Alex Winston (Facebook/Alex Winston, aWANTEDmag)

Words Beats & Life kicks off the seventh annual Bum Rush the Boards hip-hop chess festival with Beats & Blogs + Philanthrobeat: Wu-Tang Clan Edition. DJs Wonder Mike, Alizay, and The Diamond Cutterz will be spinning Wu-Tang Clan. The happy hour raises money for scholarships for underprivileged youths to insure that all those who want to participate in the chess tournament can. LIV. 6 p.m. $10 general admission; $7 if wearing "Beats by Dre."

All Things Gold presents indie-pop artist Alex Winston with Long Walks on the Beach at U Street Music Hall. Winston, who is classically trained in opera, said growing up she was into Motown, Chuck Berry, and Little Richard. 7 p.m. $7.

Jazz-pianist Keiko Matsui performs at Blues Alley. Thursday thru Sunday. 8 and 10 p.m. $45.