Now that the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival is in its third year, things are starting to pick up. Rising from the ashes of the East Coast Jazz Festival, which ceased to exist after the passing of its driving force, Ronnie Wells, the MAJF is the project of local saxophonist and music educator Paul Carr. Though the MAJF shares the basic DNA of its predecessor, Carr is bringing in new elements to the festival.
“We are introducing jazz to our community through multiple modes of artistic expression,” said Carr in a recent interview with DCist.
The 2012 MAJF, taking place Friday through Sunday in Rockville, MD, will incorporate theater, dance and film into the proceedings. The Jazz Ain’t Dead Group will stage a show with master tap dancer, Baakari Wilder, from the Broadway cast of Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk. In partnership with the Adventure Theatre, the MAJF produced a play, Bud, Not Buddy, to serve as an introduction to traditional jazz music and is aimed at children. The play is based on a Christopher Paul Curtis novel, which won both the Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Award in 2000. The festival’s Gospel Matinee on Sunday will feature another play depicting the life of legendary singer Mahalia Jackson, and will star D.C.’s own Lavenia Nesmith. There will also be a screening of the Jamie Foxx’s movie Thunder Soul, a documentary about Carr’s mentor and high school band teacher, Conrad Johnson
The festival’s main stage will host world class talent throughout the weekend, including Winard Harper, Carr’s own group, and Sunday’s matinee will also include 2012 Grammy nominee Kim Burrell. The highlight of the festival, however, takes place on Saturday night with legendary drummer Roy Haynes and his Fountain of Youth Band.
“Each year we have a theme and we target certain artists, said Carr. “This year we were very fortunate to get the artists we had targeted.”
With education being among Carr’s focus, there will be several clinics as well as performances by ensembles from several local schools. As was the case last year, the festival will also include a high school big band competition. Finally, the MAJF is a showcase for area’s immense talent, with local performers appearing on all four stages at the event.
“The local jazz community is represented throughout the entire festival,” said Carr. “The local jazz community is the foundation of MAJF.”
The Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival takes place this weekend at the Hilton Washington DC/Rockville Hotel & Executive Meeting Center. Visit the festival web site for full schedule and ticketing information.
