Following Filmfest D.C. going virtual, another annual festival of the nation’s capital, D.C. JazzFest, decided to take a similar step after having to postpone its physical events due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
The 2020 D.C. JazzFest has been postponed to the fall, while it was originally slated to take place in June as part of measures against the virus-related disease.
But there is a consolation prize for jazz fans. They can watch live performances online on Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. until June 6, along with videos from past events through DCJazzFest YouTube channel and Facebook page.
Under the title DCJazzFest From Home, the virtual event started last weekend with a 2018 performance at The Wharf streamed online.
Happy @IntlJazzDay to all of our Jazz friends and family around the world! We're celebrating by tuning in to some of their live broadcasts and preparing for our next edition of the From Home Series featuring the Kenny Garrett Quintet this Saturday. RSVP: https://t.co/ervnIGlDKy pic.twitter.com/dgNvzn1XoN
— DC Jazz Festival (@dcjazzfest) April 30, 2020
In release on their website in April 20, the festival’s organizers had written:
“DC Jazz Festival is exploring ways we can create a 2020 DC JazzFest offering that advances our mission and supports our regional artists and venue partners. Perhaps virtual, perhaps live, depending on the social gathering protocols. In one form or another, the D.C. JazzFest will take place, and we will announce more details about our presentations and rescheduled dates in the coming weeks.”
The organizers are also working to effectively support artists during the pandemic. They have compiled an extensive list in their COVID-19 Community Resource Center for artists and venues so that people can donate to them.
The Washington, D.C. International Film Festival, known as Filmfest D.C., also recently announced that it would make available online some movies shown in its previous programs through May 21.