Calvin Jones BIG BAND Jazz Festival
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Celebrates International Jazz Day at the University of the District of Columbia
On April 30, 2012 the Calvin Jones BIG BAND Jazz Festival celebrates International Jazz Day and twenty-six years of world-class jazz at the University of the District of Columbia. Once again the powerhouse jazz ensembles from the University of the District of Columbia (directed by Allyn Johnson), Howard University (directed by Fred Irby III), and the University of Maryland (directed by Chris Vadala) cap off Jazz Appreciation Month with a hand-clapping, finger-snapping, foot-stomping good time.
Produced by the University of the District of Columbia Jazz Studies Program and the Felix E. Grant Jazz Archives, the festival began in 1987 as part of a citywide tribute to Duke Ellington, and it remains one of the most anticipated events on Washington, D.C.'s jazz calendar. This year's festival joins UNESCO and countries all over the world in celebrating April 30th as International Jazz Day.
Tickets are $20 (general admission), $15 (seniors), and $10 (students) and can be purchased in advance at the UDC Music Program, Bldg. 46-West, UDC Van Ness Campus, 4200 Connecticut Avenue, NW, or online at www.InstantSeats.com. Tickets will also be available at the University Auditorium door on the night of the performance. The University Auditorium (Bldg. 46 East) is conveniently located on Metro’s Red Line at the Van Ness–UDC stop. Info: 202-274-5803 or JazzAlive@udc.edu
What the press says:
- “...a major showcase for jazz studies programs at local universities.” — Washington Post
- “...talent that rocks the rooftop of the campus auditorium every April.” — Washington Post
- “The Jazz Studies Program’s [events] calendar...is one of the most ambitious of those presented by area universities’ music departments.” — Washington Times
- “...gradually but impressively, the capital city’s own university is on its way to becoming an internationally known sanctuary, archive and living work center for the study and appreciation of jazz.” — Washington Post