Live Jazz in Washington, D.C.

Saxophonist Elijah Jamal Balbed was born and raised in Silver Spring and is a consummate student of the D.C. music scene: He’s equally comfortable blowing some burnished, buoyant hard-bop as he is grooving in the pocket of a go-go band. He can often be found leading groups of some of the other younger statesman of D.C. jazz through originals and standards that swing just right. He can usually be found every Thursday night leading the house band at Bossa Bistro with Andrew Musselman on bass and Jon Modell on percussion. Guests from across the D.C. jazz scene and spectrum sit in each week.

Brandon Mitchell (vibraphone) and Keenan McKenzie (clarinet) celebrate the innovative music of the Benny Goodman trio, quartet, and sextet. These swing era combos featured dynamic arrangements played by musical pioneers like Lionel Hampton, Charlie Christian, and Teddy Wilson. Brandon Mitchell is a Marimba One endorsed artist who has performed alongside and opened for some of the industry greats like Branford Marsalis, Jeff Tain Watts, Joey Calderazzo, Jon Metzger, and John Fedchock.. Keenan McKenzie leads swing-oriented ensembles at premier dance events and competitions, recently performing in Los Angeles, New York, and Prague. Mitchell and McKenzie are frequent musical collaborators, exploring Goodman's music with relentless rhythm and undeniable joy. Originally from Washington D.C., Brandon Mitchell is a jazz musician and music educator based in North Carolina. As an actively performing artist, you can hear Mitchell primarily on vibraphone as a leader or on drums as a sideman. Mitchell is making his mark in the music scene with his rhythmically captivating and spaciously melodic sounds on the vibes. His music style can be described as conversational, leaving lyrically satisfying melodies in listeners' ears long after the song has passed. Mitchell’s creativity is underscored through his work as a recording artist. He released his debut solo album, Black Guardian, in 2020 followed by an EP, 4 for 4, in 2022 and his latest album, On Brand, in 2025. Mitchell is endorsed by Marimba One and is an educator-affiliate of 2112 Percussion in Raleigh, NC. Over the course of his performance career, Mitchell has performed across the country in jazz clubs, listening rooms, festivals, and local events. He’s also had the opportunity to take his musical talents overseas. Mitchell graced stages abroad while touring in Italy, specifically at the Jazzit Festival, Teatro Piccolo in Milan, as well as a Notte Bianca performance in front of the Duomo. As a reed player, Keenan McKenzie regularly travels across the US with dance-oriented swing ensembles such as The Mint Julep Jazz Band, Michael Gamble & The Rhythm Serenaders, and The Jonathan Stout Orchestra featuring Hilary Alexander. In recent years, he has also been fortunate to perform in Europe and Asia. Keenan currently plays lead alto in the North Carolina Jazz Repertory Orchestra and delivers energetic party music with The Shakedown. His own band, Keenan McKenzie & the Riffers, has performed at events from Los Angeles to NYC.

Brandon Mitchell (vibraphone) and Keenan McKenzie (clarinet) celebrate the innovative music of the Benny Goodman trio, quartet, and sextet. These swing era combos featured dynamic arrangements played by musical pioneers like Lionel Hampton, Charlie Christian, and Teddy Wilson. Brandon Mitchell is a Marimba One endorsed artist who has performed alongside and opened for some of the industry greats like Branford Marsalis, Jeff Tain Watts, Joey Calderazzo, Jon Metzger, and John Fedchock.. Keenan McKenzie leads swing-oriented ensembles at premier dance events and competitions, recently performing in Los Angeles, New York, and Prague. Mitchell and McKenzie are frequent musical collaborators, exploring Goodman's music with relentless rhythm and undeniable joy. Originally from Washington D.C., Brandon Mitchell is a jazz musician and music educator based in North Carolina. As an actively performing artist, you can hear Mitchell primarily on vibraphone as a leader or on drums as a sideman. Mitchell is making his mark in the music scene with his rhythmically captivating and spaciously melodic sounds on the vibes. His music style can be described as conversational, leaving lyrically satisfying melodies in listeners' ears long after the song has passed. Mitchell’s creativity is underscored through his work as a recording artist. He released his debut solo album, Black Guardian, in 2020 followed by an EP, 4 for 4, in 2022 and his latest album, On Brand, in 2025. Mitchell is endorsed by Marimba One and is an educator-affiliate of 2112 Percussion in Raleigh, NC. Over the course of his performance career, Mitchell has performed across the country in jazz clubs, listening rooms, festivals, and local events. He’s also had the opportunity to take his musical talents overseas. Mitchell graced stages abroad while touring in Italy, specifically at the Jazzit Festival, Teatro Piccolo in Milan, as well as a Notte Bianca performance in front of the Duomo. As a reed player, Keenan McKenzie regularly travels across the US with dance-oriented swing ensembles such as The Mint Julep Jazz Band, Michael Gamble & The Rhythm Serenaders, and The Jonathan Stout Orchestra featuring Hilary Alexander. In recent years, he has also been fortunate to perform in Europe and Asia. Keenan currently plays lead alto in the North Carolina Jazz Repertory Orchestra and delivers energetic party music with The Shakedown. His own band, Keenan McKenzie & the Riffers, has performed at events from Los Angeles to NYC.

