After the doldrums August, the music calendar starts heating up again as artists begin fall tours and institutional venues kick off the new performance season. We already gave you an overview of the DC Jazz Festival, which opens the month, but here are the jazz shows that caught our eye for the rest of September.

If you only see one show this month (take your pick):

DUELING JAZZ FESTIVALS: The weekend after Labor Day means that Rosslyn and Silver Spring each host their annual jazz festivals, and this year they are each featuring outstanding lineups. Rosslyn Jazz Fest 2022 takes place at Gateway Park and features headliner Cimafunk, one of the most exciting voices in Afro-Cuban music. There are also pop-up jazz performances leading up to the main event. Across the Potomac, trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra receive top billing in Silver Spring’s jazz festival. Both events feature excellent local performers, including Samuel Prather’s Groove Orchestra, Chopteeth, saxophonist Paul Carr, and vocalist Loide. There’s no wrong choice here, so where you go will probably depend on the side of the river where you live. (Sept. 10 at Rosslyn’s Gateway Park and Silver Spring’s Veterans Plaza, visit the festival websites for the full schedule; FREE)

If you want to see local talent:

A SINGER’S SINGER: Sharón Clark‘s voice and delivery have a timeless quality to them, making her one of the area’s finest jazz vocalists. She has a great band performing with her at Jazz Night in Southwest, which includes pianist Chris Grasso, drummer Lenny Robinson, and others. (Sept. 9 at Westminster Presbyterian Church 6 to 9 p.m.; $10 at the door)

FUSION REUNION: Stickman is a fusion band comprised of area veterans. The group regularly played local clubs in the 1990s and gained a decent following before the members went on to their own projects. Now, some of them are reassembling for a series of gigs in September after a 25-year hiatus. The quintet features saxophonist Peter Fraize, drummer Francis Thompson, guitarist Matt Rinker, keyboardist Jim Levy, and Liza Albright on bass as Stickman’s newest member. (Sept. 19 at Blues Alley, 7 and 9 p.m. sets; $15-$25 + minimum/surcharge)

CHARM CITY JAZZ: Multi-instrumentalist Clarence Ward III has become a staple of Baltimore’s jazz scene, leading his own band, Dat Feel Good, and performing with other ensembles multiple times per week. Now, a new self-titled EP is due out from the band, and Ward & Co. are making their way down I-95 for a preview of the music for D.C. fans. (Sept. 24 at Takoma Station, 7-10 p.m.; $15 in advance/$20 at the door)

NEXTfest: This jazz/go-go jam is an all-day event with a new, second day added for film screenings, panel discussions, and other content centered on D.C. statehood. Read Read DCist’s full preview of NEXTfest for more details. (Sept. 24-25 at Malcolm X Park; FREE)

If you want to see acts coming through town:

THE KING OF PAIN: Sting has been a household name since the late 1970s. He is also a pop star who has successfully incorporated jazz and global music into hit songs for his entire career. Now in his 70s, the pop icon performs with the verve of performers half his age, and always employs world class musicians to deliver his music. Sting’s current tour makes a stop in Northern Virginia in support of his latest album, The Bridge. (Sept. 2-4 at Wolf Trap, 8 p.m.; $49-$157)

BLUES WEEK: Blues Alley is kicking off September with a week of blues artists and we’re excited to hear Shemekia Copeland in that intimate setting as she takes the stage over two nights. Considered by many to be the finest blues singer of her generation, Copeland is steeped in the rich blues tradition but also draws from contemporary influences and subject matter to bring the blues into this era. (Sept. 6-7 at Blues Alley, 8 and 10 p.m. sets; $20-$35 + minimum/surcharge)

LATIN JAZZ: Benito Gonzalez is a native of Venezuela and after immigrating to the U.S., he began his jazz career in D.C. before making his way to the Big Apple. The virtuoso pianist returns to the District for two nights with his trio, with each night including a different world class drummer. Night one features Marvin “Smitty” Smith, best known for anchoring the band during Jay Leno’s era on The Tonight Show, and night two features Jeff “Tain” Watts, who came up playing with Wynton and Branford Marsalis before taking his rightful place as a master jazz drummer. (Sept. 24-25 at Blues Alley, 7 and 9 p.m. sets; $35 + minimum/surcharge)

If you want to get out of your comfort zone:

A TRUE MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST: Los Angeles musician Vinny Golia records and performs on over twenty different woodwind instruments, ranging from your standard saxophones to the rarely played contrabass flute. In addition to his work on the creative music scene, Golia is an accomplished composer, having scored ballets, films, and theatrical productions. Golia is currently performing along the East Coast with Ken Filiano on bass, and Michael T.A. Thompson drums. (Sept. 11 at Rhizome DC, 7 p.m.; $20)

If you’re in search of global sounds:

SALVADORAN CELEBRATION: Flor de Izote is a tour featuring five Salvadoran artists who are performing to honor Salvadoran Civic Month. The lineup includes Primal Pulse, Cruz Khaoz, La Galli, and others. The bill is meant to reflect the full range of Salvadoran culture, ranging from traditional folk music to more contemporary sounds. (September 15 at Bossa Bistro + Lounge, 9:30 p.m.; $20)

DISTRICT OF RAGA: The monthly showcase of Indian classical music returns with featured performer Dave Cipriani, whose studies include an MFA in North Indian Music from the prestigious California Institute of The Arts. Cipriani performs using 7-string classical and electric guitars, as well as a 20-string Indian slide guitar. Nabeel Riaz accompanies on tabla. (September 21 at Bossa Bistro + Lounge; 8 p.m. $15)