The recently named NEA Jazz Master Lou Donaldson plays at Bohemian Caverns this weekend. Courtesy Fred Seibert/flickr
by Giovanni Russonello
Editorial board
What a weekend. At CapitalBop, we’re especially excited about Saturday night: We’ll be presenting a concert showcasing three innovative solo performers at the vintage clothing store Meeps, then we’ll be hosting a wee-hours after-party at Art All Night DC. But there are also separate performances from NEA Jazz Masters Lou Donaldson and the Heath Brothers – plus others from Anat Cohen, Paul Carr, Don Byron and Jamie Baum. You can find details on all these shows and more in this week’s edition of “Weekend in Jazz,” a listing of every D.C. jazz show on our radar. Our favorites have a 
label, and as always, you can read CapitalBop’s full listings directly at our D.C. jazz calendar, if you’d rather. Happy hunting!
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19
cb picks:
- Paul Carr, Westminster Presbyterian, 6 p.m.
- Anat Cohen, Kennedy Center, 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.
- OOO, Urban Eats, 8 p.m.
- Lou Donaldson, Bohemian Caverns, 8:30 & 10:30 p.m.
- Jamie Baum’s Yard Byard Project, Twins Jazz, 9 & 11 p.m.
- Donvonte McCoy, 18th Street Lounge, 10:30 p.m.
Paul Carr, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 6 p.m. | At this week’s installation of Westminster Presbyterian’s Jazz NIght, the local straight-ahead saxophone eminence Paul Carr celebrates the release of his new CD, Standard Domain. The record features a quintet of nationally renowned musicians, but the band of locals supporting Carr at this show isn’t far behind: Tom Williams on trumpet, Allyn Johnson on piano, Herman Burney on bass and Harold Summey on drums. $5 cover for adults, no cover for attendees under 16, no minimum. View event on calendar | Westminster Presbyterian Church website
Cashandra J, Black Fox Lounge, 6 p.m. | CaShandra J sings jazz standards and originals with a combo. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Black Fox Lounge profile
Karen Gray Trio, Sala Thai (Bethesda), 7 p.m. | Commanding vocalist Karen Gray sings laid-back renditions of jazz standards in a drumless trio. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Sala Thai website
Potomac Jazz Project, Sala Thai (U St.), 7 p.m. | The Potomac Jazz Project is a jazz combo, led by bassist Stan Hamrick, that takes on modern and classic jazz tunes with a showmanly flair, as well as skill. The cast of supporting musicians tends to rotate, but it’s usually a very solid lineup. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Sala Thai website
L’Tanya Mari Trio, Sala Thai (Petworth), 7 p.m. | Singer L’Tanya Mari is influenced by Ella Fitzgerald, singing jazz with depth and soulful warmth. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Sala Thai website
Anat Cohen, KC Jazz Club, 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. | The Israeli clarinetist Anat Cohen is a rising star whose international influences – especially those originating in Latin America – shine through strongly, even as she is guided by a deep knowledge and appreciation for the American musical tradition. Here she appears at an event commemorating the work of Muhal Richard Abrams, the visionary pianist from Chicago’s AACM school. He will be presented this evening with the BNY Mellon Jazz 2012 Living Legacy Award. Ticket prices vary ($26-30). View event on calendar | KC Jazz Club profile
Janine Gilbert-Carter Quartet, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 8 p.m. | Vocalist Janine Gilbert-Carter has a fulsome set of pipes that employs with masterful finesse and delicateness, in a style not entirely unlike Betty Carter’s. She often sings gospel, but she’s just as apt to do straight-ahead jazz – which is what’s on the bill at the Mandarin Oriental. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Mandarin Oriental website
OOO, Urban Eats, 8 p.m. | The fiery, avant-garde trio OOO, which draws its inspiration from experimentalist
David Benoit, Blues Alley, 8 & 10 p.m. | David Benoit performs light, atmospheric piano music. Two separate sets at 8 & 10 p.m. $32.50 cover, $10 minimum. View event on calendar | Blues Alley profile
Lou Donaldson, Bohemian Caverns, 8:30 & 10:30 p.m. | The alto saxophonist and singer Lou Donaldson holds a legendary if under-appreciat
