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Vocalist Venissa Santi, who performs with her quartet on Friday night at Moonstone Arts Center, along with Ben Schachter’s re:Trio

TUESDAY 5/5/09
Lucky Thompson & the Budesa Brothers Blue Tuesday Open Mic & Jam Session
(Leroy’s) Showcase Lounge, 4912 Baltimore Ave.
Veteran drummer Lucky Thompson has played with greats like Nina Simone and Patti LaBelle during his long career and led jam sessions all over the city (including at Natalie’s Lounge, where he was the music director for more than 10 years). Lucky and brothers Rich Budesa on keys and Rob Budesa on guitar are single-handedly keeping Philly’s great organ trio tradition alive. If you haven’t heard them play at the Showcase, a neighborhood bar with a friendly staff and a welcoming vibe, then you’re missing out on an essential part of Philly’s jazz scene.
8 p.m., FREE

WEDNESDAY 5/6/09
Brotzmann/Waits Duo
Philadelphia Art Alliance, 251 S. 18th St.
The pairing of saxophonist Peter Brotzmann and drummer Nasheet Waits should definitely make for some exciting improvisational music. More at arsnovaworkshop.org
8 p.m., $12

Ellipsis with Tommy Conwell
Tritone, 1508 South St.
After playing Nirvana’s Nevermind last month, Ellipsis is back at Tritone for their monthly show. This month they’ll play the music of Ray Charles with legendary Philly guitarist/vocalist Tommy Conwell.
9 p.m., $5

THURSDAY 5/7/09
Bobby Zankel & the Warriors of the Wonderful Sound
Tritone, 1508 South St.
This unique and exciting large ensemble has been playing at Tritone every month since the club opened, and, while they’re definitely in the tradition of large bands led by the likes of Sun Ra and Charles Mingus, they have a sound all their own. In addition to Zankel on alto sax, the band includes several of Philly’s most talented and adventurous jazz musicians, including Elliott Levin on saxes and flute, Larry Toft on trombone, Dan Scofield (of Shot x Shot ) on baritone sax, and Dan Peterson on alto sax.
9:30 p.m. $7

FRIDAY 5/8/09
Lucky Old Souls @ Moonstone: Ben Schachter’s re:Trio, Venissa Santi Quartet
Moonstone Arts Center (formerly Robin’s Books), 110 S. 13th St., 2nd Floor
Two of Philly’s most original jazz performers on one bill, in a laid-back setting that’s somewhere between a club and a concert hall.
9 p.m., $10, BYOB

SATURDAY 5/9/09
Sidi Goma
Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine St.
Music and dance from the Sidi African-Indians, a tribal Sufi community that migrated from East Africa to Gujarat, India eight centuries ago.
8 p.m., $25 ($12.50 for Bride members)

SUNDAY 5/10/09
Sci Fi Philly: Off On Off, Gun Muffs, Graham/Albro Duo
Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 Frankford Ave.
A special Johnny Brenda’s show for this weekly musician-run jazz and improvised music series, usually held at West Philly’s Gojjo.
8 p.m., $10