Last summer, keyboardist Cyrus Chestnut (pictured) came to the area and gave a memorable performance as part of Cassandra Wilson’s stellar band. On Saturday, he returned to the Kennedy Center’s Family Theater as a bandleader for the second installment of Sanctified Swing, a program designed to connect contemporary jazz with its roots in the African American church. This program was strong in concept, but the staid Kennedy Center audience didn’t mesh well with the spiritual…

>> Tonight’s a big night for music, beginning with a celebration of one of the great musicians of the 20th century, Frank Zappa. His son, Dweezil, leads a group of Zappa-alums for this tribute, which takes place at Warner Theater. 7:30 p.m., $50/$75 + Ticketmaster fees. >> Tonight, the musical flavor of New Orleans comes to the Wonderland Ballroom tonight as Yamomanem takes the stage. Call 202-232-5263 for cover information. 9 p.m. >> Also tonight,…

Early in last night’s set at The Birchmere, jazz vocalist par excellence Cassandra Wilson announced that she was on tour despite not having an album to support (in fact she has released thirteen albums during her stellar career). As a result, last night’s audience was witness to a lighthearted and informal evening of music that was as much jam session as it was a concert. Wilson and her first-rate band came out without a set…

>> Tonight a jazz institution takes the stage at Blues Alley as The Yellowjackets begin a 4-night stint. The quartet, which is in its third decade of music making, will play daily 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets. There is a $35 cover + $10 food and drink minimum. Tickets are available through the club’s web site. >> On Thursday, The Minor Thoughts Quintet visits Twins Jazz. This local quintet plays a mix of standards…