Washington DC Jazz Festival

The next highly anticipated Washington DC Jazz Festival is set for 5^th -16^th June 2013 and promises to be another toe tapping gathering of enthusiastic jazz fans across the city.  Major artists and emerging new talent will be performing in more than 125 jazz gigs across Washington in diverse locations such as clubs, restaurants, hotels, theatres, museums and even at national monuments.  If you want to enjoy some mellow blues and swing, or funky jazz, head to the Washington DC Jazz Festival venues when you are in town.

Washington DC has been home to many jazz pioneers and boasts a rich history of music, and continues to have a vibrant and thriving jazz scene all year round.  This is in part attributable to the legendary Edward Kennedy ‘Duke’ Ellington.  He was born in Washington DC in 1899 and is widely considered as the most important jazz composer ever.  He was awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1966 and the 1999 Pulitzer Prize for music – 25 years after his death.

In the north east of the city lies the U Street corridor, famous for its jazz talent in its heyday, and recent revival of legendary sites means that today there are numerous jazz clubs to choose from, such as Jojo’s, Twins Jazz Club, Busboys & Poets, Utopia, and the Lincoln Theater.  In addition Blues Alley in Georgetown is famous for its ‘jazz and supper’ style, and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts hosts regular jazz concerts.

To celebrate its rich history of jazz, the Washington DC Jazz Festival was born in 2004 and was originally known as the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival.  Now going into its 9^th consecutive year, the 2013 Washington DC Jazz Festival will offer a feast of jazzy events across the city to satisfy every lover of traditional jazz, bebop, Latin, blues and swing:

• Jazz in the Hoods – Go to the jazz ‘hoods’ to enjoy live music in different neighborhoods across the city.  Over 50 jazz bars, clubs, and restaurants will be hosting Washington DC Jazz Festival events performed by local and world famous acts alike.  The venues will all be buzzing with melodic music and delighted crowds.
• Jazz at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts – Here the focus is on great Latin classical composers – ‘Jazz Meets the Latin Classics’.  Paquito D’Rivera, 11 time Grammy Award winner, will direct and conduct the program which will be performed by a 12 piece ensemble.
• Jazz ‘n’ Families Fun Days – This weekend long event comprises entertaining and interactive programs such as an instrument petting zoo and storytelling with a jazzy touch.  Always popular with families and completely free.
• DC Jazz Festival Honors Lifetime Achievement Award – Each year the festival honors one jazz musician for their lifetime achievements in the promotion and support of jazz.  This is awarded at one of the concerts during the festival and is a well kept secret until then.

If you enjoy great jazz and being part of an appreciative crowd, join the 60,000 or so visitors who are expected to attend the Washington DC Jazz Festival 2013 and have yourself an exceptional time.

The full line up for the 2013 festival is due to be announced in March – check out the official website for more news as it becomes available.

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