Capital Jazz Festival | Washington D.C.

Each year in early June (since 1993), tens of thousands of music lovers from throughout the country flock to the suburbs of Washington, D.C. to enjoy hot fun and cool jazz of the Capital Jazz Fest, once referred to by guitarist Chuck Loeb as the “Woodstock of jazz festivals .This multi-day, multi-stage outdoor music festival, which attracts music lovers from 44 states, has continually showcased the biggest names in contemporary jazz. Past performers include Herbie Hancock, Kenny G, Grover Washington, Jr., Anita Baker, Ray Charles, Ramsey Lewis, Dianne Reeves, Nancy Wilson,George Benson, Eric Benet, Jeffrey Osborne, The Brand New Heavies and countless others. In-between musical sets, attendees can enjoy fine art and crafts at the Festival Marketplace, culinary treats at the food court, plus artist workshops and meet & greets.

Held the weekend of June 5-7, 2009 in the wooded setting of Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbus, Maryland, this year’s festival artist lineup includes such superstars as Chaka Khan, George Duke, Al Jarreau, Norman Brown, Fourplay, Lalah Hathaway, Kirk Whalum, Regina Belle, Roy Ayer,s Angie Stone, Gary Taylor, En Vogue, Will Downing, Marion Meadows, Raheem DeVaughn, Pieces of a Dream with special guest Phil Perry,  Peabo Bryson, and many more.

For more information on schedules artists, venues and related festival events, please visit the festival’s official website.