Treat yourself to an evening of American big-band jazz with the bi-annual Washington Performing Arts presentation of the sensational 15-member Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, led by artistic director, trumpeter, and nine-time Grammy Award-winner Wynton Marsalis. Hear works by Thelonious Monk, Mary Lou Williams, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, and Charles Mingus. As the Chicago Tribune described the exhilarating force of the band in concert: “The orchestra [tore] through this music as if chasing the wind. Only a group of musicians who have toured together for so long…could have attained this kind of synchronicity.”

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Jazz at Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Prepare for an enchanting afternoon at the Tregaron Meadow Concert featuring the Todd Marcus Trio and jazz vocalist Imani-Grace Cooper. The unique sound of Marcus’s trio focuses bass clarinet at center stage alongside bass and drums. Their performance blends original compositions with jazz standards, showcasing Marcus’s rich musical vocabulary and his ability to transition between hard-blowing intensity and soft, textural sensitivity. Imani-Grace Cooper, known for her versatility and deep knowledge of jazz, captivates audiences with her dynamic vocal performances. Having studied under the esteemed Connaitre Miller, Imani-Grace has cultivated a successful jazz following in Washington, D.C., and has performed solo at the Apollo Theater during the Annual Harlem Jazz Week. She has shared the stage with legends such as Dianne Reeves, Esperanza Spalding, and Al Jarreau.

Tregaron Meadow Concert

Tregaron Conservancy

French-born urban jazz harmonicist Frédéric Yonnet crushes every preconceived notion you’ve had about the harmonica. With each performance, walls come tumbling down as Yonnet presents the harmonica in a refreshing and modern context that is boldly stylish, enchantingly cool, and absorbingly brilliant. 

Frédéric Yonnet

Kennedy Center

Encompassing Jason and Alicia’s iconic blend of music and theater, this new work—set in their Harlem apartment—is intensely entertaining and visually stimulating. “It’s us examining each other’s repertoire,” says Jason, “my favorite songs of Alicia, Alicia’s favorite songs of mine.” Created during the pandemic, Family Ball is a creative feat. But more importantly, it’s a love note.

Jason Moran & Alicia Hall Moran: Family Ball

Podcast link: https://youtu.be/4hagYvrYbuM

The Artelize Podcast and Kasper Holten - Pedefining Opera for the modern world

Podcast link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d36M5Hi6O80

The Artelize Podcast - A legacy of innovation in Opera: Celebrating Marc A. Scorca

Podcast link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59E40S_EQSY

The Artelize Podcast: A love letter that was never sent

Podcast link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THv6htilWtI

The Artelize Podcast and Adolfo Corrado: Mediterranean flavors, opera and social media

Experience the vibrant fusion of genres with The Blacc Print Experience, a standout event in the Mars Arts D.C. Concert Series. This unique performance is set to take place at the Songbyrd Music House on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at 8:00 PM. The Blacc Print Experience brings together an exceptional collective of musicians who masterfully blend R&B, funk, jazz, go-go, and hip-hop. Their genre-defying sound creates a sonic tapestry filled with infectious grooves, powerful lyrics, and dynamic performances that resonate with diverse audiences and celebrate the universal language of music.

This event promises an unforgettable night where guests will be immersed in music that uplifts and inspires. The performance is free with registration, making it accessible to all who wish to experience the magic of live music and the unique sound that The Blacc Print Experience offers.

The Mars Arts D.C. Concert Series is a collaboration between Mars, Incorporated and Washington Performing Arts, supported by Jacqueline Badger Mars. This event is made possible through the generous support of Events DC, Pepco, An Exelon Company, and Elaine Rose. Special thanks to the lead supporters of Washington Performing Arts’s mission-driven work, including Jacqueline Badger Mars and Mars, Incorporated, D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, the National Capital Arts and Cultural Affairs Program, the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, and The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation.

Don't miss this opportunity to witness a performance that bridges genres and brings people together through the power of music. Register now to secure your spot at The Blacc Print Experience at Songbyrd Music House.

