Due to limited capacity at some venues, it is necessary to register to attend some events. Click the “Registration required for this Event” link to do so.

Start Time Title Location
10:00am

Opening Ceremony

UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova, Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington, D.C., UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock, UN FAO Goodwill Ambassador Dee Dee Bridgewater

Performance by students from Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Herbie Hancock, Dee Dee Bridgewater

DuPont Circle

Intersection of Massachusetts Avenue NW and Connecticut Avenue NW

11:00am

Panel Discussion: Jazz & Women

Dee Dee Bridgewater, Dianne Reeves, Terri Lyne Carrington.
Moderated by Charlie Gans

Conversation on Jazz and Women highlighting women’s contributions to jazz since its inception, a rich legacy of achievements and how the role of female artists have inspired calls for social change. Legendary jazz artists Dee Dee Bridgewater, Diane Reeves and Terri Lynn Carrington explore the role of women in jazz: past, present and future with moderator Associated Press journalist Charlie Gans. Key topics include the struggle for recognition and legitimacy of female jazz artists, their impact and legacy, and thoughts on the future of jazz.

National Museum of Women in the Arts

1250 New York Ave NW
Registration required for this Event »

Performance: Dupont Brass

So Others Might Eat

(S.O.M.E. clients only)

Film Screening: Round Midnight (2h 30min)

Inside the Blue Note nightclub one night in 1959 Paris, an aged, ailing jazzman coaxes an eloquent wail from his tenor sax. Outside, a young Parisian too broke to buy a glass of wine strains to hear those notes. Soon they will form a friendship that sparks a final burst of genius in the fading musician.

Set to Herbie Hancock’s superb Academy Award winning Best Original Score, Round Midnight is an elegant ode to bebop – the technically demanding jazz of the postwar era – and to the expatriate black Americans who created, nurtured and lived it. Soulfully directed by Bertrand Tavernier, the film showcases tenor sax great Dexter Gordon in a remarkable Oscar-nominated performance. His walk a proud stumble, his speech as rhythmic and intricate as his music, Gordon is a shambling, shaggy ruin of greatness and Round Midnight is an awesome musical journey.

*Special Photography Exhibition of Adolf Sax, the inventor of the Saxophone, presented by the Embassy of Belgium at THEARC

THEARC

1901 Mississippi Ave SE
thearcdc.org

Performances (11:00am–8:00pm)

11:00am — Aleksandra Denda Group presented by LeitmotivArts and the Embassy of Serbia (Aleksandra Denda – vocal, Christian Li – piano, Shubh Saran – guitar, Mark Minoogian – bass, Milos Branisavljevic – drums, Moez Dawad- percussion)
12:00pm — Crush Funk Brass
1:00pm — Woodrow Wilson High School Jazz Band and Vocal Jazz Ensemble
2:00pm — Davey Yarborough Quintet featuring Esther Williams
3:00pm — José André Jazz Trio in partnership with the Embassy of Bolivia, with special appearance by Marcus Miller
3:25pm — The Lucky So & So’s
4:00pm — Nasar Abadey Quartet
5:00pm — Art Sherrod, Jr.
6:00pm — Collaboration
7:00pm — Dupont Brass
DuPont Circle

Intersection of Massachusetts Avenue NW and Connecticut Avenue NW

U Street Walking Jazz Tour

The 2-hour walking tour led by historian Bernard Demczuk will start at the front revolving doors of the Reeves Center at 14th and U, NW. This is the site of “Ground Zero” for the April 4, 1968 Black Rebellion as a result of Dr. King’s assassination. The tour will end at 1:00pm at The Howard Theatre, 7th & T., NW.

Please bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing for the weather.

Frank D. Reeves Center of Municipal Affairs

2000 14th St NW
Registration required for this Event »

Film Screening: Keep On Keepin’ On (1h 24m)

Keep on Keepin’ On depicts the remarkable story of 93-year-old Jazz legend Clark Terry, a living monument to the Golden era of Jazz, having played in both the Duke Ellington and Count Basie bands. He broke racial barriers on American Television and mentored the likes of Miles Davis and Quincy Jones, but his most unlikely friendship is with Justin Kauflin, a 23-year-old blind piano Prodigy. Justin, fighting a debilitating case of stage fright, is invited to compete in a prestigious competition while Clark’s health takes a serious turn. The two face the toughest challenges of their lives. The result is an intimate portrait of two remarkable men–a student striving against all odds and a teacher who continue to inspire through the power of music.

