Jimmy Cobb is the senior member of a quartet whose members spent time playing with Miles Davis. The group plays a 4-night run this weekend at Blues Alley (Photo via Facebook).
THURSDAY, APRIL 27
The annual Big Band Jam takes place from Thursday to Sunday at the Sylvan Theater on the grounds of the Washington Monument. Regional high school and college jazz ensembles will give hourly performances each day. The Air Force Airmen of Note close the festival on Sunday. FREE
Pianist Tim Whalen and bassist Ethan Philion give an intimate duo performance at The Potter’s House. 7 p.m.
FREE
Eugene Chadbourne, Sunwatchers, and Ian Svenonius make up tonight’s bill of experimental improvised music at Rhizome. 8 p.m. $10 suggested donation.
The Twins Jazz Orchestra plays 8 and 10 p.m. sets at the U Street club. $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
Chopteeth‘s music is rooted in afrobeat, scattered with a heavy dose of funk and jazzy improvisation, making the band an area mainstay for over a decade. The group performs a 7:30 p.m. show at the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club. $20 in advance/$25 at the door.
Miles Davis was certainly known for his innovative music, but none of his classic recordings would have reached such heights without the incredible musicians that played on them. Four generations of said artists gather at Blues Alley on Thursday to start a four night run of 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Drummer Jimmy Cobb is the elder of a group that includes bassist Buster Williams, saxophonist Sonny Fortune, and guitarist Mike Stern. $35-$40 plus minimum and surcharge.
Brazilian vocalist Cissa Paz is at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge for her monthly appearance. 10 p.m. $10 at the door.
FRIDAY, APRIL 28
Alison Crockett has one of the most nimble voices you’ll hear. She has assembled a stellar group of locals to back her as she pays tribute to Ella Fitzgerald at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
Saxophonist Dave Rempis comes to Rhizome tonight to perform along with a trio of local musicians that includes bassist Luke Stewart and drummer Ian McColm. The Jim Ryan Trio opens. 8 p.m. $10 suggested donation.
Area vocalist Aaron Myers leads his band at Mr. Henry’s. 8 to 11 p.m. Two item per person minimum.
B’s Bees is a straight-ahead jazz outfit based out of Montreal under the direction of drummer Brandon Goodwin. The group is on tour in support of its eponymous debut album and plays 9 and 11 p.m. sets on Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. $15 plus minimum and surcharge.
SATURDAY, APRIL 29
Maryland Day is an annual event in which the University of Maryland opens up its campus with hundreds of free events. This year’s festival includes performances from the college’s new music and jazz ensembles. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. FREE
Ben Holmes and Patrick Farrell are a trumpet/accordion duo who play music from wide-ranging genres. They perform at Rhizome to present The Conqueror Worm, a suite based on Edgar Allen Poe’s story of the same name. Natalie C. Sousa has created animations to accompany the music. Turner / Skeath / Garrett and Forgettor open. 8 p.m. $10 suggested donation.
Area vocalist Nina Casey leads band at Mr. Henry’s. 8 to 11 p.m. Two item per person minimum.
Vocalist Stephanie Nakasian plays The Alex from 8 to 11 p.m. $20 minimum, reservations recommended.
SUNDAY, APRIL 30
Guitarist Justin Lees leads a band at Alice’s Jazz & Cultural Society. 6 to 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
Lea Bertucci is a woodwind artist, composer and performer whose work describes relationships between acoustic phenomena and biological resonance. She headlines an 8 p.m. show at Rhizome. $10 suggested donation.
Veteran area saxophonist Marty Nau comes to Twins Jazz with his band. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
Three Man Soul Machine plays a 9:30 p.m. set at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge. No cover.
MONDAY, MAY 1
Blue Monday Blues hosts David Cole & Main Street Blues. 6 to 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
TUESDAY, MAY 2
Guitarist Kevin Jackson comes to Blues Alley for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $20 plus minimum and surcharge.
