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dc jazzfest

LABOR DAY WEEKEND
AUGUST 27 - 31, 2025

EXPERIENCE

DC JAZZFEST

MEET OUR HEADLINERS

WHAT'S GOING ON!

DC JAZZ FESTIVAL INSTAGRAM FEED

🎻✨ From the classroom to the global stage—@thestringqueens are bringing their powerful sound to #DCJazzFest 2025 at @thewharfdc on Saturday, August 30!

This dynamic trio of DC public school educators and award-winning musicians blend classical mastery with modern jazz brilliance, captivating audiences around the world—and right here at home.

Grab your tickets today: dcjazzfest.org/tickets

🎻✨ From the classroom to the global stage—@thestringqueens are bringing their powerful sound to #DCJazzFest 2025 at @thewharfdc on Saturday, August 30!

This dynamic trio of DC public school educators and award-winning musicians blend classical mastery with modern jazz brilliance, captivating audiences around the world—and right here at home.

Grab your tickets today: dcjazzfest.org/tickets

Starting this Thursday... Jazz @ Met is back at National Landing in Arlington! 🎶

Ease into your evening with live jazz from incredible local artists, grab tasty bites from Good Company and Toby's Ice Cream, and relax on the lawn or a park bench with friends and family every Thursday from May 8 to June 12 at this free weekly concert series.

Let the rhythms carry you into springtime bliss—see you there! Details at link in bio @nationallanding.

#lovenationallanding

Starting this Thursday... Jazz @ Met is back at National Landing in Arlington! 🎶

Ease into your evening with live jazz from incredible local artists, grab tasty bites from Good Company and Toby's Ice Cream, and relax on the lawn or a park bench with friends and family every Thursday from May 8 to June 12 at this free weekly concert series.

Let the rhythms carry you into springtime bliss—see you there! Details at link in bio @nationallanding.

#lovenationallanding

🔥 Modern jazz meets hip hop soul—@keyonharrold takes the stage at DC JazzFest at @thewharfdc on Sunday, August 31! A fearless trumpeter and boundary-breaking artist, Harrold’s sound has graced everything from the Miles Ahead film to tracks by Jay-Z and Mary J. Blige.

Don’t miss this genre-bending performance that reflects the music of a generation.

Reserve your tickets now: https://www.dcjazzfest.org/tickets

🔥 Modern jazz meets hip hop soul—@keyonharrold takes the stage at DC JazzFest at @thewharfdc on Sunday, August 31! A fearless trumpeter and boundary-breaking artist, Harrold’s sound has graced everything from the Miles Ahead film to tracks by Jay-Z and Mary J. Blige.

Don’t miss this genre-bending performance that reflects the music of a generation.

Reserve your tickets now: https://www.dcjazzfest.org/tickets

🎶 Last night’s Fishman Embassy Series event at the @SwissEmbassyUSA was a beautiful celebration of jazz as a global language.

In the spirit of cultural exchange, we honored the legacy of Charles Fishman by bringing together international artistry, diplomacy, and community through the universal power of music.

Thank you to our hosts at the Embassy of Switzerland and to all who joined us for this unforgettable evening. 🌍🎷

🎶 Last night’s Fishman Embassy Series event at the @SwissEmbassyUSA was a beautiful celebration of jazz as a global language.

In the spirit of cultural exchange, we honored the legacy of Charles Fishman by bringing together international artistry, diplomacy, and community through the universal power of music.

Thank you to our hosts at the Embassy of Switzerland and to all who joined us for this unforgettable evening. 🌍🎷

Today, on the anniversary of her birth, we honor native and lifetime Washingtonian, NEA Jazz Master pianist-vocalist Shirley Horn. After matriculating through music studies at Howard University, Shirley Horn developed a peerless vocal/piano balance that proved highly influential - even on Miles Davis. When first exposed to Ms. Horn's artistry, Miles insisted on her playing opposite him at the legendary Village Vanguard. She went on to record extensively, including a late-career recording renaissance on Verve Records. #jazzdc #Only1DC #shirleyhorn #legacy

Today, on the anniversary of her birth, we honor native and lifetime Washingtonian, NEA Jazz Master pianist-vocalist Shirley Horn. After matriculating through music studies at Howard University, Shirley Horn developed a peerless vocal/piano balance that proved highly influential - even on Miles Davis. When first exposed to Ms. Horn's artistry, Miles insisted on her playing opposite him at the legendary Village Vanguard. She went on to record extensively, including a late-career recording renaissance on Verve Records. #jazzdc #Only1DC #shirleyhorn #legacy

Last week, we gathered to celebrate the remarkable life and legacy of Charles Fishman, whose passion and vision left an indelible mark on the world of music and the hearts of all who knew him. 💛

Through heartfelt stories, moving reflections, and powerful performances—including a vibrant second line—we honored a life that championed jazz, community, and cultural connection. From his fierce dedication to artists to his unwavering belief in the power of music, Charles’s spirit was present in every note and memory shared.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to remember and celebrate a true visionary. His legacy lives on in the music—and in all of us.

