has partnered with guitarist Rick Whitehead‘s trio for a new album, Eastern Standard Time. They will perform selections from the recording on Monday at Blues Alley. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $20 plus minimum and surcharge.

>> The Greater U Street Jazz Collective is a group of veteran players who are inspired by the great jazz tradition that came out of that neighborhood before urban blight set in. The ensemble is July’s Artist-in-Residence at Bohemian Caverns, performing 7:30 and 9 p.m. sets every Tuesday this month. Tickets $10.