10 Reasons to Attend DC JazzFest This Labor Day Weekend

The jazz genre blends beautifully with others, so expect to hear the blues, swing music, R&B, soul singers and Latin performers along with Keyon Harrold, a renowned collaborator of Jay-Z and Mary J. Blige. Harrold performs at The Wharf on Sunday, Aug. 31.

Multiple jazz masters will perform this year, including the aforementioned Lalah Hathaway, who boasts a deep well of vocal expression and effortlessly crosses multiple genres. A singer-songwriter of the first order, she has topped the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. On the jazz side, she collaborated with the great pianist Joe Sample for The Song Lives On.

Stanley N Forever Band / DC Jazz Fest

The festival welcomes up-and-coming jazz artists such as Akua Allrich and the Tribe as well as festival favorites like Emmet Cohen.

Emmet Cohen / DC Jazz Fest

DC JazzFest takes pride in presenting musicians from all over the world. The 2025 lineup includes Makoto Ozone from Japan and Gregoire Maret from Switzerland, among many others.

The festival also supports DC's local talent and musicians in the form of groups like the String Queens. Previous recipients of the festival's Jazz Education Award, the group includes three dynamic women who are dedicated DC public school teachers. Expect to be dazzled by the Queens' vibrant mix of Baroque and modern jazz music. 

DC JazzFest

DC JazzFest offers exclusive Q&A and engagement opportunities with artists throughout the festival’s run, including the Meet the Artists Tent. Note that a RSVP is required for some of these events.

DC Jazz Festival

The uniquely colorful and very large ensemble continues to carry on its leader’s traditions in music, ranging from swing time to no time. Now led by 2025 NEA Jazz Master Marshall Allen, the Arkestra includes vivid elements of song, dance and film in its expressions of Sun Ra’s cosmic pursuits.

New Jazz Underground

The winner of the 2024 DC JazzPrix, Hiruy Tirfe Quartet, will perform during DC JazzFest at The Wharf on Saturday, Aug. 31.

DC JazzFest

The United States Congress officially declared Jazz an American “National Treasure” in 1987.  This Labor Day Weekend, you can immerse yourself in the classic American art form like never before.