Vibraphonist Stefon Harris and his band, Blackout, headline HillFest on October 6 (Photo courtesy Stefon Harris).
OCTOBER 1
A familiar face in the local blues/roots community, Dave Chappell takes the Blues Alley stage for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $22 + minimum/surcharge.
OCTOBER 2
The U.S. Army Blues, the Army’s premier jazz ensemble, plays the Millennium Stage with guest bassist Ben Allison. 6 p.m. FREE
Pianist George Burton, whose resume includes work with the Sun Ra Arkestra and Meshell Ndegecello, is stepping out on his own as a bandleader. Embracing classical technique with a deep rooted sense of soul, his compositions have rightly earned critical praise from all quarters. Burton plays 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. $22 + minimum/surcharge.
OCTOBER 3
Bob Butta has been one of the area’s first-call pianists for years. He has assembled a trio of similarly respected local players to perform at Alice’s Jazz & Cultural Society. 6-9 p.m. $10 at the door.
Area Latin jazz vocalist Julie Mack plays 8 and 10 p.m. sets Twins Jazz. $10 + minimum/surcharge.
The Brooklyn-based Anbessa Orchestra plays authentic Ethiopian music with dance troupe Fendika at Bossa Bistro + Lounge. 9 p.m. $10 at the door.
OCTOBER 4
Shane Parish uses Appalachian music as a starting point, but then the guitarist incorporates contemporary classical, jazz, and other influences. He headlines a bill at Rhizome that includes area guitarist Anthony Pirog and audiovisual artists Ambience for the Eye. 8 p.m. $10 suggested donation.
The Feedel Band plays the style of Ethiopian jazz that was popular in that country during the ’70s and ’80s. The band continues its monthly residency at Bossa Bistro + Lounge. 9:30 p.m., $10.
With prodigious piano skills and strong vocal chops, Eliane Elias has deservedly taken her place in the pantheon of jazz greats. Her latest album puts songs from the musical, Man of La Mancha, in a piano trio setting. Elias brings the band to Blues Alley to kick off a four-night run of 8 and 10 p.m. sets.
OCTOBER 5
Trumpeter Sean Jones has had stints with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, the SFJAZZ Ensemble, and has played as a sideman with a host of jazz greats. This year, he began his role as Chair of Jazz Studies at the renowned Peabody Conservatory. Jones leads an ensemble through 7 and 9 p.m. sets at MilkBoy ArtHouse. $10-$30.
Kurt Elling‘s latest recording, The Questions, explores the existential feelings that arise when a man realizes there is more time behind than ahead. The vocalist presents the material, whose composers range from Bob Dylan to Peter Gabriel, at the Kennedy Center‘s Terrace Theater. 7 and 9 p.m. sets. $30-$40.
Shemekia Copeland is the most acclaimed blues singer of her generation and she plays The Hamilton along with opener Vanessa Collier. 8 p.m. $15.75-$35.75.
Sotto hosts a weekend featuring two of the area’s top bassists, starting with Kris Funn‘s Cornerstore. Funn has performed with the likes of Kenny Garrett, Christian Scott, Kamasi Washington, and more. His debut album, Cornerstore, came out in 2017 and he released a collection of remixes, called Bodega, this year. The band plays 8 p.m. $15 in advance/$20 at the door.
Jeff Antoniuk was one of the first local jazz musicians we profiled here on DCist way back in 2007. His band plays 9 and 11 p.m. sets tonight and tomorrow at Twins Jazz. $15 + minimum/surcharge.
OCTOBER 6
HillFest, the day-long jazz festival now in its second year, returns to Garfield Park and features two stages of music and activities. The main stage features headliner Stefon Harris & Blackout, whose latest album, Sonic Creed, came out at the end of September. Local favorites such as Herb Scott, Elijah Balbed‘s JoGo Project, and vocalist Akua Allrich also perform. The festivities begin at 11 a.m. FREE
Saxophonist Brian Falkowski’s group plays the early set at Jojo’s from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. followed by sets from skilled area vocalist Tamika Love Jones. 9:30 p.m.-1 a.m. No cover.
Mr. Henry’s hosts a band under the direction of up-and-coming drummer Jack Kilby. 8 p.m.-midnight. $15 per person minimum.
Michael Bowie sets up shop at Sotto to celebrate another trip around the sun. The bassist and local mainstay can play anything from electric fusion to intimate acoustic jazz. Lately, he has explored re-interpreting pop standards into new settings, often with some element of social commentary. 8 p.m. $15 in advance/$20 at the door.
OCTOBER 7
Bill Laurance was an original member of the genre-defying band, Snarky Puppy, and won three Grammy awards with that group. The keyboardist also has four solo albums with a fifth on the way. He pays a visit to the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club for a 7:30 p.m. set. $30 + food/drink minimum.
