Photos: Finding the ‘DC’ in the DC Jazz Festival
Something I’m sure most D.C. jazz musicians struggle with when DC Jazz Fest rolls around is finding the time to actually make it out to listen to the music. Some musicians work, or play the festival, others work gigs that are not associated with the festival, and some musicians work other not-music jobs while the festival is in town. All of us working nonetheless.
So, enjoying the festival can be a challenge. Accessing it can be a challenge. Something I thought hard about trying to capture was what D.C. and D.C.-area musicians have to offer the festival. What do we bring? Everyone loves the big names of this music, but have you experienced Leigh Pilzer soloing on a blues? Of course you know Marcus Miller’s sound, but have you experienced Romeir Mendez holding it down for José Luiz Martins or Brent Birckhead?
Maybe not, but these people power the scene here, and in turn, the DC Jazz Festival when it comes to town.
All photos by Keith Butler, for CapitalBop
“I really appreciate the fact that DC Jazz Fest provides opportunities for lots of musicians on different levels ranging from high school students to professional touring musicians. They hold applications and competitions that give people an actual chance to play at this festival. I also appreciate how they highlight HBCUs…, something that unfortunately… not many people know about. There have been too many occasions where I tell someone I went to an HBCU and their response is “what’s that”?”
– Gracie Jessop
“Being part of the finals to DC JazzPrix was an amazing experience in itself. For me it involves sense of community among your peers while at the same time vulnerability and focus.
Winning the JazzPrix means a lot to us because we’ve put so much time and energy into this project and it means that the music is resonating with people. And to win in D.C. with all of our community supporting us was extra beautiful and made us feel the love of the beautiful jazz community here.”
– José Luiz Martins
On the final day of the festival I drove down to North Carolina for a friend’s wedding. I knew I would be missing the last day of shows. Kassa Overall was in town, Ron Carter, Jazzmeia Horn, and so many others.
I didn’t feel sad or any sort of FOMO, though. D.C. showed out all weekend, and I knew Sunday would be the same. D.C. musicians played the smallest and biggest stages of the festival, while D.C. elders listened deeply from the audience.
D.C. uplifted D.C. during jazz fest this year, and I think that is what I will carry with me until next year.
