By: Sunny Sumter
The 20th Anniversary of the DC JazzFest is officially in the books! As we swap the vibrant reds of festival season for the cozy greens and golds of the holidays, I want to take a moment to say THANK YOU. From the inspired vision of our board of directors to the generosity of our sponsors, donors, and audiences—not to mention the sheer brilliance of our staff, production crew, volunteers, and artists—this incredible year was a collective triumph.
But let’s get real: while jazz may make improvisation look easy, pulling off this year’s festival was no simple riff. It was a labor of love, driven by the belief that jazz isn’t just music—it’s a universal language, a cultural bridge, and a whole vibe.
This year’s festival wasn’t just a celebration of the art form; it was a testament to the power of jazz to unite people across generations, backgrounds, and borders. Over 96,000 attendees joined us from August 28 to September 1, 2024, at 15 venues across D.C., soaking up 110 performances and events. And of course, Labor Day weekend at The Wharf was the show-stopping crescendo, packed with family-friendly activities, unforgettable performances, and the kind of groove that makes you forget you’ve been standing for hours.
Our Family Engagement Initiative brought more than 1,200 DC public school students and their families into the fold, offering tickets, free of charge, to the DC JazzFest and planting the seeds for the next generation of jazz lovers.
Honoring Our Founder’s Legacy
As we reflect on this extraordinary year, we also carry a profound sense of loss. This year, we said goodbye to our beloved founder, Charlie Fishman. Charlie believed, with every fiber of his being, in the transformative power of jazz to unite humanity. As Dizzy Gillespie’s longtime manager, Charlie witnessed firsthand how music could transcend cultures and create connections where none seemed possible. That belief became the foundation of the DC Jazz Festival. Charlie, alongside his wife Stephanie Peters, envisioned a festival that would bring people together through the magic of jazz—and his vision became a reality that continues to inspire us all.
As his daughter Michal beautifully wrote in last month’s newsletter, Charlie’s life was a testament to the creativity, passion, and determination it takes to make a lasting impact. This year’s Fishman Embassy Series, which brought performances to embassies across the city, stands as a tribute to his enduring legacy.
Charlie’s spirit remains deeply woven into the fabric of this organization. His belief that jazz could serve as a cultural bridge guides us as we celebrate the art form’s ability to bring people together, inspire hope, and create joy.
A Lineup That Hit All the Right Notes
We pulled out all the stops for this milestone year. From NEA Jazz Masters like Dianne Reeves, Ron Carter, Kenny Barron, and Terri Lyne Carrington to rising stars like Samara Joy and Lakecia Benjamin, our stages were a showcase of jazz’s past, present, and future. And let’s not forget global sensations like Cimafunk, whose Havana grooves got everyone moving, or DC’s own shining stars like Corcoran Holt, Nasar Abadey, Amy Bormet, Sharon Clark, and the JazzDC All-Stars, who kept the hometown pride alive.
Jazz is a language spoken around the world, and this year’s festival reminded us just how global its reach is—with artists representing France, Italy, Chile, Cuba, Finland, and beyond. It’s proof that jazz doesn’t just build bridges; it lays down entire highways of connection.
Jazz Education: Inspiring the Next Generation
Our work doesn’t end with the festival. Programs like DC Jazz Bops! (introducing preschoolers to rhythm and improvisation) and Jazzin’ AfterSchool (teaching middle and high schoolers the art of performance) ensure that jazz’s legacy continues. Through the Meet the Artist series, we gave audiences intimate access to legends like Stanley Clarke and Bobby Sanabria, connecting the dots between jazz’s rich history and its bright future.
A Sea of Red (and a Call to Action)
Now let’s talk about the sea of red that lit up this year’s festival—it wasn’t just a fashion statement on screen and backdrop; it was a movement. But keeping general admission at just $25 (yes, you read that right) while delivering world-class programming? That takes more than a little jazz magic—it takes you.
If jazz is a cultural bridge, then your support is what keeps it standing strong. Your donation fuels:
DCJF Education programs like DCJazzBops! and Jazzin’ AfterSchool, ensuring the next generation keeps the groove alive.
JazzDC, which amplifies the incredible talent of our local artists.
The 2025 DC JazzFest, so we can keep ticket prices accessible while bringing you the kind of lineup that makes your jaw drop.
Let’s Keep the Groove Going
Here’s the deal: we’re asking for your support—not because jazz needs saving (it’s thriving, thank you very much)—but because it deserves to be accessible to everyone. The rising inflationary costs for artists, production, backline, and staging is 23% higher, so whether you can spare the cost of a cup of coffee or an entire drum set, every dollar makes a difference.
Visit dcjazzfest.org/donate to make your gift today. With your help, we’ll keep the rhythm going, the ticket prices low, and the vibes unmatched.
Happy Holidays to you and yours! Here’s to a 2025 filled with more harmony, more swing, and plenty of reasons to tap your toes.
Sunny Sumter
President and CEO
DC Jazz Festival
P.S. Donating to jazz feels as good as a Gregory Porter ballad, a RAYE riff, or a Kamasi Washington sax solo—so go ahead, make your move: dcjazzfest.org/donate
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