The Blacc Print Experience

Union Market

Join us for a mesmerizing evening as Washington Performing Arts presents the D.C. premiere of Mary Lou Williams's "Zodiac Suite," performed by the Aaron Diehl Trio and The United States Air Force Band, under the baton of Col. Don Schofield. This one-night concert event takes place on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at 7:30 PM at the historic Lincoln Theatre.

"Zodiac Suite" is a pioneering orchestral work by pianist and composer Mary Lou Williams, composed of 12 pieces representing the astrological signs. Each piece is dedicated to jazz legends of her era, including Billie Holiday, Dizzy Gillespie, and Thelonious Monk, among others. Although Williams debuted her celestial odyssey in various formats during her lifetime, the full suite as she envisioned it has never been performed until now. Pianist Aaron Diehl has devoted considerable effort to restoring Williams's original orchestrations, bringing this significant work to life in collaboration with The United States Air Force Band.

The program will also feature other notable works, creating an evening that celebrates the synthesis of jazz and classical music. This event not only honors the legacy of Mary Lou Williams but also showcases the innovative spirit of jazz and its influence on classical music.

Tickets are now available for reservation. Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience a landmark moment in music history.

Zodiac Suite

Lincoln Theater

Experience what makes Capital City Voices so special! This jazz choir, led by Alison Crockett, has been delighting DC-area audiences for years, with musical arrangements that mix jazz, R&B, and gospel for a unique style and fun vocal experience.

Capital City Voices Spring Concert 2024

DC Campus: NW

Join us in honoring the life and work of the “first lady of jazz,” legendary pianist and composer Mary Lou Williams. Hosted by the incomparable Dee Dee Bridgewater, this year’s two-day festival features performances by Eliane Elias, Endea Owens, Ingrid Jensen and the Center Song Project, Julia Keefe’s Indigenous Big Band, and more phenomenal women leading today’s jazz scene.

Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival 2024

Each year, outstanding young musicians with disabilities from around the world receive the Kennedy Center’s VSA International Young Musicians Award. At this Ellington-inspired piano showcase, we spotlight three ferociously talented winners: Justin Kauflin, José André Montaño, and Matthew Whitaker.

Three Keys to Ellington: Justin Kauflin, José André Montaño, Matthew Whitaker

Described as a “New Jazz Power Source” by the New York Times, cellist extraordinaire Tomeka Reid presents her groundbreaking new work inspired by Duke Ellington. Be among the first to witness this Kennedy Center co-commission as Reid seamlessly captures the essence of Ellington, all while propelling jazz into bold new territories.

Tomeka Reid, Celebrating Ellington

Apr 19th @ 1 pm- 2:30 pm MUSIC: NEW YORK VOICES Jazz Masterclass in the Childers Recital Hall

NEW YORK VOICES Jazz Masterclass

Howard University Fine Arts Building

Experience the enchanting fusion of nature and music at the Tregaron Meadow Concert, a captivating event hosted at the picturesque Tregaron Conservancy. Set against a backdrop of lush landscapes, this concert promises an afternoon of serene ambiance and melodious performances that seamlessly blend with the natural surroundings. Scheduled for Saturday, April 13, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., this unique event invites you to immerse yourself in the harmonious interplay of talented musicians and the tranquil beauty of Tregaron’s North Meadow.

Under the guidance of D.C. jazz impresario Brad Linde, the concert will feature performances by renowned D.C.-based saxophonists Leigh Pilzer and Brian Settles, alongside the captivating jazz vocalist Yvette Spears. Together, they will create an unforgettable sensory experience, performing in small ensembles that highlight the rich musical heritage and vibrant contemporary jazz scene of Washington D.C.

This event is free with registration, offering an accessible opportunity for all to enjoy the transformative power of music in a stunning natural setting. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, small folding chairs, and picnics to enhance their concert experience amidst the meadow’s beauty.

