French-born urban jazz harmonicist Frédéric Yonnet crushes every preconceived notion you’ve had about the harmonica. With each performance, walls come tumbling down as Yonnet presents the harmonica in a refreshing and modern context that is boldly stylish, enchantingly cool, and absorbingly brilliant. 

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Frédéric Yonnet

Kennedy Center

Encompassing Jason and Alicia’s iconic blend of music and theater, this new work—set in their Harlem apartment—is intensely entertaining and visually stimulating. “It’s us examining each other’s repertoire,” says Jason, “my favorite songs of Alicia, Alicia’s favorite songs of mine.” Created during the pandemic, Family Ball is a creative feat. But more importantly, it’s a love note.

Jason Moran & Alicia Hall Moran: Family Ball

Experience the vibrant fusion of genres with The Blacc Print Experience, a standout event in the Mars Arts D.C. Concert Series. This unique performance is set to take place at the Songbyrd Music House on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at 8:00 PM. The Blacc Print Experience brings together an exceptional collective of musicians who masterfully blend R&B, funk, jazz, go-go, and hip-hop. Their genre-defying sound creates a sonic tapestry filled with infectious grooves, powerful lyrics, and dynamic performances that resonate with diverse audiences and celebrate the universal language of music.

This event promises an unforgettable night where guests will be immersed in music that uplifts and inspires. The performance is free with registration, making it accessible to all who wish to experience the magic of live music and the unique sound that The Blacc Print Experience offers.

The Mars Arts D.C. Concert Series is a collaboration between Mars, Incorporated and Washington Performing Arts, supported by Jacqueline Badger Mars. This event is made possible through the generous support of Events DC, Pepco, An Exelon Company, and Elaine Rose. Special thanks to the lead supporters of Washington Performing Arts’s mission-driven work, including Jacqueline Badger Mars and Mars, Incorporated, D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, the National Capital Arts and Cultural Affairs Program, the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, and The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation.

Don't miss this opportunity to witness a performance that bridges genres and brings people together through the power of music. Register now to secure your spot at The Blacc Print Experience at Songbyrd Music House.

The Blacc Print Experience

Union Market

Join us for a mesmerizing evening as Washington Performing Arts presents the D.C. premiere of Mary Lou Williams's "Zodiac Suite," performed by the Aaron Diehl Trio and The United States Air Force Band, under the baton of Col. Don Schofield. This one-night concert event takes place on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at 7:30 PM at the historic Lincoln Theatre.

"Zodiac Suite" is a pioneering orchestral work by pianist and composer Mary Lou Williams, composed of 12 pieces representing the astrological signs. Each piece is dedicated to jazz legends of her era, including Billie Holiday, Dizzy Gillespie, and Thelonious Monk, among others. Although Williams debuted her celestial odyssey in various formats during her lifetime, the full suite as she envisioned it has never been performed until now. Pianist Aaron Diehl has devoted considerable effort to restoring Williams's original orchestrations, bringing this significant work to life in collaboration with The United States Air Force Band.

The program will also feature other notable works, creating an evening that celebrates the synthesis of jazz and classical music. This event not only honors the legacy of Mary Lou Williams but also showcases the innovative spirit of jazz and its influence on classical music.

Tickets are now available for reservation. Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience a landmark moment in music history.

Zodiac Suite

Lincoln Theater

Experience what makes Capital City Voices so special! This jazz choir, led by Alison Crockett, has been delighting DC-area audiences for years, with musical arrangements that mix jazz, R&B, and gospel for a unique style and fun vocal experience.

Capital City Voices Spring Concert 2024

DC Campus: NW

Join us in honoring the life and work of the “first lady of jazz,” legendary pianist and composer Mary Lou Williams. Hosted by the incomparable Dee Dee Bridgewater, this year’s two-day festival features performances by Eliane Elias, Endea Owens, Ingrid Jensen and the Center Song Project, Julia Keefe’s Indigenous Big Band, and more phenomenal women leading today’s jazz scene.

Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival 2024

Each year, outstanding young musicians with disabilities from around the world receive the Kennedy Center’s VSA International Young Musicians Award. At this Ellington-inspired piano showcase, we spotlight three ferociously talented winners: Justin Kauflin, José André Montaño, and Matthew Whitaker.

Three Keys to Ellington: Justin Kauflin, José André Montaño, Matthew Whitaker

Described as a “New Jazz Power Source” by the New York Times, cellist extraordinaire Tomeka Reid presents her groundbreaking new work inspired by Duke Ellington. Be among the first to witness this Kennedy Center co-commission as Reid seamlessly captures the essence of Ellington, all while propelling jazz into bold new territories.

