by Giovanni Russonello
Editorial board

Antonio Hart, a strong saxophonist who became something of a star in the Young Lions era, arrives in D.C. this weekend for two nights at Bohemian Caverns. An impressive array of top-grade local acts is performing, too, from the tenor saxophonists Elijah Jamal Balbed and Fred Foss (at Westminster Presbyterian on Friday) to the guitarist John Lee (at the New Deal Café on Friday) to Eme & Heteru, a band that blends West African rhythms and jazz improvisation (at Twins on Friday and Saturday). There’s info on all those shows and many more in this week’s edition of “Weekend in Jazz.” As always, you can find our full listings at CapitalBop’s D.C. jazz calendar. Our favorites have a label. Happy hunting!

FRIDAY, JULY 5

cb picks:

• Elijah Jamal Balbed & Fred Foss, Westminster Presbyterian, 6 p.m.
• Eme & Heteru, Twins Jazz, 8 & 10 p.m.
• Antonio Hart Quintet, Bohemian Caverns, 8:30 & 10:30 p.m.

Elijah Jamal Balbed & Fred Foss, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 6 p.m. | At this week’s edition of Jazz Night at Westminster, two excellent local tenor saxophonists from different generations will co-lead a band in straight-ahead originals and covers of classic standards. The young Elijah Jamal Balbed has winnowed out a position as one of the District scene’s riveting new voices, bringing a metallic brawn out of the saxophone. Fred Foss, meanwhile, has long been a stalwart of the local jazz world, and his warm playing deserves much wider recognition than it has received. Here Balbed and Foss are joined by Luke Brandon on trumpet, Wade Beach on piano, Herman Burney on bass and Ele Rubinstein on drums. $5 cover for adults, no cover for attendees under 16, no minimum. View event on calendar | Westminster Presbyterian Church website

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

Yamomanem, Sala Thai (Petworth), 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

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. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Sala Thai website

Eme & Heteru, Twins Jazz, 8 & 10 p.m. | In the supercharged grooves of Eme and Heteru’s large ensemble, the rhythms of West Africa give a hip-swiveling seminar in the roots of jazz, soul and hip-hop, and the modern magnetism of Afrobeat. Two separate sets at 8 & 10 p.m. $10 cover, $10 minimum. View event on calendar | Twins Jazz profile

Jean Carne, Blues Alley, 8 & 10 p.m. | The R&B vocalist Jean Carne, who sang lead parts on the first two Earth, Wind & Fire albums, was also the last singer to play with Duke Ellington before his death. Two separate sets at 8 & 10 p.m. $25 cover, $2.50 surcharge, $12 minimum. View event on calendar | Blues Alley profile

Todd Googins Quartet, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 8 p.m. | Todd Googins calls himself a “vocal design” artist, meaning he offers voiceovers, jingles and vocal production services. At this show, he’ll be singing standards in front of a jazz combo, but who knows – holler loud enough for the theme from the latest Midas commercial and you just might get it. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Mandarin Oriental website

John Lee Experience, New Deal Café, 8 p.m. | The piquantly flavorful electric guitarist John Lee migrates freely from ambient rock to jazz fusion to electric blues. He performs here with TJ Turqman on bass, Graham Doby on drums and Matt Rippetoe on saxophone. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | New Deal website

Antonio Hart Quintet, Bohemian Caverns, 8:30 & 10:30 p.m. | Soulfulness that’s smooth but refreshingly rough around the edges when it wants to be: Cannonball Adderley’s playing fit in that category, and so does the sound of one of his main acolytes, alto saxophonist Antonio Hart. Hart rose to prominence playing with Roy Hargrove in the 1990s, and has gone on to achieve his own level of renown as a bandleader. He appears here with a straight-ahead combo featuring some of D.C. and Baltimore’s best: Warren Wolf on vibraphone, Corcoran Holt on bass, Allyn Johnson on piano and John Lamkin on drums. $18 cover in advance, $23 at the door, no minimum. View event on calendar | Bohemian Caverns profile

Antonio Parker Quartet, HR-57, 9 p.m. | The alto saxophonist Antonio Parker’s playing is swinging and soulful, colored by 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 of Kenny Garrett. $15 cover, no minimum. View event on calendar | HR-57 profile

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

SATURDAY, JULY 6

cb picks:

• Jazz Brunch: Donvonte McCoy, HR-57, 11:30 a.m.
• Eme & Heteru, Twins Jazz, 8 & 10 p.m.
• Antonio Hart Quintet, Bohemian Caverns, 8:30 & 10:30 p.m.
• WKP Trio feat. Herb Scott, Black Fox Lounge, 9:30 p.m.
• Steve Synk Trio, Columbia Station, 9:30 p.m.

