February 1
Maurice Lyles was a prolific drummer and local jazz legend who passed away in 2015 at 88 years old. Prominent members of the local jazz community who often performed with Lyles come together in tribute at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
Camille Thurman is a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist whose scatting abilities have been compared to those of Ella Fitzgerald. The up-and-coming artist joins the Darrell Green Trio to perform as part of the Kennedy Center’s Discovery Artist series. 7 and 9 p.m. sets. $20
Italian born and now based in Baltimore, vocalist Irene Jalenti is a familiar face in area jazz venues. She plays Creative Cauldron’s Passport to the World Festival with a jazz tribute to The Beatles. 7:30 p.m. $18-$22.
Victor Provost, a mainstay of the local jazz community, teams up to with Josanne Francis to celebrate the sonic possibilities of the steel pan. While the instrument is often associated with the tropical sounds of the Caribbean, both these musicians show how the pan can fit into nearly any genre. They perform an 8 p.m. set at AMP. $17-$27.
A veteran of the New York jazz scene and respected educator at the Berklee College of Music, guitarist Ben Sher brings his organ quartet to Twins Jazz tonight and tomorrow for 9 and 11 p.m. sets. $15 + minimum/surcharge.
Amy Bormet, who is the driving force behind the Washington Women in Jazz Festival, spent the last few years in L.A., but is now back in her native D.C. The pianist plays Jojo’s from 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. No cover.
February 2
During the Civil Rights Movement, African American protesters often carried signs with a simple but powerful message: I AM A MAN. Trumpeter Ron Miles chose this as the title and theme of his latest album, which draws from the spirituality of black American music and the energy surrounding the period in American history. He will play selections from I AM A MAN at the Kennedy Center alongside and incredible band that includes Kennedy Center Artistic Director for Jazz, Jason Moran, guitarist Bill Frisell, drummer Brian Blade, and bassist Scott Colley. 7 p.m. $45.
ThePassport to the World Festival concludes with a performance from Veronneau, whose members play a key role in organizing the event. The ensemble draws from gypsy jazz, chanson, along with more contemporary traditions, to create a global sound. Violinist Dave Kline and percussionist Bruno Lucini are featured guests for this performance. 7:30 p.m. $18-$22.
Area smooth jazz star Marcus Johnson plays an 8 p.m. set at AMP. His Urban Jam Band performs songs from across his 16 album catalog. $25-$40.
Quincy Phillips has been one of the area’s first call drummers for nearly 20 years and has performed internationally with the late trumpeter Roy Hargrove and bassist Christian McBride. His band, Chicken Grease, performs at 8 and 10 p.m. at Sotto. $15 in advance/$20 at the door.
Trumpeter Justine Miller is often seen performing with Chopteeth, the local afro-funk big band. Tonight she leads her own ensemble at Mr. Henry’s. 8 to 11 p.m. $15 per person minimum.
February 3
Area trumpeter Caesar Ulsano plays 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Twins Jazz. $10 + minimum/surcharge.
HYFY Jazzin’, made up of drummer Jason Hayes, keyboardist Justin Paschalides, and bassist Avi Walter, performs at Bossa Bistro + Lounge. 8:30 p.m. No cover.
February 4
Herb Scott is not only one of the area’s busiest jazz saxophonists, he is also one the local jazz community’s most vocal advocates. His quartet plays 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. $20 + minimum/surcharge.
February 5
Vocalist Jarreau Williams plays 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. $22 + minimum/surcharge.
The Tributary Project is a loose collective New York and locally based musicians who draw from a number of international traditions. The band plays Bossa Bistro + Lounge at 9:30 p.m. $5 at the door.
February 6
Reginald Cyntje is one of the DMV’s finest trombonists and in recent years he has also been a prolific composer, releasing albums at an impressive rate. He plays Blues Alley tonight to celebrate the release of his latest effort, Rise Of The Protester. On the recording, he has assembled a group of the area’s best, including bassist Herman Burney, drummer Lenny Robinson, and saxophonist Brian Settles. The ensemble plays 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $22 + minimum/surcharge.
Saxophonist Gabe Wallace’s quintet plays 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Twins Jazz. $10 + minimum/surcharge.
