DC Jazz Festival, through June 10
When Charlie Fishman founded the DC Jazz Festival in 2005, which at the time he called the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival, he saw the need for such an event in an area with such a rich jazz history.
“I just felt a jazz festival is a necessity in the capital of the country,” Fishman said.
The DC Jazz Festival runs at multiple venues across the District featuring dozens of musicians through June 10.
Fishman has seen a growth in jazz across the country in the form of festivals, as well as locally. From venues dedicated to jazz, to restaurants offering one-off jazz brunches, there are plenty of options for fans of the genre.
Festival highlights include shows at the recently reopened Howard Theatre, a long run of shows at the Hamilton and the popular Jazz in the ‘Hoods series. The festival is also once again at the Kennedy Center, this year featuring a program titled Jazz Meets the Classics.
“It’s a matter of trying to be as innovative as possible,” Fishman said, adding that appealing to a broad audience is also important.
This weekend also features the unrelated Capital Jazz Fest at the Merriweather Post Pavilion. Fishman is happy for the success of the other event, but stresses the hyperlocal appeal of the DC Jazz Festival.
“People have different tastes,” Fishman said. “They do what they do, we do what we do. The more people who listen to music is good.”
When: Through June 10
Info: Tickets and venues vary; visit dcjazzfest.org for details
Capital Jazz Fest at Merriweather Post Pavilion, through Sunday
Big names and a big venues highlight the other area jazz festival this weekend. India.Arie, KC and the Sunshine Band, Anita Baker and Tower of Power are set to rock Merriweather.
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday
Info: $52.50 to $100 for Friday, $62.50 to $165 for Saturday and Sunday; capitaljazz.com
Public Tenley One-Year Anniversary Party, Saturday
The lounge-looking sports bar, and sister of the popular Public Bar in Dupont, celebrates its one-year anniversary with a party in its parking lot. Enjoy food and drink specials, live music and a Zumba class.
When: 1 to 6 p.m.
Info: Free; publicbardc.com/tenley
David Wax Museum at the 9:30 Club, Saturday
The oddly named duo David Wax Museum uniquely blends Mexican and American folk music. With Joe Pug and local artist Vandaveer.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Info: $20; 930.com
Vintage Virginia Wine Festival, Saturday and Sunday
Wine, music, food and vendors all gather in one place for the 31st annual Vintage Virginia Wine Festival in Centreville. Enjoy dozens of selections from one of the country’s growing wine regions.
When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Info: $30 in advance, $32 at the gate; $18 designated-driver tickets, $20 at the gate; vintagevirginia.com
