For Immediate Release: Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Montgomery County has announced the complete multi-stage schedule for the Silver Spring Jazz Festival, which will be held from 3 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6, at Veterans Plaza in the Silver Spring Arts and Entertainment District.
The festival, which is free to the public, will feature two stages with a wide range of jazz genres, including samba and Latin jazz, straight-ahead jazz, New Orleans-style jazz and elements of go-go, funk and jazz-influenced blues and folk. This year’s headliner is the renowned Preservation Hall Jazz Band.
Both stages are located on Veterans Plaza in downtown Silver Spring. The unique configuration allows the audience to pivot easily between stages with minimal downtime between performances.
Schedule of Performances
3 p.m., Second Stage – 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.
3:30 p.m., First Stage – 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.
4:15 p.m., Second Stage – 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.
5 p.m., First Stage – 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.
5:50 p.m., Second Stage – The Clara Campbell Quintet
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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.
7 p.m., First Stage – Oh He Dead
Oh He Dead is a five-piece soul-infused group founded by vocalist CJ Johnson and guitarist Andy Valenti. The band blends indie soul, funk, folk and rock with jazz-inspired phrasing and harmonic richness. Their performances are marked by improvisational energy, layered vocals and rhythmic interplay that pay homage to jazz roots while embracing modern sensibilities.
8:30 p.m., First Stage – Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Founded in the early 1960s, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band remains one of the most iconic American ensembles. The group is internationally recognized for preserving and celebrating the traditions of New Orleans jazz. Their performances are rich in ensemble improvisation, soulful melodies and parade-style rhythms, evoking both reverence and joy. The current lineup brings together veteran musicians and rising talents deeply connected to the band’s legacy.
Additional information is available at the Silver Spring Jazz Festival website.
