Summer in the Parks: Prelude to DC JazzFest with the JazzDC All-Stars

On Thursday, August 20, Rock Creek Conservancy’s Summer in the Parks will welcome the JazzDC All-Stars to the Carter Barron Amphitheater for a showcase of the region’s top jazz talent, hosted by DJ Lance. The evening will double as a Prelude event to DC JazzFest, coming up Labor Day Weekend. 

About the artists:
The JazzDC All-Stars are a powerhouse ensemble directed by acclaimed saxophonist and educator Paul Carr. This electrifying performance will celebrate the rich legacy and dynamic future of jazz in the nation’s capital.
With dynamic concerts featuring both classic and contemporary jazz, the orchestra connects audiences to the vibrant artistry that defines Washington, D.C., as a premier jazz destination.

About the event:
Summer in the Parks is a three-night concert series hosted in the Carter Barron Amphitheater by Rock Creek Conservancy in partnership with the DC Jazz Festival and Washington Performing Arts. The Carter Barron Amphitheater in Rock Creek Park is not simply a venue — it is a civic institution. Built in 1950 to celebrate Washington DC’s 150th anniversary as our nation’s capital, it was one of the first racially integrated outdoor performance venues in the United States. Carter Barron has been closed for repairs since 2016. Join us to bring it back to life for three special nights this summer!

Learn more about Summer in the Parks 2026 here, and get your tickets to DC JazzFest here!