All music lovers, this post is for you. If you’re a music lover like myself or someone with a blooming interest in jazz, take heart. UDC’s Music Department is giving us the gift of music, packaged into a monthlong celebration of live performances.
This April, UDC’s School of Arts and Sciences is turning up the volume for Jazz Appreciation Month. Rooted in culture and community, these events reflect a legacy that continues to shape UDC students as emerging musicians and creative talent.
AZZforum: Celebrating a Legacy: Mike Binsky and The Bandstand
Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 2 p.m. | Recital Hall, Performing Arts Building 46-West | Free and open to the public
This event honors Mike Binsky and brings together historians and musicians connected to Baltimore’s jazz scene. It also highlights newly donated recordings in the Felix E. Grant Jazz Archives.
Jazz Concert: UDC Small Jazz Ensembles
Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 2 p.m. | Recital Hall, Performing Arts Building 46-West | Free and open to the public
Directed by Allyn Johnson, UDC’s Small Jazz Ensembles perform a program showcasing student musicians.
Senior Recital: Ynomrah Hicks, percussion
Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 7 p.m. | Recital Hall, Performing Arts Building 46-West | Free and open to the public
Jazz studies major Ynomrah Hicks presents his senior recital as part of his degree requirements.
Calvin Jones Big Band Jazz Festival
Monday, April 27, 2026, at 8 p.m. | UDC Music Program, Performing Arts Building 46-West | $20 general admission, $15 seniors, $10 students
The festival features ensembles from UDC, Howard University and the University of Maryland, continuing a long-running collaboration in the D.C. jazz community.
Purchase tickets: InstantSeats.com | InstantSeats.com \ www.bigbandjazzfest.org |
Phone: (202) 274-5803 | Email: jazzalive@udc.edu
And there you have it, every single one of these events is worth showing up for. Many of these performances will take place in UDC’s Recital Hall and University Theater, with several free and open to the public.
Students, this is your opportunity to step outside the classroom and experience music in its most authentic form — live, immersive and rooted in culture. To stay up to date with JAZZAlive events, visit the official website for upcoming shows and details.
