It’s been two years since the DC Jazz Festival offered in-person performances, and my, how things have changed! Long known for its eclectic selection of avant-garde artists, this year’s festival is no exception.
Instead of a 10-day, two-week city-wide event, the 2021 festival will feature a successful Summer of Soul-style multi-musician weekend, September 4-5 at The Wharf, each day including a major program of eight artists. from noon to midnight.
Saturday September 4, the most famous star and artist is Regina Carter with A Grand Night for Strings with Jenny Scheinman, The String Queens and the Michael Bowie Trio. Also on this ambitious post from Big Band performers, the Maria Schneider Orchestra, who will perform her Pulitzer Prize finalist and Grammy-winning “Data Lords” project for a large jazz ensemble that includes a 17-member orchestra!
In between, a quirky collection of lesser-known artists fill the bill, including rising New York star Lakecia Benjamin. She presents a unique celebration of the legacy of John and Alice Coltrane in her self-proclaimed “masterpiece” CD, Pursuit.
For those who may not know her, “Lakecia is one of the most requested alto saxophonists right now, ”according to his publicist,“ and his 2020 album Pursuit was one of the best albums of the year, with accolades from NPR, The New York Times, The Financial Times, and the New Yorker, where she got a full page. She was also the Rising Star’s No.1 alto saxophonist last year in the Downbeat Critics poll.
So, unless you’re a guest in one of the private $ 2,000 cabanas, be prepared for a long afternoon and evening of scenery changes and drink breaks that can get you wandering around. along the outdoor offer of sidewalk cafes; Otherwise, you could be a captive audience as a customer sitting on district and transit docks.
DC JazzFest 2021 takes place September 1-5, with over 20 concerts, interviews and exclusive events featuring international superstars and local talent. The flagship DC JazzFest at The Wharf will take place September 4-5, Labor Day weekend, a hybrid of in-person and live performances in front of a global audience. This tent weekend will take place at District Wharf, a waterfront destination with restaurants, shops and stunning views. For more information, including locations, times and artists, visit www.dcjazzfest.org/
The DC Jazz Festival has updated its health and safety policies in order to prioritize the health and safety of patrons, volunteers, artists and staff. All guests attending DC JazzFest 2021 events (indoor and outdoor) will be required to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test within the past 72 hours along with corresponding photo ID.
