Jun 10, 2025 4:13 PM
Theo Croker’s Dream … Manifested!
Partway through his early set at Smoke Jazz Club, Theo Croker blinks the room back into focus. He leans over the piano.…
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.
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.…
“There’s nothing quite like it,” Springs says of working with an orchestra. “It’s 60 people working in harmony in the moment. Singing with them is kind of empowering but also humbling at the same time.”
Jun 17, 2025 11:12 AM
When it came time to pose for the cover of her new album, Lady In Satin — a tribute to Billie Holiday’s 1958…
James Brandon Lewis earned honors for Artist of the Year and Tenor Saxophonist of the Year. Three of his recordings placed in the Albums of the Year category.
Jul 17, 2025 12:44 PM
You see before you what we believe is the largest and most comprehensive Critics Poll in the history of jazz. DownBeat…
Galper was often regarded as an underrated master of his craft.
Jul 22, 2025 10:58 AM
Hal Galper, a pianist, composer and arranger who enjoyed a substantial performing career but made perhaps a deeper…
Chuck Mangione on the cover of the May 8, 1975, edition of DownBeat.
Jul 29, 2025 1:00 PM
Chuck Mangione, one of the most popular trumpeters in jazz history, passed away on July 24 at home in Rochester, New…
