The DC Jazz Festival (DCJF) is proud to announce the addition of internationally acclaimed bassist, composer, and media personality Marcus Miller and his extraordinary band to the 2025 DC JazzFest at The Wharf, taking place August 27 – August 31, 2025 over Labor Day Weekend.
One of the highlights of the festival is the The 2025 DCJazzPrix™ on Saturday, August 30 at Union Stage. It's the tenth year of recognizing and supporting top emerging jazz ensembles.
This year's DCJazzPrix finalists include:
- Friendship (New York, NY) - Led by Canadian pianist Jenny Xu, with bassist Ben Friedman and drummer Kofi Shepsu
- José Luiz Martins (São Paulo, Brazil) - Led by pianist-keyboardist José Luiz Martins, featuring flautist-vocalist Alex Hamburger, bassist Romeir Mendez, and drummer Dana Hawkins
- Dave Meder New American Hymnal Quartet (Denton, TX) - Led by pianist Dave Meder, with trumpeter Philip Dizak, bassist Marty Jaffe, and drummer Michael Piolet
- The Smoogies (Delray Beach, FL) - Featuring keyboardist-vocalist Vaughn Henry, bassist Dion Kerr, and the double drums of David Chiverton and Harvel Nakundi
Each finalist will perform live during the DCJazzPrix Finals at Union Stage on Saturday, August 30, 2025, as part of the 2025 DC JazzFest. The winning band will receive a $15,000 grand prize, a mainstage performance at DC JazzFest 2026, and begin a yearlong association with the DC Jazz Festival including customized business development and career technical assistance.
WBGO's Doug Doyle spoke with representatives of three of the four finalists in the competition. Pianist and composer Jenny Xu says she's excited to be a part of DC JazzPrix.
"For the first time I get to compete with my band which is the primary artistic thing that I do, so the other competitions I've done had different accompanists on bass and drums. I'm just really thrilled to actually get to present what is my main focus artistically in front of such a renowned jazz festival."
Pianist and bandleader Dave Meder is also looking forward to the DC JazzPrix.
"I think it's really cool to see a competition for a band. Competitions are going to be what they're going to be, but it's cool to have the opportunity and incentive to develop something as a band."
The Smoogies bassist Dion Kerr can't wait to he and his friends perform.
"I think it's unique to have a band competition where you can bring your whole group. It's different from other things where a lot of other competitions are solo based. Just being able to represent South Florida and bring this wave of music that we are calling People Music to DC is such a great opportunity."
You can SEE that conversation below.
DC JazzFest 2025 has put together an incredible lineup. A true force in contemporary jazz, Marcus Miller is set to bring his powerhouse band to DC JazzFest 2025. The legendary bassist, composer, and producer has worked with icons like Miles Davis, Beyoncé, David Bowie, Herbie Hancock, and Aretha Franklin. A two-time GRAMMY winner, Miller helped shape the sound of modern jazz and R&B—producing Miles Davis’ “Tutu” and co-writing hits like “Power of Love/Love Power” and “Jump To It.” With credits spanning blockbuster film scores (“School Daze”), Saturday Night Live, and his current SiriusXM show “Miller Time,” he continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Miller’s DC JazzFest set promises to be a standout moment of DC JazzFest at The Wharf during Labor Day Weekend.
"Marcus Miller is a singular force in modern music and a brilliant addition to our 2025 lineup,” said DCJF CEO Sunny Sumter. “We are thrilled to present his extraordinary artistry to DC audiences."
DC JazzFest at The Wharf will bring together a dynamic lineup of jazz legends, rising stars, and boundary-pushing global artists including NEA Jazz Masters Ron Carter, Branford Marsalis, Gary Bartz, and Marshall Allen leading Sun Ra Arkestra, alongside acclaimed vocalists Lalah Hathaway and Cécile McLorin Salvant plus John Scofield, Emmet Cohen, Matthew Whitaker, Keyon Harrold, The Baylor Project, The String Queens, and more to be announced.
“The 21st edition of the DC JazzFest will present a stunning array of artistic expressions from a broad range of jazz and jazz-informed styles, representing the true 21st century state-of-the-artform,” said DCJF Artistic Director Willard Jenkins.
The festival will also shine a spotlight on the exceptional talent of the DMV’s own jazz community including The Strings Queens, Corcoran Holt, the JazzDC Orchestra directed by Allyn Johnson, Birckhead, Christie Dashiell, Paul Carr, Herb Scott, Akua Allrich, Todd Marcus, Charles Covington, Leigh Pilzer, Joshua Bayer, and many more.
DC JazzFest’s marquee weekend will take place across six stages at The Wharf, DC’s stunning waterfront destination, offering breathtaking riverside views, top-tier hotels, over 80 shops and restaurants, and convenient access via Metro, highway, and water taxi.