National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution

In partnership with the Smithsonian, celebrating Jazz Appreciation Month

Warner Bros. Theater
Constitution Ave. NW between 12th and 14th streets

Registration required for this Event »

Please plan on arriving at least 30 minutes in advance of your program to allow for security screening at museum.

Performance (11:00am–4:00pm):

11:00am — Levine Music
12:00pm — Thelonious Monk Institute Performing Arts High School Quintet
1:00pm — The Jazz Academy Orchestra
2:00pm — Bowie State University
3:00pm — Virginia Music Adventures
4:00pm — Blues Alley Youth Orchestra with guest Marcus Miller
National Sylvan Theater

Washington Memorial Drwy SW

Jazz Kids Show: Rochelle Rice’s “Da Capo!”

Petworth Jazz Project presents Rochelle Rice’s “Da Capo!” a children’s performance and interactive class that will lead them on a journey through the life and music of latin jazz legend Tito Puente.

Petworth Recreation Center

801 Taylor St NW
petworthjazzproject.com

Performance: Chucho Valdés

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library

901 G St. NW
Washington, DC 20001

dclibrary.org/mlk

Duke Ellington’s Birthday Party: Vinyl, Film Screening, Pop-up Performances, and Discussion with Music Documentarian (10:00am — 11:00pm)

  • Duke Ellington Music and Vinyl Feature (all day)
  • Screening of biographical documentary shorts (all day)
  • Coffee Discussion with Black Broadway on U Founder and Emmy Award winning producer, writer, director and digital storyteller, Shellée M. Haynesworth, on the life and legacy of Duke Ellington (12:00-1:30pm)
  • Pop-up performances
Songbyrd

2477 18th Street NW

Presented by Black Broadway on U Street

12:00pm

Metro DC Performances (12:00pm–3:00pm)

Jamal Brown and Herman Burney

Eastern Market Station, Georgia Ave./Petworth Station, Shaw/Howard Station, Tenleytown Station

Performance: Dupont Brass

So Others Might Eat

(S.O.M.E. clients only)

3rd Annual Fine Lines Paint Jam (12:00pm–7:00pm)

Presented by Words Beats & Life

A 900-ft. long canvas divided between 100 artists from around the country amid a backdrop of live music, free arts tutorials, galleries, local arts organizations, food trucks, arts exhibitions, & photo competition with a prize of $500 and the cover of WBL’s first magazine

Words, Beats & Life

514-680 Rhode Island Ave NE
wblinc.org

Performance: The Annandale Jazz Ambassadors

Georgetown University Jazz Festival presents The Annandale Jazz Ambassadors of Virginia Music Adventures
Copley Lawn

Georgetown University campus,
3700 O St NW
(Rain site) Davis Performing Arts Center, Gonda Theater

vamusicadventures.org

Performance: Colin Chambers

Howard University Hospital

Dialysis Outpatient Center
2041 Georgia Ave NW
Washington, DC 20059

SGI-USA Washington DC Arts Department Spring Meeting

Explore Herbie Hancock & Wayne Shorter’s “Open Letter to the Next Generation of Artists,” through performances, readings, experiences & open dialogue. SGI-USA is a lay Buddhist network building a better world through promotion of peace, culture and education. ALL ARTISTS, aspiring artists welcome!
SGI-USA Washington DC Culture Center

3417 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20007

1:00pm

Performance: Dianne Reeves with Nasar Abadey, Cyrus Chestnut, James King

Thrive DC

(Thrive clients only)

Performances (1:00pm–3:00pm)

1:10pm — Janelle Gill Trio
2:00pm — Michael Bowie and Sine Qua Non
2:50pm — Sharón Clark Trio with Bobby Watson
National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution

In partnership with the Smithsonian, celebrating Jazz Appreciation Month

Warner Bros. Theater
Constitution Ave. NW between 12th and 14th streets

Registration required for this Event »

Please plan on arriving at least 30 minutes in advance of your program to allow for security screening at museum.

