By Madeline Seck
AFRO Intern
mseck@afro.com
The Capital Jazz Fest returned to Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Md., entertaining attendees from around the region from June 7 to 9.
The 2024 Capital Jazz Fest captured the essence of Black music, art and culture, and brought out thousands from around the D.C., Maryland and Virginia (DMV) area and beyond. The festival featured diverse groups of artists whose genres range from jazz and funk to R&B and soul. Headliners, such as Andra Day, Babyface and Leela James also took the stage.
Members of Jodeci perform at the 2024 Capital Jazz Fest. Shown here, Dalvin “Mr. Dalvin” Artemis DeGrate (left), Jojo Hailey and K-Ci Hailey. (Photo courtesy of Sneakshot / Victoria Ford)
Attendees were able to enjoy the music with family, friends, good food and a festival marketplace filled with Black-owned businesses. Vendors sold art pieces, clothing, bags, accessories and more.
The festival kicked off the night of June 7 with an evening of soul, with podcast producer Laiya St. Clair serving as host. Separated by two genres of jazz and soul, attendees chose between two stages on June 8 and 9 from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Symphony Woods Stage, hosted by radio show host Cayman Kelly, held soul performances. The Pavilion Stage was hosted by, Marcellus “The Bassman” Shepard.
Capital Jazz Festival takes place during the first weekend of June with a goal of celebrating Black Music Month. Founded by former President Jimmy Carter in 1979, Black Music Month was created to express and recognize African-American music.
The event was first hosted at the Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville, Va. in 1993. The venue has been at Merriweather Post Pavilion since 2004.
