30th Annual Capital Jazz Fest

The jazz festival with soul!

June 2-4, 2023

The 30th edition of our Capital Jazz Fest is coming to Merriweather Post Pavilion on June 2-4, 2023! Three days, two stages, one great weekend of musical fun!

The 30th Annual Capital Jazz Fest

The Capital Jazz Fest is one of the premier black music events in the country, featuring over 30 live acts over three days. The Pavilion Stage features live contemporary jazz, while the Symphony Woods Stage (dark on Friday) features live R&B/soul music from the old-school and the new!

2023 Festival Highlights:

The “Friday Night Soul” concert is back! This year, featuring Fantasia and Joe!

The legendary George Benson, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday, will be headlining the Pavilion Stage on Saturday night!

Can You Feel It: A Tribute to Michael Jackson on the Pavilion Stage on Sunday, June 4, featuring several surprise musical guests!

The British are coming! This year’s lineup includes performances by several of our musical friends from across the pond including Corinne Bailey Rae, Incognito, Daley, Loose Ends, and Marsha Ambrosius!

First time appearances at the fest this year by 3x Grammy-winning singer Ne-Yo, plus Grammy-winning singer PJ Morton, Grammy-nominated singer/drummer Jamison Ross, singer/trumpeter Johnny Britt (formerly of Impromp2), singer Donell Jones (“U Know What’s Up”), 22 year-old pianist Matthew Whitaker, the queen of indie soul Conya Doss, violinist Chelsey Green, and singer Lyfe Jennings (“Must Be Nice”)!

“Late Night Soul at The Casino” on Friday, June 2, featuring rising star Kevin Ross, plus Teedra Moses and Mexican-American soul singer Raquel Rodriguez!

Our Official After-Party at the Live! Casino & Hotel on Saturday night, June 3, featuring the legendary DJ Spinderella, plus Secret Society, one of the top party bands in the DMV! Come eat, drink, dance, and mingle with other Capital Jazz fans from across the country! 

SUNDAY, JUNE 4, 2023

Capital Jazz Fest – Day Three

12 noon – 10pm

Gates open 10am

Pavilion Stage – Showtime: 12:00 noon – 10:00pm

(in order of appearance)

Chelsey Green

Mike Phillips

Matthew Whitaker

Lindsey Webster

Can You Feel It: A Tribute to Michael Jackson

Jonathan Butler

Dianne Reeves

Incognito

Symphony Woods Stage – 12:30pm – 9:00pm

(in order of appearance)

Donell Jones

Loose Ends

PJ Morton

Peabo Bryson

Marsha Ambrosius

The Isley Brothers

Talent lineup and schedule subject to change without notice. 

Festival Dates: June 2-4, 2023