The DC Traveler

“Man, if you have to ask what it is, you’ll never know."

by Jon on September 12th, 2007

That quote is attributed to Louie “Satchmo” Armstrong when asked “What’s jazz?”

If you really need to ask, then perhaps it’s time to check out the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival which kicked off nine days of jazz on Sunday, featuring over 100 artists performing at 20 DC venues. Mow that’s jazz… DC style.

The U Street corridor of DC was at one time called the “Black Broadway,” since it was a haven for African-American music and performers starting at the turn of the last century, driven by DC’s own, Duke Ellington. But U Street was not the only place in DC popular for hearing jazz and watching vaudeville. 

At 7th and T Streets (Little Harlem) was the Howard Theatre and it hosted jazz singers and musicians such as Louis Armstrong, Ella, Cab Calloway and another DC native Pearl Bailey, in one of the few de-segregated venues at the time.

DC has a rich history with jazz and the Duke Ellington Jazz Fest keeps that spirit alive. Check out all the artists playing this year’s festival.

And you’ll understand when Satchmo said….“Hot can be cool, and cool can be hot, and each can be both. But hot or cool, man, jazz is jazz.”

Duke Ellington Jazz Festival
Various venues around the city.

Dates and Times - September 9th – 17th

Tickets - prices vary, some performances are free.  Check the schedule for more info and details.

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