Headliner
Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Preservation Hall Jazz Band stands as one of the most iconic ensembles in American music, dedicated to preserving and celebrating the sounds of traditional New Orleans jazz. Founded in the early 1960s, the group has performed around the world, championing a genre that continues to shape the American musical identity. Their performances are a joyous blend of ensemble improvisation, soulful melodies, and parade-style rhythms. Each show feels like a living tribute to generations of jazz pioneers, with a spirit that is both reverent and celebratory. The current lineup includes seasoned veterans and younger torchbearers, all deeply connected to the band’s rich legacy.
Two Stages of Entertainment!
Schedule of Performances
3:00pm : Second Stage: Trio Caliente
3:30pm : Stage One: The JoGo Project
4:15pm : Second Stage: The Muneer Nasser Quintet
5:00pm : Stage One: The Paul Carr Quintet
5:50pm : Second Stage: The Clara Campbell Quintet
7:00pm : Stage One: Oh He Dead
8:30pm : Stage One: Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Trio Caliente
Trio Caliente blends the romantic sounds of samba with the rhythmic pulse of Brazilian jazz, Latin pop and salsa. Known for multilingual vocals in Spanish, Portuguese and English, the group creates an energetic atmosphere that moves effortlessly between sophisticated listening and lively dancing.
The JoGo Project
The JoGo Project fuses the syncopated grooves of Washington, D.C.’s go-go music with the improvisational power of jazz. Founded by saxophonist Elijah Jamal Balbed, a former member of Chuck Brown’s band, the group carries the torch of D.C.’s signature sound while expanding its creative boundaries. The band features layered percussion, driving bass lines and soulful horn arrangements, delivering high-energy performances that honor the city’s roots and redefine modern jazz.
The Paul Carr Quintet
Saxophonist Paul Carr is a mainstay in the Washington jazz community. His quintet presents a polished and expressive sound steeped in straight-ahead jazz traditions. Paul Carr, as founder of The Jazz Academy of Music is also known for his commitment to mentorship and education and his work with the Mid Atlantic Jazz Festival.
The Muneer Nasser Quintet
Led by trumpeter and composer Muneer Nasser, the quintet brings a contemporary edge to hard bop and post-bop traditions. The group performs original compositions and inventive arrangements of jazz standards, characterized by tight arrangements, expressive solos and intuitive interplay.
The Clara Campbell Quintet
Clara Campbell, winner of the 2025 Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition, leads this dynamic ensemble as both vocalist and pianist. Campbell’s performances combine technical finesse, emotional nuance and fresh perspective. Backed by a vibrant rhythm section, her quintet delivers original arrangements and classic jazz standards. She currently serves as the featured vocalist for the U.S. Air Force’s Airmen of Note.
Oh He Dead
Oh He Dead is a five-piece soul-infused group founded by vocalist CJ Johnson and guitarist Andy Valenti. The band blends indie soul, funk, folk and rock with jazz-inspired phrasing and harmonic richness. Their performances are marked by improvisational energy, layered vocals and rhythmic interplay that pay homage to jazz roots while embracing modern sensibilities.
