The George Washington University will host a wide array of performances and community events featuring university musicians and guest performers to celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month in April.
Launched in 2001 by the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History, the month of recognition aims to draw greater attention to jazz’s long and storied history and cultural importance in the United States.
On campus, the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences and its Department of Music, Lisner Auditorium, and various community partners are inviting students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends to discover why so many consider jazz a national treasure.
April 5
11 a.m.-2 p.m.: Jazz JAM at J Street
Marvin Center, Columbian Square, Ground Floor
Jazz up the lunch hour for a free public jam session featuring the GW Jazz Faculty Group and the GW Latin band “Los Gringos.”
April 9
1:30 p.m.: Percussion Master Class with Giovanni Hidalgo
Lisner Auditorium
Percussionists—amateur and professional —are invited to learn with the world’s most sought-after conga player prior to his concert in Lisner Auditorium. For more information, contact the Music Department at 202-994-6245.
7:30 p.m.: Latin Jazz JAM: An Evening of Percussion Featuring Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez and Giovanni Hidalgo
Lisner Auditorium
Grammy award winners and legendary percussionists Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez and Giovanni Hidalgo present an evening of Latin jazz. This event includes additional performances by Origem and the GW Latin Percussion Ensemble with Maracatu Baque do Mangue. Co-produced with the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History. Free tickets required.
April 12
Noon-2 p.m.: Friday Jazz Jam Sessions Featuring the GW Jazz Faculty Group
Phillips Hall, Room B120
A workshop on rhythm. Free and open to the public.
8 p.m.: Lisner Auditorium and Washington Performing Arts Society Present Hugh Masekela
Lisner Auditorium
Best known for his Grammy-nominated hit single “Grazing in the Grass,” legendary South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela is an innovator on the world music and jazz scene. He played an integral role in Paul Simon’s tour for the classic album “Graceland,” one of the first pop records to introduce world music to a broader public. Get tickets.
April 19
Noon-2 p.m.: Friday Jazz Jam Sessions Featuring the GW Jazz Faculty Group
Phillips Hall, Room B120
A workshop on jazz improvisation. Free and open to the public.
April 25
8 p.m.-10 p.m.: GW Jazz Festival featuring Justin Fink on trumpet
Phillips Hall, Room B120
Senior recital. Free and open to the public.
April 26
Noon-2 p.m.: Friday Jazz Jam Sessions Featuring the GW Jazz Faculty Group
Phillips Hall, Room B120
A workshop on jazz vocals. Free and open to the public.
9 p.m.-11 p.m.: GW Jazz Festival featuring Maria Weissman on vocals and Davey Knific on piano
Dorothy Betts Marvin Theatre
Senior recital. Free and open to the public.
April 27
7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.: GW Student Jazz Ensembles
Dorothy Betts Marvin Theatre
Featuring special guests the George Mason University Afro-Cuban Percussion Ensemble.
April 28
7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.: GW Student Jazz Ensembles
Dorothy Betts Marvin Theatre
Featuring special guests the American University Jazz Orchestra and Howard University’s vocal group Sassy.