UNLIKELY JAZZY DUOS

Grammy-nominated Cuban composer and pianist Omar Sosa is sharing the stage with Italian trumpeter and flugelhorn jazz player Paola Fresu at Blues Alley (1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW). The two composers joined creative forces back in 2006 when Sosa asked Fresu to play along with his quartet and Cuban flautist Leandro Saint-Hill. The unlikely duo hit it off and have played together ever since. They've performed for audiences around the world, fusing together a wide range of jazz music and electronic elements. Their increasing popularity led to them to create their critically acclaimed album "Alma" in 2011, which features guest cello contributions by Brazilian conductor, arranger, producer and cellist Jaques Morelenbaum. Join them at 8 p.m. and again at 10 p.m. Tickets are $25 at bluesalley.com.

SOULFUL POWER VOCALS

Jazz singer Rene Marie is hailed as a heroine, and it's not just because of her powerful vocals. Marie defied the odds and become a professional singer at the age of 40, thanks to the encouragement from her eldest son, Michael. She found the courage to leave her abusive marriage and pursue her love of music, and her decision quickly led to a whirlwind of success and critical acclaim. The recording debut of her album "Renaissance" has won her a number of awards including Best International Jazz Vocal CD by the Academie Du Jazz. Marie is known as a woman of great strength and compassion and has used her music as a way of sharing her story.

See her live at the Hamilton (600 14th St. NW). She will be performing at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $27 at thehamiltondc.com.