AUGUST 1

Rosslyn’s Dark Star Park, with its distinctive spherical sculptures, was the county’s first major commissioned art project. Every August 1, at 9:32 a.m., the sculptures’ shadows align with the images that are inset in the ground. Arlington Arts invited Janel & Anthony to compose and perform a piece for this year’s alignment. 9 a.m.-10 a.m. FREE

The BKO Quintet brings its contemporary take on traditional Malian music to the Millennium Stage. 6 p.m. FREE

Local smooth jazz star Marcus Johnson starts four nights of 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. $30-$35 + minimum/surcharge.

The Feedel Band returns to Bossa Bistro + Lounge with its infectious Ethiopian grooves. 9:30 p.m. $10 at the door.

AUGUST 2

Veteran local trumpeter Thad Wilson leads his big band at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 p.m.-9 p.m. $5 at the door.

Jojo’s hosts saxophonist Hannah Wynne’s trio from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. followed by a steel pannist Victor Provost’s quartet from 10 p.m.-1 a.m. No cover.

Rootless is the stage moniker of New York-based guitarist Jeremy Hurewitz, who creates expansive washes of sound by combining acoustic guitar with electronic manipulation. He headlines an evening of solo guitar performance at Rhizome. 8 p.m. $10.

Dial 251 for Jazz plays Mr. Henry’s from 8 p.m.-11 p.m. $15 per person minimum.

AUGUST 3

Vocalist Renee Georges plays Mr. Henry’s from 8 p.m.-11 p.m. $15 per person minimum.

Busy area saxophonist Herb Scott leads a band through 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. sets at Sotto. $15 in advance/$20 at the door.

AUGUST 4

George Crotty has played with notables such as Anat Cohen and the Brooklyn Raga Massive. The fusion cellist comes to Bossa Bistro + Lounge for an 8 p.m. performance. $10 at the door.

Saxophonist Bobby Muncy’s Radiohead Jazz Project plays Twins Jazz. As you might guess, the band takes songs by the art rock band and puts it into an instrumental jazz context. 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + minimum/surcharge.

AUGUST 5

Drummer Tyler Leak and his band perform at Marvin from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. No cover.

Local trombonist and composer Shannon Gunn celebrates the release of her new album, Gunn’s Ablazin’, with 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. $22 + minimum/surcharge.

AUGUST 6

Sirius Company plays 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. $22 + minimum/surcharge.

AUGUST 7

Lakota Jon & Kin bring their North Carolina blues to the Millennium Stage. 6 p.m. FREE

Mr. Henry’s hosts its Capitol Hill Jazz Jam every Wednesday from 8 p.m.-11 p.m. $15 per person minimum for listeners.

Lara Driscoll is a French-American pianist based out of Chicago. She plays 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets at Twins Jazz in support of her new recording, Woven Dreams. $10 + minimum/surcharge.

AUGUST 8

Drummer/vocalist Dante Pope performs with his band at Marvin from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. No cover.

The Eaton DC’s rooftop lounge, Wild Days, has launched weekly jazz performances. Vocalist Imani Grace plays tonight from 8 to 10 p.m. No cover.

The Powers/Rolin Duo is an experimental group that overlays the hammered dulcimer and 12-string guitar with electronic effects. The group headlines a bill of avant-garde musicians at Rhizome. 8 p.m. $10

Local saxophonist Grant Izmirlian leads his quintet through 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets at Twins Jazz. $10 + minimum/surcharge.

AUGUST 9

Woodwind artist Ben Sands leads a group of the area’s finest at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 p.m.-9 p.m. $5 at the door.

Area vocalist Shacara Rogers plays 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. sets at Sotto. $20 in advance/$25 at the door.

Trumpeter Kevin Cordt plays Mr. Henry’s from 8 p.m.-11 p.m. $15 per person minimum.

World class bassist Tarus Mateen brings a quartet to Jojo’s from 10 p.m.-1 a.m. Earlier in the evening, keyboardist Todd Simon plays with his trio. 6 p.m.-9 p.m. No cover.

Chopteeth, the area’s long-running, 13-piece Afrobeat ensemble, plays an 8 p.m. show at AMP. $22-$29.

Nayas was a popular local band through much of the ‘aughts, often playing sets at Bossa Bistro + Lounge. The band returns to the club for a reunion show at 9 p.m. $5 at the door.

Veteran local trombonist Reginald Cyntje leads his ensemble through two nights of 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. sets at Twins Jazz. $15 + minimum/surcharge.

