Jazz Band of America at Clowes Hall

Approximately 3,000 of the nation’s finest school ensembles, musicians, music educators and audience members will be in Indianapolis Feb. 28-March 1 for the Music for All National Festival. One of the top concerts scheduled for the weekend falls on Friday night and features The Jazz Band of America, a collection of the best student jazz musicians from 10 surrounding states, with special guest vocalist Patti Austin. Austin’s Avant Gershwin album won a Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal earlier this month. Legendary jazz alto saxophonist Phil Woods and jazz pianist Shelly Berg will also perform. The performance is slated for Friday, Feb. 29 at 8 p.m. in Clowes Hall (4602 Sunset Ave.) and tickets are $18-$29.

New album

Local solo pianist Dave Hepler has released his latest CD, Secret Light. Hepler composed seven of the 11 tunes, among which is the noteworthy “Nod to Ahmad.”

This week: Goldie, Chuchito, Ratliff and others

The popular soulful jazz vocalist Goldie and Exquisitely Yours return to the Chatterbox (435 Massachusetts Ave.) Friday, Feb. 29. On Saturday, it’s the straight-ahead jazz style of Indiana Avenue with trumpeter Clifford Ratliff’s Quintet. Performances both nights are from 10:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. with a $5 cover.

Brilliant Latin jazz pianist Chuchito Valdez returns to the Jazz Kitchen (5377 N. College Ave.) Saturday, March 1 with his group. Shows are at 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. and admission is $20.

Friday, Feb. 29, Rick’s Café Boatyard (4050 Dandy Trail) will feature Jeff Brown & Friends from 5:30-8 p.m. and the Art Trio from 8-11 p.m. Saturday, March 1, Steve Bogard & Friends play from 5:30-7:30 p.m. with Monika Herzig’s Trio taking over from 8-11 p.m.