5 D.C. jazz picks for October 2026

Before we get into the shows for this month, we need to make a major acknowledgement and offer up supreme gratitude. Dick Smith and Reverend Brian Hamilton, founders of Westminster Presbyterian Church’s “Jazz Night in D.C.,” announced last month that they would jointly pass the reins after 30 years of service to the Southwest community. Smith and Rev. Hamilton were integral to making Westminster the spiritual home for the D.C. jazz scene and a reliable home for the District’s  jazz elders to play as other homes for the music disappeared amidst wider gentrification in the city. 

Now, the beloved series will continue under the stewardship of fellow D.C. luminaries Paul and Karmen Carr, who will curate and manage the series. The new era is already off to a strong start, with a beautiful new website and a strong crop of fall and early winter shows already announced. The future is bright, and we extend our warmest thanks to Smith and Rev. Hamilton for their decades of service to the scene. 

Now, onto our roundup of noteworthy mentions before we dig into our our primetime top five. 

First, head to Mr. Henry’s, where sax wizard Bobby Muncy returns Oct. 9 with his Radiohead Jazz Project, featuring John Lee as D.C.’s own Johnny Greenwood. Then head on Oct. 12 to Rhizome, where a trio of electrifying creative musicians take the stage: electronic orchestral arranger Hans Tammen, British free saxophonist Marcus Cummins and Baltimore multi-instrumental creative music heavy hitter Jamal Moore. Rhizome hosts another summit of creative music power on Oct. 17, when drummer and sonic contourist William Hooker performs with guitarist On Ka’a Davis in a program they’re calling “Rhythmic Tales.” For a more straight-ahead offering, check out another elder of the music, Chucho Valdés, when he visits Strathmore on Oct. 18 to celebrate his 85th birthday with a special show featuring saxophonist Joe Lovano and trumpeter Etienne Charles.

As always, D.C.’s local heavyweights will put on a strong showing. Though part of a regular residency, vocalist and pianist Aaron Myers’ Oct. 23 return to Mr. Henry’s will be highly rewarding. Elijah Jamal Balbed follows Myers with a Henry’s show of his own almost a week later (Oct. 29) with a preview of his next album, Standard-ish, which is due out in March of next year. The night before (Oct. 28), Balbed will also lead a regretfully rare celebration of tenor sax great Jimmy Heath’s centennial as part of the University of Maryland-sponsored jazz jam at the Hyattsville Busboys and Poets.

Finally, don’t miss pianist CapitalBop’s next show, when we present on Oct. 23 Amy K. Bormet in duo with AACM-member JoVia Armstrong and a solo set from Janelle Gill at NYU DC’s Abramson Family Auditorium.

For all other jazz needs this fall, please consult the D.C. jazz calendar.

JANEL LEPPIN: THE REALIST RELEASE SHOW

Friday, Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m.
Palisades Hub (tickets)
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Janel Leppin is one of the District’s finest bandleaders, harnessing a nuanced sensibility in both her compositions and improvisations that produces restless, complex sonic textures. She’s widely respected for her work leading the Ensemble Volcanic Ash, as half of the power duo Janel and Anthony (with guitarist Anthony Pirog) and her arresting work for solo cello.

Here, she performs selections from her September 2026 album The Realist, a trio project featuring bassist Devra Hoff and drummer Chad Taylor. They take on a laid-back contemporary sound, layered with rich basslines, lyrical cello instrumentation and sonically diverse textures.

Opening is Red Sunflower, a D.C. instrumental noise and experimental trio made up by brothers Kiyan and Teymour Saifi on guitar and bass, respectively along with drummer Jaden Shahin.

LENA SEIKALY – CELEBRATING SARAH

Saturday, Oct. 10, 6 and 8:30 p.m.
LaPortas (tickets)
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Vocalist Lena Seikaly performs with that classic, warm mezzo-soprano tone and swing. She performs standards with confidence and imagination, and also writes gorgeous, dreamy songs.

Here she performs with support from pianist Chris Grasso and his trio. Grasso made a name for himself as an in-demand vocal accompanist before relocating part-time to Provincetown, Mass. He remains a cherished collaborator for some of D.C.’s most important vocalists, like Seikaly, Sharón Clark and Alison Crockett. While skillful at highlighting other members of a band, Grasso also shines on his own through a love for classic Bill Evans/Red Garland-esque melody and balladry. 

Here, Seikaly and Grasso join bassist Tommy Cecil and drummer Lenny Robinson to perform a tribute to “The Divine One,” Sarah Vaughan.

MELVIS SANTA’S GATA JAZZ TRIO

Sunday, Oct. 11, 5:30 and 8 p.m.
Blues Alley (tickets)
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Gata Jazz is the project of Cuban vocalist and pianist Melvis Santa. The New York City-based all-women trio performs contemporary jazz fusion, infused with elements of blues, funk, Latin folkloric traditions and Afro-Cuban avant-garde styles.

Here, Santa — a two-time Grammy nominee — will be joined by bassist Liany Mateo and drummer Ivanna Cuesta as part of Blues Alley’s Cuban jazz series for Latin Heritage Month.

MARIA GRAND QUARTET

Sunday, Oct. 18, 7 p.m.
Rhizome (tickets)
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Swiss-born, New York-based saxophonist Maria Grand is a singular voice in contemporary jazz. Grand burst on the scene in 2017 and hasn’t slowed down since, releasing a half-dozen records and constantly touring internationally. Her most recent offering, 2026’s Both Sides, finds Grand at her most daring, presenting two takes on the same tunes, each featuring distinct groups and approaches.

Grand here visits Rhizome to present a new rhythm-heavy chordless quartet featuring Gervis Myles on upright bass, Shakoor Hakeem on percussion and DMV-native Eliza Salem on drums.

DAT ORGAN TRIO+1

Saturday, Oct. 31, 7 p.m.
Takoma Station Tavern (tickets) 
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Tedd Baker is a gripping D.C. saxophonist: burly tone wrapped around a taut rhythmic approach. That punch in sound is a sure indicator as to why he held the first tenor sax chair with the Airmen of Note before retiring earlier this year. While recovering from a 2019 car crash, Baker evolved his writing and playing style. Today, his style is less that of the brawn of Sonny Rollins or dexterity of Coltrane but the enveloping tone of Wayne Shorter.

Pianist Allyn Johnson, the “Dean of D.C. Jazz” and head of the jazz program at the University of the District of Columbia, is a figurehead in the local jazz scene. He is lion-like on the ivories, punching out colorful, complex chords and harmonies that spread constantly through the music.

Drummer Dana J. Hawkins made his mark in the D.C. jazz scene by working his way through any session he could find, including a regular feature at Elijah Easton’s mythic Service Bar sessions. He is now a national presence, whether touring with longtime collaborator Evan Marien or joining international superstars like Lizzo at NPR’s Tiny Desk.

Together these three workhorse musicians are the DAT Organ Trio. They’re joined by rising guitarist Tommy Holladay for what’s sure to be a monstrously strong demonstration of D.C. jazz talent on Halloween.