Capital Jazz Fest at Merriweather Post Pavilion Friday, June 5, through Sunday, June 7
For people who like Marsalis brothers, this year’s Duke Ellington Jazz Festival features no fewer than four. But what about the needs of the District’s oft-ignored easy listeners? Enter the Capital Jazz Fest, when 27 stars and not-quite-stars of elevator jazz and waiting-room soul will pad into Merriweather Post Pavilion. Chaka Khan opens Friday night’s show; En Vogue headlines the Soul Stage on Sunday; and Al Jarreau, who’s famous for his upbeat array of gymnastic, McFerrin-esque scats and disorientingly rhythmic lyrics, headlines the Jazz Stage. Easy-listening paradise can be had for only 50 bucks a day and a 28-mile drive.
THE FESTIVAL RUNS THROUGH SUNDAY AT MERRIWEATHER POST PAVILION, 10475 LITTLE PATUXENT PARKWAY, COLUMBIA, MD. $50 PER DAY. (301) 780-9300.
Jun. 4 - 10, 2009 (Vol. 29, #23)
Comments
11:41 am
Whoa...if anything McFerrin is copying Al Jarreau. To be honest, this is not a PURE Jazz festival with acts like En Vogue. Still, "easy listening" or "smooth jazz" is not animated enough for a lawn crowd. When folks come to this festival, they are looking for a concert, not lounge music. And with the rain, you can imagine that they'll need to be active. LOL! Waiting to read your review.