There has been a startling broadening of horizons in recent years, thanks to the promptings of the previous generation and the frequently enlightened artistic policies of the major promoters and venues around the country. It is not unusual nowadays to hear of a new project from the Irish scene that invokes Indian rhythms, Balkan grooves, contemporary classical forms, traditional influences and rock sensibilities. Jazz, of course, soaks it all up and asks for more.

The Pendulum club at JJ Smyths on Aungier Street in Dublin continues to be the best regular jazz club in Ireland, with a consistently thoughtful programme that changes every week, bringing the best of the local scene and often heavyweight visitors: tonight, Dublin-resident guitarists John Kregor and Ariel Hernandez mix the repertoires of their home continents, respectively North and South America; visiting Dutch guitarist Jesse Van Ruller, described by the great Pat Metheny as "one of the best young guitarists I've ever heard" plays a one-off with a local A-list rhythm section on 20 May; and power trio Microclimate are joined by the superb British saxophonist Julian Arguelles on 27 May.

Several long-running residencies means that never a week goes past without some top-flight jazz in the capital. Pianist Phil Ware's Summit in JJs on Monday nights continues to match his trio with guest artists of the calibre of Nigel Mooney (tomorrow night), Tommy Halferty (21) and Richie Buckley (28). Meanwhile Thursdays in JJs still plays host to Dublin's longest-running residency, Isotope, usually featuring a Buckley or two. And of course, Thursday nights are also a neverto-be-missed opportunity to catch Irish jazz's national treasure, guitarist Louis Stewart, in his natural habitat, downstairs at the Bleu Note on Capel Street.

The Kaboom Collective's Sunday-evening residency in the ohso-cool environs of 4 Dame Lane is gathering pace and receiving rave reviews from a growing audience. A group of like-minded musicians, doing for themselves what no-one else will do for them, Kaboom are creating playing opportunities and building a new audience. This evening sees the unveiling of saxophonist Ciaran Wilde's ambitious new venture, the Dublin City Jazz Orchestra, prior to their big show in the Axis in Ballymun tomorrow. See them twice. Then next Sunday, Kaboom are offering a triple bill, featuring Croupier, a new group from violinist Simone Mendonca, the adventurous vocalist and songwriter Abigail Smith, and Freeway, a four piece with a similarly intrepid spirit. You can't go wrong with three acts . . . even if you don't like what's playing, another one will be along in a minute.

Guitarist Sami Moukaddem has been resident in Dublin for most of his life, but his Lebanese roots are a strong influence in his music. His excellent band, which has released two CDs in the last few years, features the superb and all too seldom seen saxophonist Brendan Doyle. Moukaddem and band play JJs on Wednesday 16 May.

Each of these concerts is recommended. But perhaps most deserving of an audience is the five day mini-festival of students from Newpark Music Centre that takes place in JJs on the 18, 19, 23, 25 and 26 May. This festival will be a fascinating snap shot of what to expect in the next 10 years in Irish jazz. The unexpected, most likely.