Washington DC’s 13th Annual Jazz Festival will be the truest celebration of jazz-as it elevates music experiments new and old. Taking place between June 9th and 18th in over 40 different DC venues around town, the 2018 DC Jazz Festival gives us all a chance to reacquaint ourselves with the history of jazz in DC, welcome its present, and and look forward to its future.
If you’re coming from out of town, your first stop will be The Duke’s statue in front of DC’s historic Howard Theater. Walking along U Street, there’s no need to reminisce on DC as a former epicenter of jazz; stroll into Twins Jazz Club and find that our nation’s capital remains to this day a hotbed of experimental and classic jazz. Not convinced? Head over to our nation’s oldest continuously operating jazz supper club in Georgetown, Blues Alley, for a peek into the past, present, and future of jazz.
In preparation for DC Jazz Festival, Washington, DC also contains many opportunities for listening to live jazz, blues, and funk throughout the summer. The annual Jazz in the Garden at the National Gallery of Art features Friday evening jazz from 5PM to 8:30PM from May 18th through August 24th. While you’re there, explore the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden which boasts, among its great works, pieces like Typewriter Eraser, Scale X by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen and Spider by Louise, Bourgeois.
Other DC music venue mainstays that are always good for a good time include the blues, funk, and rock at Madam’s Organ in Adams Morgan, jazz, funk, and soul at Jojo Restaurant & Bar on U ST, and the classic and modern jazz at Columbia Station on 18th St. NW. For the country music fan, DC’s own Hill Country Barbecue Market on 410 7th ST NW features live music Tuesday through Saturday at 8:30PM.
Love music, but working your way up to appreciating jazz? DC’s Pearl Street Warehouse features rock, country, and blues on the DC Wharf. While you’re in the area, check out the famous Maine Avenue Fish Market and seasonal events put on by the district.
Love jazz, but not sure where to start? Check out CapitalBop’s comprehensive DC Jazz Calendar.
Love DC, but not sure where to stay? Check out our cozy DC Bed and Breakfast in the green and beautiful Kalorama Park for a peaceful respite from your packed day.
