Justin Kauflin brings his trio to Bohemian Caverns on Friday and Saturday. >> Tal National‘s music traces the history of Niger as a cultural crossroads as interpreted through the joyous sounds of West African guitar and vocals. The band will be on the Millennium Stage this evening. 6 p.m. Free.
>> Veteran area saxophonist Marty Nau brings a group to Twins Jazz tonight. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Drew Tucker is a world class vibraphonist and founding member of the acclaimed Arts Garage in Florida. He will lead a group through 8 and 10 p.m. sets tonight at Blues Alley. Tickets $20 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Adrian Duke brings his repertoire of straight-ahead jazz, old-time swing, and New Orleans classics to the Carlyle Club on Thursday. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $15 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Seattle-based composer/vocalist Eugenie Jones will be at Twins Jazz on Thursday with the Greater U Street Jazz Collective on Thursday. The performance will feature a mix of originals and standards. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Orquesta el Macabeo specializes in an infectious and high-energy brand of salsa from Puerto Rico. The band will be at Tropicalia on Thursday. 9 p.m. Tickets $10 in advance/$12 at the door.
>> 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.
>> Tarus Mateen gave the local jazz scene a huge boost when he moved here a few years ago. The first-call bassist will lead a quartet on Thursday at Dukem Jazz. 9 p.m. to midnight. No cover.
>> Guitarist Chris Thomas King is best known for the Robert Johnson-esque character he portrayed in the hit Coen Brother’s film, O Brother, Where Art Thou? While that role recreated a certain place and time, he has devoted his career to bringing the blues into the 21st century. King will bring his contemporary sound to Blues Alley on Thursday for a four-night stand of 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $24 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Guitarist Elijah Cole plays the Salty Dog Tavern on Friday. 6 to 10 p.m. No cover.
>> Spyro Gyra formed in the 1970s during the height of the fusion movement. The band is still going strong after nearly 40 years and will be at the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club on Friday. 8 p.m. Tickets $45 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Friday marks the start to the Kennedy Center‘s first major festival of the ’15-’16 season. Finding a Line: Skateboarding, Music, and Media brings together skate culture with music and art. We’ll have a full preview of the event on DCist tomorrow.
>> Zakir Hussain is a master percussionist who comes out of the North Indian classical tradition, but h’es collaborated with numerous us collaborations with musicians of all genres. On Friday at Lisner Auditorium, he will team up with Hariharan, a legendary vocalist in India who can go back and forth between traditional and contemporary styles. 8:30 p.m. Tickets $50-$250. Student discounts available.
>> Justin Kauflin played a major role in the recent documentary, Keep On Keepin’ On, a heartfelt tribute to the late Clark Terry, whose impact on jazz comes as much from his role as an educator as a trumpeter. Kauflin lost his sight at age 11 before encountering Terry and developing a strong bond with his mentor. The talented young pianist will be at Bohemian Caverns on Friday and Saturday. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $18 in advance/$23 at the door.
>> Mr. Henry’s hosts Dial 251 on Friday and vocalist Renee Tannenbaum on Saturday. 8 to 11 p.m. Two item minimum per person.
>> Based out of New England, Kelly Shepherd is a respected saxophonist and educator. He will be in town on Friday and Saturday to lead a band at Twins Jazz. 9 and 11 p.m. sets. Tickets $15 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> On Saturday, the D.C. Blues Society presents the 27th annual D.C. Blues Festival at the Carter Barron Amphitheater. The free event features DCBS Battle of the Bands winner The Mojo Priests, powerhouse vocalist Sharrie Williams, and more. Noon to 7:30 p.m.
>> The Jegna School of Music is partnering with Sankofa Cafe to present a series of performances that pair veteran local musicians with talented up-and-coming artists. On Sunday, the first of the series features bass master Tarus Mateen and saxophonist Elijah Easton. 6 p.m. Tickets $15 in advance/$20 at the door.
>> Matthew Shipp is best known for his avant-garde work, but he is equally at home playing straight-ahead swing. He will team up with bassist Michael Bisio on Sunday at Bohemian Caverns for an intimate duo performance. 7 and 8:30 p.m. sets. Tickets $15 in advance/$20 at the door.
>> Rodrigo y Gabriela brought an entirely new approach to the acoustic guitar. Drawing from metal, jazz, and flamenco influences, their performances are energetic, prodigious, and engrossing. The duo will be at Wolf Trap on Sunday with opener Todd Park Mohr. 8 p.m. Tickets $35 to $65.
>> Busy area saxophonist Bobby Muncy leads an ensemble on Sunday at Twins Jazz. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Brad Linde is one of the busiest voices on the local jazz scene. In addition to co-directing the Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra and producing many of the jazz performances at the Atlas, he also leads several distinct ensembles under his own name. Linde is serving as September’s artist-in-residence at Bohemian Caverns and each Tuesday this month will feature a different lineup. 7:30 and 9 p.m. sets. Tickets $10 in advance/$15 at the door.
>> Drummer Ernest “EC3” Coleman leads a group through 8 and 10 p.m. sets on Tuesday at Blues Alley. Tickets $25 plus minimum and surcharge.
