Jazz Beat: Nancy Wilson/Cannonball Adderley Tribute, with Todd Strait and Karla Harris, at Take Five Coffee + Bar and Green Lady Lounge

It’s always a treat when drummer and Topeka native Todd Strait returns to our city — even more so when he brings a special guest. With him this time is Karla Harris, an Atlanta jazz singer originally from St. Louis. A welcoming and conversational yet soulful quality marks her song stylings. She and Strait will perform music from the classic jazz album that pairs Nancy Wilson and Cannonball Adderley, plus some of Harris’ own compositions. Jim Mair on alto sax, Roger Wilder on keyboards and Bob Bowman on bass fill out the ensemble. Better yet, the weekend offers two chances to hear them: Friday night at Take Five and Saturday at the Green Lady Lounge.