Last year, drummer Brian Chase and pianist Thollem McDonas (pictured) collaborated with raspy-voiced Half Japanese singer Jad Fair on a project called The Whistling Joy Jumpers, whose album, Surprising Wooden Clocks, sounded like what would happen if you pushed Tom Waits’ band down a steep flight of stairs. In 2014, Chase and McDonas are down to a duo called Thollem/Chase, and though their sound is no less entropic, it has the trappings of something vaguely more intellectual: Ditch the singer and you can call this stuff free jazz. Read more >>> Thollem/Chase performs with Laughing Man and Dave Klinger at 8 p.m. at Union Arts DC, 411 New York Ave. NE. $9. unionartsdc.com. (Jonathan L. Fischer)

EAT THIS

In celebration of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, 18 breweries from Japan come together at the Carnegie Library tonight for the Grand Sake Tasting. Guests can sample rare and luxury sakes, including one recently gifted to President Barack Obama from Japan’s prime minister. Admission, which is $100 for general admission or $150 for a VIP ticket, includes sake, shōchū, and craft beer tastings. The event will also feature Japanese cuisine from local restaurants and traditional Japanese performers. Attendees can bid on bottles, too. The event is limited to 350 guests and runs from 7 to 9 p.m. Purchase tickets here. The Grand Sake Tasting, 801 K St. NW. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org. (Quinn Kelley)

OH AND ALSO

Dave Hause, of rock band The Loved Ones, plays a solo show at DC9 with Northcote. 8 p.m. at 1940 9th St. NW. $12.

Funk group Turkuaz plays Gypsy Sally with Alan Evans’ PlayOnBrother. 9 p.m. at 3401 K St. NW. $15.

New York rockers Skaters take the stage with Team Spirit at Rock & Roll Hotel. 8 p.m. at 1353 H St. NE. $12.

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