The Venezuelan Jazz Collective, led by Jazz Faculty Fran Vielma, performs at Blues Alley Jazz Club on Wednesday, October 2 at 7:00 pm and 9:30 pm. The star-studded ensemble will perform the East Coast premiere of “Common Grounds,” a suite commissioned by Chamber Music America-New Jazz Works that explores the rich connection between Venezuelan music and its neighboring cultures. Supported by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, the evening will feature Fran Vielma (Percussion/Compositions), Alex Norris (Trumpet), Román Filiú (Alto Saxophone), Jacob Garchik (Trombone), Santiago Bosch (Piano), Peter Slavov (Acoustic Bass), and Julian Miltenberger (Drums).