The ninth annual Washington Women in Jazz Festival (WWJF) celebrating the women of the D.C. jazz community will be held from March 10 through March 31.
Created by professional jazz pianist and singer Amy K. Bormet in 2011, the festival features events like Young Artist Showcase, several business panels, discussions, and a diverse series of concerts honoring women in jazz.
The first concert was performed on the opening night at AMP. More than 20 events are scheduled for the festival, including those prepared in cooperation with the Kennedy Center, the Boulanger Initiative for Women Composers, The String Queens, Georgetown University, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
The events are taking place across the D.C. region and expected to attract diverse audiences. Famous jazz musicians such as Geri Allen and Ingrid Jensen are also performing in the festival.
9th Annual Washington Women in Jazz Festival March 10-31, 2019
💐❤️💐❤️💐❤️#washingtondc #jazzmusic #dcarts #womeninjazz #dcjazz #jazz @WWJazzFest https://t.co/15xaHx3Vwv pic.twitter.com/YDuYe1HtkW— Jazz Teachers DC (@jazzteachersdc) March 8, 2019
“The festival focuses on strengthening the unique D.C. jazz community and creating solidarity with the women who call D.C. home. Finally, as a result of the WWJF, D.C. audiences are delighted by incredible performances, young talent is encouraged, and new collaborations are formed,” notes the event brief.
In the Young Artist Showcase, which is the highlight of the festival, high school and college women will get a chance to perform and connect with other professional jazz artists. A new event “Jazz Girls Day” is also organized for middle and high school students which will provide a platform to younger and talented musicians.
According to capitalbop.com, the city’s expert female musicians “too often fly under the radar – as is frequently the case in the male-dominated greater jazz world. But pianist and singer Amy K. Bormet’s festival has been a resounding success, with folks from around the city breathlessly taking note and taking part.”
Tickets can be purchased here.