Dick Smith leads a band on Friday to help celebrate the 18th anniversary of Westminster Presbyterian Church’s Jazz Night series.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18
Saxophonist Carl Cornwall plays Alice’s Jazz & Cultural Society along with his band. 6 to 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
Vocalist Geneva Renee plays 8 and 10 p.m. sets tonight at Blues Alley. Tickets $20 plus minimum and surcharge.
Future Prospect, a jazz ensemble out of Richmond, plays 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Twins Jazz. Tickets $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
Trumpeter DeAndre Shaifer leads a trio at Marx Cafe. 9 p.m. to midnight. No cover.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 19
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 $43-$48 plus minimum and surcharge.
The Twins Jazz Orchestra plays the U Street venue with 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
Ras Band is composed of young musicians who communicate in a single musical language through various music genres, including original Ethio-funk, jazz, and reggae. The band plays the Bossa Bistro & Lounge at 9:30 p.m. $5 at the door.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 20
The Wee Trio has toured internationally and released five albums. Their latest release, Wee+3, has received positive notices and the band will play material from the album on the Millennium Stage. 6 p.m. Free.
Jazz Night in Southwest celebrates its 18th anniversary with a performance from vocalist Dick Smith and a number of veteran area performers. Not only is Smith a fine jazz singer, but he also played for Washington’s football team in the 1960s. 6 to 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
Vocalist Aaron Myers leads his band at Mr. Henry’s. 8 to 11 p.m. Two item per person minimum.
Saxophonist Luis Faife splits his time between New York and D.C. He’ll be in town this weekend to play Twins Jazz on Friday and Saturday. 9 and 11 p.m. sets. Tickets $15 plus minimum and surcharge.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 21
Trombonist Shannon Gunn leads her all-female band, The Bullettes, at Mr. Henry’s. 8 to 11 p.m. Two item per person minimum.
Vocalist Denise King plays The Alex along with pianist Chris Grasso. 8 to 11 p.m. Reservations required.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 22
Rhizome hosts a benefit for Center Global, the DC Center’s program for LGBTI communities. The lineup includes experimental acts Drunken Sufis, Mzungu, and Praxis Cat. 4 to 7 p.m. $10 donation.
A respected area vocalist and music educator, Lori Williams will play Alice’s Jazz & Cultural Society to celebrate her birthday. 6 to 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
Saxophonist Rick Alberico plays 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Twins Jazz. Tickets $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
MONDAY, JANUARY 23
Trumpet prodigy Geoff Gallante leads his band through 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. Tickets $20 plus minimum and surcharge.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 24
Blues guitarist Tinsley Ellis will visit Blues Alley to play tunes from his latest album, Red Clay Soul. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $25 plus minimum and surcharge.