Terence Blanchard comes to Blues Alley this week with his E-Collective (Photo by Henry Adebonojo).
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
Organist Bill Heid brings his group to Alice’s Jazz & Cultural Society. 6 to 9 p.m. $10 at the door.
Born in the Soviet Union and raised in Cuba, Pavel Urkiza left his Communist upbringing to pursue music in Spain for two decades before moving to the United States in 2015. He formed a quartet, Crossroads, which brings its international sound to Twins Jazz for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
Violinist Nistha Raj hosts the District of Raga, a monthly jam session for Indian classical musicians at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge. This month’s featured artist is flautist Anand Vemuri. 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
Guitarist Russ Freeman formed The Rippingtons in 1985 and it has become one of the most enduring acts in smooth jazz. The latest iteration of the band comes to The Birchmere. 7:30 p.m. $39.50.
Vocalist Abby Schaffer plays 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Twins Jazz. $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
Terence Blanchard is one of the most celebrated jazz trumpeters of his generation. He has scored most of Spike Lee’s films and recently completed a season-long residency at the Kennedy Center. Blanchard returns to D.C. to perform at Blues Alley with E-Collective, an ensemble that embraces electronics and incorporates contemporary grooves and textures into the jazz idiom. The band begins a five night run of 8 and 10 p.m. sets on Thursday. $50-$55 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, SEPTEMBER 29
Christie Dashiell, one of the area’s top vocalists, leads an excellent quartet at Jazz Night in Southwest that includes ace pianist Allyn Johnson. 6 to 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
Musicianer is a New York-based trio comprised of baritone saxophonist Josh Sinton, bassist Jason Ajemian, and drummer Chad Taylor. The band is touring in support of its debut album, slow learner and makes a stop to headline a bill at Rhizome. Local experimental group, Low Ways Trio, opens. 8 p.m. $10 at the door.
Veteran area trombonist Reginald Cyntje brings a band to Mr. Henry’s. 8 to 11 p.m. Two item per person minimum.
Baltimore-based vocalist Irene Jalenti teams up with saxophonist Jeff Antoniuk and a group of area A-listers to play the jazz arrangements of songs by Sting and The Police on Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. 9 and 11 p.m. sets. $15 plus minimum and surcharge.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
In addition to hosting the excellent Jazz Night in Southwest, Westminster Church also opens its doors once a year for a day long festival. The 16th annual D.C. Jazz Preservation Festival features several of the area’s top jazz musicians, art exhibits, and various vendors. The event takes place from noon to dusk. FREE
Another festival featuring local acts takes place in Wheaton’s Veterans Park (11200 Amherst Ave.). The 2017 Wheaton Jazz Festival features five area groups including one under the direction of Amy Shook, one of the DMV’s finest bassists. Noon to 6 p.m. FREE
The Petworth Jazz Project hosts vocalist Akua Allrich and her band. A children’s performance precedes her set. 5 to 8 p.m. FREE
Roy Buchanan was an integral part of the “Anacostia Delta” guitar scene that grew out of Washington, D.C. in the ’70s and ’80s, which included the celebrated Danny Gatton. The style incorporated blues, jazz, rockabilly, and country influences. Buchanan died tragically in 1988 under questionable circumstances with suicide being declared the official cause of death. His legacy is still felt in the local music community and a host of the areas best guitarists, including Anthony Pirog and Tom Principato, gather at the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club to pay tribute. 8 p.m. $25 plus minimum and surcharge.
Guitarist Marceau Portron headlines a bill of experimental musicians at Rhizome. 8 p.m. $10
The Bad Plus is one of the distinctive trios working in jazz today. Its members have managed to draw the fine balance necessary to create music that is at once intellectual, emotional, and accessible. The group will be at The Hamilton for an 8 p.m. set. $20-$49.50.
Vocalist Kim Scudera joins Batida Diferente for an evening of Brazilian jazz at Mr. Henry’s. 8 to 11 p.m. Two item per person minimum.
Trumpeter and vocalist Nico Sarbanes plays The Alex from 8 to 11 p.m. $20 minimum, reservations recommended.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1
The Multiflora Music Festival is a series of shows that runs through October and focuses on multicultural concerts. The festival begins with a performance from Tuareg musician Mdou Moctar from Niger at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage. 6 p.m. FREE. Stay tuned for a full preview of the festival later this week.
Area bassist Jon Steele has assembled some of the DMV’s finest to join him for 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Twins Jazz. $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 2
Westminster Church has a busy few days coming up. In addition to Jazz Night and its festival on Saturday, it hosts the Clarence Turner Blues Band for its usual Monday night blues performance. 6 to 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3
Band of Roses brings its soul inspired jazz to Blues Alley for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $20 plus minimum and surcharge.
