Brazilian guitarist and singer-songwriter Joyce Moreno comes to Blues Alley this weekend (Photo via Facebook).
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16
Guitarist Joshua Bayer is a veteran of the local jazz community and directs the jazz ensemble at American University. He has brought together an impressive group of local A-list-ers to join him at Alice’s Jazz & Cultural Society. 6 to 9 p.m. $10 at the door.
Saxophonist Josh Irving recently relocated to the D.C. area from New York and is slowly breaking into the scene. His group plays 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Twins Jazz. $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
Mezzo soprano, pianist, and composer Judith Berkson uses voice along with analog and digital keyboards to create pieces that cross the boundaries of classical, electronic, and experimental music. She’s at the top of a bill at Rhizome that also features Double H Duo and The Millionraces. 8 p.m. $10 at the door.
Vocalist Michelle Walker plays 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley to celebrate the release of her latest album. $22 plus minimum and surcharge.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 17
Gingerbred is a collaboration between area saxophonist Brad Linde and trumpeter Carol Morgan. The ensemble plays the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Take 5! with special guest Caroline Davis on woodwinds. The set celebrates the music of prolific composer Gigi Gryce. 5 p.m. FREE
Joyce Moreno is a brilliant guitarist, vocalist, and composer who is a legend within the world of Brazilian music. She comes to Blues Alley on Thursday to begin a four night run of 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $25-$30 plus minimum and surcharge.
Rhizome hosts a showcase of artists from Represented DC, a collective dedicated to presenting sound artists of color. 8 p.m. $12 suggested donation.
John Thomas is a Baltimore-based saxophonist who is equally comfortable in jazz and classical settings. Currently pursuing a doctorate in music at the prestigious Peabody Institute, he makes the trip down 295 to lead a quartet at Twins Jazz. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 18
Davina & The Vagabonds play Jazz in the Garden. 5 to 8:30 p.m. FREE
Vibraphonist Chuck Redd is a mainstay of the local scene and has been for years. He has assembled some of the area’s finest, including pianist Wade Beach, bassist Steve Novosel, and drummer Andrew Hare, to play Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
Local jazz-funk group 4ThaGruv plays Claudia’s Steakhouse from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. FREE
Cecily takes the stage at Mr. Henry’s from 8 to 11 p.m. Two item per person minimum.
Nigerian-born vocalist, drummer, and composer Tosin has been a mainstay of the D.C. music scene for over a decade. He draws from a number of African genres and blends them with American jazz and R&B. His band plays 9 and 11 p.m. sets at Twins Jazz on Friday and Saturday. $15 plus minimum and surcharge.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 19
Charles Covington is not only a respected jazz musician and educator who has taught at Howard University and the Peabody Conservatory, but he is also a U.S. Life Master in chess. He leads a group on the Millennium Stage. 6 p.m. FREE
Boat Burning, D.C.’s psychedelic guitar collective, headlines an evening of experimental music upstairs at Bossa. 8 p.m. $5 at the door.
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. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $14 to $19 with a $15 food and beverage minimum.
Christie Dashiell, one of the area’s top vocalists, plays The Alex from 8 to 11 p.m. $20 minimum, reservations recommended.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 20
Rhizome hosts an afternoon show that explores the sonic possibilities of string instruments. Violinist Dina Maccabee, cellist Janel Leppin, and guitarist Josh Mason perform. 4 p.m. $10 at the door.
Area sitarist Alif Laila plays a recital of Indian classical music at the Millennium Stage. 6 p.m. FREE
Vocalist Anita King brings a group to Alice’s Jazz & Cultural Society. 6 to 9 p.m. $10 at the door.
Karla Chisholm straddles the lines between indie-pop, folk, and jazz. She comes to The Carlyle Club for a 7 p.m. show. $20 plus minimum and surcharge.
Deborah Davis, a vocalist based out of New York, leads a group at Twins Jazz. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
World jazz outfit, The Fourth Stream, plays the Bossa Bistro & Lounge. 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Trombonist Shannon Gunn will be the featured guest. FREE (Author’s note: This is my project).
MONDAY, AUGUST 21
Fast Eddie & The Slowpokes play Blue Monday at Westminster. 6 to 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 22
Cheik Hamala Diabate, D.C.’s resident master griot, continues his long-running Tuesday night residency playing infectious West African sounds at Bossa. 9:30 p.m. FREE
