Nadia Kallmer
Oct 18, 2026
The Festival headlined well-known musicians and provided a great experience for listeners.
In early September, from the 2nd through the 6th, Washington, D.C. hosted its 22nd annual Jazz Festival.(1) The Festival spanned several locations, including the Wharf, and many accomplished jazz musicians performed.
According to The Washington Post (article linked below), “This year’s headliners include Grammy-winning musician Dee Dee Bridgewater, singer Kurt Elling and acclaimed saxophonist Joshua Redman.”
The Festival is designed to appeal to a wide range of audiences, and welcomes both jazz fanatics and also those new to the music genre.
The musicians performed emotional pieces that touched upon pivotal moments in their lives. For example, according to The Washington Post (article linked below), “D.C. native and bassist Corcoran Holt…explor[ed] the joy and grief of becoming a father while losing his own.”
Another standout performer was the Chuck Brown Band. Chuck Brown is deemed the Godfather of Go-Go, a music genre that originated in Washington, D.C. This band, however, performed syncretic pieces that combined go-go and jazz.
Ultimately, the five-day Festival created an excellent opportunity for locals and tourists to get together around the city and indulge in authentic and traditional music. Moreover, the continuity of the Festival represents the city’s longstanding commitment to creating community and bridging divides through the shared experience of listening to music.
This article was adapted from The Washington Post’s “Don’t miss out on these local favorites at the D.C. Jazz Festival” by Stephanie Williams.
Williams, Stephanie. “Don’t miss out on these local favorites at the D.C. Jazz Festival.” The Washington Post, 2 September 2026, https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/2026/09/02/dont-miss-out-these-local-favorites-dc-jazz-festival/.