DC Jazz Festival Picks for June 3

This is the third post I am making to highlight some of the shows associated with this year’s DC Jazz Festival. I am specifically not highlighting the DC JazzLoft Fest since I have posted on this already. I will may also pick a few other shows around the DC Virginia area that should not be overlooked. I am posting this a day ahead of the date of performances.

For more information visit http://www.dcjazzfest.org/content.cfm/schedule_and_major_events.

Elijah Jamal Balbed

The Phillips Collection, the prestigious modern art museum near Dupont Circle hosts the first of two Jazz 'n Families Fun Days. Performances to note today include Elijah Jamal Balbed Quartet at 2:00PM featuring one of the DC area’s acclaimed young saxophonists. Michael Bowie and Sine Qua Non appears at 3:30PM. The bassist leads a five-piece ensemble that applies specific lessons from Spanish classical guitar music to an unorthodox jazz combo setting, without a guitarist. Legendary pianist Kenny Barron appears at 4:00PM.

At 6:00PM, the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage will host a performance by the Erena Terakubo Quartet leading an ensemble from Berklee College of Music. The Sapporo, Japan native plays alto saxophone. Saxophonist David Sanchez is at the Hamilton this evening. David Sanchez was mentored by Dizzy Gillepsie, toured with Kenny Barron, Roy Haynes and legendary drummer Elvin Jones, while recording with Barron and Haynes respectively. He incorporates and re-contextualizes the rhythms and folk melodies of his native Puerto Rico in his music that has achieved international acclaim including winning a Latin Grammy® Award. Here is David Sanchez performing.