Jun 3, 2025 11:25 AM
In Memoriam: Al Foster, 1943–2025
Al Foster, a drummer regarded for his fluency across the bebop, post-bop and funk/fusion lineages of jazz, died May 28…
The Duke Ellington Jazz Festival (DEJF) kicks off its fall festival countdown on April 26 in Washington, D.C., with its annual concert at Lincoln Theatre celebrating Ellington’s birthday (April 29) and Ella Fitzgerald’s birthday (April 25).
At the concert, Charlie Fishman, DEJF founder and executive producer, will announce the 2008 festival lineup for Oct. 1–7. Those in attendance will be able to purchase festival tickets before tickets are available to the public on May 1. In addition, $5 of the $20 concert admission fee will be designated to the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival Education Fund to support the organization’s education efforts.
Musicians scheduled to perform include Nasar Abadey, George Botts, Buck Hill, Steve Novosel, Antonio Parker, Michael Thomas, Debra Tidwell, Larry Willis, Will Smith & the W.E.S. Group, Cynda Williams and the D.C. Bass Choir.
More info: dejazzfest.org
Foster was truly a drummer to the stars, including Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins and Joe Henderson.
Jun 3, 2025 11:25 AM
Al Foster, a drummer regarded for his fluency across the bebop, post-bop and funk/fusion lineages of jazz, died May 28…
“Branford’s playing has steadily improved,” says younger brother Wynton Marsalis. “He’s just gotten more and more serious.”
May 20, 2025 11:58 AM
Branford Marsalis was on the road again. Coffee cup in hand, the saxophonist — sporting a gray hoodie and a look of…
Roscoe Mitchell will receive a Lifetime Achievement award at this year’s Vision Festival.
May 27, 2025 6:21 PM
Arts for Art has announced the full lineup for the 2025 Vision Festival, which will run June 2–7 at Roulette…
Benny Benack III and his quartet took the Midwest Jazz Collective’s route for a test run this spring.
Jun 3, 2025 10:31 AM
The time and labor required to tour is, for many musicians, daunting at best and prohibitive at worst. It’s hardly…
To record Dream Manifest (Dom Recs), Croker convened artists from his current and recent past ensembles, plus special guests.
Jun 10, 2025 4:13 PM
Partway through his early set at Smoke Jazz Club, Theo Croker blinks the room back into focus. He leans over the piano.…