Free Jazz Shows in Washington, D.C.

The Sweet Something Jazz trio of Ariana Harbin on vocals, Jeff Cuny on keys and Caleb Nei on bass, performs a mix of classic standards with that warm, cocktail lounge swing and feel.

Discover the enchanting Jazz Night at 600T every Wednesday from 7-9:30pm featuring the soulful Gracie Jay and Thursday from 8:00-11:00 PM, featuring the sensational A-Train Trio in the lively Shaw neighborhood. Immerse yourself in the rhythmic fusion of BeBop and Modern Jazz, perfect for dancing or simply savoring the music. Indulge in our selection of sensuous cocktails while you unwind and let the jazz vibes sweep you away. No cover charge – just come and enjoy the unforgettable experience!

Eliot Seppa is a proven talent on the bass, holding his own in a bassist-heavy town. In the past years, his broad, bounding sound has grown up; he now plays with the an assurance often reserved for much older players, even while retaining the verve of a youthful comer.

Peter Edelman, the longtime pianist at the now-closed Columbia Station, has taken the party next door to the Green Island Cafe, leading a straight-ahead trio four nights a week. After an opening set, Edelman then opens the proceedings into one of the city’s most beloved jam sessions, at which everyone from venerated elders to young bloods can come cut their chops.

Thu, Aug 20, 5:00 PM

Take Five: Jazz at SAAM with Lyle Link

Smithsonian American Art Museum / Downtown / Map

Lyle Link is one of the most versatile and consistently beautiful saxophone players around. With a lush and sophisticated sound, Link’s melodic flights can defy gravity. He’s been a mainstay of the D.C. jazz scene for well over two decades and a great collaborator with the likes of Michael Bowie, Todd Marcus, Kenny Rittenhouse and plenty more.

Vocalist Shirleta Settles brings to the stage a blend of music, storytelling, spoken word and drama. Alongside her 10-piece variety band, Marquise, she performs a mixture of R&B, jazz, blues, pop and gospel.

DJ, Filmmaker and creative technologist Muse Dodd and vocalist and songwriter Cecily compose and perform a live in-gallery soundscape, incorporating songs chosen by artists featured in Tomorrow the Sun Will Rise: The Phillips Collection Juried Exhibition. Cecily is a native Washingtonian, the daughter of jazz lovers, and a student of political science; each of those experiences adds its own influence to her particular brand of contemporary R&B. She favors slow, emotive songs where her delicate soprano has room to explore, and her original songs’ lyrics focus on self-love and appreciation.

Bassist Zoe Jorgenson performs a combination of jazz standards and original compositions. Jorgenson is heavily influenced by the sounds of jazz, classical, indie and folk music, blending elements of each genre to produce deeply emotive and meditative compositions.