Delfeayo Marsalis will be among the headliners at this weekend’s Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15
Cubano Groove plays Alice’s Jazz & Cultural Society. 6 to 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
We interviewed trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith back in 2013 when he came to D.C. to perform his epic, Ten Freedom Summers, in celebration of the March on Washington’s 50th anniversary. Smith will perform excerpts from that opus at Georgetown Day School with a backing band that includes locals Brad Linde and Luke Stewart. 7 p.m. The event is free but registration is recommended due to limited seating.
The Baylor Project, comprised of the husband and wife team of Marcus (drums) and Jean Baylor (vocals) celebrates the release of its new album, Father’s Song, with 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. Tickets $25 plus minimum and surcharge.
Veteran bassist Kent Miller leads his band through 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Twins Jazz. Tickets $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
Indian classical violinist Nistha Raj hosts the monthly DC Raga Jam at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge. 8:30 p.m. No cover.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16
President’s Day weekend is upon is, which means it’s time for the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival. The beloved regional festival, under the direction of saxophonist Paul Carr, has chosen “Celebrating The Second Line” as its theme, referring to the music of New Orleans. The event kicks off with a gala and performance from Delfeayo Marsalis on Thursday. Other notables on the roster include trumpeter Etienne Charles, Rene Marie, and trombonist Steve Turre. The weekend will also feature numerous local acts, film screenings, masterclasses, and performances by high school and collegiate jazz ensembles. Visit the festival website for complete schedule and ticket information.
Vocalist Bob McDonald and his band celebrate the songs and life of legendary crooner Frank Sinatra on the Millennium Stage. 6 p.m. Free.
Vusi Mahlasela is a legend of South African music. The vocalist/guitarist plays a 7:30 p.m. set at The Hamilton with local vocalist Loide opening. Tickets $15-$40.
Ubiquitous area saxophonist Brad Linde formed the improvised music ensemble, Gumshoe, along with his fellow participants in the 2013 Banff Jazz and Creative Music Workshop. The group reconvenes for 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Twins Jazz. Tickets $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17
Todd Marcus is a talented musician and composer who does well representing Baltimore’s underrated jazz community. The bass clarinetist will make the trip down 295 to lead an outstanding group of local talent at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
2017 marks the centenary of the great Ella Fitzgerald’s birth. Jazz venues all over the country will be celebrating the First Lady of Song over the course of the year, and the Kennedy Center begins its own tribute with a performance from jazz violinist Regina Carter and her band. 7 and 9 p.m. sets. Tickets $50-$65.
Antibalas is a band that formed in Brooklyn 20 years ago. The world-touring act, blending afrobeat and contemporary funk, comes to The Hamilton with Major and the Monbacks opening. 8 p.m. Tickets $20-$25.
The legendary jazz crooner, Al Jarreau, was scheduled to perform at The Howard Theatre. Unfortunately, he passed away just this past Sunday at age 76. The venue has recruited the seminal gospel group, Take 6, to take the slot for a tribute performance. 8 p.m. Tickets $60-$99.50.
Rhizome shines a spotlight on music from and inspired by Middle Eastern culture. Dylan Connor‘s 2012 album, Blood Like Fire (Songs for Syria), was among the first releases in this country to directly address that violent conflict. The bill also includes the duo of Huda Asfour (oud) and Kamyar Arsani (frame drum). 8 p.m. $10 suggested donation.
Veteran area trombonist Reginald Cyntje plays Mr. Henry’s. 8 to 11 p.m. Two item per person minimum.
The Hot Club of Baltimore specializes in the Gypsy jazz that was popular in Paris during the 1930s and ’40s. The ensemble comes down I-95 for 9 and 11 p.m. sets on Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. Tickets $15 plus minimum and surcharge.
Take 6 pays tribute to the recently passed jazz legend, Al Jarreau, on Friday at The Howard Theatre.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18
A Persian classical music virtuoso, Amir Vahab, is among the most celebrated and distinguished U.S.-based exponents of Sufi music. Vahab’s ensemble plays The Hill Center and his ensemble will be comprised of entirely traditional instruments. 7 p.m. Tickets $15 in advance/$20 at the door.
New Orleans Suspects is a band comprised of musicians with long histories within the Crescent City’s music scene. The group, along with openers Bonerama, plays The Hamilton at 8 p.m. Tickets $22.50-$25.
Julia Nixon was one of the principals in the celebrated Broadway production of Dreamgirls. Her music straddles the line between jazz and R&B, and the WAMMIE and Helen Hayes award winner will perform an intimate show at Mr. Henry’s. Tickets $14 to $19 with a $15 food and beverage minimum.
Vocalist Paige Wroble plays The Alex from 8 to 11 p.m. $20 minimum, reservations recommended.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19
William Hooker is an important voice in New York’s avant-garde seen. At-One-Ment is a new music and spoken word piece that the veteran percussionist will perform at the Millennium Stage, leading a quartet. 6 p.m. Free.
The Bossa Bistro & Lounge will host an evening of experimental music in its upstairs space. The bill includes bassist Luke Stewart, Tristan Welch, and The Literals. 7 p.m. $5 at the door.
Pianist Joe Vetter plays 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Twins Jazz. Tickets $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
Subcontinental Groove is a loose group of veteran South Asian musicians from the local music community that assemble periodically for an evening of improvised jams. The collective will convene at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge in its downstairs stage. 8:30 p.m. No cover. (Disclosure: I’ll be playing drums at this show).
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20
Blues For A Royal Flush is a play by Tom Minter. Set in 1967, the story finds Duke Ellington struggling to find new creative avenues during the turbulence that America was experiencing at the time. The Milliennium Stage presents a free performance of the play at 6 p.m.
Full Power Blues plays Blue Monday Blues. 6 to 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
Maceo Parker is a jazz-funk pioneer. He rose to fame with James Brown’s famous backing band and that preceded stints with the links of P-Funk, Prince, and his own distinguished solo career. Parker comes to The Birchmere with his band on Monday for a 7:30 p.m. set. Tickets $39.50.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21
D.C. native and harmonicist Avon Dews presents an evening of music infused with jazz, funk, and blues on the Millennium Stage. 6 p.m. Free.