February 7
Contemporary jazz saxophonist Jessy J plays 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley.
The Voyage is comprised of students going through the jazz program at George Mason University, under the direction of drummer Patrick Foit and saxophonist John Longbottom. The band plays 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Twins Jazz. $10 + minimum/surcharge.
February 8
U-Topia, the restaurant that used to exist at 14th & U NW (the building is now a distillery/bar), regularly hosted the city’s best jazz musicians and was a scene unto itself. One of the spot’s regular performers was pianist Wayne Wilentz, who assembled a group of U-Topia veterans for a show at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
Son jarocho is a regional folk music from Veracruz, a Mexican state along the Gulf of Mexico. The song most associated with this genre is “La Bamba,” which became a hit song for Richie Valens in 1958. Zenén Zeferino Huervo is considered a son jarocho master and he comes to D.C. for a set at Bossa Bistro + Lounge. 7:30 p.m. $10 at the door.
Based in Baltimore, Todd Marcus brings a unique sound to jazz on multiple fronts. First, his main instrument is the bass clarinet, which is unusual as a front line instrument. Second, his compositions often draw from his Egyptian heritage, adding a twist to the standard jazz vocabulary. Marcus and his band play 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Sotto. $15 in advance/$20 at the door.
Drummer Eddie Anderson brings his jazz-funk ensemble to Mr. Henry’s from 8 to 11 p.m. $15 per person minimum.
Ace bassist Tarus Mateen leads a quartet at Jojo’s from 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. No cover.
February 9
MatizWave is a local collective of musicians from diverse backgrounds who share a love of international sounds and creative improvisation. The band headlines a bill at Asmara that includes La Marvela, an all-female ensemble playing music from Colombia, and Leon City Sounds. 8 p.m. $8 at the door.
Veteran area trumpeter Thad Wilson plays 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Sotto. $15 in advance/$20 at the door.
A recent graduate of Howard University’s respected jazz program, trumpeter Alex Parchment leads a band at Twins Jazz. 9 and 11 p.m. sets. $15 + minimum/surcharge.
Vocalist Landon Paddock’s band plays Jojo’s from 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. No cover.
February 10
The spirit of John Coltrane, who passed away in 1967, continues to exert a massive influence in jazz. One of his friend’s and mentees was a young Archie Shepp, who went on to become an NEA Jazz Master. Shepp comes to the Kennedy Center to pay tribute to his hero. Joining him are pianist Jason Moran, trumpeter Amir ElSaffar, and others. 8 p.m. $20-$59.
February 11
Pianist Mark Meadows served as music director for Ain’t Misbehavin’: Unscripted a critically acclaimed theater piece celebrating jazz legend Fats Waller. Guests from that show’s cast will join Meadows as his band plays material from the show, stretching it out to befit an intimate club setting. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $20 + minimum/surcharge.
February 12
Area drummer Wes Watkins formed Got My Own Sound in 2014, bringing together hip-hop, jazz, and contemporary R&B. The group plays 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. $22 + minimum/surcharge.
February 13
Vocalist and area native Anjali Taneja’s music explores the intersection between R&B and music of her Indian heritage, singing in multiple languages. As this month’s artist-in-residence at Strathmore, she plays the venue’s historic mansion tonight and again on February 27. 7:30 p.m. $17.
David Sanborn was at the forefront of the smooth jazz movement, but his music tends to have more passion behind it than most artists associated with the genre. He plays The Birchmere at 7:30 p.m. $49.50.
February 14
Veronneau plays a special Valentine’s Day set at AMP. 8 p.m. $25-$45.
Singer Tony Sands pays tribute to Frank Sinatra at The Hamilton. 8 p.m. $15-$39.75.
Rising area vocalist Cecily draws from jazz, classic soul, and ‘90s R&B as her primary influences. She’ll play 7:30 and 10 p.m. sets at Sotto. The $115 tickets include a prefixe four course meal, tax, and gratuity.
Vocalist Kristin Callahan plays two Valentine’s Day sets at Twins Jazz. $20 + minimum/surcharge.
Smooth jazz saxophonist Marion Meadows kicks off a four night run of 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. $30-$90 + minimum/surcharge with dinner packages available for Valentine’s Day.
