The Capital Region, USA - Jazz festivals, events and culture, Autumn 2023.
Tuesday, August 29, 2023
The USA's Capital Region (Washington DC, Maryland & Virginia) hosts an abundance of jazz festivals & events & is the birthplace of many of the music's leading figures (Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald)
We have received the following press release;
The Capital Region’s rich cultural heritage includes a wide range of music from country, go-go and rock ‘n’ roll, but experiencing its extensive jazz scene is an absolute must. The region made up of Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia is the birthplace of world-renowned icons such as Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday and offers an alternative bucket list destination for jazz lovers to New Orleans.
Visitors to the home states of these beloved figures can truly immerse themselves in their captivating histories. For live music lovers, the Capital Region also offers an abundance of jazz festivals including DC JazzFest starting on the 30 August, live music venues and jazz theatres.
Jazz Festivals and Events
Billie Holiday Music and Arts Festival, 02 September 2023, Maryland
The Billie Holiday Music and Arts Festival presents the musical and artistic talents of today while also celebrating those who paved the way. Guests can look forward to Billie Holiday cover acts as well as local musical groups including Men of Soul and Symphony Black. Taking place along Pennsylvania Avenue Main Street, visitors will be able to support local bands and vendors while enjoying a full day of activities.
DC JazzFest, 30 August – 03 September 2023, Washington, DC
Washington, DC is not only a political powerhouse, but the home to DC JazzFest, where music lovers are invited to celebrate the epicentre of the jazz scene on U Street, also known as “Black Broadway.” Festival goers should be sure not to miss the main event, DC JazzFest at The Wharf (2 - 3 September). With over 100 concerts across 30 venues citywide, The DC JazzFest merges heritage, history, culture, and music.
Rosslyn Jazz Fest – 09 September 2023, Virginia
Join the crowds in Arlington, Virginia for the 31st edition of the annual Rosslyn Jazz Festival. Arlington’s largest free outdoors music festivals promises a day full of good food, games and most importantly captivating jazz performances from artists including New Orleans-based quintet Galactic.
Jazz icons past and present
Ella Fitzgerald, Virginia
Born in Newport News, Virginia, Ella Fitzgerald - commonly known as “First Lady of Song”, “Queen of Jazz” and “Lady Ella” - was the most popular female jazz singer in the U.S. for more than half a century. In her lifetime, she won 13 Grammy awards and sold over 40 million albums. Visit the Ella Fitzgerald Theatre, a 276-seat venue named for Fitzgerald, or for visitors looking to travel in 2024 attend the annual Ella Fitzgerald Music Festival taking place in April in her birthplace of Newport News.
Billie Holiday, Maryland
Maryland provides an important backdrop in understanding Billie Holiday’s upbringing. She spent much of her childhood in East Baltimore, living there till 1927, even giving her first public performance in the historic waterfront neighbourhood of Fell’s Point. Travellers are invited to visit the Billie Holiday Monument situated on Pennsylvania Avenue, where she performed at many clubs and restaurants, which commemorates the legacy of the jazz star.
Duke Ellington, Washington, DC
Prolific jazz pianist Duke Ellington was born and raised in DC. Ellington made such an impact on the jazz scene not only around DC but the world, earning the title of one of America’s leading musicians. His impact is apparent throughout D.C with such events as the annual DC Jazz Festival, which was originally titled “the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival”, as well as the Duke Ellington School of the Arts.
Live jazz music
Lincoln Theatre, Washington, DC
Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993, the Lincoln Theatre has been at the forefront of live jazz music, specifically American Black culture prior to New York City’s Harlem Renaissance. The Lincoln Theatre staged acts such as Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald and today continues their legacy welcoming nationally acclaimed artists to the stage, which guests are invited to watch.
The Flat 9, Virginia
For a more relaxed, local jazz experience, The Flat 9 Jazz Club in Winchester, VA is the perfect listening venue for jazz and music lovers of all ages. Offering performances from the Joseph Henson Quartet and renowned jazz vocalist Dominique Bianco, visitors are invited to sit back and listen as these musicians showcase their musical perspectives.
Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural centre, Maryland
The Eubie Black National Jazz Institute and Cultural Centre showcases the life and music of musicians from around Baltimore including Cab Calloway and Eubie Blake. Visitors can not only explore the history of the jazz scene within Maryland but can also view memorabilia from the stars. However, the most unique part of this centre is the fourth floor where on Saturdays and Sundays, jazz lovers can gather and listen to live jazz at the Eubie Live! venue.