Celebrated percussionist and MacArthur “genius” Tyshawn Sorey comes to MilkBoy ArtHouse this month. (Photo by John Rogers, courtesy of Tyshawn Sorey)
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
Area pianist Dwayne Adell once won an international Rachmaninoff competition with a piece he learned by ear off a recording. The largely self-taught musician performs at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. at Blues Alley. $22 + minimum and surcharge.
An always-exciting performance takes place every Tuesday at Bossa Bistro & Lounge. The club hosts Cheick Hamala Diabate and Griot Street, a band that never fails to deliver a night of infectious West African rhythms. 9:30 p.m. No cover.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
Organist Bill Heid plays Alice’s Jazz & Cultural Society. 6 p.m.-9 p.m. $10 at the door.
Steve Wilson‘s Analog Band is the latest project from the veteran saxophonist. The quartet features pianist Raymond Angry and bassist Ben Williams, both of whom spent their formative years in the D.C. area. The group plays 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. $25 + minimum and surcharge.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
Award-winning area trombonist Shannon Gunn leads an ensemble at Sotto. 8 p.m. $15.
The Feedel Band creates a truly groovy sound from jazz, funk, and traditional Ethiopian influences. The band continues its monthly residency at Bossa Bistro & Lounge. 9:30 p.m., $10.
Legendary fusion outfit The Yellowjackets first formed back in 1977. While the lineup has changed many times over the years, the group continues to put out high quality music that lives up to its long history. The band begins a four-night run of 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets Thursday night at Blues Alley. Tickets $35-$40 plus minimum and surcharge.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
CNN’s chief medical correspondent Sanjay Gupta hosts “Music & The Mind” at the Kennedy Center, a concert that explores the links between music, rhythm, and the human mind. Performers include Renee Fleming, Jason Moran, Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart, and renowned Indian percussionist Zakir Hussain. 8 p.m. $25-$75.
Saxophonist Zet Harris leads his ensemble through 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets at Sotto. $15 in advance/$20 at the door.
Dial 251 for Jazz plays Mr. Henry’s. 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. $15 per person minimum.
Saxophonist Jeff Antoniuk was among the first local jazz artists we profiled here on DCist. He continues to perform and record with his band, The Jazz Update, and plays 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. sets with the group at Twins Jazz on Friday and Saturday. Russ Nolan, a New York-based jazz artist, is a featured guest. Tickets $15 plus minimum and surcharge.
Today and Saturday, The Clarice at the University of Maryland hosts the annual NextNOW festival, a free, weekend-long celebration of the arts that takes advantage of every nook and cranny of the world class facility. Highlights on Friday include a performance from The Jazz Professors and a Latin jazz fusion dance class. Visit the festival website for the full schedule.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
It’s the Saturday after Labor Day, which means a day of jazz festivals on either side of the Potomac. This year’s Rosslyn Jazz Festival features keyboardist Corey Henry and his Funk Apostles. Noon to 7 p.m. FREE
The Silver Spring Jazz Festival features headliner Dianne Reeves along with locals Akua Allrich, Marcus Johnson, and more. 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. FREE
Mohamed Abozekry is a master oud player who performs at Bossa Bistro + Lounge with his band, Karkadé. 7 p.m. $10-$20 suggested donation.
In July, area vocalist Lanah Koelle released Straight Up Sassafras, an album of jazz standards from the 1920s, ’30s, and ’40s. She plays Mr. Henry’s from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. $15 per person minimum.
Alison Crockett, one of the area’s most prodigious vocalists, plays The Alex from 8 p.m.-11 p.m. $20 minimum, reservations recommended.
Imani Grace, an alum of Howard University’s prestigious jazz program, brings a group to Sotto for 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets. $15 in advance/$20 at the door.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
Marshall Keys has been a local mainstay for decades. He comes to Blues Alley to explore the connections between gospel and jazz with a new ensemble made up of the area’s finest, including Federico Gonzalez Peña and Michael Bowie. 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets. $25 + minimum and surcharge.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
Talented drummer and vocalist Jamison Ross won the prestigious Thelonious Monk Competition in 2012. He recently released his sophomore album, All For One, and will no doubt play selections from it as he leads a band through 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. $25 + minimum and surcharge.
