2011 DCJF Reviews
Two electrifying concerts in particular-Bobby McFerrin's spiritually ennobling concert at the Warner Theater with Howard University's Afro Blue Reunion Concert, and A Night in Treme, at and in partnership with The Kennedy Center - stood out as signature achievements not only of the year, but of the festival's history to date.
"In an age of homogeneous, prepackaged, and thoroughly market-tested entertainment, the sprawling variety and communal spirit of the DC Jazz Festival stands as a reminder of the powerful role live, improvised music can play in defining a distinct culture and community."
- Franz A. Matzner, All About Jazz
"Palmieri stole the [Jazz on the National Mall] show with his group's raucous energy and impeccable musicianship...Palmieri's band visibly fed off each other, driving each other through the breathless set."
- Matthew Dicker, JazzTimes
"Festival founder Charlie Fishman and his staff should be proud of their progress in creating a world class event, and we are already looking forward to what the next year brings."
- Sriram Gopal, DCist
Click here to view photos from this event!
Praise for Bobby McFerrin's performance at the Warner Theater:
"Bobby McFerrin's appearance with Afro Blue last night at the Warner Theatre was the finest concert in the history of the D.C. Jazz Festival...This performance was, from start to finish, a glorious, unqualified triumph." "The [Bobby McFerrin] evening was as close to perfection as any I've ever seen on stage, in any medium..."
-Michael J. West, Washington City Paper
Mixing musical mastery with inimitable showmanship and an inviting energy, the [Bobby McFerrin] concert was not only the best of this year's festival, but possibly the best show of any of its seven iterations.
-Sriram Gopal, DCist
In the end, when virtually everyone in the house was standing and applauding, including all the performers, McFerrin seemed every bit as happy with the concert as his fans, which is saying a lot.
-Mike Joyce, The Washington Post
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