This Week in Jazz
Dave Weckl leads his newly formed acoustic project on Thursday at The Howard Theatre. DakhaBrakha, a quartet from Kyiv whose name means “give/take,” blends traditional Ukrainian music with instrumentation from India, Arabia, Africa, Russia and Australia. They will play a free outdoor show tonight at Strathmore. 7 p.m.
Delta Blues guitarist Memphis Gold performs in his classic style tonight at Blues Alley. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $20 plus minimum and surcharge.
A true drummer’s drummer, Dave Weckl has been a highly regarded for over 30 years and is considered one of the all time greats. He has spent much of the past decade as a sideman, engineer and producer, but recently formed a new acoustic group. The Dave Weckl Acoustic Band performs an 8 p.m. show on Thursday at The Howard Theatre. Tickets $27 to $55.
Drummer and area native Kush Abadey is a rising talent to keep an eye on. On Thursday, he leads a band in tribute to the great Tony Williams at the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Kogod Courtyard. Part of the free Take Five Series. 5 to 8 p.m.
Saxophonist Kenny Nunn is currently pursuing a degree in jazz studies at Howard. He will bring his band to Twins Jazz on Thursday. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
Ramsey Lewis earned widespread notoriety 50 years ago by releasing “The In Crowd,” “Hang On Sloopy” and “Wade in the Water,” singles that each sold more than a million copies — a most unlikely scenario in the 1960s for an acoustic piano trio. (Interesting fact: “The In Crowd” was recorded at Bohemian Caverns). The bona fide jazz legend will bring his latest group, an electric outfit, to Blues Alley on Thursday to begin a four night run of 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $60 plus minimum and surcharge.
The jazz series at the Loews Madison Hotel features violinist David Schulman on Thursday (6 to 9 p.m.), vocalist Sharon Clark on Friday (8 to 11 p.m.) and drummer Lee Pearson on Saturday (8 to 11 p.m.). No cover.
A trio of the area’s veteran guitarists pay tribute to Jerry Gordon and Wes Montgomery on Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets $5.
Trumpeter Carlos J. Colon recently retired from the U.S. Navy Band. He has formed his own group and will be at Twins Jazz on Friday and Saturday. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $16 plus minimum and surcharge.
Vocalist Akua Allrich returns to Bohemian Caverns on Friday and Saturday for her annual tribute to Miriam Makeba and Nina Simone, women who were ahead of their time in temperament and talent. Now in its 6th year, Allrich’s weekend sets always feature D.C.’s top musicians, making it a highlight of the summer jazz calendar. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $20 online/$25 at the door.
Keyboardist/composer Lao Tizer‘s multi-cultural band draws from a number of international influences and is many ways a 21st century update to the classic fusion sound. The group will be at the Bethesda Blues Jazz Supper Club on Sunday along with special guest violinist, Karen Briggs. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $20 plus minimum and surcharge.
Drummer Abinnet Berhanu leads his band on Sunday at Twins Jazz. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
Blue Monday Blues hosts the Billy Thompson Band. 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets $5.
Trumpeter Joe Herrera continues his run as this month’s Artist-in-Residence at Bohemian Caverns. 7:30 and 9 p.m. sets. Tickets $10 online/$15 at the door.
“L’il” John Roberts is among the finest drummers of his generation, and his prodigious skills have made him one of the most in demand contemporary jazz and RB drummers for 20 years. In addition to working with jazz stars like George Duke and Herbie Hancock, he has played on chart topping hits by Prince, Janet Michael Jackson and a host of others. Roberts will support his new album, The Heartbeat, at Blues Alley on Tuesday. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $20 plus minimum and surcharge.
Saxophonist Marty Nau returns to his Tuesday night run at Twins Jazz. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $10 plus minimum and surcharge.