Experimental woodwind artist Bill Cole invented a new musical vocabulary by introducing instruments that don’t use conventional Western tuning conventions into the jazz idiom. He plays Rhizome along with brass horn player Joseph Daley. 8 p.m. $15 in advance/$20 at the door.
The Tiger Trio features Myra Melford on piano, Nicole Mitchell on flute and Joëlle Léandre on upright bass. Individually, these players are sought after improvisers. Together, they create a sound that is greater than the sum of its parts. CapitalBop presents the Tiger Trio at NYU in Washington’s Abramson Family Auditorium along with opener Susan Alcorn. 7 p.m. $10-$15.
OCTOBER 8
Jane Monheit is a classic jazz chanteuse, building a career on crystalline interpretations of songs from cabaret, musical theater, and the Great American Songbook. She comes to Blues Alley to play in a vocal/piano duo that is sure to work very well in the historic club. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $45 + minimum/surcharge.
OCTOBER 9
On her latest album, Turn Up The Quiet, pianist/vocalist Diana Krall drew material from the Great American Songbook and interpreted them in a hushed and subdued manner. That sense of intimacy should translate well to the warm setting of the Warner Theatre. 8 p.m. $99 + fees.
OCTOBER 10
A native of Serbia, drummer Vladimir Kostadinovic is now based in New York and has played with a who’s who of the Big Apple’s jazz scene. His trio plays a 7 p.m. set at Sotto. No cover.
The AKKU Quintet hails from Berne, Switzerland and plays a minimalist jazz that is more common in Europe than it is in the States. The band shares the stage at Rhizome with the Italian quartet, Accordo dei Contrari. 8 p.m. $10 at the door.
OCTOBER 11
Guitarist Ross Hammond draws equally from jazz, folk, blues, spirituals, and international music. He headlines a bill at Rhizome that includes experimental duo True Fluorescent Skeleton. 8 p.m. $10 at the door.
Bobby Muncy lived in the D.C. area for 15 years before moving to Michigan, where he now resides. While here, he became one of the area’s most sought after saxophonists and lead a number of his own groups. Muncy returns to the District for an 8 p.m. show at Sotto. $12 in advance/$15 at the door.
Rachelle Ferrell is one of the most technically gifted vocalists working today, and her nimble voice can fit into any genre. Ferrell comes to Blues Alley on Thursday to begin a four night run of 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $70-$75 + minimum/surcharge.
OCTOBER 12
Jazz Night in Southwest hosts the Saltman Knowles Quintet with guest vocalist Yvette Spears. 6 p.m.-9 p.m. $5 at the door.
Antibalas formed in Brooklyn 20 years ago, blending afrobeat and contemporary funk. The world-touring act comes to The Hamilton. 8 p.m. $20-$25.
Bassist Jeff Denson has performed around the world in many of the top jazz festivals and venues with some of the biggest names in jazz such as Dave Douglas, Brian Blade, and Joe Lovano. He released his 12th solo album, Outside My Window, earlier this year, and comes to the Atlas in support of it. 8 p.m. $16-$24.
The violin is thought of as a classical instrument, but in Chelsey Green‘s hands, it lies at the intersection of jazz, R&B, and pop. Green leads her Green Project at Sotto. 8 p.m. $20 in advance/$25 at the door.
OCTOBER 13
Akua Allrich‘s annual tribute concert to Nina Simone and Miriam Makeba, now in its 10th year, is a highlight of the fall jazz calendar. This year’s performance takes place at the Atlas. 7 p.m. $20-$25.
An immigration lawyer/activist by day and singer by night, Loide brings her Mozambican and Guinea-Bissauan heritage into her music to create an original sound. She plays Jojo’s from 9:30 p.m.-1 a.m. No cover.
OCTOBER 14
In the mid-’80s, pianist Jim Levey founded the jazz studies program at GWU. A respected composer, performer, and educator, he leads a group at Alice’s Jazz & Cultural Society. 6 p.m.-9 p.m. $10 at the door.
Keiko Matsui creates ethereal soundscapes that blur the line between new age music and jazz. Her band plays The Birchmere. 7:30 p.m. $45.
OCTOBER 15
While Bohemian Caverns is, sadly, no longer with us, its resident jazz orchestra lives on. The Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra will give a 7 p.m. performance at the Levine School of Music’s Silver Spring location, playing material by New York-based composer Brian Krock and the music from his album, Big Heart Machine. $10.
Saxophonist Paul Carr is not only a world class saxophonist, but he has mentored many of the top jazz musicians who have come out of this area over the past two decades and is also the driving force behind the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival. His quintet plays 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. $25 + minimum/surcharge.