Last week, we gathered to celebrate the remarkable life and legacy of Charles Fishman, whose passion and vision left an indelible mark on the world of music and the hearts of all who knew him. 💛

Through heartfelt stories, moving reflections, and powerful performances—including a vibrant second line—we honored a life that championed jazz, community, and cultural connection. From his fierce dedication to artists to his unwavering belief in the power of music, Charles’s spirit was present in every note and memory shared.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to remember and celebrate a true visionary. His legacy lives on in the music—and in all of us.

Catch @eddiepalmieri and his Afro-Caribbean Jazz Octet live on Sunday, August 31 at #DCJazzFest—a powerhouse performance from one of the reigning kings of Latin jazz. 🏆 With multiple GRAMMYs, a genre-defining career, and the honor of being an NEA Jazz Master, Eddie Palmieri brings bold rhythm, fiery energy, and unmatched artistry straight from Puerto Rico to the heart of DC.

This is your chance to experience a living legend in action—don’t miss it. Secure your tickets now at the link in our bio!

Catch @eddiepalmieri and his Afro-Caribbean Jazz Octet live on Sunday, August 31 at #DCJazzFest—a powerhouse performance from one of the reigning kings of Latin jazz. 🏆 With multiple GRAMMYs, a genre-defining career, and the honor of being an NEA Jazz Master, Eddie Palmieri brings bold rhythm, fiery energy, and unmatched artistry straight from Puerto Rico to the heart of DC.

This is your chance to experience a living legend in action—don’t miss it. Secure your tickets now at the link in our bio!

Headed to #DCJazzFest 2025? Make your stay as unforgettable as the music with our hotel partners! 🎷🎤🎶

Whether you’re coming in for the full festival weekend or just a night of jazz by the water, our hotel partners offer the perfect mix of style, comfort, and convenience—right in the heart of the action.

Book early and stay close to the sounds that move you. Explore hotel options on our website, linked in our bio.

Headed to #DCJazzFest 2025? Make your stay as unforgettable as the music with our hotel partners! 🎷🎤🎶

Whether you’re coming in for the full festival weekend or just a night of jazz by the water, our hotel partners offer the perfect mix of style, comfort, and convenience—right in the heart of the action.

Book early and stay close to the sounds that move you. Explore hotel options on our website, linked in our bio.

🎶 April is Jazz Appreciation Month! 🎶

This month, we celebrate the music, the legends, and the community that make jazz an enduring force of creativity and connection. From its deep roots to its ever-evolving sound, jazz tells stories, bridges cultures, and brings us together in ways no other genre can.

At DC Jazz Festival, we’re proud to champion this rich tradition—honoring the past, celebrating the present, and shaping the future of jazz. Whether you're a lifelong jazz lover or just discovering its magic, join us in embracing the rhythm, soul, and spirit of jazz all month long!

What’s your favorite jazz memory? Drop it in the comments! ⬇️

🎶 April is Jazz Appreciation Month! 🎶

This month, we celebrate the music, the legends, and the community that make jazz an enduring force of creativity and connection. From its deep roots to its ever-evolving sound, jazz tells stories, bridges cultures, and brings us together in ways no other genre can.

At DC Jazz Festival, we’re proud to champion this rich tradition—honoring the past, celebrating the present, and shaping the future of jazz. Whether you're a lifelong jazz lover or just discovering its magic, join us in embracing the rhythm, soul, and spirit of jazz all month long!

What’s your favorite jazz memory? Drop it in the comments! ⬇️

🚨 Final reminder to apply for the DCJazzPrix International Band Competition! The deadline is TOMORROW.

This is your last chance to:
✅ Compete for a $15,000 Grand Prize
✅ Gain career-changing exposure & mentorship
✅ Secure a spot at DC JazzFest 2026

🎷 Don’t miss out—apply now before it’s too late at dcjazzfest.org/dcjazzprix-apply

🚨 Final reminder to apply for the DCJazzPrix International Band Competition! The deadline is TOMORROW.

