5 D.C. jazz picks for May 2026
On May 26, jazz communities across the globe will recognize the centennial of the birth of one of the most towering figures in the music’s history — Miles Dewey Davis III.
Davis passed away in 1991, and in the 35 years since, his artistic legacy continues to have a ripple-like impact on the music world, both within jazz and beyond (even while musicians and audiences continue to grapple with his problematic personal legacy).
Davis also had immense impact here at home (look out for an impending CB piece on the subject), and as such, the trumpeter’s musical legacy will be celebrated across the DMV this month. A main concentration of Davis-centric performances will occur at Blues Alley, as former band members and mentees offer tributes. D.C.’s own Billy Hart (drummer for On the Corner) leads a quartet with pianist Ethan Iverson on May 2 and 3. Guitarist Mike Stern (who played with Davis in the early ‘80s) leads a tribute to Davis’ fusion and funk era on May 14 and 15. Bassist Buster Williams (who played with Davis on and off in the late ’60s) and his group Something More offer their tribute on May 16 and 17. Finally, saxophonist Kenny Garrett (who played with Davis during his partially go-go influenced later years) rounds out the centennial celebration May 28 to 31.
Separately, Marcus Miller — who became an inseparable member of Davis’ latter bands as a principal bassist and composer — will also likely perform some of his mentor’s works during two shows at the Birchmere on May 22 and 23.
Of course, there are also a host of non-Miles Davis shows worth attending. First, D.C.’s celebrated pianist and vocal accompanist Chris Grasso reunites on May 2 with the lush vocalist Lena Seikaly for a trio performance at one of the great homes for vocalists, Mr. Henry’s. Vocal lovers can also head to Jojo Restaurant & Bar every Friday this month, where D.C. jazz luminary Sharón Clark will be in weekly residency leading a trio.
Those ambitious listeners among us might enjoy a rare double-header at Rhizome when two compelling saxophonists visit the DIY mainstay in separate performances on May 9. First, at a 2:30 p.m. matinée, saxophonist and improviser Sarah Hughes continues her push into new sonic frontiers with members of the D.C. punk scene as she performs in a trio with guitarist Jeff Barsky and drummer Jerry Busher. Stick around for the 7 p.m. show, when Chicago-trained and New York-based saxophonist Caroline Davis performs in a dreamy free jazz duo alongside guitarist Dustin Carlson (with Simone Baron opening).
The month closes out strong when baritone saxophonist Leigh Pilzer on May 29 takes over Westminster Presbyterian Church’s jazz night, bringing a quartet to preview her upcoming organ trio record.
For all other jazz needs, please consult the full D.C. jazz calendar.
DECOLLAGE TRIO
Sunday, May 3, 2 p.m.
Cascades Library (Free)
[view on calendar]
~and~
Sunday, May 3, 7:30 p.m.
Incubator House (tickets)
[view on calendar]
The Decollage Trio is the genre-fluid, exploratory improvising trio of accordion player Simone Baron, bassist Adi Meyerson and tabla player Krissy Bergmark. Baron’s music champions a genre-agnostic, fluid space: with her group Arco Belo, she makes music that can flow seamlessly from a jazz and Western Classical hybrid to Hindustani classical, all mixed with blues and bluegrass. New York-based bassist Adi Meyerson is spry on the upright, often leading or anchoring tonally fluid projects like her own post-bop group Dark Matter or the lo-fi hip-hop and funk steel-tipped dove. Chicago-based tabla player Krissy Bergmark occupies similar liminality, making music that can branch between Hindustani, rock, folk and jazz in the span of minutes.
Whatever these three make, it will be a singular experience.
Here, the trio pull double duty, performing first at the Cascades Library as part of Loudoun County’s excellent ongoing live music series and later at Petworth’s up-and-coming DIY spot, Incubator House.
THE MESSTHETICS AND JAMES BRANDON LEWIS
Saturday, May 9, 8 p.m.
Black Cat (tickets)
[view on calendar]
The Messthetics is an improvisational rock trio comprised of D.C.’s own six-string sorcerer, Anthony Pirog, and the rhythm section of the legendary Fugazi: bassist Joe Lally and drummer Brendan Canty. D.C.’s punk and improvisational worlds collide in the group’s compositions, which often alternate between screaming, snaking, turn-it-up-to-11 shredding and the more restrained, anvil-heaviness of some of Fugazi’s most iconic work.
For the past few years, the group has channeled that energy in a different way by joining forces with tenor saxophonist James Brandon Lewis. Lewis — a celebrated New York-based performer and composer — has a singular style that stretches and wails the tone of the saxophone while building tunes that push tonality and genre aside in favor of his own blend of post-post-bop freedom.
The quartet celebrates the release of its second album, Deface the Currency, at D.C.’s legendary Black Cat. Boston-based experimental indie band Trinary System (featuring fellow punk veteran Roger Miller of Mission of Burma) and D.C.-based psychedelic band Thunderpaw will open.
BILAL
Sunday, May 10, 8 p.m.
Howard Theater (tickets)
[view on calendar]
Neo-soul vocalist Bilal has been part of the fabric of modern hip-hop, R&B, and its fusions, since his groundbreaking work alongside The Roots, the Soulquarians and D’Angelo at the turn of the millennium. As comfortable in the spacey-soul and R&B exploratory musical missions prompted by Prince as much as he is matching Robert Glasper feel for feel and groove for groove, this Philadelphia native and powerhouse vocalist expands the territory of soul singers.
ZOË JORGENSEN TRIO / LUKE STEWART – JOVIA ARMSTRONG DUO
Thursday, May 14, 7 p.m.
Rhizome (tickets)
[view on calendar]
Bassist Zoë Jorgenson performs a combination of jazz standards and original compositions. Jorgenson is heavily influenced by the sounds of jazz, classical, indie and folk music, blending elements of each genre to produce deeply emotive and meditative compositions. She leads a trio with drummer Marty Riesemburg and guitarist Parker Spiers.
Bassist Luke Stewart* is a force to be reckoned with in creative and other circles outside the jazz mainstream. He is constantly seeking ways to draw new sounds out of the upright bass, making it scream and squeal and march with power and precision but fluidity. He performs in a duo with percussionist, composer and sound artist JoVia Armstrong. A native of Detroit, her spiritual jazz-rooted artistry is heavily informed by Black musical traditions, particularly rhythm and storytelling.
*Luke Stewart, CapitalBop’s co-founder and director of presenting, had no role in the writing, selecting or editing of this listing.
KWEKU SUMBRY
Saturday, May 30, 7 p.m.
Takoma Station (tickets)
[view on calendar]
Multi-percussionist and sound healer Kweku Sumbry blends traditional African instruments and rhythms with Black American music traditions. His sound is rooted in the West African djembe tradition and infused with jazz, go-go and elements of dance performance.
Here, Sumbry leads his own group back home in D.C. — a rare treat given that his skills in making the drums speak have made him an in-demand sideman for jazz luminaries touring worldwide, including saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins, harpist Brandee Younger and the great NEA jazz master and saxophone maestro Charles Lloyd.
DC, DC jazz, jazz, Washington
