The Fishman Embassy Series, named in honor of DC Jazz Festival founder Charles Fishman, celebrates the global nature of jazz by presenting international artists in partnership with Washington, D.C.’s vibrant foreign embassy community.

 

Jazz, born in the United States, has evolved over the past century into a global art form and a powerful tool for cultural diplomacy. Through international performances, a thriving network of jazz festivals, and the expansion of jazz education, jazz has transcended borders to become “the world’s music.” It serves as a bridge between cultures, with artists worldwide interpreting the jazz aesthetic through their own unique traditions and perspectives.

 

Since its launch in 2012, the Fishman Embassy Series has embodied the spirit of cultural exchange, building connections through partnerships with embassies representing countries such as such as France, Japan, Australia, Sweden, Switzerland, Iceland, Luxembourg, South Africa, Peru, Colombia, Turkey, Morocco, Singapore, Finland, Canada, India, Germany, as well as cultural institutions from Italy, Mexico, and Korea.

 

This series, part of the DC Jazz Festival's year-round programming, is made possible through the generous support of Linda and Michael Sonnenreich, helping to showcase jazz as a unifying force that brings the world closer together through music.