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Schedule of Performances
Two Stages of Entertainment!
Schedule of Performances
3:00pm Second Stage: Trio Caliente
3:30pm Stage One: The JoGo Project
4:15pm Second Stage: The Muneer Nasser Quintet
5:00pm Stage One: The Paul Carr Quintet
5:50pm Second Stage: The Clara Campbell Quintet
7:00pm Stage One: Oh He Dead
8:30pm Stage One: Preservation Hall Jazz Band
2025 Headliner
Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Preservation Hall Jazz Band stands as one of the most iconic ensembles in American music, dedicated to preserving and celebrating the sounds of traditional New Orleans jazz. Founded in the early 1960s, the group has performed around the world, championing a genre that continues to shape the American musical identity. Their performances are a joyous blend of ensemble improvisation, soulful melodies, and parade-style rhythms. Each show feels like a living tribute to generations of jazz pioneers, with a spirit that is both reverent and celebratory. The current lineup includes seasoned veterans and younger torchbearers, all deeply connected to the band’s rich legacy.
Oh He Dead
Washington DC’s Oh He Dead brings their funky, poppy rock vibes wherever they go. Led by CJ Bowlin’ Johnson and her golden pipes, the five-piece group includes lead guitarist Alex Salser, Colin Sidley on bass, Adam Ashforth on drums, and Piano Whitman on keys. The close-knit crew is known for their contagious joy, and for putting on a hell of a live show as Johnson “maneuvers her powerful voice — a combination of Stevie Nicks and Tracy Chapman” (Kojo Nnamdi) in rhythm with the band’s “sublime instrumentation” (NPR) and “infectious and soulful sound” (Washington Post). Their third album, Ugly is out now.

@ohhedead and @ohheCJ
The JoGo Project
The JoGo Project fuses the syncopated grooves of Washington, D.C.’s go-go music with the improvisational power of jazz. Founded by saxophonist Elijah Jamal Balbed, a former member of Chuck Brown’s band, the group carries the torch of D.C.’s signature sound while expanding its creative boundaries. The band features layered percussion, driving bass lines and soulful horn arrangements, delivering high-energy performances that honor the city’s roots and redefine modern jazz.
The Clara Campbell Quintet
Clara Campbell, winner of the 2025 Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition, leads this dynamic ensemble as both vocalist and pianist. Campbell’s performances combine technical finesse, emotional nuance and fresh perspective. Backed by a vibrant rhythm section, her quintet delivers original arrangements and classic jazz standards. She currently serves as the featured vocalist for the U.S. Air Force’s Airmen of Note.
The Paul Carr Quintet
Saxophonist Paul Carr is a mainstay in the Washington jazz community. His quintet presents a polished and expressive sound steeped in straight-ahead jazz traditions. Paul Carr, as founder of The Jazz Academy of Music is also known for his commitment to mentorship and education and his work with the Mid Atlantic Jazz Festival.
The Muneer Nasser Quintet
Led by trumpeter and composer Muneer Nasser, the quintet brings a contemporary edge to hard bop and post-bop traditions. The group performs original compositions and inventive arrangements of jazz standards, characterized by tight arrangements, expressive solos and intuitive interplay.
Trio Caliente
Trio Caliente blends the romantic sounds of samba with the rhythmic pulse of Brazilian jazz, Latin pop and salsa. Known for multilingual vocals in Spanish, Portuguese and English, the group creates an energetic atmosphere that moves effortlessly between sophisticated listening and lively dancing.
Sponsors
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Welcoming The Banner to Montgomery County
We’re proud to welcome The Banner as a signature sponsor of this year’s Jazz Festival. Originally based in Baltimore, The Banner is now establishing a presence in Montgomery County with a local office and team dedicated to covering education, local government, arts, culture, and more. Their commitment to telling community stories and connecting people through reliable reporting makes them a natural partner for this celebration.

Want to stay connected? Sign up here to receive updates from The Banner as they launch coverage in Montgomery County. https://www.thebanner.com/montgomery-county-signup/
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Preservation Hall Jazz Band will perform at 8:30pm on the mainstage.

The Silver Spring Jazz Festival has two stages of entertainment!  The event begins at 3:00pm with a jazz performance on the second stage and continues until 10:30pm.  The Silver Spring Jazz Festival is unique, because there is no break in the music!  As one set ends on stage two, another begins on the mainstage.  Both stages are arranged so that you don't have to travel from one stage to the next, just turn your seat and enjoy all of the performances.

Preservation Hall Jazz Band will begin their performance at 8:30pm on the mainstage. The line up for the other amazing jazz bands on both stages will be announced shortly.

The festival is free to attend!  All of the fabulous performances are absolutely free for you and your family and friends.

We have a brewery garden at the festival for your enjoyment.  Beer must stay within fenced area on Ellsworth Drive. No outside alcohol is permitted.

Conveniently located in our brewery garden area, we have comfortable seating for adults and outdoor games for your children.

The Silver Spring Jazz Festival continues rain or shine. If weather conditions become dangerous, an announcement will be made from the stage to take cover in the adjacent parking garage. If the dangerous weather causes the event to be canceled, an announcement will be made through Montgomery County Public Information Channels.

Restrooms are available at the port-a-johns located on Veterans Place (behind the building).

No smoking is allowed on the Plaza. 

Unfortunately, we do not have any meet and greets available for our headliner.

No video/audio recording is allowed on the Plaza. 

Unfortunately, no.  Please leave your furry friends at home.

The beer and alcohol vendors are restricted to breweries within the Silver Spring Arts & Brewery District.

Booth space is restricted to sponsors event.

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