Spring Arts Preview: Jazz, Pop & More
By • February 10, 2026 0 283
JAZZ, COUNTRY, ROCK AND POP
Blues Alley welcomes soprano saxophonist Marion Meadows this weekend (Feb. 12 to 15) and soprano and alto saxophonist Kim Waters next weekend (Feb. 20 to 22). In March, the Mimi Fox Organ Trio kicks off an International Jazz Guitar Series that also features Stanley Jordan (March 2 to 5). Much of the second half of April is a multi-night celebration of Ella Fitzgerald’s birthday, officially April 25. Later on, trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis performs with the U.S. Army Blues (April 30) and the Paul Carr Quartet (May 1).
In March, the Mimi Fox Organ Trio kicks off an International Jazz Guitar Series that also features Stanley Jordan (March 2 to 5).
Also this weekend: Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival at the Bethesda Marriott, with appearances by performers including Jeff Antoniak, Gary Bartz, Cyrus Chestnut, Jon Faddis, Wycliffe Gordon and Jason Marsalis, along with high school and college ensembles (Feb. 13 to 15).
The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra performs at the National Museum of American History (Feb. 28); Ladino singer-songwriter Nani Vazana appears, courtesy of JxJ, the Washington Jewish Film and Music Festivals, at the Edlavitch DCJCC (Feb. 15); Dumbarton Concerts presents cabaret singer Ann Hampton Callaway with pianist Billy Stritch (March 14); and Emmet Cohen’s quintet pays tribute to Miles Davis and John Coltrane at 100 at Strathmore (March 21).
More Strathmore artists and acts of note: Dublin Guitar Quartet (Feb. 15), Ravi Shankar Ensemble (March 19), Diana Krall (March 24), Ladysmith Black Mambazo (March 26), Meshell Ndegeocello (March 27), Angélique Kidjo (April 9) and Natalia Lafourcade (April 14 and 15).
The Birchmere switches up eras and genres without batting a fake eyelash. A few artists on the calendar: Mohini Dey (Feb. 19), Esperanza Spalding (Feb. 20), Bilal (Feb. 28), The Stylistics (March 8), Rhye (March 19), Tom Rush (March 20), SGGL (April 11), Patti LaBelle at DAR Constitution Hall (April 18), Los Lobos (April 19), 10,000 Maniacs (April 24 to 26) and BoDeans (May 9).
Blasts from the Past: Journey at Capital One Arena (March 4), Paul Anka at The Warner Theatre (April 14), Mickey Dolenz at Wolf Trap (April 15-16) and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band at The Lincoln Theatre (May 7).
Other familiar names at Capital One: New Edition, Boyz 2 Men and Toni Braxton (March 13), Lady Gaga (March 23 and 24), Cardi B (April 8) and Demi Lovato (April 16).
Wolf Trap highlights: Christian McBride (Feb 21), Duane Betts (April 17 and 18) and the District of Raga series, focusing on “South Asian music traditions and innovations” (March 20; April 4 and 22).
Finally, the ever-surprising Atlas Performing Arts Center presents, among others: Fairouz Foty aka Classical Screamer, Malikat Al Dabke and Quartertonez Music (Feb. 20), blues artist Carly Harvey (Feb. 22), Qi Yu Quartet’s blending of jazz and traditional Chinese music (Feb. 28) and Project Fusion Saxophone Quartet with the Good Beats Ensemble (March 1).
