Jazz Jam Sessions in Washington, D.C.

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.

Wed, Aug 5, 8:00 PM

Capitol Hill Jazz Jam

Mr. Henry's / Capitol Hill / Map

The Capitol Hill Jazz Jam (CHJJ) is a weekly jazz jam session held at Mr. Henry’s Restaurant in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington D.C. every Wednesday from 8-11 PM. The jam session, formed in February 2015 by saxophonist Herb Scott operates every week and has hosted instrumentalists, vocalists, tap dancers, poets, and many pillars of the local arts community. Each week, the house band rotates musicians which in turn has provided 50+ jazz musicians with a opportunity for performing at the jam session. Each week begins with our house band beginning the jam for the first hour and then opening the jam to musicians shoo would like to join in. There is a $15 cover per person added to tab and a $12 food and beverage minimum.

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.

Fri, Aug 7, 7:00 PM

Jazz and Freedom Festival

Mr. Henry's / Capitol Hill / Map

The 9th Annual Jazz and Freedom Festival will feature the superb 17 piece DC Starlight Orchestra, the amazing JII Jazz Combo, and introduce the phenomenal Donovan Claybrooks backed by the Jazz and Freedom All Stars. A jam session, which is open to anyone who would like to sit in, will round out the evening. Come for the music, phenomenal Mr. Henry’s service, and camaraderie with like-minded individuals who love jazz, freedom, and justice.

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 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.

While there are many formal and informal jams in and around the Beltway every week, the D.C. jazz jam is the flagship event for the city’s jazz scene. Organized by drummer Will Stephens, the jam becomes a hangout and classroom for cats of all levels of experience; now with a rotating cast of hosts among the city’s best musicians. Formerly hosted on U Street, the jam now holds forth in Mt. Pleasant.