Reginald Cyntje’s Moods & Colors will be at Bohemian Caverns this weekend, featuring a number of the city’s best jazz musicians. Photo by Patrick Jarenwattananon
>> The National Symphony Orchestra‘s NSO In Your Neighborhood festival began yesterday and runs through January 11. This year’s events will take place in Downtown and Penn Quarter, bringing a week’s worth of chamber music, orchestral concerts, and educational events. All of the performances are free but some of them require an RSVP, so check the full schedule to know whether or not you should reserve a spot.
>> Collector’s Edition, an area ensemble fronted by vocalist Sendy Brown, performs at the Jazz & Cultural Society this evening. 6 to 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
>> Baltimore-based guitarist, Kevin Jackson, brings his band to Blues Alley tonight for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $20 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Guitarist Justin Lees has been performing locally since the late ’70s and plays with a classic sound reminiscent of Charlie Christian. He will perform with his band tonight at Twins Jazz. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Union Arts will host two bills this week to continue its Creative Music in D.C. series. Wednesday’s show features locals Janel Leppin, Dais, and Anthology of Booty alongside NYC’s Helado Negro and Jason Ajemian’s Folk Lords. 8 p.m. $10 at the door. On Thursday, the venue will present percussionists Sam Lohman and Ryan Jewell, as well as Layne Garrett and Tower Folly. 8 p.m. $5 at the door.
>> The Twins Jazz Orchestra returns to the club on Thursday for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $5 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> DC9 will showcase the psychedelic possibilities of the electric guitar on Thursday as its three act bill includes a trio from Anthony Pirog, Boat Burning‘s six-guitar collaboration, and The Caribbean. 8:30 p.m. $8 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. 8 p.m. $10 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 $22.50-$27.50 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Reginald Cyntje is among the most prolific musicians working locally. The trombonist will perform on Friday and Saturday at Bohemian Caverns, unveiling a new series of compositions called Moods & Colors. Each tune is named after a specific color and meant to evoke a mood associated with that color. Cyntje’s band will draw from the finest musicians the city has to offer, including the likes of vocalist Christie Dashiell, pianist Allyn Johnson, and saxophonist Brian Settles. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $18 in advance, $23 at the door.
>> Trumpeter Kevin Cordt brings classic Blue Note Records vibes to Mr. Henry’s on Friday, while vocalist Kim Scudera and Batida Diferente bring the sounds of Brazil to the venue on Saturday. 8 to 11 p.m. Two item per person minimum.
>> Dial 251 for Jazz brings its interpretations of jazz classics to Twins Jazz on Friday and Saturday for 9 and 11 p.m. sets. Tickets $15 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Area pianist Chris Grasso has made a specialty out of accompanying singers. His trio will back dynamic vocalist Alison Crockett on Sunday at the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club. Trumpeter Thad Wilson will be an additional featured guest. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $20 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Jazz-funk pioneer Maceo Parker comes to The Birchmere on Sunday for a 7:30 p.m. set. Tickets $39.50.
>> Pianist Levon Mikaelian is an Armenian native whose band, United Shades of Artistry, fuses elements of modern jazz, rock, and Eastern European, Latin, and African music and rhythms.The ensemble includes guitarist John Lee, bassist Blake Meister, and Nigerian drummer Tosin Aribisala, and they will perform with Mikaelian on Sunday at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge. 9 p.m. No cover.
>> Saxophonist Andrew Frankhouse is a recent D.C. transplant, having spent time in Asheville and Boston prior to coming here. He will be leading a trio on Sunday at Twins Jazz. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Trumpeter Geoff Gallante is just 14-years-old, but he’s already impressing large audiences with his prodigious talent. He will co-lead a band on Monday at Blues Alley with veteran local saxophonist Marty Nau. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $20 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> This is as good a time as any to remind readers that one of the best music deals in the city takes place every Monday at Bohemian Caverns, where the historic club’s jazz orchestra performs from 8 to 11 p.m. Seventeen of the area’s best musicians come together to perform a variety of material ranging from classic swing to originals by its own members, all for just $10.
