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The Blackbyrds are old schooland the school is D.C.’s own Howard University. While heading Howard’s Institute of Jazz Studies, renowned jazz trumpeter Donald Byrd helped organize a group of his students into a band. Together, they perfected the fusion of jazz and soul the teacher had helped pioneer on his 1973 hit album, Black Byrd, from which the group took its name. Decades before acid jazz, the Blackbyrds filled dance floors by mixing jazz-inflected solos with irresistible rhythms. On songs like “Walking in Rhythm” and the once inescapable (at least around D.C.) “Rock Creek Park,” the Blackbyrds epitomized jazzy disco. So hustle on down and catch their reunion; they’re sure to “Do It, Fluid” and play lots of “Happy Music” starting at 7:30 p.m. at the Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. $22.50. (703) 549-7500. (Mark W. Sullivan)