Photo Essay: 2024 DC Jazz Festival

By Rachel Schwartz and Lily Speredelozzi
September 3, 2024
Trombonist and composer Reginald Cyntje passionately performs at the Transit Pier stage.
Trombonist and composer Reginald Cyntje passionately performs at the Transit Pier stage.
Lily Speredelozzi | Staff Photographer

This year’s DC JazzFest kicked off on Wednesday, celebrating its 20th anniversary with five back-to-back days of music at multiple venues in the District. The festival culminated at The Wharf, where performances went nonstop on bustling pier-side stages throughout the weekend.‍

The District Pier stage, seen from the standing section of the audience. (Rachel Schwartz | Staff Photographer)
Trombonist and composer Reginald Cyntje performs at the Transit Pier stage. (Lily Speredelozzi | Staff Photographer)
Trumpeters from the Edmund Burke School in Northwest D.C. perform at the Levine Street Stage, a small public venue for student performances. (Lily Speredelozzi | Staff Photographer)
Festivalgoers applaud from the audience section. (Lily Speredelozzi | Staff Photographer)

Founded in 2004, the DC Jazz Festival attracts more than 100,000 visitors annually and presents about 150 D.C.-based musicians each year. Attendees can purchase tickets online for standing or seated admission or watch for free from anywhere along The Wharf.

Bassist Kent Miller of the Michael Thomas Quintet stands in front of an LED billboard on the District Pier main stage while performing. (Lily Speredelozzi | Staff Photographer)
The keyboardist for the King Sax Band performs at the Arena Stage. (Rachel Schwartz | Staff Photographer)
Trumpeter Michael Thomas of the Michael Thomas Quintet performs at the District Pier stage as dark clouds pass overhead. (Lily Speredelozzi | Staff Photographer)
A kayaker observes the DC JazzFest from the water. (Lily Speredelozzi | Staff Photographer)
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