Swing into Fall
Silver Spring Swings into Fall: Jazz Fest 2025 Brings a Dynamic Lineup to the Heart of the City
As summer fades into fall, Silver Spring is set to come alive with rhythm, soul, and syncopation. On Saturday, September 6, 2025, the Silver Spring Jazz Festival returns to Veterans Plaza, promising an unforgettable day of music, community, and celebration. The much-anticipated event—free and open to the public—will spotlight an eclectic mix of talent, including the youth-driven Hall Jazz Band, the legendary Paul Carr Quintet, and the genre-defying Oh He Dead.
Now in its 22nd year, the festival has always been as much about honoring jazz’s deep roots as it is about showcasing its vibrant evolution.
Schedule of Performances
3 p.m., Second Stage – Trio Caliente
Trio Caliente blends the romantic sounds of samba with the rhythmic pulse of Brazilian jazz, Latin pop, and salsa. The group creates an energetic atmosphere that moves effortlessly between sophisticated listening and lively dancing.
3:30 p.m., First Stage – The JoGo Project
The JoGo Project fuses the syncopated grooves of Washington, D.C.’s go-go music with the improvisational power of jazz. Founded by saxophonist Elijah Jamal Balbed, a former member of Chuck Brown’s band, the group carries the torch of D.C.’s signature sound while expanding its creative boundaries that honor the city’s roots and redefine modern jazz.
4:15 p.m., Second Stage – The Muneer Nasser Quintet
Led by trumpeter and composer Muneer Nasser, the quintet brings a contemporary edge to hard bop and post-bop traditions. The group performs original compositions and inventive arrangements of jazz standards.
5 p.m., First Stage – The Paul Carr Quintet
Saxophonist Paul Carr is a mainstay in the Washington jazz community. His quintet presents a polished and expressive sound steeped in straight-ahead jazz traditions. Paul Carr, as founder of The Jazz Academy of Music is also known for his commitment to mentorship and education and his work with the Mid Atlantic Jazz Festival.
5:50 p.m., Second Stage – The Clara Campbell Quintet
Clara Campbell, winner of the 2025 Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition, leads this dynamic ensemble as both vocalist and pianist. Campbell’s performances combine technical finesse, emotional nuance, and fresh perspective. She currently serves as the featured vocalist for the U.S. Air Force’s Airmen of Note.
7 p.m., First Stage – Oh He Dead
Oh He Dead is a five-piece soul-infused group founded by vocalist CJ Johnson and guitarist Andy Valenti. The band blends indie soul, funk, folk and rock with jazz-inspired phrasing and harmonic richness. Their performances are marked by improvisational energy, layered vocals and rhythmic interplay that pay homage to jazz roots while embracing modern sensibilities.
8:30 p.m., First Stage – Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Founded in the early 1960s, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band remains one of the most iconic American ensembles. The group is internationally recognized for preserving and celebrating the traditions of New Orleans jazz. Their performances are rich in ensemble improvisation, soulful melodies and parade-style rhythms, evoking both reverence and joy.
The event will also feature food trucks, local artisan vendors, and community booths, turning downtown Silver Spring into a vibrant hub of culture and connection.
for more information: https://silverspringdowntown.com/events/jazz-festival
