The DC Jazz Festival announced Tuesday the initial lineup for its 2025 festival, scheduled for Aug. 27-31.
The festival will feature NEA Jazz Masters Eddie Palmieri, Ron Carter, Branford Marsalis, Gary Bartz and Marshall Allen leading the Sun Ra Arkestra. Other performers include vocalists Lalah Hathaway and Cécile McLorin Salvant, along with John Scofield, Emmet Cohen, Keyon Harrold, The Baylor Project and The String Queens.
The JazzDC All-Stars, directed by Allyn Johnson, will also perform. Early bird tickets for DC JazzFest at The Wharf go on sale Feb. 28 at noon at dcjazzfest.org/tickets. Tickets for Hathaway are available at theanthemdc.com.
The state of the jazz voice will be on display with award-winning Hathaway, McLorin Salvant and The Baylor Project with the soulful Jean Baylor.
DCJF Artists-in-Residence NEA Jazz Master Ron Carter and bassist Corcoran Holt will return with new programs. DMV jazz artistry will also be represented by the internationally recognized sounds of Washington’s own The String Queens, drummer Tony Matrucci’s Earth Tones, Baltimore saxophonist Birckhead and many more.
One of the most comprehensive jazz festivals in the U.S., the DC JazzFest will feature five days of events in more than 15 venues across a dozen neighborhoods throughout the nation’s capital. The festival’s signature event, DC JazzFest at The Wharf, will take place over Labor Day weekend, Aug. 30-31.
The Wharf is a waterfront destination featuring restaurants, shops and river views.
“The DC JazzFest truly represents a proud DC tradition and a major draw for people to experience Washington, D.C., over Labor Day weekend,” said Elliott L. Ferguson II, president and CEO of Destination DC. “Residents and visitors will look forward to capping off summer with an amazing array of jazz and jazz-informed music, while exploring DC’s neighborhoods, hotels, great dining opportunities at The Wharf waterfront, museums, and more.”
The festival aims to celebrate both established and emerging artists in the jazz world.
“We’re excited to bring another incredible lineup to D.C., celebrating jazz legends and fresh new voices,” said Sunny Sumter, DC Jazz Festival president and CEO. “DC JazzFest continues to elevate the city’s jazz legacy while creating unforgettable experiences for audiences locally and globally.”
For more information, go to dcjazzfest.org.