February 15
Saxophonist and local jazz mainstay Marshall Keys brings his longtime collaborators, including keyboardist Federico Pena, to Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
The Kennedy Center’s Discovery Artist series continues with pianist James Francies, whose latest album, Flight, Vol. 1, is his first on the legendary Blue Note label. In addition to putting out his own music, Francies has collaborated with artists as varied as Ms. Lauryn Hill, jazz legend Pat Metheny, and The Roots. 7 and 9 p.m. sets. $20
Vocalist Elin was born in Sweden and grew up on three different continents with a Peruvian father and Irish mother. However, it is Brazilian jazz that became her focus. Since moving to D.C., she has performed regularly with the salsa band, Orquesta Melao and is one of Thievery Corporation’s regular collaborators. Elin leads a quartet through 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Sotto. $20 in advance/$25 at the door.
February 16
Drummer William Hooker is an important voice within New York’s vital avant-garde community, having recorded over 60 albums as a leader with performances at prestigious venues across the globe. His trio is now comprised of Dave Ross (guitar) and Eriq Robinson (electronics). The band plays Rhizome at 8 p.m. $15.
Cuban jazz masters Pedrito Martinez (percussion) and Alfredo Rodriguez (piano) combine to play their native music at the Kennedy Center’s Terrace Theater. 7 and 9 p.m. sets. $20-$35.
Soul jazz keyboardist and singer Kiyem Ade plays Jojo’s from 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. No cover.
February 17
Bassist Moppa Elliott founded Mostly Other People Do The Killing in 2003 to serve as a vehicle where he could explore both traditional and avant-garde jazz. The Downbeat Magazine Critics’ Poll named MOPDtK as a “Rising Star Ensemble” twice. Trio, which also features drummer Kevin Shea and pianist Ron Stabinsky plays Rhizome, sharing the bill with local improvisational unit Heart of the Ghost. Respected Dave Ballou sits in with the latter. 8 p.m. $10.
Keigo Hirakawa is on the engineering faculty at the University of Dayton, and moonlights as a pianist who has performed throughout the country. His trio comes to Twins Jazz for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + minimum/surcharge.
February 18
Area violinist Susan Jones plays 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. $20 + minimum/surcharge.
February 19
Historically, Los Angeles has not been at the jazz forefront, but that has changed in recent years as a vibrant scene has developed there. Saxophonist David Binney leads a quartet of L.A.’s finest at Blues Alley, including pianist Luca Mendoza, bassist Logan Kane, and drummer Nate Wood. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $25 + minimum/surcharge.
February 20
The Northern Virginia Jazz Collective plays classic jazz standards at Twins Jazz. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + minimum/surcharge.
February 21
INTERSECTIONS, an annual festival held at the Atlas, is one of that venue’s most important contributions to the local arts ecosystem. The event kicks off with an opening reception tonight and presents dance, theater, and musical performances through March 3. The opening performance is GLACIER: A Climate Change Ballet, directed by locally based climate change policy expert and dance professional Diana Movius. 8 p.m. $35.
In 2015, the Washington City Paper named Shannon Gunn the area’s best trombonist. Her all female ensemble, the Bullettes, operates under various configurations, ranging from small groups to a full big band. She brings the former to Sotto for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 in advance/$15 at the door.
Smooth jazz saxophonist Kim Waters kicks off a four night run of 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. $45-$50 + minimum/surcharge.
February 22
Trumpeter Muneer Nasser is the son of the late bassist Jamil Nasser, who performed with notables such as B.B. King, Sonny Rollins, and George Coleman before passing in 2010. The younger Nasser pays tribute to his father on his debut recording, A Soldier’s Story, and has assembled a first rate band to play selections from the release at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
Ney Mello, a guitarist’s guitarist, along with performing partner Elizabeth Louie, attempt to demystify the art of improvisation with an 8 p.m. performance at INTERSECTIONS. $20.
Nigerian vocalist and songwriter TolumiDE compliments soul music with her African heritage at INTERSECTIONS. 8 p.m. $25.
