by Giovanni Russonello

Welcome to this week’s installation of “Weekend in Jazz,” a full list of every D.C. jazz show that we can get our hands on. If you’re just breezing through, check for the shows with a label — those are our favorites. As always, you can read CapitalBop’s full listings directly at our monthly calendar, if you prefer. Happy hunting!

FRIDAY, DEC. 10

cb picks:

• Benny Golson, Bohemian Caverns, 8:30 p.m.
• Brad Linde Presents “Alto Madness,” Twins Jazz, 9 p.m.
  
• Donvonte McCoy, 18th St. Lounge, 11 p.m.

Marlene Ross Quartet, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 6 p.m. | What began as an experiment over a decade ago continues today as one of Washington’s greatest weekly traditions: Westminster Presbyterian Church’s “Jazz Night.” Every Friday night, the house of God becomes a hub for fish frying, communing and jamming on straight-ahead jazz. This week, the band comprises Marlene Ross on vocals, Jackie Hairston on organ, Michael Hairston on sax and Percy Smith on drums. $5 cover for adults, no cover for attendees under 16, no minimum. View event on calendar | Westminster Presbyterian Church website

Jolley Brothers, B. Smith’s, 7 p.m. | The Jolley Brothers, Noble on keyboard and Nate on drums, play thrice a weekend at B. Smith’s, the upscale soul-food restaurant in Union Station’s massive East Hall. The Jolleys, who perform with a bassist, comprise one of D.C.’s most exciting and auspicious acts. With roots in gospel, soul and the modal bop of the 1960s, the brothers (who also compose prolifically) bring some of the most creative elements in the African-American music canon forward into the 21st century, all while stamping it with their own distinctive flavoring. But B. Smith’s is a restaurant first, and the music remains in the background – no matter how expertly played. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | B. Smith’s website

Karen Gray Trio, Sala Thai (Bethesda), 7 p.m. | Commanding vocalist Karen Gray is joined by vibraphonist Pete Chauvette and bassist Hugh Johnson in her laid-back renditions of jazz standards. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Sala Thai website

Yamomanem Jazz Band, Sala Thai (U St.), 7 p.m. | The Yamomanem Jazz Band plays a faithful take on New Orleans jazz, conjuring the days of King Oliver and early Louis Armstrong with its lush brass section. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Sala Thai website

Jacqui Simmons & Friends, Sala Thai (Petworth), 7 p.m. | Jacqui Simmons sings jazz standards with a heartfelt and elegant presentation. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Sala Thai website

Marcus Johnson Project, Blues Alley, 8 & 10 p.m. | Pianist Marcus Johnson mixes some of the edge of hip-hop beats — and sometimes the high energy of trip-hop — into his smooth jazz. His website calls his latest album “the soundtrack to a contemporary lifestyle.” Two separate sets at 8 & 10 p.m. $27.50 cover, $10 minimum. View event on calendar | Blues Alley profile

Benny Golson, Bohemian Caverns, 8:30 & 10:30 p.m. | Hard-bop legend Benny Golson is one of the most important living saxophonists of the classic jazz era. In his run as a member of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and a leader of the famous Jazztet in the 1950s and early ’60s, the tenor saxophonist helped define the incipient hard-bop sound — one that swung hard and dug deeply into jazz’s blues roots, while maintaining the emphasis on virtuosic soloing and exploration that had defined bebop. Golson is the composer of many famous jazz standards, including “I Remember Clifford,” “Whisper Not” and “Killer Joe.” He will perform here with a combo. $38 cover in advance, $45 at the door, no minimum. View event on calendar | Bohemian Caverns profile

Eric Lewis a.k.a. ELEW, HR-57, 9 p.m. | Get ready for a wild ride. The veteran jazz pianist Eric Lewis, who had stints with Wynton Marsalis and the late Elvin Jones in the early-to-mid-2000s, has invented his own genre, ROCKJAZZ, and his own moniker, ELEW. ROCKJAZZ is essentially the interpolation of pop tunes for the solo piano, keeping all their grandeur — and volume — intact. There’s very little “jazz” involved. But at back-to-back cameo appearances at HR-57 earlier this fall, Lewis interspersed a great deal of more traditional jazz into his impromptu ROCKJAZZ performances. For instance, he intertwined a rollicking rendition of “Sweet Home Alabama” with John Coltrane’s “Giant Steps,” and left room for extended improvisations around each theme. $20 cover, no minimum. View event on calendar | HR-57 profile

