Jazz@Wesley

Discover the magical vocal performance of James Zimmerman, who evokes the time-honored tradition of the great jazz vocalists. Zimmerman occupies a special place among his musical peers as both a performer and a preserver of the tradition.

He brings the authentic, original style of his own vocal instrument – often compared to a nuanced jazz horn – to interpretations of an impressive repertoire, including jazz standards, blues, bebop, swing, Broadway musicals, and Bossa Nova, sometimes styling them with vocalese and scat improvisation.

He is also a preserver and purveyor of African American musical culture – a role that has informed his decades-long association with the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, currently as a Senior Programs Producer.

Come enjoy a magical night of music with James and his powerhouse band:

Wade Beach, Piano
Kent Miller, Bass
JC Jefferson, Drums
Donvonte McCoy, Trumpet
Benjamin Sands, Sax

Zimmerman’s debut album, Storytellers and Crooners, presents an immersive tribute to the diverse yet cohesive influences that have shaped his musical artistry.

Online Ticket Sales for April - Purchase Here
Tickets — and meals — are also available for purchase the night of the show at the door. Cash and credit card accepted.

Ticket: $20 each

Meal: $15 each

Date/Time: Saturday, April 26, 6:30-8:30 pm

Location: Wesley United Methodist Church, 5312 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20015. (Located a few blocks north of Politics and Prose.)

Map and Directions. Enter from Connecticut Avenue, through the glass doors (not the red doors). Look for the neon “Jazz@Wesley” sign.

Complimentary coffee and tea for all attendees.

FAQs and Contact Info

Questions? See our list of FAQs.

Contact us: For general inquiries, email jazzatwesley@gmail.com.

To contact the booker for Jazz@Wesley, email songbirdtoo@live.com.

Dinner with Jazz

Enjoy a homecooked dinner with your jazz! Members of our church prepare delicious, fresh hot meals in our Wesley kitchen. We also offer complimentary coffee and tea, along with soda and water for purchase. (No alcohol is allowed on the premises.) For the Christmas Show, we are offering an expanded selection of sides. Same meal price!

Meals: $15

Includes a salad, rice, beverage, and dessert. A la carte items are available.

Menu: Jerk chicken, baked chicken, turkey chili, and vegan chili.

Upcoming

May 24, Steve Washington, Vocalist

Experience the silky voice and seasoned artistry of Steve Washington, coming in May to Jazz@Wesley. With a rich performance history spanning over four decades, Steve's journey has taken him from Princeton University singing groups to professional theatre, even working with the legendary Cameron Mackintosh. His musical focus has evolved into an eclectic and captivating mix of jazz, big band, rhythm & blues, jazz-funk, and Brazilian sounds, showcased at renowned venues like Blues Alley and the Atlas Theater.

Steve has released acclaimed albums, including "Right to Love" with the Thad Wilson Jazz Orchestra and "SkyLark" recorded in Moscow. He has also honored jazz legends like Nat "King" Cole with the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra and remains a featured vocalist with Newmyer Flyer productions, appearing at prestigious venues like the Barns at Wolf Trap.

A Jazz@Wesley audience favorite, Steve Washington brings the heat with his dynamic yet always cool performance.

About Tiya!

Jazz@Wesley’s producer is Tiya Adé, a master vocalist, arranger, and songwriter. Known professionally as Tiya! this DC native’s talent has enabled her to perform with an array of well-known bands and musicians across the globe. Tiya! has been a fixture on DC's music scene for decades, wowing audiences with her rich voice and electric performances. Find out more about Tiya!

Show Highlights

Petra Martin brought the wow-factor to her July show at Jazz@Wesley. We have a “fever” for Petra!

Della Tamin and Olayimika Cole at June’s Jazz@Wesley.

Rick Alberico and his crew came out swinging. A wonderful night indeed!

The Blues Brothers featuring Tiya! were here April 27. They did not disappoint. There were sax solos, guitar riffs, a surprise performance from In Process, dancing in the aisles, and Tiya! blessing us with her considerable talent. It was a funky good time.

The Harry Appelman Trio performed on April 21, 2024 in a free concert sponsored by the DC Federation of Musicians in celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month.

The Muneer Nasser Quintet gave an incredible performance in March 2024.

The incomparable Sharón Clark singing at Jazz@Wesley in 2022.

Email Notifications

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Wesley Campus, National United Methodist Church
5312 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20015 | Map and Directions

Telephone: (202) 363-4900