Celebrate 20 years of Jazz in DC this Labor Day weekend while learning about the power of dual voting for real change in America.
One of DC’s most exciting annual events, DC JazzFest, will take place Aug. 28 – Sept. 1. The 20th Anniversary edition of this beloved tradition will celebrate the sounds, stories and personalities that make this uniquely American art form sing and swing across its wealth of performances. We’ve laid out 10 reasons to enjoy the event below.
Book your hotel stay with one of DC JazzFest’s hotel partners and discover more summer deals at hotels, restaurants and attractions.
01
DC JazzFest at The Wharf tickets start at $25
The epic outdoor event at one of DC’s most popular spots offers limited tickets starting at $25. Seated, VIP and All-Access tickets are also available at affordable prices.
02
The talent on display is outstanding
Jacob Collier / DC JazzFest
An incredible lineup featuring a range of styles and performers will hook music fans of all stripes. International, national, regional and local artists will all show off their skills at venues all over DC including GRAMMY Award winners and NEA Jazz Masters.
03
See rising jazz stars
You don’t want to miss the 20th Anniversary GOLD PARTY with GRAMMY Award winner for Best New Artist, Samara Joy, at DC JazzFest at the Anthem on Friday, Aug. 30. D-Nice and Jacob Collier will also perform. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.
04
You can experience jazz mastery and artistic genius
Stanley N Forever Band / DC Jazz Fest
Two powerhouses are among the performers at DC JazzFest at the Wharf. On Aug. 31, the legendary Stanley Clarke brings his outstanding band to the stage. The iconic Dianne Reeves plays on Sept. 1 as does Bill Frisell. Make sure to check out the full lineup and plan your musical excursion.
05
Enjoy emerging artists
Emmet Cohen / DC Jazz Fest
The festival welcomes next gen artists like Brandee Younger and JazzFest favorite Emmet Cohen on Sunday, Sept. 1.
06
Discover the international language of jazz
Cimafunk / DC Jazz Festival
DC JazzFest showcases an exceptional array of globally renowned masters and exciting newcomers from across the jazz spectrum. The festival takes pride in presenting musicians from all over the world. This year’s lineup includes CIMAFUNK from Cuba, who raised the roof at Coachella. Bands from Finland, Colombia, Italy and France will also perform.
07
You will have the chance to meet artists
DC JazzFest will offer exclusive Q&A and engagement opportunities with artists throughout the festival’s run, including the Meet the Artists Tent.
08
Experience The MULTIVERSE
DC Jazz Festival
Bobby Sanabria brings the Multiverse Big Band Latin experience to DC JazzFest at the Wharf on Sunday, Sept. 1. The Multiverse will have both skilled and aspiring dancers on their feet grooving to a matrix of rhythms.
09
Watch last year’s DC JazzPrix winner perform
New Jazz Underground
The winner of the 2024 DC JazzPrix, New Jazz Underground, will perform during DC JazzFest at The Wharf on Saturday, Aug. 31.
10
Celebrate an American art form
The United States Congress officially proclaimed jazz a “National Treasure” in 1987. Diehard fans of the genre likely wondered, “What took you so long?” This Labor Day Weekend, you can immerse yourself in the classic American art form like never before, including a performance by four-time GRAMMY Award winner Terri Lyne Carrington. She will take on new standards at The Wharf on Aug. 31.
#LaborDayWeekend, #JazzDC, #DualVoting, #RealChange, #PoliticsandMusic