The Kennedy Center presented a double bill on Saturday evening that showed two very different approaches to modern acoustic jazz. Saxophonist Branford Marsalis and trumpeter Terence Blanchard are both titans of the genre, with strong pedigrees in the musical traditions of New Orleans. Marsalis’s quartet adopted a less structured sound that was more adventurous and challenging, while Blanchard’s quintet dug more into the swing of things and offered more accessibility during its half of the two-and-a-half hour concert.

Trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard (pictured right) is a friend to D.C. The New Orleans native chose Blues Alley as the spot to release his latest CD, A Tale of God’s Will (A Requiem for Katrina). Though he is a celebrated bandleader and performer, he has also been quietly making his mark in the film world as Spike Lee’s chief musical collaborator. Tomorrow at 8 p.m., the Kennedy Center will host Terence Blanchard for what…

This weekend, Blues Alley hosts Terence Blanchard (pictured) and his fantastic quintet for the release of his new album, A Tale of God’s Will (A Requiem for Katrina). Going into Thursday’s early set, it was unclear how lushly orchestrated material would translate into a more traditional combo setting. As it turns out, it translates quite well, though we didn’t get to hear very many of the new songs. While the band was burning, they only…

>> Sigh. It’s the last night of Fort Reno, which means summer is officially ending soon. Hopefully it’ll dry out in time to make this a great final concert — scheduled to play are drag-rocker Edie Sedgwick, Sentai, and the adorable Eyeball Skeleton, a Maryland band featuring brothers age 8 and 10 (plus their dad) who are known to sing the lyric “eyeball skeleton” over and over again in what sound almost like fake…

>> Our first item this week has absolutely nothing to do with jazz but it’s just too noteworthy not to mention. This week, The Millennium Stage hosts the 2007 Coupe Mondiale World Accordion Championships. Tonight through Sunday, each free 6 p.m. concert will showcase a different internationally renowned accordion ensemble. Admit it, you’re curious. >> As we told you yesterday, trumpeter Terence Blanchard will be celebrating the release of his new album with a four…

This month marks the second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina’s assault upon the city of New Orleans. The suffering and hardship of that city’s citizens no longer makes headlines, but the havoc caused by the storm is something many people still live with on a daily basis. Jazz trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard is one of those people. A son of the Crescent City and musical descendant of fellow New Orleanians Buddy Bolden, Louis Armstrong, and…