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The Capital Jazz Fest

Mark your calendars for the 19th annual Capital Jazz Fest, June 3-5, 2011

A weekend of cool jazz & soul!

Join us this June as we kick off the summer with the 18th annual Capital Jazz Fest at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. The festival features live contemporary jazz and soul music on two big stages. Some of the highlights of this year's fest include:

The return of Capital Jazz Fest favorites like Kenny G, Ledisi, The Brand New Heavies, Brian Culbertson, and Rachelle Ferrell.
Capital Jazz Fest debut performances by Patti Labelle, Basia, Laura Izibor, and R&B group Mint Condition.
Special Capital Jazz Fest collaborations, including "G & Lee" featuring Lee Ritenour & Gerald Albright, British jazz/funk group Down to the Bone with special guest Hil St. Soul, plus Nick Colionne & Eric Darius.
The return to the scene of several musical artists, including singer/pianist Patrice Rushen, "psychadelic soul" band The Family Stone, 70s fusion group The Jeff Lorber Fusion, and 80s funk band Cameo.
First-time festival appearances by Raphael Saadiq, bassist-vocalist Esperanza Spalding, and a cappella group Naturally 7, among others.
For the first time ever, Capital Jazz presents the Catch A Rising Star showcase, featuring up-and-coming artists from the world of contemporary jazz. Featured performers include Brian Simpson, B.K Jackson, U-Nam, Althea Rene, and others.
Plus, on Friday night, a special evening of music and comedy featuring the legendary Gladys Knight and comedian Sinbad.

Click on the TALENT LINEUP link above to see the full lineup.

What is the Capital Jazz Fest?

Each year in early June, tens of thousands of music lovers from throughout the country flock to the suburbs of Washington, D.C. to attend this weekend of cool jazz and soul — The Capital Jazz Fest. Started in 1993, this multi-day, multi-stage outdoor music festival, which attracts music lovers from 44 states, is more than just a concert, it's an event! It's a place to people-watch, eat, drink, shop, mingle, relax, soak in the rays, and of course hear some of the coolest music performed by artists whom you won't see anywhere else in the Washington-Baltimore area this summer.

In-between musical sets, enjoy fine art and crafts at the Festival Marketplace, culinary treats at the food court, plus artist workshops and meet & greets. And after the show, check out the late night after-parties.

Merriweather Post Pavilion

The Capital Jazz Fest is held at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. Located between Washington and Baltimore, in a lovely 40-acre natural wooded setting known as Symphony Woods, Merriweather provides a concert experience like no other. Fest-goers may enjoy the festival up-close and theatre-style in the open-air covered pavilion, or outdoors and picnic-style on the gently-sloping lawn.

Capital Jazz Radio.....Jazz That Rocks!
* Official radio station of the Capital Jazz Fest *

So you think jazz radio has gotten a little too "smooth"? Then check out jazz that rocks on Capital Jazz Radio, a cool mix of uptempo contemporary jazz, instrumental funk, and acid jazz, streaming 24 hours a day in CD-quality stereo. Featured artists include classic artists like Donald Byrd, Roy Ayers, and Pleasure; contemporary artists like Paul Hardcastle, Jeff Lorber, Down to the Bone, and Incognito; and up-and-coming artists such as U-Nam, Lin Rountree, Ronny Smith, and Vibes Alive. Many new songs added every week! Tune in now to Capital Jazz Radio at www.capitaljazz.com/radio. It's free! Hi-speed Internet connection required.