Peter Edelman Trio, Columbia Station, 9 p.m. | The stalwart D.C. piano player Peter Edelman every Friday night leads a rotating cast of musicians that often outgrows the title “trio.” No cover, one-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Columbia Station profile
Alfredo Mojica, Bossa Bistro, 9 p.m. | Alfredo Mojica, who sang at Bossa for years with the group Sin Miedo, unites salsa, jazz and Latin American balladry. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Bossa profile
Jamie Baum’s Yard Byard Project, Twins Jazz, 9 & 11 p.m. | The flutist Jamie Baum has a deep, contemplative tone, and likes to explore modal themes in her original compositions. Here she presents the Yard Byard Project, taking on the work of the waggish pianist Jaki Byard, a largely unsung master with a broad palette and legendary command of jazz piano history. Byard worked with Charles Mingus, Rahsaan Roland Kirk and in his own first-rate groups. Baum’s band burrows into Byard’s composition, but avoids using a pianist of its own: The band includes Adam Kolker on saxophones and clarinets, Jerome Harris on guitar, Ugonna Okegwo on bass and George Schuller on drums. $15 cover, $10 minimum. View event on calendar | Twins Jazz profile
Antonio Parker, HR-57, 9 p.m. | Alto saxophonist Antonio Parker’s playing is swingin’ and soulful, with a bright, aggressive tone. He casually sprinkles neo-soul and R&B influences into his otherwise straight-ahead bop, and his improvisation shows a redolence to Kenny Garrett’s. $15 cover, no minimum. View event on calendar | HR-57 website
Aaron Myers, Black Fox Lounge, 9:30 p.m. | Vocalist Aaron Myers leads a straight-ahead jazz quartet, featuring piano, bass and drums. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Black Fox profile
Donvonte McCoy, 18th St. Lounge, 10:30 p.m. | Arguably the city’s best jazz trumpeter, Donvonte McCoy plays every Friday and Saturday at the hip 18th St. Lounge. He likes to mix in some funk as well during the lounge gig, and he’s liable to inflect a touch of Chuck Brown-esque groove into his combo’s treatment of classic bop tunes by the likes of Miles Davis and Freddie Hubbard. After all, the setting is that of a dance club, not a jazz joint – no tables and chairs or hushed applause after every solo. Cover varies ($5-10), no minimum. View event on calendar | 18th St. Lounge profile
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20
cb picks:
- Steve Synk Trio, Columbia Station, 9:30 p.m.
- Lou Donaldson, Bohemian Caverns, 8:30 & 10:30 p.m.
- Heath Brothers, KC Jazz Club, 7 & 9 p.m.
- Jamie Baum’s Yard Byard Project, Twins Jazz, 9 & 11 p.m.
- CapitalBop Presents: The Art of the Soloist, Meeps, 10 p.m.
- Donvonte McCoy, 18th Street Lounge, 10:30 p.m.
- CapitalBop Presents: Heidi Martin, Art All Night DC, 1 a.m.
Jam Session with Peter Edelman, Columbia Station, 4 p.m. | Pianist Peter Edelman, a constant presence on the D.C. jazz scene for years now, leads an afternoon jam session every Saturday and Sunday. No cover, no minimum. View event on calendar | Columbia Station profile
Charles Woods, Johnny’s Half Shell, 6 p.m. | Saxophonist Charles Woods plays and has recorded in both free and straight-ahead jazz styles, but for his regular gig at Johnny’s Half Shell he keeps things within the traditional bop realm. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Johnny’s Half Shell website
Mark Mosley Trio, Sala Thai (U St.), 7 p.m. | Baltimore guitarist Mark Mosley plays a slick hand as a smooth jazz guitarist, but he can also hunker down on serious bop. He performs laid-back straight-ahead here with his trio. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Sala Thai website
Triple Double, Sala Thai (Petworth), 7 p.m. | Consisting of Joey Whitney on tenor sax, Ed Gallagher on guitar, Alan Pachter on bass and Tom Reed on drums, the Triple Double Jazz Band plays straightforward
Heath Brothers, KC Jazz Club, 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. | The tenor saxophonist and NEA Jazz Master Jimmy Heath was a popular hired gun and bandleader during the bebop era, but he was also a prolific composer, penning a number of tunes that have become jazz standards. As a member of the Heath Brothers band with his brother, the similarly accomplished drummer Albert “Tootie” Heath, he has maintained a standard of originality and excellence for decades. Two separate sets at 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Tickets vary ($26-$30), no minimum. View event on calendar | KC Jazz Club profile