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 12
Last year, Multiflora Productions, the business name of local music promoter Jim Thomson, launched an annual international music festival. The second iteration of the festival, dubbed Flash of The Spirit is set to take place at area venues on October. Multiflora hosts a fundraiser for the event at Local 16 featuring Analog Soul Club and La Marvela. 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. $10.
Paul McCandless has played woodwinds with pioneering ensembles such as Bela Fleck & The Flecktones and Oregon. He has spent more and more time performing as a bandleader with his group, Charged Particles, which plays 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. $25 + minimum and surcharge.
Orchester Praževica brings its monthly gypsy soul party to Bossa Bistro + Lounge. 8:30 p.m. No cover.
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 13
The Upton Blues Band, comprised of veteran local musicians, plays a combination of traditional blues with original compositions in jazz and R&B style. The group plays 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets at Sotto. $15 in advance/$20 at the door.
Christian McBride was among a crop of Young Lions who broke onto the scene in the late ’80s and early ’90s. He is now considered one of the finest bassists of his generation. His latest project, New Jawn, begins a three-night run of 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. $35-$40 + minimum and surcharge.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
Pianist Hope Udobi leads a trio from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. followed by guitarist Dave Manley‘s quartet from 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Jojo’s. No cover.
Latin jazz trumpeter Charlie Sepulveda’s credits include work with jazz icons Dizzy Gillespie and Wynton Marsalis. He leads his ensemble, The Turnaround, at AMP. 8 p.m. $32-$37.
The Brass-A-Holics have made an impression on us with memorable performances at the DC Jazz Festival. The group returns to D.C. for a performance at The Hamilton. 7:30 p.m. $19.50-$25.50.
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 15
Jazz In The Parks is a new concert series at the development that is coming up on the Walter Reed grounds. Today’s set will features bands under the direction of Heidi Martin and drummer Tyler Leak. 4 to 7 p.m. FREE
Center Stage is a public diplomacy initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The program presents two of Egypt’s rising musicians, Youssra El Hawary and Dina Elwedidi, at Tropicalia. 7 p.m. $20 at the door.
Stanley Clarke was barely out of his teens when he turned the bass-playing world on its ear in the early ’70s. His combination of musicality and virtuosity have made him a successful bandleader, sideman, and producer on projects ranging from acoustic jazz to funk to film soundtracks. Clarke will bring his band to The Howard Theatre for an 8 p.m. show. Tickets $37.50-$65.
Sharon Clark, a jazz singer in the most classic sense, plays The Alex from 8 p.m.-11 p.m. $20 minimum, reservations recommended.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
Vocalist Audrey Shakir plays Alice’s Jazz & Cultural Society. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. $10 at the door.
Cortex is an experimental jazz quartet from Norway that his been active since 2007 with hundreds of performances and five albums to its credit. The band headlines a bill at Rhizome that includes fiddle duo Tongue Depressor and percussionist Ian McColm. 8 p.m. $10 at the door.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
BKO Quintet is an ensemble from Mali that combines two of West Africa’s musical traditions that rose out of the Mandinka griot and Bambara hunter cultures. The band is touring in support of its latest album, MALI FOLI COURA, and makes a stop at Bossa Bistro + Lounge. 7 p.m. $20 at the door.
Kneebody is a prime example of the genre-defying jazz that has taken root over the past 20 years. Drawing from rock, hip-hop, electronic music, and traditional jazz, the group exemplifies the way in which contemporary audiences appreciate and consume music. The quintet plays 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. $25 + minimum and surcharge.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
Corcoran Holt came up through the D.C. ranks before making the leap to New York, where he now regularly plays and tours with the world’s finest jazz artists. The bassist comes to Blues Alley with his ensemble for a homecoming and birthday celebration. 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
Bassist Cheyney Thomas plays Alice’s Jazz & Cultural Society. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. $10 at the door.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
Back when we Mike Sternreviewed a show from guitarist Mike Stern in 2007, he was accompanied by monster drummer Dennis Chambers. The two will reunite at a four-night run of 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. $40-$45 + minimum and surcharge.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
JP Schlegelmilch (organ/keyboards), Jonathan Goldberger (guitar) and Jim Black (drums) present a 21st-century take on the organ trio on their debut recording, Visitors. The trio performs at Rhizome with local openers Janel Leppin and Myelin Nation, the latter of which includes saxophonist Sarah Hughes. 8 p.m. $10 at the door.
