DC JazzFest at Arena Stage: Generations Series

For this auspicious evening, DCJF has assembled a multi-generational cast of musicians including pianists George Cables, Benny Green and Orrin Evans, with emerging pianists Shamie Royston and Hope Udobi collaborating with the cross-generational rhythm section of drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts and bassist Kris Funn.

From Mary Lou Williams to Bud Powell, Ahmad Jamal to Herbie Hancock, Jaki Byard to Jason Moran, Marian McPartland to Helen Sung, and Cecil Taylor to Christian Sands, the piano trio has been the beating heart of jazz – whether standing alone or as a band’s core rhythm section. “This first concert of the series will bring together some of today’s and tomorrow’s most outstanding jazz pianists to celebrate, share musical stories and exchange ideas through performance and conversation,” said Orrin Evans, DCJF Artist-in-Residence. This inaugural concert will feature the soulful Benny Green, swinging Hope Udobi, lyrical Shamie Royston, master George Cables, and instigator Orrin Evans, accompanied by the all-star, multi-generational rhythm section of Jeff “Tain” Watts and bassist Kris Funn.

The concert will conclude with a post-concert conversation moderated by DCJF President and CEO Sunny Sumter.