Location

DC Jazz Jam:

The DC Jazz Jam is a free (no-cover) local jazz jam session that is open and welcoming to jazz players and appreciators alike, bringing accessible jazz to the historic U Street jazz corridor since 2009 and focusing on lifelong musical development.  DC Jazz Jam features some of the best talent in the Washington DC area jazz scene, along with special guests from DC and beyond. 

DC Jazz Jam has a rotating set of excellent local musicians in the house band each week: First Sunday, Second Sunday, Third Sunday, and Fourth Sunday, as well as an ad hoc group for each occasional Fifth Sunday.  The house band is joined by the excellent local and visiting players come to visit the jam, from amateurs to professionals, and from students to retirees.  Each month, we are also joined by a special guest "Monthly Master" jazz artist, as well.

Musicians are encouraged to come to the jam, sign in, and introduce themselves to the band.  Appreciators are encouraged to come have excellent Eritrean food and drink while enjoying the musical spontaneity.

**While there is no cover charge at the jazz jam, we encourage patrons to please support Dahlak Restaurant, the host of the jam since 2009, by ordering food and drink.  Tips for the house band are also appreciated.**

Testimonials about the DC Jazz Jam:

“The DC Jazz Jam is a wonderful opportunity for jazz lovers to join together and celebrate this great American art form. Musicians and appreciators young and old alike come out to Dahlak to listen, create and improve. It’s a great, friendly atmosphere.”

– Anders (Drummer)

“The DC Jazz Jam has provided a tremendous boost to DC’s indigenous jazz scene.  [The] cadre of fine musicians at Dahlak have managed to create a warm, inviting, encouraging, and creative environment at their weekly jam sessions, which is no small accomplishment.  Experienced professionals, like myself, attend the jam to relax, stretch out musically, and network with other players. But at the same time, the DC Jazz Jam has proved to be the perfect setting for younger talent to come out, and have some of their first experiences playing in front of an audience and to learn their craft in the laboratory of a nurturing jam session.  In this manner, the DC Jazz Jam is but the latest chapter in Washington’s long history with America’s classical music, jazz.”

– Seth (Clarinetist/Saxophonist)