DC Jazz Festival's new podcast series, We Get to Talk, features DCJF President and CEO Sunny Sumter engaging jazz artists in captivating conversations that revolve around relevant topics, people and places. We Get To Talk launched April 14, with episodes being released on a bi-weekly basis. Listeners can tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Crossover Media or wherever they get their podcasts.

The first round of episodes showcases a wide-ranging cast of guests with unique stories to share. In our first episode, piano prodigy Matthew Whitaker, who is blind, offers ways we can create a more inclusive and accessible world for the disabled community, particularly in music and the arts. In the second installment, Sunny and soul singer-songwriter Cecily discuss the power of mindfulness and music’s healing ability. In episode three, Allyn Johnson, Director of Jazz Studies at the University of the District of Columbia, shares his experiences as an arts educator and talks about the inspiration we can all find from love. Next, harmonicist Frédéric Yonnet sits down with Sunny to discuss what it means to truly be part of one’s community and the strength that comes from knowing your neighbors. From there we hear from Afro Blue alumna Christie Dashiell as she shares her thoughts on how artists have been and can continue to adapt to the times. Finally, Sunny explores the importance of heritage and identity with hip-hop artist Maimouna “Mumu Fresh” Youssef and how they influence her musical stylings.

We Get To Talk is presented in collaboration with Crossover Media. Each episode features snippets of guests’ past DC JazzFest performances and a segment dedicated to discussing each artist’s motivations and inspirations. “We are thrilled to welcome Sunny Sumter to the Crossover Podcast family,” said Crossover Media founder Alex Hollingsworth. “Whether discussing the latest Verzuz, politics, music or social issues, our hosts cover a variety of topics.” 

For press inquiries or requests for information, contact Lydia Liebman, DCJF publicist, at lydia@lydialiebmanpromotions.com.