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 bassist Amina...

Labor Day Weekend festival brings jazz legends, rising stars, and hometown talent to Washington, DC, September 2–6, 2026 WASHINGTON, DC — The DC Jazz Festival (DCJF) today announced major additions to the 2026 DC JazzFest lineup: GRAMMY-winning drummer Nate Smith, NEA Jazz Masters Donald Harrison and Amina Claudine Myers, and a dynamic slate of DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) artists joining a powerhouse roster that includes Dee Dee Bridgewater, Joshua Redman, Kurt Elling & Yellowjackets,...

By Jason Toney It hasn’t happened to me recently, but late last year, my regular Saturday morning ritual of exploring new music was often derailed by self-published, artificial sound-alikes. Most times, I sensed artifice in seconds and moved on, but occasionally, I’d tap along a while before questioning what I was hearing. In each instance, I left disappointed and deflated by AI-generated music. There’s a lot of concern about the impact of artificial intelligence on our lives today. I’ve...