OCTOBER 16
Garrett Gleason is a rising area guitarist who is not only at home in traditional jazz settings, but also ventures into rock and more experimental arenas. He celebrates the release of his new album, The Well, at Black Cat. 7:30 p.m. $10.
OCTOBER 17
Versatile drummer Jaron Davis leads a band through 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Twins Jazz. $10 + minimum/surcharge.
The Bossa Bistro + Lounge hosts Balkan Beltway, a showcase of DMV ensembles that play Eastern European music. Among the performers is Bossa regular Orchester Praževica. 8:30 p.m. $10 at the door.
OCTOBER 18
Celebrated vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater chose songs associated with her hometown for her latest album, Memphis… Yes, I’m Ready. The mix of blues and R&B classics will no doubt be the core of the material she presents during her four night stand at Blues Alley, which begins tonight. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $60-$65 + minimum/surcharge.
OCTOBER 19
Percussionist Phil Butts leads his 18-piece big band at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 p.m.-9 p.m. $5 at the door.
Jerry Douglas is normally associated with country and bluegrass acts, having spent many years playing in Alison Krauss’ Union Station. His solo material is far more wide reaching, drawing from fusion and international music, in addition to Americana. Douglas and his band play an 8 p.m. show at The Hamilton. $24.75-$64.50.
Clarence “Bluesman” Turner has been at the forefront of the area’s small-but-mighty blues community for years. His band plays Sotto at 8 p.m. $15 in advance/$20 at the door.
OCTOBER 20
Larry Brown is one of the DMV’s finest pianists and has been a first-call player for decades. His band plays 9 and 11 p.m. sets at Twins Jazz. $15 + minimum and surcharge.
OCTOBER 21
Vocalist Bonnie Harris‘s music is the kind one puts on when snuggling with a significant other while sharing a bottle of wine. She’ll bring her comforting sound to Alice’s Jazz & Cultural Society from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. $10 at the door.
OCTOBER 24
Singer Jaqui Naylor is respected in jazz circles, but is deserving of wider recognition. She comes to Blues Alley for 8 and 10 p.m. sets.
OCTOBER 25
Kia Bennett has served as a backing vocalist for the likes of D’Angelo and Ledisi. A product of Howard University’s famed jazz program, she leads her band at Sotto. 8 p.m. $15 in advance/$20 at the door.
OCTOBER 26
Veteran pianist Harry Appelman leads a band of local A-listers at Jazz Night in Southwest in tribute to the late legendary pianist, Bill Evans. 6 p.m.-9 p.m. $5 at the door.
The Rippingtons formed in the mid-’80s and have been a force in the smooth jazz world ever since. The band plays the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club. $59-$79 + food/drink minimum.
While Brent Birckhead did his undergraduate and graduate studies at Howard University, he became a familiar face in local jazz clubs. Now living in New York, he has played with luminaries including Lauryn Hill, Benny Golson, George Duke, and more. He returns to the District for an 8 p.m. set at Sotto. $20 in advance/$25 at the door.
OCTOBER 27
Westminster DC hosts an afternoon lecture by local jazz scholar Larry Applebaum on the music of pianist Bill Evans. 1 p.m.-3 p.m. FREE
Vocalist Renee Georges leads her trio at Mr. Henry’s. 8 p.m.-midnight. $15 per person minimum.
Drummer Keith Kilgo—who was the original drummer for The Blackbyrds, a storied local funk band—brings a band to Twins Jazz for 9 and 11 p.m. sets. $15 + minimum and surcharge.
OCTOBER 28
Contemporary jazz guitarist Earl Klugh brings his unique acoustic style to the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club. 7 p.m. $59-$79 + food/drink minimum.
Marty Nau, who played sax in the Navy band for many years before retiring from the service, plays Twins Jazz. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + minimum and surcharge.
OCTOBER 29
Monika Herzig has more than a dozen albums to her credit. The pianist has assembled an all-star cast to form SHEroes, an all-female band featuring Jamie Baum (flute), Reut Regaev (trombone), Leni Stern (guitar), Jennifer Vincent (bass), and Karina Colis (drums). The ensemble plays 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. $25 + minimum and surcharge.
OCTOBER 31
Hope Udobi was a finalist in the Great American Jazz Piano Competition and was selected as an artist-in-residence at Jazz at Lincoln Center. The talented area musician leads a group at Alice’s Jazz & Cultural Society. 6 p.m.-9 p.m. $10 at the door.
The Capitol Bones, a jazz ensemble whose front line is comprised entirely of trombonists, plays the Millennium Stage. 6 p.m. FREE
Joe Herrera is an in-demand local trumpeter who plays in a number of ensembles. Recently he has been gigging with Remix, his own concept that blends jazz with electronic music, including a live DJ. Remix plays 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. $22 + minimum/surcharge.
