Jason Moran and multimedia artist Joan Jonas perform their new collaboration on Saturday at the Kennedy Center.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1
The U.S. Army Blues, the army’s premiere jazz ensemble, plays a free 6 p.m. show at the Millennium Stage.
Veteran area pianist Bob Butta brings his trio to Alice’s Jazz & Cultural Society. 6 to 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
Saxophonist Nathan Hook leads his band through 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Twins Jazz. The group includes the excellent bass clarinetist Todd Marcus. Tickets $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2
Broadway producer Bruce D. Long presents I Dream, his new, original rhythm and blues opera on the Millennium Stage. The piece is about the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 6 p.m. Free.
The Twins Jazz Orchestra plays 8 and 10 p.m. sets at the U Street venue. Tickets $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
Songwriter/guitarist Corey Harris not only skillfully blends various forms of roots music, but also was a winner of the MacArthur “genius” grant in 2007. Harris begins a three-night stand of 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley on Thursday. Tickets $25-$30 plus minimum and surcharge.
The Feedel Band combines jazz, funk, and traditional Ethiopian music to create a truly groovy sound. They play the Bossa Bistro & Lounge. 9:30 p.m. $10 at the door.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3
Jazz Night in Southwest hosts a tribute to Maurice Lyles, the area drummer who passed away in 2015 after a 60-year career that included work with Jimmy Heath, Roy Eldridge, Sarah Vaughan, and numerous other jazz greats. 6 to 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
Dial 251 for Jazz plays Mr. Henry’s. 8 to 11 p.m. Two item per person minimum.
Snarky Puppy is one of the busiest and most celebrated jazz ensembles working today. Bill Laurance one of the collective’s keyboardists, brings his own group to the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club for an 8 p.m. set. Tickets $25 plus minimum and surcharge.
When we first profiled The Flail, way back in 2008, we wrote how rare it was to have actual jazz bands in today’s world. Now nearly a decade later, the group is still going strong, making it even more of a rarity. The Flail returns to D.C. on Friday and Saturday for performances at Twins Jazz. 9 and 11 p.m. sets. Tickets $15 plus minimum and surcharge.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4
Kennedy Center Artistic Director for Jazz and pianist Jason Moran has developed a multimedia piece with performance and video artist Joan Jonas. The concept was inspired by Icelandic author Halldór Laxness’s 1968 novel, Under the Glacier, which tells the story of a young emissary sent by the Bishop of Iceland to investigate paranormal activity surrounding a glacier. For this performance, Jonas and Moran interact with one another through narration, painting, video projections, movement, and sound. 7 p.m. Tickets $26.
Carlos Henriquez is best known for playing bass with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. He also leads his own sextet, which comes to the Sixth and I Synagogue for a 7 p.m. show. Tickets $30.
Lena Seikaly will be the featured vocalist at The Alex for this week’s Speakeasy Jazz Night. 8 to 11 p.m. $20 minimum. Reservation required.
The sound of the Brooklyn-based Alsarah & the Nubatones has been described as ‘east African retro-pop.” The band will be at the Atlas along with opening act Huda & Kamyar. 8 p.m. Tickets $20-$32.
Local smooth jazz favorite Marcus Johnson comes to AMP for an 8 p.m. show. Tickets $30-$40.
SCANT headlines a bill of experimental drone and electronic artists at Rhizome. Radiator Greys, sonic collage project of Select DC’s Josh Levi also performs. 8 to 11 p.m. $10 donation.
Vocalist Renée Tannenbaum plays Mr. Henry’s. 8 to 11 p.m. Two item per person minimum.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5
Saxophonist and area native Sarah Hughes has returned to be a regular on the local scene after having spent the past two years earning a graduate degree. Her ensemble plays 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Twins Jazz. Tickets $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6
Blue Monday Blues hosts Midnight Blue, the blues band under the direction of trumpeter Curtis Pope. 6 to 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7
Brazilian guitarist and composer Flávio Silva leads a quartet on the Millennium Stage. 6 p.m. Free.
French jazz violinist Scott Tixier is touring the U.S. in support of his latest album, Cosmic Adventure. He stops at Blues Alley for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $22 plus minimum and surcharge.
Trombonist Shannon Gunn leads her Firebird Organ Trio at Columbia Station and the band will play J.J. Johnson’s The Eminent Vol. 2 in its entirety. 8 to 11 p.m. No cover.