This is your last chance to:
✅ Compete for a $15,000 Grand Prize
✅ Gain career-changing exposure & mentorship
✅ Secure a spot at DC JazzFest 2026

🎷 Don’t miss out—apply now before it’s too late at dcjazzfest.org/dcjazzprix-apply

Experience the boundary-pushing sounds of Zoh Amba Sun Ensemble at @rhizome_dc! 🎷

Join us on Monday, April 21 for an electrifying night of avant-garde jazz and spiritual intensity, featuring Zoh Amba Sun Ensemble led by saxophonist and composer Zoh Amba ahead of their debut record release on Smalltown Supersound.

Secure your spot now! Link on our website in bio.

Experience the boundary-pushing sounds of Zoh Amba Sun Ensemble at @rhizome_dc! 🎷

Join us on Monday, April 21 for an electrifying night of avant-garde jazz and spiritual intensity, featuring Zoh Amba Sun Ensemble led by saxophonist and composer Zoh Amba ahead of their debut record release on Smalltown Supersound.

Secure your spot now! Link on our website in bio.

Tickets now on sale for Cécile McLorin Salvant during DC JazzFest! 🎤✨

Experience the spellbinding artistry of Cécile McLorin Salvant on Thursday, August 28, at @arenastage as part of #DCJazzFest 2025! An inventive and fearless vocalist, Cécile masterfully weaves jazz tradition with original storytelling, unexpected twists, and magnetic charm.

From reimagined American Songbook classics to her own breathtaking compositions, this is a performance that jazz lovers won’t want to miss!

🎟️ VIP & general admission tickets available at the link in our bio.

Tickets now on sale for Cécile McLorin Salvant during DC JazzFest! 🎤✨

Experience the spellbinding artistry of Cécile McLorin Salvant on Thursday, August 28, at @arenastage as part of #DCJazzFest 2025! An inventive and fearless vocalist, Cécile masterfully weaves jazz tradition with original storytelling, unexpected twists, and magnetic charm.

From reimagined American Songbook classics to her own breathtaking compositions, this is a performance that jazz lovers won’t want to miss!

🎟️ VIP & general admission tickets available at the link in our bio.

From soaring solos to electrifying ensembles, the JazzDC™ All-Stars lit up the stage with an incredible showcase of talent, passion, and the rich legacy of jazz in our city. ✨

A huge thank you to the phenomenal musicians, our amazing audience, and the Kennedy Center for hosting this spectacular evening. Moments like these remind us why we do what we do—keeping jazz alive and thriving in DC!

📸 Swipe for highlights from this unforgettable night!

Photo cred: @gabrielkoempelmusic @wjsandel

From soaring solos to electrifying ensembles, the JazzDC™ All-Stars lit up the stage with an incredible showcase of talent, passion, and the rich legacy of jazz in our city. ✨

A huge thank you to the phenomenal musicians, our amazing audience, and the Kennedy Center for hosting this spectacular evening. Moments like these remind us why we do what we do—keeping jazz alive and thriving in DC!

📸 Swipe for highlights from this unforgettable night!

Photo cred: @gabrielkoempelmusic @wjsandel

🚨 Only one week left! Time is running out to get early bird pricing for DC JazzFest 2025!

Join us August 27-31 for an unforgettable weekend of live jazz, waterfront views, and community vibes. Act now to lock in your tickets before prices go up!

Don’t wait—grab your tickets now before early bird sales end March 16: dcjazzfest.org/tickets

#DCJazzFest #DCEvents #Only1DC

🚨 Only one week left! Time is running out to get early bird pricing for DC JazzFest 2025!

Join us August 27-31 for an unforgettable weekend of live jazz, waterfront views, and community vibes. Act now to lock in your tickets before prices go up!

Don’t wait—grab your tickets now before early bird sales end March 16: dcjazzfest.org/tickets

#DCJazzFest #DCEvents #Only1DC

Say 👋 to our five newest board members! They join a dedicated, influential, and highly diverse body that will lead the organization into our next phase, expanding #dcjazzfest and advancing our mission to support the future of jazz.

Say 👋 to our five newest board members! They join a dedicated, influential, and highly diverse body that will lead the organization into our next phase, expanding #dcjazzfest and advancing our mission to support the future of jazz.

Congratulations to our president and CEO, Sunny Sumter, for being honored with @howard1867's Alumni Award for Distinguished Postgraduate Achievement this past weekend! A true and well-deserved achievement.

Congratulations to our president and CEO, Sunny Sumter, for being honored with @howard1867's Alumni Award for Distinguished Postgraduate Achievement this past weekend! A true and well-deserved achievement.

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