The husband and wife team of Renee Rosnes and Bill Charlap is on the bill at NPR’s A Jazz Piano Christmas, taking place on Saturday at the Kennedy Center. Photo by Clay Patrick McBride.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7
Saxophonist Todd Ledbetter brings his band to Alice’s Jazz & Cultural Society. 6 to 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
Busy area saxophonist Bobby Muncy leads a quartet at Twins Jazz that will feature Gene D’andrea (piano), Nathan Kawaller (bass), and Larry Ferguson (drums). 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
Chaise Lounge brings its classic ’50s style to Blues Alley for a holiday performance. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $22.50 plus minimum and surcharge.
Rhizome presents an evening of solo acoustic guitar with headliner Shane Parish, founder of Ahleuchatistas. His solo work draws from his Appalachian roots while also embracing the experimentalism of composer John Cage. Opening the show will be area guitar whiz Anthony Pirog. 8 p.m. $10 suggested donation.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8
Marcus Johnson is arguably the area’s premiere smooth jazz performer. He begins a four-night run at Blues Alley that will feature his arrangements of holiday classics. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $27.50-$32.50 plus minimum and surcharge.
The Twins Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of trumpeter Thad Wilson plays 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets at the U Street club. Tickets $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
Kino Musica‘s bandleaders are of East African descent, employing melodies from the Horn of Africa as a starting point while incorporating influences from the Caribbean and beyond. They will perform a 9 p.m. set at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge. $10 at the door with proceeds benefiting Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition International.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9
Saxophonists Fred Foss and Charlie Young have mentored many of the best jazz musicians to come out of D.C. The two veterans will co-lead a band of top-notch local talent at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
Sonic Circuits presents a triple bill at Rhizome that features electronic experimentalists Aspec(t), Andrea Pensado, and Makioki Sisters. 8 p.m. $10 at the door.
Trumpeter Kevin Cordt plays Mr. Henry’s. 8 to 11 p.m. Two item per person minimum.
Excellent area trumpeter Michael Thomas leads his quintet on Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. 9 and 11 p.m. sets. Tickets $15 plus minimum and surcharge.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10
Alice’s Jazz & Cultural Society is usually dark on Saturdays, but the venue’s proprietor, trumpeter DeAndrey Howard and his band, Collector’s Edition, will play from 7 to 10 p.m. $10 at the door.
NPR presents its annual A Jazz Piano Christmas at the Kennedy Center. Husband Bill Charlap and wife Renee Rosnes join Chicagoans Willie Pickens and daughter Bethany Pickens, to perform seasonal favorites. 7 and 9 p.m. sets. Tickets $79.
Batida Diferente with vocalist Kim Scudera plays Mr. Henry’s. 8 to 11 p.m. Two item per person minimum.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11
Trumpeter Thad Wilson brings his band to Alice’s Jazz & Cultural Society. 6 to 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
Trumpeter and recent Strathmore artist-in-residence, Griffith Kazmierczak, leads a band through 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Twins Jazz. Tickets $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
Tony Sands and Swingtopia pay tribute to Frank Sinatra at the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club. 8 p.m. Tickets $30 plus minimum and surcharge.
Azul is a world music band with Berber North African roots and a rich Mediterranean repertoire that plays different styles and sings in multiple languages. The band plays the Bossa Bistro & Lounge at 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 12
Guitarist Tim Reynolds is best known for his collaborations with Dave Matthews. Reynolds comes to Blues Alley for an evening of solo guitar. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $27.50 plus minimum and surcharge.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13
Trombonist Eric Felten brings his big band to Blues Alley for its annual performance of Duke Ellington’s arrangement of The Nutcracker Suite. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $30 plus minimum and surcharge.
