Jazz in the Heights 2025

Less than a year after its successful debut as a concert series, Jazz in the Heights will return to Ward 8 on May 31 and June 1 for a weekend of live music, culture and community. CapitalBop is proud to partner for the first time with Sycamore & Oak to present the festival on the former campus of St. Elizabeths Hospital.

Jazz in the Heights is our chance to celebrate the exciting moment in Black American Music that is 2025, on a beautiful stage in the heart of Congress Heights. Come out and immerse yourself in the culture, talent and creative energy of jazz in D.C., in the heart of one of the most historic communities in the nation’s capital.

These two days will be packed with music from some of the hottest contemporary artists in the DMV and beyond. D.C.-based West African drumming and dance from Farafina Kan Ensemble and rising pianist/producer Sequoia “REDWOOD” Snyder will both make their CapitalBop show debuts. Saxophonist BIRCKHEAD and the Konjur Collective, both based in Baltimore, will bring their cutting-edge, politically conscious creations, each from their own ends of the contemporary #BAM spectrum.

These powerful young artists will share the stage with internationally acclaimed stars, including bassist Dezron Douglas, vocalist Deborah Bond, violinist Chelsey Green and the Green Project and more acts to be announced in mid-May.

“Jazz in the Heights is bringing cutting edge Music to the Community,” said CapitalBop Co-Founder and Artistic Director Luke Stewart, who led the booking team for this year’s festival. “The world of Jazz and Creative Music has continued to evolve, and these Community-Minded Musicians have emerged as leaders in expressing the feelings and issues of today. The Music takes the People on a Journey of Liberation.”

Attendance at this festival is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is encouraged to reserve a spot.

There’s even more to Jazz in the Heights offstage. Alongside the music, you’ll find art exhibits and interactive cultural activities; offerings from the community of Black-owned businesses operating out of Sycamore & Oak; and curated food and wine tastings. The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on May 31, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 1. Reserve your tickets, bring out the friends and family, and join us for an unforgettable weekend of music at Sycamore & Oak.