AUGUST 10

Singer and D.C. native Lauren White plays 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. sets at Sotto. $20 in advance/$25 at the door.

Drummer Eddie Anderson leads a band at Mr. Henry’s from 8 p.m.-11 p.m. $15 per person minimum.

AUGUST 11

Area vocalist Rochelle Rice leads a band through 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. sets at Sotto. $20 in advance/$25 at the door.

Konjur Collective is a band that embraces music from across the African diaspora. It shares the stage with La Marvela, an all-female band that specializes in Caribbean sounds, at Bossa Bistro + Lounge. 8 p.m. $10 at the door.

Broadway star Melba Moore plays 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. $30-$35 + minimum/surcharge.

AUGUST 12

New York-based violinist Meg Okura composes music that blends jazz with pan Asian influences. She leads her ensemble at the Millennium Stage. 6 p.m. FREE

Marvin hosts area vocalist Integriti Reeves and her band. 7 p.m.-10 p.m. No cover.

Percussionist Evan Miller builds his performances on drones made from tape loops and his acoustic instruments. He headlines a bill at Rhizome that includes Our Signatures Blew Up in Space and Echolalia. 8 p.m. $10.

Gifted area singer Imani-Grace Cooper comes to Blues Alley for 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets. $22 + minimum/surcharge.

AUGUST 13

The experimental guitar duo of Wendy Eisenberg and Shane Parish joins free jazz trio Memory Dregs and area guitar whiz Anthony Pirog for a night of cutting edge improvisation at Rhizome. 8 p.m. $10

AUGUST 14

Saxophonist Elijah Jamal Balbed leads his jazz group from 8 p.m.-10 p.m. at Wild Days. No cover.

L.A.-based jazz vocalist Sara Gazarek is touring the East Coast in support of her latest recording, Thirsty Ghost. She stops by Blues Alley for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $25 + minimum/surcharge.

Cimarrón is a band that plays music that originated in the plains of Colombia’s Orinoco River. The ensemble comes to Twins Jazz for 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + minimum/surcharge.

AUGUST 15

Freddy Cole is often overshadowed by his brother, the great Nat King Cole, but he has every bit as much talent. The 87-year old pianist and vocalist still performs regularly and comes to Blues Alley for a four night run of 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets. $35-$40 + minimum/surcharge.

AUGUST 16

Jazz singer Coniece Washington pays tribute to D.C. jazz great Shirley Horn at Jazz Night in Southwest with help from a stellar sextet. 6 p.m.-9 p.m. $5 at the door.

Vocalist Deborah Bond brings her ensemble to Marvin from 8 p.m.-11 p.m. No cover.

Mark G. Meadows and his band, The Movement, come to AMP for an 8 p.m. set. The pianist/vocalist is celebrating the release of his new EP, Be The Change. $18-$32.

Kenny Rittenhouse is often seen playing with the Army Blues. He’ll lead his own band through two nights of 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. sets at Twins Jazz. $15 + minimum/surcharge.

AUGUST 17

Akua Allrich plays Jazz at The Parks at Walter Reed from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. FREE

A huge buzz is building around Veronica Swift, who frequently serves as a guest vocalist with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. She brings a cabaret inspired performance to AMP, performing songs from the Great American Songbook alongside vocalese interpretations of bebop standards. 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. sets. $25-$45.

Ubiquitous Vocalist Aaron Myers plays the late set at Jojo’s from 10 p.m.-1 a.m. Drummer Keith Butler’s trio plays the early set from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. No cover.

AUGUST 18

Virtuoso jazz pianist Charles Covington plays the Millennium Stage. 6 p.m. FREE

AUGUST 19

Saxophonist Trey Sorrels plays Marvin from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. No cover.

Trumpeter Paul Bailey pays tribute to drummer/bandleader Art Blakey with 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. $25 + minimum/surcharge.

AUGUST 20

Smooth jazz singer PatriceLIVE plays 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. $22 + minimum/surcharge.

AUGUST 21

Sherele is a Mexican ensemble that blends traditional klezmer music with Latin American rhythms. The band comes to Bossa Bistro + Lounge for a 7:30 p.m. show. $10-$20 suggested donation.

Vocalist Lindsey Webster comes to Blues Alley for 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets. $25 + minimum/surcharge.

