The notion of melding jazz with fringe religious beliefs seems like an insufferable ethnomusicology exercise. But the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, better known as the Shakers, may offer fertile ground for musical experimentation. The Shakers’ music, composed of thousands of songs, is pretty odd: Much of it is delivered in indecipherable freestyles spoken in tongues. All the better for New York’s Shakers n’ Bakers, the jazz ensemble that draws its inspiration from the Shakers’ frenetic services. Read more >>> Shakers n’ Bakers perform at 8 p.m. at Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. $15–$25. (202) 399-7993. atlasarts.org. (Ramon Ramirez)

EAT THIS

Beuchert’s Saloon in Eastern Market is soft opening and all food will be 30 percent off until its grand opening on Friday. The space pays homage to the original Beuchert’s Saloon, which occupied the same address in the late 1800s and operated as a speakeasy during Prohibition. Chef Andrew Markert’s menu includes dishes like oxtail tagliatelle with chantrelles and hazelnuts, braised lamb with rosemary gnocchi, and Bananas Foster Twinkies for dessert. Don’t forget to check out the stuffed bison heads above the bar! Beuchert’s Saloon, 623 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. (202) 733-1384. beuchertssaloon.com. (May Wildman)

OH AND ALSO

Local ngoni player Cheick Hamala Diabaté performs as part of the Francophonie Festival at La Maison Française tonight. He’s joined by desert blues ensemble Terakaft. 7:30 p.m. at La Maison Française, 4101 Reservoir Road NW. $25 general admission, $15 for students.

Danish chamber music group Trio con Brio Copenhagen performs selections by Ravel and Mendelssohn at the Kennedy Center. 7:30 p.m. at the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater, 2700 F St. NW. $28.

Pati Jinich, host of the PBS cooking program Pati’s Mexican Table, discusses her cookbook of the same name with Washington Post food editor Joe Yonan. 7 p.m. at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, 600 I St. NW. $12.

Alt-country mainstays Cowboy Junkies perform the first of two shows at the Birchmere. 7:30 p.m. at the Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. $45.

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