Jazz Brunch: Donvonte McCoy, HR-57, 11:30 a.m. | HR-57, a reliable destination for strong, swinging jazz, recently added weekend brunch shows to its itinerary. The musician leading the way, Donvonte McCoy, is one of the best in the city. He plays the trumpet with focus and power and a contemporary rhythmic swagger, never overstating his case but easily drawing a soulful essence from the horn. $15 cover, no minimum. View event on calendar | HR-57 profile

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

District Jazz Trio, Sala Thai (Bethesda), 7 p.m. | A self-described “cool swinging jazz trio,” the District Jazz Trio is saxophonist Seth Popkin, pianist Dan Nathan and bassist Roger Rosa. The group plays jazz standards. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Sala Thai website

Full Ascent, Sala Thai (Bethesda), 7 p.m. | This jazz band plays in a number of traditional styles, from hard-bop to Dixieland to calypso. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Sala Thai website

Eme & Heteru, Twins Jazz, 8 & 10 p.m. | In the supercharged grooves of Eme and Heteru’s large ensemble, the rhythms of West Africa give a hip-swiveling seminar in the roots of jazz, soul and hip-hop, and the modern magnetism of Afrobeat. Two separate sets at 8 & 10 p.m. $10 cover, $10 minimum. View event on calendar | Twins Jazz profile

Jean Carne, Blues Alley, 8 & 10 p.m. | The R&B vocalist Jean Carne, who sang lead parts on the first two Earth, Wind & Fire albums, was also the last singer to play with Duke Ellington before his death. Two separate sets at 8 & 10 p.m. $25 cover, $2.50 surcharge, $12 minimum. View event on calendar | Blues Alley 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

Antonio Hart Quintet, Bohemian Caverns, 8:30 & 10:30 p.m. | Soulfulness that’s smooth but refreshingly rough around the edges when it wants to be: Cannonball Adderley’s playing fit in that category, and so does the sound of one of his main acolytes, alto saxophonist Antonio Hart. Hart rose to prominence playing with Roy Hargrove in the 1990s, and has gone on to achieve his own level of renown as a bandleader. He appears here with a straight-ahead combo featuring some of D.C. and Baltimore’s best: Warren Wolf on vibraphone, Corcoran Holt on bass, Allyn Johnson on piano and John Lamkin on drums. $18 cover in advance, $23 at the door, no minimum. View event on calendar | Bohemian Caverns profile

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

WKP Trio feat. Herb Scott, Black Fox Lounge, 9 p.m. | The WKP Trio is a straight-ahead jazz ensemble consisting of Kenny Peagler on piano, Percy White on bass and Will Stephens on drums. Here, the group is joined by a young, soulful powerhouse of an alto saxophonist, Herb Scott. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Black Fox profile

Benny Russell Quartet, HR-57, 9 p.m. | No description available. $15 cover, no minimum. View event on calendar | HR-57 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

SUNDAY, JULY 7

 
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: Donvonte McCoy, HR-57, 11:30 a.m. | HR-57 – a reliable destination for strong, swinging jazz – recently added weekend brunch shows to its itinerary. The musician leading the way, Donvonte McCoy, is one of the best in the city. He plays the trumpet with focus and power and a contemporary rhythmic swagger, never overstating his case but easily drawing a soulful essence from the horn. $15 cover, no minimum. View event on calendar | HR-57 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

Todd Simon, Kellari Taverna, 12 p.m. | The sturdy and swinging pianist Todd Simon performs every Sunday in a duo setting; his accompanists vary from bass to guitar to saxophone, depending on the week. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Kellari Taverna 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

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

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

Jean Carne, Blues Alley, 8 & 10 p.m. | The R&B vocalist Jean Carne, who sang lead parts on the first two Earth, Wind & Fire albums, was also the last singer to play with Duke Ellington before his death. Two separate sets at 8 & 10 p.m. $25 cover, $2.50 surcharge, $12 minimum. View event on calendar | Blues Alley profile

Kenia & Mozik, Twins Jazz, 8 & 10 p.m. | The Brazilian vocalist Kenia swims in delicate, precious grooves. She’s backed by the tight Brazilian jazz ensemble Mozik. Two separate sets at 8 & 10 p.m. $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 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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