DCJazzFest, celebrating all things Jazz over Labor Day Weekend dcjazzfest.
Lineup:
Branford Marsalis Quartet - Dc Jazzfest At The Wharf
No jazz festival is complete without great saxophone, and dc jazzfest '25 has one of the best in nea jazz master branford marsalis and his brilliant quartet. A robust, deeply expressive tenor saxophonist, these days branford's soprano saxophone may indeed be his most distinctive horn! His longtime quartet includes pianist joey caldarazzo, drummer justin faulkner and bassist eric revis.
Marcus Miller - Dc Jazzfest At The Wharf
Marcus miller is a trailblazing bass guitarist, and much in-demand bandleader on platforms ranging from festivals to jazz cruises, who has not only established influential technique frontiers for bass players but is also a media personality with his siriusxm radio series.
The String Queens - Arena Stage
With their performing profile increasing on a global scale, dcjf is proud to have presented the string queens from the ensemble's inception. Recipients of a dcjf "jazz education award" the string queens, three dynamic women who are dedicated dc public school teachers, continue to excite global audiences with their vibrant mix of music from the baroque period to modern jazz and beyond.
The Baylor Project - Dc Jazzfest At The Wharf
One of the most vibrant, consistently crowd-pleasing bands in modern jazz, the baylor project is co-led by the spousal unit of vocalist jean baylor and drummer marcus baylor. This multi-grammy nominated ensemble is at once deep in the jazz pocket with its explosive horn section and marcus' drums and soulfully expressive via jean's gospel and r&b-enriched vocalizations.
Sun Ra Arkestra - Dc Jazzfest At The Wharf
Though its leader, the afro-futurist and nea jazz master sun ra, , this uniquely colorful large ensemble continues to carry on its leader's traditions in music ranging from swing time to no time. Now led by 2025 nea jazz master marshall allen, the arkestra includes vivid elements of song, dance and film in its expressions of sun ra's cosmic pursuits.
The jazzdc all-stars orchestra with saxophonist steve wilson and vocalist christie dashielle - arena stage
Dcjf proudly presents our festival ensemble, the jazzdc all-stars orchestra, comprised of some of the dmv's finest musicians, in concert with special guests saxophonist steve wilson and grammy-nominated vocalist christie dashiell for a special performance of the compositions of billy childs.
Jazzdc is made possible by major support from the galena yorktown foundation and the leonard and elaine silverstein family foundation. Additional support provided by tanner powell, peter gillon, leslie whipkey, debbie veney, carmencita whonder, erik moses, stephen riddick, jeffrey freund, sunny sumter, d'qwell jackson, pamela frazier, and patricia sarcone.
Birckhead - Dc Jazzfest At The Wharf
Alto saxophonist brent birckhead honed his talents in the howard university jazz ensemble, where he received downbeat magazine accolades including "best blues/pop/rock soloist" and "outstanding instrumental jazz soloist" - testifying to the depth of his versatility. The new york times has hailed him as "one of the most riveting young improvisers in new york."
Akua allrich & the tribe! - dc jazzfest at the wharf
Jazz vocalist and dc-native akua allrich has proven herself to be a musician of extraordinary talent and crowd-moving passion. With finesse and charisma, this vocalist, composer and teacher, has successfully etched out a place for her unique musical expression, electrifying audiences in and around the nation's capital with sold-out performances.
Tony Martucci Earth Tones - Dc Jazzfest At The Wharf
Tony martucci has cultivated an original and interpretive drum style that is both supportive and interactive, reflecting his deep understanding of the jazz tradition. With a career-spanning decades, he has become a sought-after collaborator, known for his impeccable timing, dynamic sensitivity, and ability to elevate any musical setting. His playing seamlessly bridges swing, bebop, and modern jazz, demonstrating a deep respect for the past while embracing the present. Whether anchoring a rhythm section or engaging in spirited improvisation, martucci, as a leader of earth tones, brings a level of artistry that makes him a vital force in dc's jazz community.
