Must-See DC Jazz Festival Shows

Navigating a festival lineup can be hard, especially for an event as expansive as DC Jazz Festival. Here are some of The Georgetowner’s picks for this weekend:

Notable shows to catch include vocalist-guitarist duo Gretchen Parlato and Lionel Loueke performing at Bohemian Caverns on U Street at 7:30 p.m. on June 11, soulful singer Alison Crockett on June 12 at Kennedy Center Millennium Stage at 6:00 p.m., and The Bad Plus Joshua Redman. The latter artist–a trio comprised of pianist Ethan Iverson, drummer David King, and bassist Reid Anderson—brings along saxophonist Joshua Redman for their June 12 performance at The Hamilton Live. It should be noted that the 8:30 p.m. show is sold out of seated tickets, with standing room only tickets available.

The weekend’s lineup is an exciting one, as Hecht Warehouse is hosting the Ernest Khabeer Dawkins Orchestra and the Organix Trio, comprised of flutist Nicole Mitchell, cellist Tomeka Reid, and drummer Mike Reed, in celebration of AACM’s 50th birthday on June 13. Doors open at 7:00 p.m.

Also June 13 is the jam-packed line-up of Marshall Keys, Femi Kuti & The Positive Force, and Grammy award-winners Esperanza Spalding and Common performing at the Yards Park from 3:00-10:00 p.m.

Seven-member band The Cookers performs an 8:00 p.m. show June 14 at Sixth and I Historic Synagogue, bringing both charisma and generational experience to their showmanship.

Alto saxophonist Bruce Williams takes stage at UDC, along with the school’s jazz program director Allyn Johnson and the UDC Jazztet for a 7:00 p.m. show on June 15.

The D.C. Jazz Festival runs from June 10-16, featuring over 125 performances at 40 different venues. See the full event schedule here.