AUGUST 22

John Mayall played a key role in spreading American blues to Great Britain through his band, The Bluesbreakers, whose members included Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, Peter Green, and a host of other British rock legends. The 85-year old musician comes to The Hamilton with his latest band for a 7:30 p.m. show. The duo of Phil Wiggins & Eleanor Ellis open. $19.75-$45.

Cyrus Chestnut is one of the most soulful pianists playing today, drawing from gospel and hardbop swing. The Howard University faculty member begins four nights of 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. $30-$35 + minimum/surcharge.

AUGUST 23

Jerry Gordon was a respected local guitarist who passed away in 2012. Rick Whitehead, David Cole, and Charles Carlton pay tribute to Gordon at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 p.m.-9 p.m. $5 at the door.

Trumpeter Tom Williams is a local mainstay who has performed with the Duke Ellington Orchestra and later with the Army Blues. His quartet plays the late set at Jojo’s from 10 p.m.-1 a.m. Drummer Jack Kilby leads a band for the night’s early set. 6 p.m.-9 p.m. No cover.

Pioneering jazz vocal group, The Manhattan Transfer, is known for its nimble harmonies and its skillful use of vocalese. The quartet comes to The Birchmere for a 7:30 p.m. set. $55.

World class bassist Kris Funn leads his band, Cornerstore, through 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. sets at Sotto. $20 in advance/$25 at the door.

AUGUST 24

Sweet Honey In The Rock is still going strong 45 years after its formation. The celebrated a cappella ensemble brings its rich harmonies to the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club for an 8 p.m. show. $45-$55.

Vocalist Renee Tannenbaum plays Mr. Henry’s from 8 p.m.-11 p.m. $15 per person minimum.

AUGUST 25

Local singer Marcelle Pena and pianist Victor Lepri lead their trio, Manacá, at Twins Jazz. 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets. $10 + minimum/surcharge.

AUGUST 26

Mary Halvorson is one of the most distinctive guitarists of her generation, having expanded the instrument’s jazz vocabulary. Her latest band, Code Girl, comes to MilkBoy ArtHouse for a 9 p.m. set. $25-$30.

Sting, one of the 20th century’s pop icons, went from wannabe punk rocker to rock superstar with The Police and is one of the most successful songwriters of all time. One of the keys to his success is his ability to seamlessly blend genres, whether it be from jazz, classical, or other international sources. He is currently touring in support of My Songs, an album comprised of new recordings of his biggest hits. Sting kicks off a three night run at Wolf Trap. $55-$160.

AUGUST 27

Atlanta-based vocalist Anita Aysola blends traditional Indian influences with contemporary jazz and pop elements. She plays the Millennium Stage at 6 p.m. FREE

AUGUST 28

Aaron Abernathy is a graduate of Howard University’s jazz program and has served as music director for Black Milk and Slum Village. He brings his soulful piano playing and singing to Strathmore for an outdoor performance. 7 p.m. FREE

Ace local drummer Lenny Robinson leads his band, RobbSquad, at Wild Days. 8 p.m.-10 p.m. No cover.

Saxophonist Lionel Lyles brings his quartet to Mr. Henry’s from 8 p.m.-11 p.m. $15 per person minimum.

AUGUST 29

Area bassist Kent Miller leads the East River Jazz Collective on the Millennium Stage. The band pays tribute to bebop pioneer Charlie Parker. 6 p.m. FREE

Chris Thomas King is best known for his role as the Robert Johnson-esque blues musician in the film, O Brother, Where Art Thou?. He is also a working musician who comes to Blues Alley regularly, and he begins a four night run of 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets tonight.

AUGUST 30

Jelly Roll Morton was one of the early 20th century’s jazz pioneers and could be considered the first true jazz composer. Pianist and vocalist Mark Meadows has assembled a band of excellent young talent to play some of Morton’s best known compositions at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 p.m.-9 p.m. $5 at the door.

Local trumpeter Joe Herrera leads Remix, his jazz-electronic hybrid band, at St. Elizabeth’s Gateway Pavilion. MC Flex Matthews is a featured guest. 6 p.m.-8 p.m. FREE

Vocalist Heidi Martin brings her band to Jojo’s from 10 p.m.-1 a.m. No cover.

AUGUST 31

The Empresarios, a local Latin ensemble, headlines the Petworth Jazz Project from 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Baba Ras D plays a children’s set beginning at 6 p.m. FREE

Mr. Henry’s lends its stage to singer Lanah Koelle and her band from 8 p.m.-11 p.m. $15 per person minimum.