The Tregaron Meadow Concert is not just a musical event; it's a celebration of community, art, and the enduring spirit of creativity that thrives in the heart of the city. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with music, nature, and fellow music enthusiasts in an afternoon that promises to be as uplifting as it is unforgettable.

Guided by Duke Ellington’s great canon, Jason Moran takes a solo piano climb up “Mount Ellington” in this extraordinary celebration of the composer’s enduring legacy. Experience the timeless genius of Ellington’s music, brilliantly reimagined by Moran and paired with iconic images of The Duke by legendary photographer Gordon Parks.

Jason Moran – Solo Ellington

Levine’s Rock and Jazz Combos showcase their work in the Lang. Join us for a great evening of music!

Contemporary Program Showcase

Clarence Penn is one of the busiest jazz drummers in the world—he’s a leader of multiple bands, prolific composer, celebrated producer, and renowned educator. His band Penn Station is known for their ability to find new accents in well-known songs, moving seamlessly through styles as Clarence is devoted to the rhythms of the world. His motto: “When people hear my name, I want them to think, ‘I don’t know what band he’s playing with tonight, or what he’ll be doing, but it’s going to be good.’”

Clarence Penn, Penn Station

Performing worldwide for more than 101 years under the guidance of three generations of Ellington’s family, the Grammy Award–winning supergroup has produced more iconic jazz classics than any other band—passing the sound artist-to-artist in the creative spirit of its founder.

Duke Ellington Orchestra

Pianist Myra Melford and drummer Allison Miller draw on their shared passion for nature and the life-giving power of light in their Lux Quartet. Saxophonist Dayna Stephens and bassist Scott Colley amplify the two bandleader’s innovative compositions to craft an intense, glowing sonic experience. The combination of artists is, according to Melford, “like throwing a spark at tinder—everything immediately bursts into flames.”

Allison Miller and Myra Melford’s Lux Quartet

Grammy Award–winning bassist, composer, and bandleader Linda May Han Oh leads a dynamic group of musicians in The Glass Hours, a striking and deeply moving collection of works based on the fragility of time and life. On this enveloping new album, loss and resilience permeate every melody, harmony, and rhythm she orchestrates and improvises.

Linda May Han Oh, The Glass Hours

Levine’s Jazz Combos showcase their work in the Lang. The teen and adult combos have worked with Levine faculty to deepen their knowledge of jazz and develop improvisation skills. Join us for a great evening of music!

Jazz Program Showcase 2024

Swing in the New Year with Jazzmeia Horn and her sensational big band! With a name that speaks for itself, the mesmerizing vocalist transports audiences to a bygone era of elegance and improvisation. Get ready for a night of fiery new music and the timeless allure of big-band jazz.

Jazz events in Washington, DC

Jazz at Lincoln Center wi...

Washington Performing Arts

Tregaron Meadow Concert

Washington Performing Arts

Frédéric Yonnet

Kennedy Center

Jason Moran & Alicia Hall...

Kennedy Center

The Artelize Podcast and ...

Artelize

The Artelize Podcast - A ...

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The Artelize Podcast: A l...

Artelize

The Artelize Podcast and ...

Artelize

The Blacc Print Experienc...

Washington Performing Arts

Zodiac Suite

Washington Performing Arts

Capital City Voices Sprin...

Levine Music

Mary Lou Williams Jazz Fe...

Kennedy Center

Three Keys to Ellington: ...

Kennedy Center

Tomeka Reid, Celebrating ...

Kennedy Center

NEW YORK VOICES Jazz Mast...

Howard University Department of Music

Tregaron Meadow Concert

Washington Performing Arts

Jason Moran – Solo Elling...

Kennedy Center

Contemporary Program Show...

Levine Music

Clarence Penn, Penn Stati...

Kennedy Center

Duke Ellington Orchestra

Kennedy Center

Allison Miller and Myra M...

Kennedy Center

Linda May Han Oh, The Gla...

Kennedy Center

Jazz Program Showcase 202...

Levine Music

A Jazz New Year’s Eve: Ja...

Kennedy Center