While there are some great shows coming up in January, this week is still subject to holiday doldrums. Here are a few shows to check out. >> Tomorrow, vocalist/pianist Mose Allison comes to Blues Alley to begin a four night stand with daily 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets. It is common for touring jazz acts to hire local rhythm sections, and concert goers will be treated to two of D.C.’s finest in bassist Tommy…

FRIDAY: >> Bay Area songstress Goapele’s (pictured) musical background is almost as diverse as her ethnic background. Born to a South African political exile father and a mother whose parents survived the Holocaust, she studied at the Berklee College of Music and later would form musical partnerships with the likes of hip-hop acts like the Hieroglyphics crew and E-40. However her 2005 release, Change It All, established her as especially talented when it comes to…

It’s an unusually slow week in JazzLand, but there’s still some great stuff to check out and a must-see show coming up this weekend. >> For jazz fans who prefer the smoother side of things, Pieces of A Dream will be playing tonight through Sunday at Blues Alley. Tickets to the daily 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets are $27.50 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge. >> HR-57 presents a great program tonight that will be much easier…

>> Local group Ocio brings its repertoire of classic jazz standards to Twins Jazz tonight. Call (202) 234-0072 for cover information. >> It might be a bit of a drive for those of us who live in D.C., but Jeff Antoniuk and the Jazz Update, a stellar band comprised of saxophonist Antoniuk, bassist Tom Baldwin, pianist Wade Beach, and drummer Tony Martucci, plays tonight at 49 West in Annapolis. Their album, Here Today, has charted…

Last week, there was ample proof that Washington may be the best city in the world for people who want to hear free concerts of classical music. If anything, there is even more evidence of that predominance this week. Just to list them all is going to take some space. Thank you for your patience. FREE IS GOOD: >> The Conservatory Project returns to the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage this week. From today until next…

Don’t forget to check out our music and arts agendas for other events going on this Memorial Day weekend (especially since this weekend is your last chance to see a lot of great exhibitions). FRIDAY: >> We wrote about the outdoor Shakespeare Free for All earlier in the week, and still recommend you check out the staging of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Shows start at 7:30 p.m. and run through June 5. >> Students from…