Bonnie Harris Quartet, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 8 p.m. | Straight-ahead jazz vocalist Bonnie Harris leads a very talented quartet. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Mandarin Oriental website
David Benoit, Blues Alley, 8 & 10 p.m. | David Benoit performs light, atmospheric piano music. Two separate sets at 8 & 10 p.m. $32.50 cover, $10 minimum. View event on calendar | Blues Alley profile
Lou Donaldson, Bohemian Caverns, 8:30 & 10:30 p.m. | The alto saxophonist and singer Lou Donaldson holds a legendary if under-appreciat
Jamie Baum’s Yard Byard Project, Twins Jazz, 9 & 11 p.m. | The flutist Jamie Baum has a deep, contemplative tone, and likes to explore modal themes in her original compositions. Here she presents the Yard Byard Project, taking on the work of the waggish pianist Jaki Byard, a largely unsung master with a broad palette and legendary command of jazz piano history. Byard worked with Charles Mingus, Rahsaan Roland Kirk and in his own first-rate groups. Baum’s band burrows into Byard’s composition, but avoids using a pianist of its own: The band includes Adam Kolker on saxophones and clarinets, Jerome Harris on guitar, Ugonna Okegwo on bass and George Schuller on drums. $15 cover, $10 minimum. View event on calendar | Twins Jazz profile
Cheyney Thomas Quartet, HR-57, 9 p.m. | Bassist Cheney Thomas, a longtime D.C. resident and HR-57 stalwart, leads his own straight-ahead quartet. $15 cover, no minimum. View event on calendar | HR-57 website
Cubista, Bossa Bistro, 9 p.m. | Cubista is a salsa band that plays at Bossa every Saturday. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Bossa profile
Dee Stone, Black Fox Lounge, 9 p.m. | Dee Stone sings soul, blues, jazz and rock. The first set of every performance is usually comprised of jazz standards. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Black Fox profile
Steve Synk Trio, Columbia Station, 9:30 p.m. | Lyrical bassist Steve Synk, a music major at the University of Maryland, leads a young trio that explores music ranging from standards to originals, groove-based contemporary jazz to swinging bop. No cover, one-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Columbia Station profile
CapitalBop Presents: The Art of the Soloist, Meeps, 10 p.m. | At the vintage clothes and costume store Meeps, CapitalBop will present three of our absolute favorite musicians in a rare, stark showcase: as soloists. The lineup includes the Brooklyn-based baritone saxophonist Jonah Parzen-Johnson, the local guitar experimentalist Anthony Pirog, and the D.C. tenor saxophonist Brian Settles. All of them have impressed listeners in some format or another at past D.C. Jazz Lofts, and each is possessed of his own particular impulse to play against the grain. Tickets $10, includes a 15 percent discount on all clothes purchases made at the venue. View event on calendar | Meeps website
Donvonte McCoy, 18th St. Lounge, 10:30 p.m. | Arguably the city’s best jazz trumpeter, Donvonte McCoy plays every Friday and Saturday at the hip 18th St. Lounge. He likes to mix in some funk as well during the lounge gig, and he’s liable to inflect a touch of Chuck Brown-esque groove into his combo’s treatment of classic bop tunes by the likes of Miles Davis and Freddie Hubbard. After all, the setting is that of a dance club, not a jazz joint – no tables and chairs or hushed applause after every solo. Cover varies ($5-10), no minimum. View event on calendar | 18th St. Lounge profile
CapitalBop Presents: Heidi Martin’s Moon in Scorpio at Art All Night DC, 915 F St., 1 a.m. | The vocalist Heidi Martin, one of D.C.’s most rousing singers, writes songs with a slyly expressive demeanor. As a singer, she emits messages complex but clear, with an essence of mourning and resilience that hints at Billie Holiday and delicate control that’s not unlike Joni Mitchell’s. Here she appears at the end of Art All Night DC, in a late-night performance that doubles as the after-party to CapitalBop’s “Art of the Soloist” show at Meeps. No cover, no minimum. View event on calendar | Art All Night DC website
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21
cb picks:
- Jazz Brunch: Reginald Cyntje, Twins Jazz, 11 a.m.
