Free Jazz Shows in Washington, D.C.

Herb Scott is something of a symbol of the modern jazz cat: he can blow on his alto sax with the best of them, capable of burning down the house with Charlie Parker-style rapid-fire phrasing, or can pick up the mic to drop some bars as a rapper. He’s even been known to try his hand at reggaeton. He’s exploring all of his options, creatively and economically, as a musician. He’s also a tireless champion of jazz in the District.

Sat, Oct 3, 7:00 PM

Livestream - Hispanic Heritage Jazz Month

Blues Alley / Georgetown / Map

Join us from around the world for a celebration of music, culture, and connection during Blues Alley’s Hispanic Heritage Jazz Month! Reserve your streaming pass to tune into our livestream and experience the rhythm wherever you are.

Abe Mamet, the leading french horn player in creative circles in D.C., is as comfortable in creative, improvisatory circles as he is jamming with straight-ahead, neo-soul and funkier sides of the D.C. jazz scene. He leads a trio every Saturday at Lost Generation Brewing.

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.

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 five 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. Two separate sessions at 5 and 9 p.m.

Guitarist Dave Manley, who navigates the fretboard with the flair and flow of Carlos Santana mixed with Wes Montgomery, performs a synthesis of improvised music that is surely indebted to jazz but draw on rock, hip-hop and everything in between. Manley is joined by a guest – often longtime D.C. pianist Sammy Mungia – every Sunday at this pre-prohibition era cocktail bar in Dupont Circle. The duo runs through standards and contemporary classics.

Mon, Oct 5, 7:00 PM

Livestream - Hispanic Heritage Jazz Month

Blues Alley / Georgetown / Map

Join us from around the world for a celebration of music, culture, and connection during Blues Alley’s Hispanic Heritage Jazz Month! Reserve your streaming pass to tune into our livestream and experience the rhythm wherever you are.

Tue, Oct 6, 6:00 PM

Herb Scott and Hope Udobi Duo

Awakening Bar & Grill / Capitol Hill / Map

Herb Scott is something of a symbol of the modern jazz cat: he can blow his alto sax with the best of them, burning down the house with Charlie Parker-style, rapidfire phrasing, or he can pick up the mic to drop a few bars as a rapper. Pianist Hope Udobi isn’t just one of the D.C. scene’s most promising young jazz players from a musicianship standpoint; he’s one of the most riveting, creatively speaking. Udobi’s incendiary bop style is brimming with furious energy, mad montunos and unpredictable lines that venture “out” and dig into the blues’ depths with equal aplomb. The pair hold down a new weekly gig at Awakening in Barracks Row. Vocalists are welcome to join.