Capital Region residents may be known for its vibrant go-go and rock ‘n’ roll scene. Still, jazz festivals are integral to its rich cultural life – many music enthusiasts make attending one an essential bucket list item!
Capital Jazz Fest occurs annually at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland, and features established and up-and-coming musicians.
1. Fantasia
Fantasia is an award-winning singer-actor and model who has made waves on the music scene for years. Additionally, she is frequently seen acting – her most notable film appearance is The Color Purple.
Each June at the beginning, thousands of jazz and soul fans gather in Columbia, Maryland, for the Capital Jazz Festival – more than just an event but an experience. Over three days, it features concerts and more intimate gatherings than ever – creating a tradition among those who attend each year.
Every year, Merriweather Post Pavilion plays host to musicians from different genres – ranging from contemporary jazz at the Pavilion Stage and R&B and soul on Symphony Woods stage to classical music and beyond – from modern jazz at the Pavilion Stage to R&B and Soul at Symphony Woods stage; attendees get their fill of great music at this annual festival. While the Capital Jazz Fest 2023 talent lineup has not yet been unveiled, we know some of its significant names will appear there!
2. George Benson
Established in 1993, this three-day festival occurs annually at Merriweather Park near Symphony Woods in Columbia, Maryland. It attracts thousands of jazz music enthusiasts annually across the United States and beyond. Live jazz performances, food vendors, art exhibits, and other attractions also come out for this annual event.
Capital Jazz Festival 2023 brings together world-class artists like George Benson, Moonchild, and Corinne Bailey Rae for an exceptional lineup. Tickets are currently on sale via their website; schedule can also be found there.
Music festivals are large-scale events where many musicians perform live music for audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Attending one is a fantastic way to meet new people while experiencing quality tunes; not to mention, these festivals often offer other activities like dances and parties, too! So what are you waiting for? Get out there!
3. Dianne Reeves
Capital Jazz Festival began in 1993 and is one of the premiere festivals for soul music lovers. Each year, thousands gather at this event to enjoy live performances by artists from around the US – Fantasia, George Benson, Corinne Bailey Rae, Robert Glasper, and Moonchild are just a few names you’ll see there this year!
Local talent can be seen throughout our schedule: vocalist Landon Paddock opens Arena Stage; vibraphonist Warren Wolf leads Union Stage’s band; and saxophonist Makaya McCraven performs at The Wharf. On Saturday night, our Official After-Party features legendary DJ Spinderella & Secret Society; among many musical sets, they provide delicious food court offerings and juried craft vendors at Marketplace!
4. George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic
George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic are essential to every Capital Jazz Fest lineup. They recently released a memoir, Brothas Be, Yo Like George, while touring their extensive catalog.
Since 1993, the Columbia Music Festival has become a beloved annual tradition, drawing hundreds of local and national music lovers each June 1 to Columbia, Maryland, for this musical culture event.
Every year, Merriweather Post Pavilion hosts thousands of visitors for a fantastic weekend filled with jazz, R&B, and soul music performances on both its Pavilion Stage and Symphony Woods Stage, plus juried craft vendors in its Festival Marketplace or food court choices – not forgetting reserved pavilion seating and VIP Deck tickets that must be purchased before visiting!
5. Corinne Bailey Rae
Corinne Bailey Rae is a British singer-songwriter best known for her soothing top-ten single “Put Your Records On.” Originally hailing from Leeds, she studied English literature at the University of Leeds. She also served as a hat check girl at a jazz club before discovering and honing her musical style.
Her debut album debuted at number one in the UK and received a Grammy nomination, and ‘The Sea,’ released three years later, was highly acclaimed by critics.
Black Rainbows was Bailey Rae’s fourth studio album, and it offered listeners an extraordinary variety of sounds and genres, from New York Transit Queen’s exuberant girl group clapping to Winehouse pastiche A Spell, A Prayer. She moved effortlessly between searing punk noise, astral gliding electronica, afro-futurist R&B, and hot punk noise with ease, creating an audaciously brilliant record.
6. Kandace Springs
Music festivals are large-scale events featuring multiple musicians performing live over an extended period, usually for several days. Entertainment and activities, such as food stalls or merchandise stands, typically accompany festivals. They may even host vendors who bring people from around the globe together.
This year’s Jazz Fest Festival will host concerts that celebrate different eras of jazz music and demonstrate its progression through time. The Generations Series at Arena Stage brings together musicians from different periods to show their development.
Kandace Springs is an established artist known for her signature blend of blues and jazz sounds, sure to entertain fans and make Capital Jazz Fest 2023 an unforgettable experience. Tickets to see her can now be found through Vivid Seats; their 100% Buyer Guarantee ensures no hidden fees are associated with purchasing from Vivid Seats.
7. Jamison Ross
Capital Jazz Fest returns for its 30th edition from June 2nd to the 4th at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. As one of the country’s premiere jazz music festivals, this three-day event will showcase over 31 artists during its three festivities.
Organizers have assembled an incredible lineup for this year’s Capital Jazz Festival, including GRAMMY-nominated Soul artist Jamison Ross. He brings his distinctive blend of R&B, gospel, and modern production that defines the contemporary soul. In between musical sets, patrons can visit juried craft vendors at Festival Marketplace and food courts or attend official after-parties or hotel events sold separately via Etix. Tickets for the Capital Jazz Festival have gone on sale since 1993 and attract thousands of visitors from all across America yearly. Tickets are on sale now – visit their website for more details! Tickets for the Capital Jazz Festival go on sale now; more details can also be found there! Tickets and more information can be found there, too – more details!
8. Moonchild
Music festivals are large-scale events where multiple musicians perform live over one or more days, drawing audiences from around the globe and providing an unforgettable musical experience. You’ll find all genres imaginable at these festivals, from rock to pop to EDM – no genre is off-limits here!
This year marks the 30th Anniversary of Capital Jazz Fest, an iconic music event called “the jazz festival with soul.” Among those performing are Fantasia, George Benson, Dianne Reeves, Corinne Bailey Rae, Kandace Springs Stokley, and Johnny Britt – not to mention an array of juried craft vendors at the festival marketplace and delicious cuisine at food courts! Other popular activities include Official After-Party and Late Night at Casino! For more information, visit their official site.
9. Dennis Chambers
If you want an unforgettable night of entertainment and dance music, look no further. Renowned drummer Dennis Chambers will perform, having played alongside numerous famous musicians and possessing his signature drumming style, leaving an impressionful mark. Don’t miss this event!
This festival showcases local talent with performances by vocalists Landon Paddock and George V Johnson at Arena Stage, while saxophonist Leigh Pilzer will lead his group at Union Stage.
The Capital Jazz Fest offers the best way to experience contemporary jazz. Since 1993, this annual event has brought joy and happiness to Washington, D.C. It features many talented artists while being an ideal way to meet friends old and new – be sure to purchase tickets today!
10. Vinny Valentino
The Capital Jazz Festival is one of the country’s premier music festivals and has been running annually since 1993 at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. Thousands of visitors converge yearly to experience quality musical shows and events at this festival.
At Symphony Woods, guests can sample contemporary jazz at the Pavilion Stage and R&B/soul. Between sets, visitors can peruse juried craft vendors at the festival marketplace and indulge in culinary treats at food courts – plus meet-and-greet sessions with artists themselves!
Tickets to the Capital Jazz Festival 2023 are now on sale! Use the filters on the left side of this page to quickly locate your perfect show, while don’t forget about SeatGeek’s Deal Score feature to see if there are any great seats at an incredible price!
