On Saturday, September 6, from 3 to 10 p.m., Montgomery County will host the Silver Spring Jazz Festival at Veterans Plaza. The event will include two stages of free jazz performances in a variety of styles. The Preservation Hall Jazz Band will be the main attraction this year, featuring Trio Caliente, The JoGo Project, The Muneer Nasser Quintet, The Paul Carr Quintet, The Clara Campbell Quintet, and Oh He Dead among the other performers.
According to the press release, Montgomery County has revealed the Silver Spring Jazz Festival’s full multi-stage itinerary. The event will take place at Veterans Plaza in the Silver Spring Arts and Entertainment District on Saturday, September 6, from 3 to 10 p.m. The public-free festival will showcase two stages with a variety of jazz styles, such as New Orleans-style jazz, samba and Latin jazz, straight-ahead jazz, and elements of jazz-influenced blues and folk, funk, and go-go. The well-known Preservation Hall Jazz Band will be the main act this year. Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring’s downtown is home to both stages. The audience may move between stages with ease thanks to the special arrangement, which also minimizes downtime in between shows.
Schedule of Performances
Second Stage Trio Caliente, 3 p.m.
Trio Caliente combines the pulsating rhythms of Latin music, salsa, and Brazilian jazz with the seductive harmonies of samba. The ensemble, which is well-known for their multilingual singing in Spanish, Portuguese, and English, seamlessly blends refined listening with upbeat dancing to create a dynamic ambiance.
3:30 p.m., The JoGo Project’s First Stage
The JoGo Project combines the improvisational strength of jazz with the rhythmic grooves of go-go music from Washington, D.C. The ensemble, which was founded by saxophonist Elijah Jamal Balbed, a former member of Chuck Brown’s band, continues to develop its creative horizons while carrying on the tradition of D.C.’s distinctive sound. With their soulful horn arrangements, powerful bass lines, and layered percussion, the band delivers energetic concerts that pay homage to the city’s heritage while redefining contemporary jazz.
The Second Stage at 4:15 p.m. The Quintet of Muneer Nasser
The quintet, led by composer and trumpeter Muneer Nasser, gives the hard bop and post-bop traditions a modern twist. Tight arrangements, emotive solos, and eloquent interaction are hallmarks of the group’s performances of original compositions and creative adaptations of jazz standards.
First Stage, 5 p.m. The Quintet of Paul Carr
Paul Carr, a saxophonist, is a staple of the Washington jazz scene. His quintet has a sophisticated, expressive sound that is rooted in the traditions of straight-ahead jazz. In addition to founding The Jazz Academy of Music, Paul Carr is renowned for his work with the Mid Atlantic Jazz Festival and his dedication to mentoring and education.
Second Stage: The Clara Campbell Quintet at 5:50 p.m.
Leading this vibrant group as both vocalist and pianist is Clara Campbell, the 2025 Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition winner. Campbell’s performances blend emotional depth, technical skill, and novel viewpoints. Her quintet performs jazz standards and creative arrangements with the support of a lively rhythm section. She is presently the featured vocalist for Airmen of Note, a program of the U.S. Air Force.
First Stage, Oh He Dead, 7 p.m.
Guitarist Andy Valenti and singer CJ Johnson formed the five-piece soul-infused band Oh He Dead. The band combines jazz-inspired phrasing and harmonic richness with indie soul, funk, folk, and rock. Their performances are distinguished by their layered vocals, improvisational energy, and rhythmic interaction, which honor their jazz heritage while embracing contemporary sensibilities.
First Stage Preservation Hall Jazz Band, 8:30 p.m.
The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, one of the most recognizable American bands, was founded in the early 1960s. The ensemble is well known throughout the world for honoring and conserving New Orleans jazz customs. They inspire awe and delight with their concerts, which are full of soulful melodies, parade-style rhythms, and group improvisation. Veteran musicians and up-and-coming artists with strong ties to the band’s history make up the current roster.
You may find more details on the Silver Spring Jazz Festival website.