Brad Linde Presents ‘Alto Madness,’ Twins Jazz, 9 p.m. | “Alto Madness” is not only an opportunity to hear some excellent music in an innovative format — four alto saxophonists collaborating on one stage! — but also a chance to get to know many of the city’s up-and-coming reedists. The gig is spearheaded by Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra Co-Director and saxophonist Brad Linde, a seasoned veteran on both the D.C. and New York scenes. Joining him on alto duties are Downbeat award-winner Brent Birckhead, Sarah Hughes and John Kocur. The rhythm section includes Dan Roberts on piano, James King on bass and Tony Martucci on drums. $15 cover, $10 minimum. View event on calendar| Twins Jazz profile

Brulee, Columbia Station, 9:30 p.m. | Brulee is a jazz and alt-pop fusion quartet featuring vocalist Aura Kanegis. No cover, one-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Columbia Station profile

Donvonte McCoy, 18th St. Lounge, 11 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. Cover varies ($5-10), no minimum. View event on calendar | 18th St. Lounge profile

DeAndre Howard’s Collector’s Edition, Utopia, 11 p.m. | Trumpeter DeAndre Howard’s weekly engagement at Utopia brings hordes to the restaurant and bar every Friday night. He and his small group, Collector’s Edition, play standards with a friendly, inviting touch, and they add to the positive vibes already flowing throughout the room — especially when Howard tosses aside the trumpet to sing a spontaneous blues. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Utopia profile

SATURDAY, DEC. 11

cb picks:

• Benny Golson, Bohemian Caverns, 8:30 & 10:30 p.m.
• Brad Linde Presents “Four Tenors,” Twins Jazz, 9 p.m.
• Donvonte McCoy, 18th St. Lounge, 11 p.m.
• Elijah Jamal Experience, Utopia, 11 p.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

Jolley Brothers, B. Smith’s, 7 p.m. | The Jolley Brothers, Noble on keyboard and Nate on drums, play thrice a weekend at B. Smith’s, the upscale soul-food restaurant in Union Station’s massive East Hall. The Jolleys, who perform with a bassist, comprise one of D.C.’s most exciting and auspicious acts. With roots in gospel, soul and the modal bop of the 1960s, the brothers (who also compose prolifically) bring some of the most creative elements in the African-American music canon forward into the 21st century, all while stamping it with their own distinctive flavoring. But B. Smith’s is a restaurant first, and the music remains in the background – no matter how expertly played. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | B. Smith’s website

Triple Double Jazz Band, 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, straight-ahead versions of jazz standards. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Sala Thai 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 some serious bop. He performs straight-ahead with his trio here. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Sala Thai website

Lena Seikaly & Potomac Jazz Project, 7 p.m., Extra Virgin Restaurant | Vocalist Lena Seikaly sings jazz standards with a confident and playful demeanor, displaying a haziness reminiscent of Esperanza Spalding as well as a deference to traditional greats. 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 | Extra Virgin’s website

NPR’s ‘A Jazz Christmas,’ Kennedy Center, 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. | Four of the greatest jazz pianists in the game come together for a celebration of Christmas music, to be broadcast by NPR. The lineup includes Kenny Barron, Freddy Cole, Helio Alves, and Renee Rosnes. Two separate shows at 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. $42 cover, no minimum. View event on calendar | Kennedy Center website

Marcus Johnson Project, Blues Alley, 8 & 10 p.m. | Pianist Marcus Johnson mixes some of the edge of hip-hop beats — and sometimes the high energy of trip-hop — into his smooth jazz. His website calls his latest album “the soundtrack to a contemporary lifestyle.” Two separate sets at 8 & 10 p.m. $27.50 cover, $10 minimum. View event on calendar | Blues Alley profile

Mark Deffenbaugh, Columbia Station, 8:30 p.m. | Pianist Mark Deffenbaugh plays smooth and funky jazz with a small group. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Columbia Station profile

Benny Golson, Bohemian Caverns, 8:30 & 10:30 p.m. | Hard-bop legend Benny Golson is one of the most important living saxophonists of the classic jazz era. In his run as a member of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and a leader of the famous Jazztet in the 1950s and early ’60s, the tenor saxophonist helped define the incipient hard-bop sound — one that swung hard and dug deeply into jazz’s blues roots, while maintaining the emphasis on virtuosic soloing and exploration that had defined bebop. Golson is the composer of many famous jazz standards, including “I Remember Clifford,” “Whisper Not” and “Killer Joe.” He will perform here with a combo. $38 cover in advance, $45 at the door, no minimum. View event on calendar | Bohemian Caverns profile