- Don Byron Quartet, Bohemian Caverns, 7 & 9 p.m.
- Lyle Link, Twins Jazz, 8 & 10 p.m.
Gospel Brunch, The Hamilton, 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. | Every Sunday morning, the Hamilton presents two sets of rafters-raising gospel, along with an all-you-can-eat buffet. Two separate shows at 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. $25 cover, no minimum. View event on calendar | The Hamilton website
TBA, Acadiana, 11 a.m. | Performer TBA. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Acadiana website
Jazz Brunch: Reginald Cyntje, Twins Jazz, 11 a.m. | Twins Jazz’s new Sunday Jazz Brunch initiative revolves around the magnetic powers of Reginald Cyntje’s trombone. Last year, he released his debut CD, “Freedom’s Children: The Celebration,” a glimmeringly hopeful record immersed in the warm, danceable rhythms of Cyntje’s native U.S. Virgin Islands. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Twins profile
Harlem Gospel Choir, Howard Theatre, 12 p.m. | The talented Harlem Gospel Choir, which has been active since 1986, performs a Sunday brunch show every week at the Howard Theatre. Either an all-you-can-eat buffet or an a la carte menu are available. Doors open at noon, and the music starts at 1:30 p.m. Tickets vary ($35 for all-you-can-eat or $20 for admission and a la carte options in advance, $45 or $30 at the door). View event on calendar | Howard website
Rochelle Rice, All Souls Church Unitarian, 3 p.m. | Rochelle Rice, a former member of the Howard University a capella ensemble Afro Blue, will perform standards with a talented backing group, featuring Warren Wolf on piano, Eric Wheeler on bass and John Lamkin on drums. Tickets $20, $10 for students. View event on calendar | All Souls website
Jam Session with Peter Edelman, Columbia Station, 4 p.m. | Pianist Peter Edelman, a constant presence on the D.C. jazz scene for years now, leads an afternoon jam session every Saturday and Sunday. No cover, no minimum. View event on calendar | Columbia Station profile
D.C. Jazz Jam, Dahlak, 6 p.m. | This jazz jam presents a friendly, relaxed environment where professionals and amateurs can play together. No cover, no minimum. View event on calendar | Dahlak profile
Potomac Jazz Project, Laporta’s, 6:30 p.m. | The Potomac Jazz Project is a quartet that takes on modern and classic jazz tunes (and even some pop covers) with a showmanly flair, as well as skill. It’s led by bassist Stan Hamrick, and its rotating lineup often features some of D.C.’s best musicians. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Laporta’s website
Don Byron Quartet, Bohemian Caverns, 7 & 9 p.m. | The clarinetist and saxophonist Don Byron’s set last month at the Rossyln Jazz Festival, where he appeared with his New Gospel Quintet, was cut frustratingly short by the weather. Luckily, Transparent Productions is bringing back the generation-defi
DC Choro, Grill from Ipanema, 7:30 p.m.| DC Choro is a sextet that plays Brazilian music drawing on European folk traditions. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Grill from Ipanema profile
Mike Flaherty’s Dixieland Jazz Direct, Zoo Bar Café, 7:30 p.m.| This combo specializes in traditional New Orleans-style jazz. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Zoo Bar website
Lyle Link, Twins Jazz, 8 & 10 p.m. | With a presentation that’s always strong and often sultry, saxophonist and flautist Lyle Link grabs you, tells you the music is about feeling as much as it’s about hearing. This soulful and sophisticated player has been a mainstay of D.C.’s jazz scene for over 10 yeas, and he’s had a major hand in its revitalization. Two separate sets at 8 & 10 p.m. $10 cover, $10 minimum. View event on calendar | Twins Jazz profile
Bill Heid, Black Fox Lounge, 8 p.m. | Bill Heid plays piano and sings blues songs and jazz standards. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Black Fox Lounge profile
David Benoit, Blues Alley, 8 & 10 p.m. | David Benoit performs light, atmospheric piano music. Two separate sets at 8 & 10 p.m. $32.50 cover, $10 minimum. View event on calendar | Blues Alley profile
Peter Edelman Trio, Columbia Station, 8:30 p.m. | The stalwart D.C. piano player Peter Edelman every Sunday night leads a rotating cast of musicians that often outgrows the title “trio.” no cover, one-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Columbia Station profile 
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