Workshop On Wes Montgomery

Westminster Presbyterian Church

400 I St SW
westminsterdc.org

Performance: Georgetown University Jazz Ensemble

Georgetown University Jazz Festival presents Georgetown University Jazz Ensemble
Copley Lawn

Georgetown University campus,
3700 O St NW
(Rain site) Davis Performing Arts Center, Gonda Theater

gujazzband.com

2:00pm

Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz presents “Jazz Expressions: Vocals & Dance”

Featuring Dee Dee Bridgewater, Al Jarreau, Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards, Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance Septet
The Kennedy Center

2700 F St NW
Registration required for this Event »

Performance: Dave Kline Band

Georgetown University Jazz Festival presents Dave Kline Band.
Copley Lawn

Georgetown University campus,
3700 O St NW
(Rain site) Davis Performing Arts Center, Gonda Theater

daveklineband.com

2:30pm

Mixology in the Jazz Age: Chantal Tseng

Learn about prohibition and the stories behind the beverages, sip on the delicious creations while listening to jazz and discussing the poets, novelists and musicians of the time.

Petworth Citizen & Reading Room

829 Upshur St NW
petworthcitizen.com

3:00pm

Informance

Featuring Lisa Henry, Antonio Hart, Thelonious Monk Institute Performing Arts High School Quintet
THEARC

1901 Mississippi Ave SE
thearcdc.org

Performance: Collaboration

Mayfair Mansions Community Center

3744 Hayes St NE

Performance: The Afro Bop Alliance

Georgetown University Jazz Festival presents The Afro Bop Alliance
Copley Lawn

Georgetown University campus,
3700 O St NW
(Rain site) Davis Performing Arts Center, Gonda Theater

afrobop.com

3:30pm

Panel Discussion: Jazz, Human Rights, and Cultural Diplomacy

UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova, Former Minister of Justice of France Christiane Taubira, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock, South African trumpet legend Hugh Masekela

This round table discussion will focus on the role of jazz and jazz artists during the human rights struggles and civil rights movements throughout history across the world – the Cold War, the Apartheid Regime, the struggle in Eastern Europe for freedom and democracy. Jazz is founded on the same ideals of these movements and mirrors its fundamental principles – equality, democracy and freedom – with
musicians taking up the cause to promote social justice and racial equality through their music and activism. From Louis Armstrong, Billy Holiday, to Hugh Masekela and others, jazz artists contributed to empowering communities and raising awareness. As such, with its universal message of mutual respect and acceptance, jazz is not only a conduit for social and political change, but also a powerful tool for intercultural dialogue and peace-building across nations and cultures.

Panelists will discuss their own unique take on the link between jazz and human rights, and in the context of an internationally celebrated Jazz Day, how this message of activism and conviction can teach others – especially today’s youth – about the strength of culture and the hope for peace and equality.

National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution

In partnership with the Smithsonian, celebrating Jazz Appreciation Month

Warner Bros. Theater
Constitution Ave. NW between 12th and 14th streets

Registration required for this Event »

Please plan on arriving at least 30 minutes in advance of your program to allow for security screening at museum.

4:00pm

Performance: Crush Funk Brass

Martha’s Table

2114 14th St NW
marthastable.org

Q&A Discussion With Christian McBride

Serendipity Jazz Coffeehouse

3301 12th St NE
serendipitydc.com

Performance: Sebastian Chames Quartet

SPAIN arts & culture, DC Jazz Festival and Events DC celebrate International Jazz Day with the Fishman Artist Embassy Series. Meet the Artist at 3:00PM prior to the performance. Seating is limited and RSVP is required.