Matvei Sigalov’s primary instrument is the violin, but he is also a skilled guitarist. He is comfortable in multiple genres, ranging from Latin styles to gypsy jazz to electric fusion. Sigalov’s band comes to Sotto for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $15 in advance/$20 at the door.
Keyboardist Bill Heid leads a quartet at Jojo’s. 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. No cover.
February 23
Columbia Icefield is a band comprised of rising stars of New York’s crowded jazz scene. Trumpeter Nate Wooley assembled the group, which includes guitarist Mary Halvorsen, pedal steel player Susan Alcorn, and drummer Ryan Sawyer. The quartet performs at The Corner Store. 7 p.m. $10-$20.
Bassist Ameen Saleem, a native of D.C., tour extensively with Roy Hargrove prior to the trumpet legend’s unfortunate passing last year. He still performs internationally with a number of artists and will make a hometown stop at Sotto to lead his own group through 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $15 in advance/$20 at the door.
Flautist Arch Thompson performs classic jazz from the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s at Mr. Henry’s. 8 to 11 p.m. $15 per person minimum.
Svetlana, a respected cabaret singer out of New York, plays 9 and 11 p.m. sets at Twins Jazz. $15 + minimum/surcharge.
February 24
Bomba is a musical genre native to Puerto Rico. Semilla Cultural is an ensemble specializing in that island’s music and dance traditions, and it will explore the history of Bomba with a 5 p.m. performance at INTERSECTIONS. $25.
Area vocalist W. Allen Taylor brings his quintet to Alice’s Jazz & Cultural Society. 6 to 9 p.m. $10 at the door.
Delfeayo Marsalis comes from one of the most prominent family’s in jazz and is not only an accomplished trombonist and composer, but also a skilled producer who has worked with dozens of other prominent artists. He leads a band at The Hamilton with area saxophonist Elijah Balbed opening. 7:30 p.m. $15-$45.
February 25
Pianist Tim Whalen is a first rate composer who is often seen with his small groups in local clubs, in addition to his “day gig” as a member of the U.S. Army Band. He has partnered with a fellow member of Pershing’s Own, guitarist Michael Kramer, to form a big band, which will make its debut playing 8 and 10 p.m. at Blues Alley. $22 + minimum/surcharge.
February 26
Under the direction of vocalist Dahlia Dumont, The Blue Dahlia is an eclectic band that draws from reggae, chanson française, American folk, Latin rhythms, klezmer and old-time swing. Dumont’s lyrics, sung in French and English, are playful, but at times can be highly political. The Blue Dahlia plays an early set at Bossa Bistro + Lounge at 7 p.m. $10 at the door. Griot master Cheick Hamala closes the night with his long-running Tuesday night residency at the club. 9:30 p.m. No cover.
February 27
Drummer Willie Jones III broke onto the scene in the mid-’90s, playing with jazz legends Milt Jackson and Arturo Sandoval, followed by a lengthy stint with the late trumpeter Roy Hargrove. He has also released 10 albums as a leader and brings his latest quintet to Blues Alley. The band features 78-year old jazz master Eddie Henderson on trumpet. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $25 + minimum/surcharge.
February 28
CapitalBop and Local 16 host drummer Dana Hawkins and his band. 7:30 and 9 p.m. sets. $5 at the door.
The Sirius Quartet stretches the bounds of the classical string quartet by imbuing their concerts with a genre-defying approach that incorporates improvisation and electronic and experimental concepts. The ensemble plays MilkBoy ArtHouse at 8 p.m. $25-$30.
Jon Camp is part of the American Primitive Guitar school, which as the name implies is an acoustic approach to the instrument. On his new recording, Headwinds & Tailwinds, Camp puts this genre into an electric, full band setting. His ensemble headlines a bill at Rhizome that also features local kora player Amadou Kouyate and Baltimore fingerstyle guitarist Todd Shelar’s Pergola. 8 p.m. $10.
Joey DeFrancesco is the finest B-3 organist of his generation, and helped reignite interest in the instrument in the jazz world as he rose to prominence in the ‘80s. The now has over 30 albums under his belt as a leader, and comes to Blues Alley for a four night run in support of his Grammy nominated 2018 release, Project Freedom. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $25-$30 + minimum/surcharge.
