By Heidi Martin, DCJF Education Manager At the start of 2026, I had the pleasure of attending the Jazz Education Network (JEN) Conference in New Orleans! Inspiring lectures, workshops, and student ensemble performances created a dynamic space for artists, music directors, instructors, and presenters to exchange ideas and share education strategies that are part of the national dialogue. It was a great way to refuel just before launching DC Jazz Festival’s 2026 year-round ed

DC JazzFest 2026 was extraordinary! For five days, Washington, DC came alive with the sounds and spirit of jazz. Exceptional artists, packed venues, new discoveries, joyful audiences and unforgettable moments reminded us of the power of this music, and of DC’s place in its story. What I heard again and again throughout the Festival was one word: community. Jazz became our gathering place, across generations, cultures and neighborhoods, and among artists, audiences, old fr

November 16 Benefit Concert at The Anthem supports year-round music education WASHINGTON, DC (September 29, 2026) — DC Jazz Festival (DCJF) announced today that two-time GRAMMY Award-winning vocalist Gregory Porter will headline its Night of Stars Benefit Concert on Monday, November 16, 2026, at The Anthem in Washington, DC, with acclaimed DC-based ensemble The String Queens opening the evening. Both return to DC Jazz Festival by popular demand for a night of extraordinary

Free Kids Concerts, Festival Scavenger Hunt, and Two Education Stages Spotlight Young Musicians During Labor Day Weekend WASHINGTON, DC — DC Jazz Festival will bring a full slate of family-friendly programming to DC JazzFest at The Wharf along the Southwest Waterfront on Saturday, September 5 and Sunday, September 6, including free interactive DC JazzBops! Kids Concerts, a festival-wide scavenger hunt for young attendees, and performances by student and emerging musicians o

September 2-6, Festival Features NEA Jazz Masters, GRAMMY Winners, International Artists, Rising Stars and DC’s Finest Across the District WASHINGTON, DC – August 20, 2025 – The DC Jazz Festival (DCJF) announces the complete lineup of the 22nd annual DC JazzFest, set to take over Washington, DC from September 2-6. This year’s festivities will showcase an extraordinary array of artistry featuring NEA Jazz Masters, GRAMMY winners, competition winners, emerging stars, internat

Butcher Brown, Corcoran Holt and Marshall Keys & Soulful Path bring a free afternoon and evening of jazz to Downtown DC on September 3 WASHINGTON, DC — DC Jazz Festival is bringing the music to the heart of Downtown DC with a dynamic afternoon and evening of live jazz at Anthem Row on Thursday, September 3, featuring jazz-funk favorites Butcher Brown, acclaimed bassist and DC native Corcoran Holt, and legendary DC saxophonist Marshall Keys & Soulful Path. Presented as par

This summer, our interns are once again helping to deliver the energy, creativity, and community spirit of DC JazzFest. Set along Washington, DC’s vibrant Southwest waterfront, the festival offers interns a front-row look at what it takes to work in an arts organization and produce a major cultural event—from artist and audience support to communications, hospitality, logistics, and community engagement. Why It Matters One of the most exciting parts of the internship experien

By Willard Jenkins, Artistic Director As the 2026 edition of DC JazzFest rolls out, our events will provide a vivid reflection of the goal of celebrating jazz as both an expression of American history and a progressive, innovative art form. The evolution of jazz as a constantly developing art form serves as a powerful metaphor for the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding. As a vital component of DC250, DCJF will continue its ongoing celebration of the enormous contribut

DCJF’s incomparable annual band competition enters its 11th year of recognizing and supporting top jazz ensemble talent WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 28, 2026 — The DC Jazz Festival® (DCJF) today announced the four bands selected as the 2026 DCJazzPrix™ Finalists, all of whom will perform Saturday, September 5, 2026 during the 11th annual DCJazzPrix Finals at Union Stage, part of the 2026 DC JazzFest. The 2026 DCJazzPrix finalists are: AMINA SCOTT QUINTET (New Orleans, LA): Led by