Annual Alexandria Jazz Festival Returns Memorial Day Weekend

The City of Alexandria is bringing back the Memorial Day Weekend Jazz Festival this spring! 

The annual festival is set for Saturday, May 29 at Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison St. Music starts at 4 p.m.

Critically acclaimed artists Joel Ross 'Good Vibes,' Eric Byrd Trio, VERONNEAU, and Cubano Groove perform contemporary, straight, world and Latin jazz into the evening. The all-ages concert is free, but reservations are required for admittance. Visitors should plan on bringing a blanket and chairs to enjoy the music from the grass, but leave umbrellas, tents and pets at home. 

COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS

Due to Emergency Public Health Guidelines, attendance will be limited and seating will be assigned.

• Pre-registration is required, and parties are limited to four people or fewer, inclusive of children.
• Masks covering the nose and mouth will be required for all attendees over age 2.
• Gates open at 3 p.m. and parties must use their assigned entry point.
• Attendees are asked to remain in their assigned seating areas unless visiting the restroom or food vendors.

FOOD AND REFRESHMENTS

Goodies Frozen Custard truck and Dr. Feel Good’s prosecco van will be serving pre-ordered desserts, wine and beer for delivery in the park. Haute Dogs & Fries will have a pre-ordered picnic menu with timed contactless pickup. Directions to place orders will be sent after registration.

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

Early RSVPs are encouraged, as space is limited. A waiting list will be available for late registrants. Click here to reserve space.

SCHEDULE

• 4 p.m.: Cubano Groove (Latin)

Percussionist René Ibañez has performed with musicians of all genres, locally and abroad more than 30 years. His band, Cubano Groove, has deep roots both in Cuban and D.C.'s broader music scene. Featured at the 2016 D.C. Jazz Fest, the band was a mainstay at HR-57 jazz clubs, performing with icons such as Cuban pianist Chuchito Valdes. Ibañez has played with D.C. Latin legends Maria Rodriguez, Sin Miedo and singer/percussionist Alfredo Mojica, Jr.

• 5:20 p.m.: VERONNEAU (contemporary/world)

VERONNEAU plays award-winning acoustic jazz with a global twist. French Canadian Lynn Veronneau fronts the multilingual band with her English husband, guitarist Ken Avis. They have toured Europe and North America, with live performances on BBC Radio as well as at The Kennedy Center, Strathmore, The Hamilton and DC Jazz Fest.  

• 6:35 p.m.:  Eric Byrd Trio (straight)

For almost two decades, The Eric Byrd Trio—pianist/vocalist Eric Byrd, bassist Bhagwan Khalsa, and drummer Alphonso Young, Jr.—have traveled the world as enthusiastic ambassadors of jazz. Rooted in swing and be-bop, The Trio also embraces gospel and the blues as core elements of their expansive performance style. Their body of work spans seven unique studio and live recordings. They earned the 2020 Maryland State Arts Council Independent Artist Award for notable achievement. They have been sponsored by the U.S. State Department Jazz Ambassadors touring South America, Central America, the Caribbean, Eastern & Western Europe, and the Middle East.

• 8 p.m.:  Joel Ross ‘Good Vibes’ (modern)

Joel Ross, the Chicago-born, Brooklyn-based player and composer was recognized as a “bright young vibraphonist on his own rocket-like trajectory” by The New York Times. He played with Makaya McCraven, Walter Smith III, Matthew Stevens, Marquis Hill, Peter Evans and James Francies. He jammed with Herbie Hancock and studied with Stefon Harris to develop his artistry. The New York Times said he “is already widely known as jazz’s top prospect.” His debut album with Blue Note, KingMaker, was acclaimed in the Times, NPR Music, Pitchfork and more, and with the release of Who Are You?, Ross shares the culmination of a year-long exercise in experimenting and risk-taking on and off the bandstand.