Keyboardist Marc Cary leads his Rhodes Ahead Project to headline CapitalBop’s Block Party on Sunday.>> Cheick Hamala Diabate, the Malian griot who holds court every Tuesday at Bossa, will play a special outdoor concert tonight at Strathmore. 7 p.m. Free.
>> Veteran area saxophonist Rick Alberico leads his band through 8 and 10 p.m. sets tonight at Twins Jazz. Tickets $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Michelle Walker was a very active vocalist on the local circuit before she made the big move to New York. Her rich voice and classic style has led to a busy performance schedule, and she will return to D.C. tonight for 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. Tickets $20 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Batida Diferente plays a mix of originals and standards from the Brazilian and straight-ahead jazz traditions. The group plays Twins Jazz on Thursday. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> On Thursday, Dukem Jazz hosts trombonist Reginald Cyntje‘s Generations project, featuring bassist Herman Burney, drummer Lenny Robinson, and keyboardist Deante Childers. 9 p.m. to midnight. No cover.
>> The Feedel Band combines jazz, funk and traditional Ethiopian music to create a truly groovy sound. They play the Bossa Bistro & Lounge on Thursday. 10 p.m. $10 cover.
>> Pianist/vocalist Freddy Cole lived for many years under the shadow of his legendary brother, Nat King Cole. In his later years, however, the broader public has become aware of his talents and his career has seen a major resurgence over the past decade or so. Cole will begin a four night run of 8 and 10 p.m. sets on Thursday at Blues Alley. Tickets $25 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Violinist Miles Stiebel will lead his group on Friday at Jazz in the Garden. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Free.
>> Smooth jazz saxophonist Kim Waters takes to The Birchmere‘s stage on Friday. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $35.
>> Mr. Henry’s features excellent local vocalists this weekend as Steve Washington takes the stage on Friday and Coniece Washington performs on Saturday. 8 to 11 p.m. Two item per person minimum.
>> DCist has often cited saxophonist Elijah Balbed as an example of young talent that has helped increase the profile of D.C. jazz over the past 10 years. Like many an ambitious artist, he is heading for the bright lights of New York, but not before delivering Friday and Saturday sets at Bohemian Caverns to say farewell. Seeing as how the Big Apple is only a train or bus ride away, we have a feeling he’ll still be back on a regular basis. Joining Balbed will be pianist Mark Meadows, guitarist Samir Moulay and others. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $18 in advance/$23 at the door.
>> Drummer William Hooker has become a regular visitor to the District from his base in New York, where he is a mainstay of the avant-garde community. Hooker has an ambitious weekend planned at Twins Jazz, where he will be playing with four different ensembles over four sets on Friday and Saturday. The only other consistent voice will be local bassist and jazz entrepreneur Luke Stewart. Other collaborators include locals Janel & Anthony as well as saxophonist Joe Rigby. 9 and 11 p.m. sets. Tickets $15 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> RighteousGIRLS (flutist Gina Izzo and pianist Erika Dohi) celebrate the recent release of their debut album gathering blue. With help from Andy Akiho, Ambrose Akinmusire and Justin Brown, duo’s recording features music from contemporary classical and jazz traditions. They will be at the Atlas on Saturday for an 8 p.m. show. Tickets $12 to $15.
>> CapitalBop will be hosting its second annual Block Party on Sunday, this time shifting the location from U Street to the Logan Fringe Arts Space (1358 Florida Ave. NE). Keyboardist Marc Cary will return to headline with his Rhodes Ahead band. Also on the bill are two local groups, Nag Champa and The Moment, who each have their own unique take on groove oriented jazz. 1 to 6 p.m. Tickets $10 in advance/$15 at the door.
>> A long time protégé of late great saxophonist Jackie McLean, pianist Alan Jay Palmer is an established educator, composer, and performer based out of New York. His more recent credits include stints with trumpeter Roy Hargrove’s quintet and work as music director for rapper Common. He is this month’s Artist-in-Residence at Bohemian Caverns and will be playing 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. sets every Tuesday in August. Tickets $10 in advance/$15 at the door.
>> Swing Shift, a local big band, performs 8 and 10 p.m. sets on Tuesday at Blues Alley. Tickets $22 plus minimum and surcharge.
