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, and the lineup is nothing short of exceptional. Rooted in culture and community, these events are living extensions of a legacy that continues to shape UDC students as emerging musicians and creative talent.
AZZforum: Celebrating a Legacy: Mike Binsky and The Bandstand
Date and time: Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 2 p.m.
A powerful tribute honoring the life and legacy of Mike Binsky, this event brings together historians, musicians and cultural voices who helped shape Baltimore’s jazz scene. It also highlights the preservation of jazz history through newly donated recordings housed in the Felix E. Grant Jazz Archives.
Location: Recital Hall, Performing Arts Building 46-West
Price: Free and open to the public
Jazz Concert: UDC Small Jazz Ensembles
Date and time: Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 2 p.m.
Under the direction of Allyn Johnson, UDC’s Small Jazz Ensembles take the stage in a dynamic showcase of student talent. Location: Recital Hall, Performing Arts Building 46-West
Price: Free and open to the public
Senior Recital: Ynomrah Hicks, percussion
Date and time: Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 7 p.m.
Jazz studies major Ynomrah Hicks presents his Senior Recital, marking a major milestone in his musical journey.
Location: Recital Hall, Performing Arts Building 46-West
Price: Free and open to the public
Calvin Jones BIG BAND Jazz Festival
Date and time: Monday, April 27, 2026, at 8 p.m.
Closing out the month, this highly anticipated festival brings together powerhouse ensembles from UDC, Howard University and the University of Maryland. A staple in D.C.’s jazz scene, the festival continues to celebrate legacy, collaboration and world-class sound.
Location: UDC Music Program, Performing Arts-Bldg. 46-West
Price: $20 general admission, $15 seniors, $10 students
Purchase Tickets: 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.
