The 25th Annual Capital Jazz Fest is always a knock out of the park at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland just outside of Washington, DC. From the best in Smooth Jazz to that sweet sultry soul – and ofcourse that old school R&B – the three day event attracted thousands from across the globe to celebrate down right good music.
There were long lines of music lovers awaiting the opening gates to hurry and grab their lawn spots adorning two huge stages hosting various genres of music across the large venue:
EL Debarge performing at the 2017 Capital Jazz Fest. Photo by: Michelle Rice-Trotter, SmoothJazzTimes.com
The Symphony Wood Stage was adorned by the 80’s heart throb El Debarge who tore it up! In fact it was his birthday (Saturday) and the crowd sent him well wishes with a surprise singing “Happy Birthday” at the end of his show. Shelia E., The Whispers, Avery Sunshine, Kelly Price, Tank, Anthony Hamilton, Loose Ends and other greats all ROCKED the Symphony Wood Stage as well.
The amazing Charlie Wilson opened the event on Friday night with National Radio Talk Show Host Michael Basiden as the jazz fests opening emcee.
The culmination of the weekend wrapped up with a special dedication to the late great Al Jaurau who passed away this year. The dynamic jazz vocalist had a long history of preforming at this jazz festival and inspiring the fans to keep jazz and its culture alive.
