Royalty indeed

The violin isn’t typically associated with jazz, despite the work of greats like Stéphane Grappelli, Joe Venuti and Stuff Smith. Violinist Regina Carter, like her predecessors, exploits the versatility of the violin—an instrument unmatched in its range of possible techniques. But unlike her predecessors, Carter, a recipient of a MacArthur genius grant, refuses to be stylistically pigeonholed. Equally adept with the graceful lines of an Ellington ballad, the growl of “St. Louis Blues” or contemporary improv, Carter continues to break new ground for jazz violinists. Her quintet takes the stage at 8 p.m. this Saturday in the Mondavi Center’s Jackson Hall. The concert is part of the 90.9 KXJZ Improvisations Series, which concludes with a performance by vibraphonist Stefon Harris on April 10. Tickets are $32-$42 for adults, $16-$21 for students and children. For more information and ticket sales, call (866) 754-2787 or visit www.mondaviarts.org.