Former Residence of the Ambassadors of Spain

2801 16th St NW
Registration required for this Event »

Afternoon Jazz Jam in celebration of International Jazz Day (Until 7:00pm)

 

Jazz and Cultural Society

2813 12th St NE
jazzandculturalsociety.com

5:00pm

Performance: UDC Jazztet featuring Jordan Dixon

Jazz @VN Celebrates International Jazz Day

UDC’s JAZZAlive and DC Jazz Festival join Van Ness Main Street and the Acacia Bistro & Wine Bar to celebrate International Jazz Day and kick-off Jazz at VN with the UDC JAZZtet, featuring soulful tenor saxophonist Jordon Dixon.

Acacia Bistro & Wine Bar

4340 Connecticut Ave NW
jazzaliveudc.org

American Museum of Peace 2016 International Jazz Day Concert with the George Washington Jazz Orchestra (5:00pm — 7:00pm)

Thomas Jefferson National Memorial

701 E Basin Dr SW
Washington, DC 20242

5:30pm

Performance: Crush Funk Brass

Martha’s Table Food Truck

2nd & H St NW
marthastable.org

6:00pm

Jazz Night at Chez Billy

Chez Billy

3815 Georgia Ave NW
chezbilly.com

Offlines Project featuring Yinon Muallem & Guy Mintus

For International Jazz Day, Offlines Project featuring Yinon Muallem & Guy Mintus presents a border-defying duet that marries influences from Turkish makam to Indian rhythms, Jewish melodies, and originals treated through the lens of jazz improvisation
Kennedy Center, Millenium Stage

2700 F St NW
Washington, DC 20566

7:00pm

Performance: Todd Marcus Quintet

Capital Fringe and Tony Haywood present Todd Marcus Quartet at the Capital Fringe courtyard.
Capital Fringe courtyard

1358 Florida Ave NE
Washington, DC 20002

8:00pm

International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert Network Special

ABC 7 WJLA: Washington, DC
wjla.com

Performance: Buster Williams

Buster Williams “Something More” with RENEE ROSNES & JEFF “TAIN” WATTS

Blues Alley

1073 Wisconsin Ave NW
$30 – $35 bluesalley.com

Performance: Maija Rejman

“Influencia do Jazz” with vocalist Maija Rejman, keyboardist Wayne Wilentz, bassist David Jernigan, drummer Jim West, and trombonist Reginald Cyntje. American and Brazilian jazz from 8:00-11:00PM. Herb Scott will follow with a jam session at 11:00PM.

Mr. Henry’s

601 Pennsylvania Ave SE
mrhenrysdc.com

9:00pm

Performance: Nicole Saphos Quartet

Paul Carr (sax), Dave Sanders (guitar), Ele Rubenstein (drums) and Nicole Saphos (bass/vocals).

Twins Jazz

1344 U St NW
9PM and 11PM sets – $15 cover. twinsjazz.com

For Pop-Up Performances all over DC with Herb Scott and Friends: Follow @intljazzday on Twitter

View/download the International Jazz Day Washington DC Events Brochure (PDF)

Event Map


A Letter from Herbie Hancock and UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova

Irina Bokova and Herbie Hancock

Dear Friends,

It is an honor to invite you to the 5th Annual International Jazz Day celebrations in Washington, D.C. This day was adopted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization in 2012 to promote jazz music and culture as a tool to inspire peaceful cooperation and partnership among communities around the globe.

This day is an extraordinary demonstration of the power of jazz to promote world peace, stimulate intercultural dialogue and above all, bring people together. On April 30, people in 195 countries on every single continent will be demonstrating their commitment to the unifying power of music.

We are partnering with teachers, musicians, students, historians, and community leaders at schools, universities, libraries, art venues, community centers, hospitals, and shelters. All over the world, the streets will be alive with the sounds of jazz – of freedom – and millions of people will learn about its rich history; its ethical and philosophical foundations; and its inherent message of acceptance and respect. Our hope is that this day will inspire people all over the world to listen to one another and cooperate in a spirit of peace.

Many thanks to Washington, D.C. for serving as the Global Host City for International Jazz Day 2016 and for featuring Jazz Day programs in every single Ward.

Thank you for your support and Happy International Jazz Day!

irinasignature

Irina Bokova

UNESCO Director-General

herbie

Herbie Hancock

UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador
International Jazz Day Co-Chair