DC Jazz Festival Announces Permanent Move of Its Annual DC JazzFest to Labor Day Weekend

DC Jazz Festival Announces Permanent Move 

of its annual DC JazzFest to Labor Day Weekend

DC JazzFest at the Wharf, September 3-4 over Labor Day Weekend

The DC Jazz Festival® (DCJF) today announces the dates of the 2022 DC JazzFest, which will take place August 31-September 4, 2022, marking a permanent shift of its annual DC JazzFest to the end of summer over Labor Day Weekend. With five days of concerts citywide, the 2022 DC JazzFest will be a celebration of all things jazz in more than a dozen neighborhoods including its marquis weekend at The District Wharf, a waterfront destination with an inviting array of restaurants, shops, and spectacular river walk views. DC JazzFest at The Wharf will take place September 3-4, featuring multiple waterfront stages, as well as the DCJazzPrix international band competition at Union Stage. 

 

“I’ve always loved the cultural diversity represented through DC JazzFest and the way music helps connect us,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO of Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization of Washington, DC. “The festival is a staple of the city that visitors and locals will look forward to as we celebrate a fun and vibrant Labor Day weekend in DC.”

 

A cultural staple and artistic jewel of the nation’s capital, the 18thAnnual DC JazzFest will feature a robust lineup of incredible artists – from homegrown talent to international superstars and emerging artists to NEA Jazz Masters. The 2022 DC JazzFest will include more than 50 performances with up close and in person “Meet the Artist” conversations and panel discussions.  

 

Executive Director of the Wharf Community Association, Bob Rubenkonig, said of the 2022 festival schedule; “The Wharf is proud to be a part of DC JazzFest and we look forward to hosting the beloved festival over Labor Day weekend. The Festival’s mission to unify diverse communities and enable connections between artists and audiences—while providing performance opportunities for DC-based jazz musicians—will make the holiday weekend one to remember at The Wharf.”

 

“While still in the middle of challenging times, the DC Jazz Festival will work closely with our DC partners to deliver a safe, world-class festival experience featuring great music for the jazz enthusiast and casual fan alike,” said DCJF CEO Sunny Sumter. “The well-being of our patrons, artists and festival production team continue to be our top priority.”

 

The DC Jazz Festival will announce its full lineup and more details on the citywide celebration in late spring. Mark your calendars now as the 2022 DC JazzFest will shine as DC’s summer finale over Labor Day Weekend!

 

For any press inquiries or requests for information, contact Lydia Liebman, DCJF publicist, at lydia@lydialiebmanpromotions.com. 

 

Learn more about the DC Jazz Festival and the full range of programs by visiting www.dcjazzfest.org.

JAZZ NEWS: DC Jazz Festival Announces We Get to Talk Podcast Series

DC Jazz Festival Announces We Get to Talk Podcast Series

Hosted by DCJF Executive Director Sunny Sumter Starting Wednesday, April 14

WASHINGTON, D.C. – April 14, 2021 – DC Jazz Festival today announces a new podcast series titled We Get to Talk, where DCJF Executive Director Sunny Sumter engages jazz artists in captivating conversations that revolve around relevant topics, people and places. We Get To Talk launches Wednesday, April 14, with episodes being released on a bi-weekly basis. Listeners can tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Crossover Media or wherever they get their podcasts.

The first round of episodes will feature a wide-ranging cast of guests who each have a unique story to share. In our first episode, piano prodigy Matthew Whitaker, who is blind, offers ways we can create a more inclusive and accessible world for the disabled community, particularly in music and the arts. In the second installment, Sunny and soul singer-songwriter Cecily discuss the power of mindfulness and music’s healing ability. In episode three, Allyn Johnson, Director of Jazz Studies at the University of the District of Columbia, shares his experiences as an arts educator and talks about the inspiration we can all find from love. Next, harmonicist Frédéric Yonnet sits down with Sunny to discuss what it means to truly be part of one’s community and the strength that comes from knowing your neighbors. From there we hear from Afro Blue alumnus Christie Dashiell as she shares her thoughts on how artists have been and can continue to adapt to the times. Finally, Sunny explores the importance of heritage and identity with hip-hop artist Maimouna “Mumu Fresh” Youssef and how they influence her musical stylings.

We Get To Talk will be presented in collaboration with Crossover Media. Each episode features snippets of guests’ past DC JazzFest performances and a segment dedicated to discussing each artist’s motivations and inspirations. “We are thrilled to welcome Sunny Sumter to the Crossover Podcast family,” said Crossover Media founder Alex Hollingsworth. “Whether discussing the latest Verzuz, politics, music or social issues, our hosts cover a variety of topics.” Join DC Jazz Festival and host Sunny Sumter on Wednesday, April 14, when We Get to Talk welcomes its first guest, jazz prodigy Matthew Whitaker.

For press inquiries or requests for information, contact Lydia Liebman, DCJF publicist, at lydia@lydialiebmanpromotions.com. 

 

Learn more about the DC Jazz Festival and all of our programs by visiting www.dcjazzfest.org.

Keep up with DCJF:

Twitter: @dcjazzfest

Facebook: facebook.com/dcjazzfest

Instagram: @dcjazzfest

LinkedIn: DC Jazz Festival

Everything Else