Shannon Gunn leads her all-female band, The Bullettes, on Saturday to celebrate the release of their latest album. >> Roy Hargrove is rightfully regarded as one of the finest trumpeters of his generation. He continues a week-long residency at Blues Alley. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $40 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Area pianist Joe Vetter leads his quartet through 8 and 10 p.m. sets tonight at Twins Jazz. Tickets $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Twins Jazz hosts up-and-coming vocalist Kristin Callahan on Thursday. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Several years have passed since we interviewed bass clarinetist Todd Marcus, who stands at the center of Baltimore’s underrated jazz community. His compositions draw from traditional jazz and his Egyptian heritage to create a deep and rich aesthetic. Marcus will lead a quartet on Thursday at Dukem Jazz that will feature some of the area’s finest. 9 p.m. to midnight. No cover.
>> Jason Moran is the Kennedy Center‘s Artistic Director for Jazz, and this season’s programming includes a series called Jason +, which puts the celebrated pianist in non-traditional settings. On Friday, Moran pairs up with classical pianist Jeremy Denk for an intimate duo performance. 7 p.m. Tickets $55.
>> Larry Brown has been among the area’s most respected pianists for decades. His critically-acclaimed quintet will be at the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club on Friday along with guest vocalist Sharon Clark. 8 p.m. Tickets $20 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> The high-energy, groove-soaked jazz of Naughty Professor will be at AMP on Friday. 8 p.m. Tickets $22-$30.
>> Ayanna Gregory shows that apple often doesn’t fall from the tree. Daughter of comedian/activist Dick Gregory, her artistry is deeply rooted in the human rights movement. Her music blends soul, jazz, and international influences to underscore her powerful voice and message. Ayanna Gregory performs 8 and 10 p.m. sets on Friday at Bohemian Caverns. Tickets $18 in advance/$23 at the door.
>> Mr. Henry’s hosts trumpeter Kevin Cordt (Friday) and vocalist Maija Rejman (Saturday). 8 to 11 p.m. Two item per person minimum.
>> Michel Nirenberg‘s music bridges the classical, samba, and choro music he grew up playing in Brazil. His latest album of contemporary Brazilian music, Retrato/Portrait has drawn critical praise, and he will be supporting the recording with 9 and 11 p.m. sets on Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. Tickets $15 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Shannon Gunn is a first-call trombonist, respected educator and experienced bandleader. Several years ago, she formed The Bullettes, an all-female collective of jazz musicians that perform in varying lineups. Shannon Gunn and The Bullettes will celebrate the release of their new album, Bullettes and Friends, on Saturday at The Durant Center as part of Nomadic Jazz. Check out this live performance of “Nigeria,” an original song that appears on the album. 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets $19.95-$25 in advance/$33 at the door. Advance ticket purchasers will receive a complimentary copy of the album.
>> Identical twin brothers Marcus (saxophonist) and E.J. (drummer) Strickland make it a family affair on Saturday as they co-lead an ensemble through 7 and 9 p.m. sets at the Kennedy Center. Tickets $26-$30.
>> Nootana is a local ensemble specializing in Indian classical music and dance. They will stage their latest show, Journey, on Saturday at Joe’s Movement Emporium. 8 p.m. Tickets $10-$25.
>> Herb Scott is often tapped to lend his saxophone talents to area jazz artists. He will get a chance to lead his own group on Saturday at Bohemian Caverns. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $18 in advance/$23 at the door.
>> Romanian pianist Lucian Ban and American violinist and viola-player Mat Maneri will offer a compelling mix of sounds as they perform together on Sunday at Bohemian Caverns. They bring together free jazz, baroque, and modern 12-tone techniques into their exploratory playing. 7 and 8:30 p.m. sets. Tickets $15 in advance/$20 at the door.
>> Celebrated area blues guitarist Tom Principato leads his band on Sunday at the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $25 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> CapitalBop‘s monthly Jazz Loft series is an important part of the local scene. This year, the presenters decided to take another step by bringing these DIY shows to venues in all corners of the city, often showcasing bigger names. On Sunday, the latest Traveling Loft takes place at THEARC in Anacostia. Trumpeter Igmar Thomas & The Cypher will headline with their groove-tastic blend of jazz and hip-hop. Thomas has lent his sound to the likes of Ms. Lauryn Hill and Esperanza Spalding. Area trumpeter Donvonte McCoy will open with his band. 8 p.m. Tickets $10. A 4 p.m. masterclass for middle and high schoolers will take place at the nearby Anacostia Arts Center. Free.
>> Local vocalist Akua Allrich, a fave here at DCist, will lead her quartet on Monday at Vicino Ristorante Italiano in Silver Spring. 7-9:30 p.m. Tickets $20 in advance/$25 at the door.
>> Composer/vocalist Mike Kelleher and classical violinist Karin Kelleher released their debut album, Mélange, this month. The recording celebrates the cross-influences of classical and jazz composers and its songs will be featured during 8 and 10 p.m. sets on Monday at Blues Alley. Tickets $20 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Trombonist Fred Wesley has played with some of the most legendary acts of the 20th century, including James Brown, P-Funk, and Prince. He will lead The New JBs on Monday at the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club. 8 p.m. Tickets $35-$50 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Keyboardist Federico Gonzalez Peña has toured with heavyweights ranging from Marcus Miller to Cassandra Wilson. D.C. lost him to St. Louis for the past year, but fortunately we have him back. He will be playing every Tuesday this month at Bohemian Caverns as the historic club’s Artist-in-Residence for October. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $10.
