2022 Spring Newsletter: 2022 DC JazzFest Artistic Preview

by Willard Jenkins - Artistic Director

We are busily building what promises to be yet another memorable installation of the DC JazzFest. Slated to occur before and during the Labor Day Weekend – specifically August 31-September 4 – the 2022 DC JazzFest will culminate with our blockbuster weekend at The Wharf, happening Sept. 3 & 4 across multiple waterfront stages. Those will not only include our two grand outdoor stages on the river, but also increased programming at Union Stage for several more intimate performances, and the 2022 DCJazzPrix international band competition.

Once again we’re presenting a distinctive talent lineup with our customary international flair. Talent announced thus far – with more to come – includes NEA Jazz Master and vocalist Dianne Reeves, performing with our 2022/2023 Artist-In-Residence Orrin Evans and his award-winning Captain Black Big Band; incredible bass will certainly be in the house with NEA Jazz Master Ron Carter’s Trio and the great bassist Christian McBride & Inside Straight; the percussive power behind the Santana band, drummer Cindy Blackman Santana; the resourceful pianist Emmet Cohen’s Trio; and the magnetic gospel-drenched jazz sounds of The Baylor Project, co-led by the amazing vocalist Jean Baylor and her drumming spouse Marcus Baylor.

DCJF’s 2022 international component will include our 2021 DCJazzPrix co-winners Dayramir Gonzalez & Habana enTRANCE (Cuba), and the Giveton Gelin Quintet (Bahamas). French saxophonist Patrick Zimmerli will bring a powerhouse band that includes master saxophonist Chris Potter and drummer EJ Strickland; and Vox Sambou (Haiti) is sure to bring our audience to its feet. Also on the emerging artist side we’ve got Letter One/Rising Star competition winner guitarist Dan Wilson’s Trio, and some of the DMV’s finest in trumpeter Donvonte McCoy and singer Heidi Martin.

Stay tuned, we’re not done yet and there will be much more to come! The 2022 DC JazzFest is guaranteed to once again thrill and captivate our audiences!

Learn more about this year's lineup and buy your tickets by clicking the button below!