Eric Lewis a.k.a. ELEW, HR-57, 9 p.m. | Get ready for a wild ride. The veteran jazz pianist Eric Lewis, who had stints with Wynton Marsalis and the late Elvin Jones in the early-to-mid-2000s, has invented his own genre, ROCKJAZZ, and his own moniker, ELEW. ROCKJAZZ is essentially the interpolation of pop tunes for the solo piano, keeping all their grandeur — and volume — intact. There’s very little “jazz” involved. But at back-to-back cameo appearances at HR-57 earlier this fall, Lewis interspersed a great deal of more traditional jazz into his impromptu ROCKJAZZ performances. For instance, he intertwined a rollicking rendition of “Sweet Home Alabama” with John Coltrane’s “Giant Steps,” and left room for extended improvisations around each theme. $20 cover, no minimum. View event on calendar | HR-57 profile

Brad Linde Presents ‘Four Tenors,’ Twins Jazz, 9 p.m. | The second installation in Brad Linde’s two-night saxophone summit, this show concentrates on highlighting local greats on the tenor saxophone. The gig is spearheaded by Linde, a seasoned veteran on both the D.C. and New York scenes and the co-director of the Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra. Joining him on tenor are the fabulous Brian Settles, Washington City Paper award-winner Elijah Jamal Balbed, and Charles Phaneuf. The rhythm section includes Rodney Richardson on guitar, Regan Brough on bass and Dave McDonald on drums. $15 cover, $10 minimum. View event on calendar| Twins Jazz profile

Donvonte McCoy, 18th St. Lounge, 11 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. Cover varies ($5-10), no minimum. Vie?w event on calendar | 18th St. Lounge profile

Elijah Jamal Experience, Utopia, 11 p.m. | Young powerhouse tenor saxophonist Elijah Jamal Balbed heads up one of the swingin’est shows on U Street every Saturday night. The lineup of musicians on this late-night gig varies from week to week, but it’s consistently outstanding. Plus, with the Washington City Paper’s 2010 Best New D.C. Jazz Musician award under his belt, the 20-year-old Balbed can always be expected always to deliver the goods on sax. This week he’s joined by Alex Brown on piano, Zach Brown on bass and, on drums, hometown hero Quincy Philips of the Young Lions (who will just have finished up a gig at Bohemian Caverns with the Lions). No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Utopia profile

SUNDAY, DEC. 12

Kevin Pace Trio, Chef Geoff’s, 11 a.m. | Kevin Pace has a strong command on the bass and an intuitive ear as a composer. He puts both on display at the restaurant Chef Geoff’s, where he performs every week during Sunday brunch. This is background music, but that’s because of the environment, not the performance — which is anything but second-rate. (To hear Pace stretch out a bit more, catch him at Utopia with the Bobby Muncy Quartet, every Wednesday except the third of the month.) No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Chef Geoff’s website

Jolley Brothers, B. Smith’s, 12 p.m. | The Jolley Brothers, Noble on keyboard and Nate on drums, play thrice a weekend at B. Smith’s, the upscale soul-food restaurant in Union Station’s massive East Hall. The Jolleys, who perform with a bassist, comprise one of D.C.’s most exciting and auspicious acts. With roots in gospel, soul and the modal bop of the 1960s, the brothers (who also compose prolifically) bring some of the most creative elements in the African-American music canon forward into the 21st century, all while stamping it with their own distinctive flavoring. But B. Smith’s is a restaurant first, and the music remains in the background – no matter how expertly played. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | B. Smith’s 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

Jazz Jam, Dahlak, 6:30 p.m. | This jazz jam presents a friendly, relaxed environment where professionals and amateurs can play together. This weekend’s house band features Peter Runk on keys, Evan Samuels on guitar, Eliot Seppa on bass and Will Stephens on drums. 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

Marcus Johnson Project, Blues Alley, 8 & 10 p.m. | Pianist Marcus Johnson mixes some of the edge of hip-hop beats — and sometimes the high energy of trip-hop — into his smooth jazz. His website calls his latest album “the soundtrack to a contemporary lifestyle.” Two separate sets at 8 & 10 p.m. $27.50 cover, $10 minimum. View event on calendar | Blues Alley profile

Russell McCray, Twins Jazz, 8 p.m. | Saxophonist Russell McCray is a recent graduate of Towson University’s renowned jazz program, and he draws on a diverse background in Latin, jazz and rock music. Here he’ll perform with a straight-ahead combo. $10 cover, $10 minimum. $10 cover, $10 minimum. View event? on calendar| Twins Jazz profile

Peter Edelman Trio, Columbia Station, 8:30 p.m. | The stalwart D.C. piano player every Sunday night leads a rotating cast of musicians that often outgrows the title “trio.” No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Columbia Station profile

Cheryl Jones Trio, Utopia, 9 p.m. | Singer Cheryl Jones has a weekly engagement every Sunday at Utopia, where she sings with depth, force and clarity. Jones is equally likely to sing jazz standards, pop tunes or gospel classics. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Utopia profile

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