Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
In Memoriam: Cassandra Wilson, 1955–2026
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
Steve Coleman (left) and Jonathan Finlayson perform at the historic Sixth & I Synagogue in Washington, D.C., as part of the DC Jazz Festival on June 14.
(Photo: Michael Wilderman)The 2016 DC Jazz Festival climaxed with a rousing set by tenor saxophonist Kamasi Washington on June 19, a fitting culmination to more than two weeks of numerous performances at venues all around the District.
Coordinated by Executive Director Sunny Sumter and Artistic Director Willard Jenkins, the festival included concerts at The Hamilton Live (featuring violinist Regina Carter, vocalist Kurt Elling, saxophonist Maceo Parker and pianist Harold Mabern), the CapitalBop Loft (with pianists Michele Rosewoman and Orrin Evans), the Kennedy Center (featuring an all-star salute to Howard University Jazz), the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue (with Steve Coleman & Five Elements), and the extensive Jazz In The Hoods presentations.
More than 90 bands and 300 emerging and veteran artists performed during the fest. One unique event was the DC Alley Museum Live Mural Project by artist Bill Warrell, in which visitors young and old were invited to pick up a paintbrush and add to a montage of the Art Ensemble of Chicago, commemorating the group’s 1982 Washington, D.C. concert.
That mural—as well as many other moments from throughout the fest—is captured in the photo album below, which was constructed by photographer and D.C. resident Michael Wilderman.
Wilson’s ability to connect to audiences helped her to win two Grammy awards and multiple other accolades. She was named an NEA Jazz Master in 2022.
Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
Bertoncini was a specialist and advocate for the nylon-string acoustic guitar, turning down high-profile opportunities that were unsuited to the sound and techniques that he used with that instrument.
Sep 1, 2026 11:06 AM
Gene Bertoncini, an esteemed jazz guitarist, composer, arranger and educator, died Aug. 29 at the Lillian Booth Actors…
A solo concert by saxophonist Joshua Redman will close the first night of the Hyde Park Jazz Festival on Sept. 26.
Sep 22, 2026 12:26 PM
The Hyde Park Jazz Festival will take place for the 20th time on the final weekend of September 2026. Beginning half…
“It was just that suddenly … I could hear it,” Ravi Coltrane said of an epiphany he experienced during his late teens regarding his father’s music. “And it was almost like a calling, like something saying, ‘Hey, man, come on. It’s time to get serious.’ And the first time you really tune in and dial in and focus like that, it can be very life-changing.”
Sep 22, 2026 1:39 PM
Editor’s Note: Tomorrow, Sept. 23, is the 100th anniversary of John Coltrane’s birth. In honor of the tenor and…
Camille Thurman took to the stage alongside bassist Kenny Davis and drummer Tommy Campbell for a rendition of Johnny Mercer’s “I’m An Old Cowhand” that recalled Rollins’ epochal 1957 trio outing Way Out West.
Oct 6, 2026 1:33 PM
As emcee Mark Ruffin noted at the commencement of an epic tribute to saxophonist Sonny Rollins at the Cathedral of…