Tomeka Reid, Celebrating Ellington

Apr 19th @ 1 pm- 2:30 pm MUSIC: NEW YORK VOICES Jazz Masterclass in the Childers Recital Hall

NEW YORK VOICES Jazz Masterclass

Howard University Fine Arts Building

Guided by Duke Ellington’s great canon, Jason Moran takes a solo piano climb up “Mount Ellington” in this extraordinary celebration of the composer’s enduring legacy. Experience the timeless genius of Ellington’s music, brilliantly reimagined by Moran and paired with iconic images of The Duke by legendary photographer Gordon Parks.

Jason Moran – Solo Ellington

Levine’s Rock and Jazz Combos showcase their work in the Lang. Join us for a great evening of music!

Contemporary Program Showcase

Clarence Penn is one of the busiest jazz drummers in the world—he’s a leader of multiple bands, prolific composer, celebrated producer, and renowned educator. His band Penn Station is known for their ability to find new accents in well-known songs, moving seamlessly through styles as Clarence is devoted to the rhythms of the world. His motto: “When people hear my name, I want them to think, ‘I don’t know what band he’s playing with tonight, or what he’ll be doing, but it’s going to be good.’”

Clarence Penn, Penn Station

Performing worldwide for more than 101 years under the guidance of three generations of Ellington’s family, the Grammy Award–winning supergroup has produced more iconic jazz classics than any other band—passing the sound artist-to-artist in the creative spirit of its founder.

Duke Ellington Orchestra

Pianist Myra Melford and drummer Allison Miller draw on their shared passion for nature and the life-giving power of light in their Lux Quartet. Saxophonist Dayna Stephens and bassist Scott Colley amplify the two bandleader’s innovative compositions to craft an intense, glowing sonic experience. The combination of artists is, according to Melford, “like throwing a spark at tinder—everything immediately bursts into flames.”

Allison Miller and Myra Melford’s Lux Quartet

Grammy Award–winning bassist, composer, and bandleader Linda May Han Oh leads a dynamic group of musicians in The Glass Hours, a striking and deeply moving collection of works based on the fragility of time and life. On this enveloping new album, loss and resilience permeate every melody, harmony, and rhythm she orchestrates and improvises.

Linda May Han Oh, The Glass Hours

Levine’s Jazz Combos showcase their work in the Lang. The teen and adult combos have worked with Levine faculty to deepen their knowledge of jazz and develop improvisation skills. Join us for a great evening of music!

Jazz Program Showcase 2024

Swing in the New Year with Jazzmeia Horn and her sensational big band! With a name that speaks for itself, the mesmerizing vocalist transports audiences to a bygone era of elegance and improvisation. Get ready for a night of fiery new music and the timeless allure of big-band jazz.

A Jazz New Year’s Eve: Jazzmeia Horn and Her Noble Force

Enjoy an evening of jazz! Experience the essence of musical collaboration through the intimacy of duets and Immerse yourself in the art of musical communication, where each note exchanged tells a story of creativity and unity.

Levine Presents: Art of the Duo

Your favorite holiday classics as you’ve never heard them! The Kennedy Center and NPR present A Jazz Piano Christmas, the annual sell-out event featuring jazz-infused renditions of the season’s the most loved music. This year, we spotlight remarkable pianist, vocalist, and actress Melvis Santa—whose eclectic Afro-Cuban style has made her one of the most electrifying artists on the scene—and more of today’s hottest jazz pianists.

Jazz events in Washington, DC

Frédéric Yonnet

Kennedy Center

Jason Moran & Alicia Hall...

Kennedy Center

The Blacc Print Experienc...

Washington Performing Arts

Zodiac Suite

Washington Performing Arts

Capital City Voices Sprin...

Levine Music

Mary Lou Williams Jazz Fe...

Kennedy Center

Three Keys to Ellington: ...

Kennedy Center

Tomeka Reid, Celebrating ...

Kennedy Center

NEW YORK VOICES Jazz Mast...

Howard University Department of Music

Jason Moran – Solo Elling...

Kennedy Center

Contemporary Program Show...

Levine Music

Clarence Penn, Penn Stati...

Kennedy Center

Duke Ellington Orchestra

Kennedy Center

Allison Miller and Myra M...

Kennedy Center

Linda May Han Oh, The Gla...

Kennedy Center

Jazz Program Showcase 202...

Levine Music

A Jazz New Year’s Eve: Ja...

Kennedy Center

Levine Presents: Art of t...

Levine Music

NPR’s A Jazz Piano Christ...

Kennedy Center

Vocal Jazz Ensembles End-...

Howard University Department of Music