Saxophonist Elijah Jamal Balbed was born and raised in Silver Spring and is a consummate student of the D.C. music scene: He’s equally comfortable blowing some burnished, buoyant hard-bop as he is grooving in the pocket of a go-go band. He can often be found leading groups of some of the other younger statesman of D.C. jazz through originals and standards that swing just right. He can usually be found every Thursday night leading the house band at Bossa Bistro with Andrew Musselman on bass and Jon Modell on percussion. Guests from across the D.C. jazz scene and spectrum sit in each week.

Argentinian pianist and composer Guillermo Klein will be performing his original compositions for the first time at Blues Alley Argentinian pianist and composer Guillermo Klein has collaborated with this elite ensemble for over four years, performing his original compositions. The repertoire is a masterfully crafted blend of Argentine folklore and tango, explored through a sophisticated contemporary jazz lens. The quintet creates a unique sonic language that balances complex rhythmic structures with lyrical, evocative melodies. The ensemble is currently preparing this new material for their upcoming album. Lineup: Guillermo Klein (Piano) • Vinicius Gomes (Guitar) • Rogerio Boccato (Percussion) Sebastian de Urquiza (Bass) • Rodrigo Recabarren (Drums) Co-Presented with the Embassy of Argentina

Saxophonist Elijah Jamal Balbed was born and raised in Silver Spring and is a consummate student of the D.C. music scene: He’s equally comfortable blowing some burnished, buoyant hard-bop as he is grooving in the pocket of a go-go band. He can often be found leading groups of some of the other younger statesman of D.C. jazz through originals and standards that swing just right. He can usually be found every Thursday night leading the house band at Bossa Bistro with Andrew Musselman on bass and Jon Modell on percussion. Guests from across the D.C. jazz scene and spectrum sit in each week.

Argentinian pianist and composer Guillermo Klein will be performing his original compositions for the first time at Blues Alley Argentinian pianist and composer Guillermo Klein has collaborated with this elite ensemble for over four years, performing his original compositions. The repertoire is a masterfully crafted blend of Argentine folklore and tango, explored through a sophisticated contemporary jazz lens. The quintet creates a unique sonic language that balances complex rhythmic structures with lyrical, evocative melodies. The ensemble is currently preparing this new material for their upcoming album. Lineup: Guillermo Klein (Piano) • Vinicius Gomes (Guitar) • Rogerio Boccato (Percussion) Sebastian de Urquiza (Bass) • Rodrigo Recabarren (Drums) Co-Presented with the Embassy of Argentina

Saxophonist Elijah Jamal Balbed was born and raised in Silver Spring and is a consummate student of the D.C. music scene: He’s equally comfortable blowing some burnished, buoyant hard-bop as he is grooving in the pocket of a go-go band. He can often be found leading groups of some of the other younger statesman of D.C. jazz through originals and standards that swing just right. He can usually be found every Thursday night leading the house band at Bossa Bistro with Andrew Musselman on bass and Jon Modell on percussion. Guests from across the D.C. jazz scene and spectrum sit in each week.