The DC Jazz Festival will feature internationally acclaimed bassist Marcus Miller and his band at its 2025 edition, scheduled for Aug. 30-31 during Labor Day weekend at The Wharf.
Miller, a two-time Grammy winner, has collaborated with music legends including Miles Davis, Beyoncé, David Bowie, Herbie Hancock and Aretha Franklin throughout his career. The bassist and composer helped define modern jazz and R&B by producing Davis’ album “Tutu” and co-writing hits such as “Power of Love/Love Power” and “Jump To It.”
His diverse portfolio spans film scores, including “School Daze,” television work on “Saturday Night Live” and his current SiriusXM radio show “Miller Time.”
“Marcus Miller is a singular force in modern music and a brilliant addition to our 2025 lineup,” said DC Jazz Festival CEO Sunny Sumter. “We are thrilled to present his extraordinary artistry to DC audiences.”
The festival’s lineup also includes NEA Jazz Masters Eddie Palmieri, Ron Carter, Branford Marsalis, Gary Bartz and Marshall Allen leading Sun Ra Arkestra. Vocalists Lalah Hathaway and Cécile McLorin Salvant will perform alongside John Scofield, Emmet Cohen, Matthew Whitaker, Keyon Harrold, The Baylor Project and The String Queens. Additional performers will be announced.
Local talent from the Washington metropolitan area will be featured, including The String Queens, Corcoran Holt, the JazzDC Orchestra directed by Allyn Johnson, Birckhead, Christie Dashiell, Paul Carr, Herb Scott, Akua Allrich, Todd Marcus, Charles Covington, Leigh Pilzer and Joshua Bayer.
“The 21st edition of the DC JazzFest will present a stunning array of artistic expressions from a broad range of jazz and jazz-informed styles, representing the true 21st century state-of-the-art form,” said festival Artistic Director Willard Jenkins.
The festival will take place across six stages at The Wharf, a waterfront development featuring more than 80 shops and restaurants. The venue is accessible by Metro, highway and water taxi.
Tickets and additional lineup information are available at dcjazzfest.org.