Heading to Washington, DC; Digging Socalled's new album

Fred will make a special guest appearance this weekend with the band Sin Qua Non, celebrating their new release featuring Fred, "Make it Feel Good," Friday and Saturday at Bohemian Caverns in Washington, DC. Tickets for the four shows at the legendary DC jazz club -- 8pm and 10pm each night -- can be purchased by clicking here. Also catch the DC Funk Parade before the Saturday shows!

In other news, check out the great work Socalled did with Fred and other guest artists on his new album "Peoplewatching." Click here for a free album stream on Exclaim. Fred's on the title track as well as "Never See You Again" and "Bootycaller." Congratulations, Socalled, on a job well done!

Heading to Montreaux!

Along with artists including Tony Bennett, Dianne Reeves, Christian McBride and D'Angelo, Fred Wesley and the New JBs will appear at this year's Montreaux Jazz Festival. The festival runs July 3-18; Fred and company play July 5. Click here for tickets.

Fondation du Festival de Jazz de Montreux © 2015 - Artwork by Sylvie Fleury

New Orleans in New York

It was a New Orleans funky good time Fred had at the Blue Note in New York City at the invitation of  "Big Chief" Donald Harrison. The six-night stand last week also featured Meters guitarist Leo Nocentelli and trumpeter Christian Scott, Harrison's nephew.

It was a "House Party" on and off the stage, with old friends and new visiting backstage between shows. Fred also made musical memories for students and faculty at the New School, where he conducted a master class during his time in New York. 

Enjoy these photos from the week. Special thanks to photographer friend Dino Perrucci for his great shot from the Blue Note.

Fred and Donald onstage.

Leo and guitarist Russell Malone backstage.

Fred with bassist Will Lee backstage.

Leo and Fred with Horace Silver's son Greg backstage.

Jamming with students at The New School.

Fred with trombone and trumpet students.

Fred with New School faculty members Jimmy Graves and Cecil Bridgewater.

Europe to NYC

Fred's in New York City today, starting a six-night stand at the Blue Note Jazz Club with his friend Donald Harrison and other guests. Shows are 8pm and 10pm each night. Fred also will present from 4-6pm Friday in the Eyes of the Masters series at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music Performance Space, Arnhold Hall, 55 West 13th St.

He's just back from a European tour with his band, the New JBs, which finished up with a sold out show in Paris and a last one at Moods in Zurich. Former JB saxophonist Waldo Weathers sat in with the band in Schweinfurth, Germany. Enjoy these photos.

A view from the stage in Paris (photo by Gary Winters).

Fred with Schweinfurth promoter Mike Klein and special guest Waldo Weathers.

Waldo Weathers onstage with the New JBs.

With the organizers of the Conegliano Jazz and Blues Festival in Italy

Onstage in Pilsen, Czech Republic (photos courtesy of Dominik Centrum).