The Preservation Hall Jazz Band headlines Lincoln Theatre on Friday to celebrate the opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
Saxophonist Elijah Jamal Balbed leads a band at Alice’s Jazz & Cultural Society. 6 to 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
Oudist Huda Asfour joins forces with guitarist Rob Coltun and his ensemble, Touch Acoustra, tonight at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge. Donations are welcome and will benefit the DC Palestinian Film and Arts Festival. 7 p.m.
Jeffrey Chappell is a pianist and the jazz director at Goucher College. He has formed a quartet, Otherworld, that makes its D.C. debut at Twins Jazz. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
Queen Esther performs her special blend of jazz, blues, and soul music on the Millennium Stage alongside her group, The Blue Crowns. 6 p.m. Free.
Ken Vandermark has been a fixture on Chicago’s jazz scene for over 20 years. His skills as a woodwind artist and boundary-defying approach to music led to a MacArthur “genius” grant in 1999. Vandermark performs at Rhizome along with The Few. 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. $10 suggested donation.
Mallet percussionist Roy Ayers is one of the most sampled artists of all time. The soul jazz legend will hold court at Blues Alley from Thursday through Sunday. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $40-$45 plus minimum and surcharge.
The Twins Jazz Orchestra plays 8 and 10 p.m. sets at the club. Tickets $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
Mark G. Meadows is quickly becoming one of the shining stars of the local jazz community. He was named both “Artist of the Year” and “Composer of the Year” by the Washington City Paper and earned positive reviews for playing the title role in Jelly’s Last Jam at Signature Theatre. He plays the Millennium Stage at 6 p.m. Free.
Trumpeter Thad Wilson leads a big band in tribute to John Coltrane at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
This weekend marks the National Museum of African American History and Culture‘s long-awaited opening. The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, the venerated band that helps define the musical gumbo that is New Orleans, will headline a show at Lincoln Theatre to celebrate the occasion. Other performers include Blind Boys of Alabama and D.C.’s own Dupont Brass. 8 p.m. Tickets $35. The museum will also host a number of free concerts throughout the weekend, including the main event, featuring Living Colour, Public Enemy, and The Roots. Visit the website for additional details.
Cristian Perez is an acoustic guitarist who plays jazz that is infused with all manner of international influences, most notably those of Latin America. The former Strathmore artist-in-residence will the Montpelier Arts Center in support of his new album, Anima Mundi. 8 p.m. Tickets $22.50-$25.
Vocalist Aaron Myers performs at Mr. Henry’s. 8 to 11 p.m. Two item per person minimum.
Dial 251 for Jazz is a local ensemble that will play 9 and 11 p.m. sets at Twins Jazz on Friday and Saturday. Tickets $15 plus minimum and surcharge.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
Vocalist Steve Washington performs at Alice’s Jazz & Cultural Society. 7 to 10 p.m. $10 at the door.
Doc Scantlin and His Imperial Palms Orchestra will bring the classic big band elegance of the ’20s, ’30s, and ’40s to the Carlyle Club. 8 p.m. Tickets $35 plus minimum and surcharge.
Vocalist Barbara Papendorp leads her band at Mr. Henry’s 8 to 11 p.m. Two item per person minimum.
A little over a year has gone by since Ornette Coleman’s passing. The jazz iconoclast brought free jazz to the fore in the late ’50s and early ’60s and opened up the possibilities for improvisation. Ubiquitous area saxophonist Brad Linde teams up with guitarist Josh Walker on Saturday at the Atlas to present materials from Song X, a collaboration between Coleman and guitarist Pat Metheny. 9 p.m. Tickets $20-$28.
The Ornette Coleman tribute is part of Art All Night. There are several jazz performances throughout the event from the likes of Reginald Cyntje, Alison Crockett, and others. Visit the website for more details.
Jean-Paul Bourelly is a respected guitarist whose credits include work with Miles Davis, Elvin Jones, and Cassandra Wilson (check out our interview with his daughter, an up-and-comer, Bibi Bourelly). He will lead a trio along with area musicians Luke Stewart (bass) and Nasar Abadey (drums) on Friday in Blagden Alley. 9 p.m. doors. 10 p.m. show. No cover.
Peter Fraize leads a quartet on Tuesday at Blues Alley.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
Vocalist Shirleta Settles plays Alice’s Jazz & Cultural Society. 6 to 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
John Scofield is one of the great jazz guitarists of his generation, and like so many others, his first big break was with Miles Davis. His latest album, Country For Old Men, adapts classic country melodies to his signature guitar style. Scofield will play selections from the album along with a fantastic band at The Hamilton. 8 p.m. Tickets $25-$58.
The Fourth Stream and its blend of jazz and international sounds plays the Bossa Bistro & Lounge (disclosure: this is my project). 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. No cover.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
Guitarist and Strathmore Artist-in-Residence Jan Knutson plays the Millennium Stage. 6 p.m. Free.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
More than thirty years have passed since the great Count Basie left us. His music still lives on with his famous big band under the direction of Scotty Barnhart. The Count Basie Orchestra performs at the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club at 8 p.m. Tickets $30 plus minimum and surcharge.
Peter Fraize is a mainstay of the local jazz community. The saxophonist directs the jazz program at GW, and his trio with drummer Leland Nakamura and bassist Steve Zerlin has been together for the better part of 20 years. Pianist Bob Butta will join the tight ensemble for 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. Tickets $20 plus minimum and surcharge.
