Joey Alexander, a 12-year old prodigy from Indonesia, will be among the performers at the Kennedy Center’s 25th Annual NPR’s A Jazz Piano Christmas.
>> Veteran area trumpeter Michael Thomas performs at the Jazz and Cultural Society tonight. 6 to 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
>> Union Arts is hosting several shows this week that should be of interest to fans of more experimental music. Saxophonist Brahja Waldman leads an ensemble to headline tonight’s bill, which also features Praxis Cat and the Mohamed/Steward Duo. 8 p.m. $6 at the door.
>> Brothers Chuck Redd and Robert Redd, both longtime veterans of the area jazz scene, will team up for holiday sets tonight at Blues Alley. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $20 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.
>> Sheila E. broke all sorts of ground in the ’80s. A female drummer, even more of a rarity then than now, she rose to prominence with Prince’s band before having her own chart-topping success, all without stifling any of what makes her unique. She will lead her own band through its blend of Latin jazz, funk, and pop on Thursday at The Birchmere. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $49.50.
>> Kohoutek is a Philly-by-way-of-D.C. band that creates ever-expanding soundscapes that seem to draw from cosmic inspirations. The group will celebrate the release of its new album, Curious Aroma, on Thursday at Union Arts. The D.C.-based Sansyou opens. 8 p.m. doors. $8 cover.
>> Alison Crocket is a supremely gifted local vocalist whose sound fits into any genre. She will lead an excellent group of area talent on Thursday at Dukem Jazz. 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. 9:30 p.m. $10 cover.
>> Legendary Latin jazz trumpeter Arturo Sandoval arrives at Blues Alley on Thursday night to kick off a three night stand of 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $50 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Organist Jackie Hairston leads a band of local heavyweights on Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
>> Joey Alexander is a 12-year old jazz piano phenom from Indonesia. He will join jazz luminaries to tickle the ivories for the 25th Annual NPR’s A Jazz Piano Christmas on Friday at the Kennedy Center. 7 and 9 p.m. sets. Kenny Barron, Fred Hersch, and Carmen Staaf will also perform. Tickets $75.
>> The Hill Center hosts Innov Gnawa, a traditional Moroccan gnawa band, on Friday as part of its Global Sounds series. 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets $12 in advance, $15 at the door.
>> John Scofield is a true jazz innovator and among the most influential guitarists of all time. On Friday, he will team up with pianist/vocalist Jon Cleary for an intimate duo performance at The Howard Theatre. 6 p.m. doors/7:30 p.m. show. Tickets $30 to $60.
>> The impressive run of shows this week at Union Arts concludes on Friday with Winter Songs, The End of Silence. The program features a revolving group of soloists, duos, and trios from some of D.C.’s most cutting edge improvisors, as well as special guests from New York. 8 p.m. $10 suggested donation.
>> Keeping track of area saxophonist Brad Linde‘s many ensembles can be a challenge, but on Friday he’ll lead a 10-piece band at Atlas Arts for his annual Post-Cool Yule. The program will feature deconstructed and re-imagined holiday classics, notably a special recitation of “Twas The Night Before Christmas.” 8 p.m. Tickets $20-$28. The ensemble will play a different program on Saturday at the Millennium Stage. 6 p.m. Free.
>> Saxophonist and smooth jazz star Dave Koz will give a special holiday performance at the Music Center at Strathmore on Friday. 8 p.m. Tickets $48 to $88.
>> Mr. Henry’s hosts Dial 251 (Friday) and Tacha Coleman Parr (Saturday). 8 to 11 p.m. Two item per person minimum.
>> Donvonte McCoy is one of D.C.’s finest trumpeters and he has worked with luminaries such as Curtis Fuller and Lionel Hampton. He will front his own band on Friday and Saturday at Bohemian Caverns. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
>> Michael Bowie has long been among the area’s first-call bassists. His band, Siné Qua Non, is not to be missed. Bowie will mix it up a bit this weekend, leading a trio on Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. Joining him on stage will be drummer Dante Pope and trumpeter Dre King. 9 and 11 p.m. sets. Tickets $15 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Angélique Kidjo may be a native of Benin, but she is a true global artist. Her sound blends West African grooves, American R&B, samba beats, and sophisticated jazz harmonies.The UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador will be at The Clarice on Saturday for an 8 p.m. show. Tickets $10 to $25.
>> Respected area pianist Vince Evans performs on Sunday at the Jazz and Cultural Society. 6 to 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
>> Pianist Chris Grasso concludes his fall run of performances at the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club that feature the area’s best vocalists. Sunday’s show will feature Sharón Clark and saxophonist Paul Carr. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $20 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Eric Alexander is a saxophonist’s saxophonist, having honed a sophisticated bop and post-bop sound over his 25-year career. He will join his mentor, revered pianist Harold Mabern, to co-lead a quartet on Sunday at Blues Alley. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $25 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Busy area saxophonist Bobby Muncy will lead one of his several ensembles through 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Twins Jazz on Sunday. Tickets $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Local world jazz outfit, The Fourth Stream, will perform on Sunday at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge. Trumpeter Joe Herrera will be a featured guest. 8:30 p.m. No cover.
>> Pianist David Benoit will re-imagine the music from the Charlie Brown Christmas special at The Birchmere on Monday with help from celebrated chanteuse Jane Monheit. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $39.50.
>> Smooth jazz has become whatever it is, but when Fourplay helped pioneer the genre there was more to its sound than instrumental R&B. The band comes to The Birchmere on Tuesday for a 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets $55.
