It’s going to be a very jazzy June, with two big events wooing improv-music fans. But while Capital Jazz (June 1 through 3, Merriweather Post Pavilion; $69.50 to $245) and DC Jazz (June 8 through 17, various venues; free to $140) sound similar, their programming suggests wildly divergent ideas of what qualifies as jazz. Which is right for you?
Capital Jazz
![Anita Baker - Courtesy of Post Merriweather Pavilion Anita Baker - Courtesy of Post Merriweather Pavilion](https://www.washingtonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/AnitaBaker_Event-653x335.jpg)
![Smokey Robinson - Courtesy of Post Merriweather Pavilion Smokey Robinson - Courtesy of Post Merriweather Pavilion](https://www.washingtonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/smokey-robinson-300x200.jpg)
![Earth, Wind and Fire - Courtesy of Post Merriweather Pavilion Earth, Wind and Fire - Courtesy of Post Merriweather Pavilion](https://www.washingtonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/EarthWindFire-scaled-653x343.jpg)
Number of Acts:
30
Biggest Names:
’70s superstars Earth, Wind & Fire, Motown great Smokey Robinson, smooth-R&B singer Anita Baker, jazz-pop star Diana Krall, funk pioneer Larry Graham.
General Vibe:
With a lineup heavy on R&B hitmakers of yore and lite-jazz saxophonists in fedoras, it leans smooth, soulful, and skronk-free.
Target Audience:
People who tuck their T-shirts into their shorts.
Likely Highlight:
Late-era Prince protégé Liv Warfield performing with the Purple One’s old horn section.
Jazz Cred:
Low. Though organizers found room for American Idol winner Fantasia and New Jack Swing star Keith Sweat, it doesn’t feature a lot of actual jazz acts. Time to rename it the Capital Pop Fest?
DC Jazz
![Regina Carter. Photograph by Christopher Drukker. Regina Carter. Photograph by Christopher Drukker.](https://www.washingtonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/06-Regina-Carter-photo-by-Christopher-Drukker-457x305.jpg)
![Leslie Odom Jr. Photograph by Nathan Johnson. Leslie Odom Jr. Photograph by Nathan Johnson.](https://www.washingtonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/01-Leslie-Odom-photo-by-Nathan-Johnson-653x871.jpg)
![Maceo Parker. Photograph by Philip Ducap. Maceo Parker. Photograph by Philip Ducap.](https://www.washingtonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/05-Maceo-Parker-photo-by-Philip-Ducap-scaled-653x980.jpg)
Number of Acts:
52
Biggest Names:
Original Hamilton cast member Leslie Odom Jr., adventurous pianist Robert Glasper, legendary James Brown saxophonist Maceo Parker, jazz violinist Regina Carter, saxophonist Oliver Lake.
General Vibe:
Full of critically acclaimed, Grammy-nominated artists, the ten-day gathering is multicultural, forward-looking, and skronk-friendly.
Target Audience:
People who look for Rudy Van Gelder’s name on vinyl reissues.
Likely Highlight:
Guitarist Jeff Parker, a longtime member of the Chicago post-rock ensemble Tortoise who now makes mellow and melodic solo records.
Jazz Cred:
High. Programming spans multiple styles and communities—from the traditional to the weird—while retaining a focus on innovation and improvisation.
This article appeared in the June 2018 issue of Washingtonian.