The local jazz community got a huge boost when bassist Tarus Mateen decided to call this area his home. He has played with jazz greats such as Jason Moran and Betty Carter, as well as with popular artists like Outkast, Christina Aguilera, Ms. Lauryn Hill, and a host of others. Mateen brings a band to Sotto for 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets. $15 in advance/$20 at the door.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
Drummer Kelton Norris leads a trio from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. followed by vocalist Jessica Settles‘ quartet from 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Jojo’s. No cover.
Brooklyn-based guitarist Joel Harrison‘s new recording, Angel Band, is the third in a series of releases that puts country and Appalachian music in a modern jazz context. He’ll play two sets at Rhizome with an ensemble that includes local guitar whiz Anthony Pirog. 8 p.m. $10 at the door.
Vocalist Jon Bibbs plays 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets at Sotto. $15 in advance/$20 at the door.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
Vocalist Mavis Waters plays Alice’s Jazz & Cultural Society. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. $10 at the door.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
Blues legend Buddy Guy comes to The Birchmere for an intimate 7:30 p.m. set. $115.
David Bowie decided to record his final album with a group of top-notch New York jazz musicians. That band included drummer Mark Guiliana, who is using that exposure to step out on his own as a bandleader. His ensemble, Space Heroes, brings its blend of acoustic jazz and electronic music to Blues Alley for 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets. $25 + minimum and surcharge.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
Veronneau‘s effortless blend of samba and gypsy jazz won the group the 2013 WAMMY for Best Jazz Group. The band plays songs from its latest release, Love & Surrender, at Blues Alley. 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets. $22 plus minimum and surcharge.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
Drummer John Lamkin III plays Alice’s Jazz & Cultural Society. 6 to 9 p.m. $10 at the door.
The District of Raga, a monthly showcase for international musicians that area violinist Nistha Raj organizes, returns to Bossa Bistro + Lounge with featured vocalist Roopa Mahadevan. 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
Chris Urquiaga is a pianist and singer-songwriter who recently served as an artist-in-residence at Strathmore. He brings a blend of Latin sounds to Sotto for 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets. $15 in advance/$20 at the door.
Brazilian vocalist Cissa Paz is at Bossa Bistro + Lounge for her monthly appearance. 10 p.m. $10 at the door.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
René Marie is a singer’s singer who started her career fairly late, devoting herself to music in 1999 at age 42. She is touring behind her new album, Experiment In Truth, and brings the new songs to Blues Alley for a three-night run. 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets. $30-$35 plus minimum and surcharge.
Jojo’s hosts two of the most innovative musicians in the local jazz community as bassist Luke Stewart leads a trio at 6 p.m. followed by guitarist Anthony Pirog‘s quartet at 9:30 p.m. No cover.
2017 was a breakout year for Tyshawn Sorey. A gifted multi-instrumentalist who has spent several years with pianist Vijay Iyer, he issued his sixth album to critical acclaim and was named a MacArthur “genius.” All that, in addition to completing a doctorate in music. Sorey’s ensemble comes to MilkBoy ArtHouse as part of the Speed of Sound Sessions, which celebrate 21st century composers whose work reflects contemporary culture. 8 p.m. $10-$30.
The Sonic Circuits Festival of Experimental Music traces its roots back to the year 2000. While the festival has had its ups and downs in terms of numbers of acts, and occasionally turning into a multi-week event, D.C.’s preeminent experimental music event keeps on trucking. This year, Rhizome hosts a three-day program that features more than 20 acts. Sonic Circuits takes place from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and from 5:30 to 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. $20 entry fee per day. Visit the festival website for the full schedule.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
Jazz In The Parks hosts trumpeter Donvonte McCoy. 4 to 7 p.m. FREE
Kalanidhi Dance, a company specializing in the classical Kuchipudi style from India, performs on the Millennium Stage. The troupe performs Bhoomi, a new piece that explores humanity’s relationship with its planet. 6 p.m. FREE
Howard University alum Shacara Rogers captured first place in the 2015 Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival Vocal Competition and was first runner-up in the 2014 Sarah Vaughan International Vocal Jazz Competition. She plays The Alex from 8 p.m.-11 p.m. $20 minimum, reservations recommended.
Vocalist Maija Rejman plays Mr. Henry’s. 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. $15 per person minimum.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
Vocalist Heidi Martin has long been a familiar voice in the local jazz community. Recently dealing with an illness scare, she returns to the stage with 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets at Sotto. $15 in advance/$20 at the door.
