DC JAZZ FESTIVAL
MUSIC FESTIVAL
Teens Media Network Returns for Year Two of DC Jazz Fest Coverage
DC Jazz Fest 2024 at the District Wharf Photo by Charmaine Joyner (TMN).
This week marks the vibrant return of Teens Media Network’s dedicated youth reporters to the DC Jazz Festival—our second annual celebration of creativity, community, and the ever-renewing spirit of jazz. As Washington, D.C. pulses with soulful performances, our young correspondents are poised to capture every note, every beat, and every inspiring moment.
WASHINGTON DC, By Pablo Herrera
From August 27 through August 31, the 21st Annual DC JazzFest transforms the city into a wide-reaching jazz stage. Across more than a dozen venues—including the iconic District Wharf and the prestigious Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater—this year promises to be as rich and ambitious as any before.
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The festival kicks off with flair on August 29 at The Anthem, where Grammy-winning singer Lalah Hathaway and prodigious keyboardist Matthew Whitaker will open the weekend with soulful and electrifying performances. Anticipation builds further at The Wharf over Labor Day Weekend (August 30–31), featuring powerhouse appearances by bass virtuoso Marcus Miller, NEA Jazz Masters like Eddie Palmieri, Ron Carter, Branford Marsalis, and Gary Bartz, the transcendent sounds of the Sun Ra Arkestra led by Marshall Allen, and celebrated vocalists such as Cécile McLorin Salvant, The Baylor Project, John Scofield, Emmet Cohen, and The String Queens.
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Inside at Arena Stage, the lineup continues to impress. Expect masterful sets from Emmet Cohen and his trio, NEA Jazz Master and artist-in-residence Ron Carter, and soulful performances by Cécile McLorin Salvant, Vanessa Rubin, and tenor sensation Paul Carr. The JazzDC All-Stars—under the direction of Allyn Johnson—with special guest saxophonist Steve Wilson and GRAMMY-nominated vocalist Christie Dashiell, bring homegrown artistry to the fore. And bass virtuoso Corcoran Holt will lead an outstanding supergroup made up of jazz luminaries like George Cables, Steve Turre, Sean Jones, Billy Harper, and Jeff “Tain” Watts.
The festival also opens its doors to the wider community through free events like DC JazzFest Downtown at Anthem Row on August 28. This lively, all-ages gathering near Gallery Place–Chinatown features dynamic performances from Brass-A-Holics, Be’La Dona, Benjie Porecki, and Langston Hughes II—with giveaways, free merch, and ticket contests all part of the buzz.
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This year’s DC JazzFest isn’t just about the artists on stage—it’s about inspiring the next generation. Teens Media Network is honored to have our youth storytellers return for a second year, capturing the magic and cultural importance of this festival through their eyes. Their coverage will focus on both established icons and emerging voices, documenting not just performances but moments of connection, expression, and creativity.
TMN Creators during the DC JazzFest 2024 Edition. Photo by Pablo Herrera (TMN).
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the DC Jazz Festival organizers for once again entrusting our youth with this vital storytelling opportunity. To relive our spirited coverage from last year—and get a glimpse of what’s in store—visit our reels here. We invite all readers to follow along, because when young storytellers meet jazz, inspiration follows.
Volunteers during the DC JazzFest 2024 Edition. Volunteers play a vital role in making DC Jazz Festival possible. Photo by Charmaine Joyner (TMN).
Find the full program and tickets at:
dcjazzfest.org
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