Francisco Mela and Cuban Safari The explosive drummer showcases his rhythmic versatility with this ensemble, combining jazz complexity with infectious grooves from his native Cuba. Jan. 21, Chris' Jazz Café, chrisjazzcafe.com.

Chucho Valdés and the Afro-Cuban Jazz Messengers The legendary Cuban pianist, founder of the pioneering Latin jazz band Irakere, leads his fiery ensemble. Jan. 26, Kimmel Center, kimmelcenter.org.

Dave Burrell & Han Bennin The first meeting between these two iconoclastic greats. Jan. 30, Philadelphia Art Alliance, arsnovaworkshop.org.

Bill Frisell's Beautiful Dreamers Influential guitarist Frisell heads his ethereal Americana trio. Jan. 30, World Café Live, worldcafelive.com.

David "Fuze" Fiuczynski There's always been a strong vein of psych-rock in Fuze's playing, so it only makes sense that he's now taking on a full-fledged tribute to Jimi Hendrix. Feb. 4, Painted Bride Art Center, paintedbride.org.

Randy Weston Quintet The pianist who broke ground for countless jazz/African music fusioneers continues to explore the cultural crossroads. Feb. 4, Montgomery County Community College, mc3.edu.

Eddie Palmieri Latin Jazz Band One of the mainstays of Latin jazz celebrates his 75th birthday. Feb. 4, Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, annenbergcenter.org.

Nicholas Payton Trumpeter and provocateur Payton demonstrates his definition of jazz, something he's been extremely outspoken about of late. Feb. 11, Chris' Jazz Café.

Tigran Hamasyan A solo set by the young Armenian-born pianist. Feb. 25, Chris' Jazz Café.

Terell Stafford Quintet Trumpeter and Temple jazz/instrumental studies head Stafford celebrates Philly-born giant Lee Morgan. Feb. 25, Kimmel Center.

Robert Glasper Experiment The keyboardist blurs the boundaries between jazz and hip-hop; Philly's own neo-soul crooner Bilal will join Glasper and co. for this performance. March 1, World Café Live.

Matthew Shipp Trio Always-opinionated pianist Shipp's new trio is a starker, more severe take on his trademark cubist jazz. March 9, Philadelphia Art Alliance.

Cyro Baptista The in-demand percussionist juggles styles with versatility and humor. March 16, Philadelphia Museum of Art, philamuseum.org.

Christian McBride & The Thelonius Monk All Star Sextet A generation's leading bassist pays homage to Monk. March 23, Chris' Jazz Café.

Steven Bernstein's MTO The puckish slide trumpeter plays the music of Sly Stone with his big band. April 13, Painted Bride.

Endangered Blood Four of Brooklyn's finest, originally formed to raise money for saxophonist Andrew D'Angelo's medical bills. April 14, Maas Building, arsnovaworkshop.org.

Kurt Elling The perennially cool vocalist takes on the Sinatra songbook. April 28, Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.

Bobby Zankel's Warriors of the Wonderful Sound Zankel's long-running big band debuts new music penned by legendary AACM founder/pianist Muhal Richard Abrams. April 28, Montgomery County Community College.