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The Headhunters

9 concerts

Drummer Mike Clark and bassist Paul Jackson, known for their work with Herbie Hancock's Headhunters, helped create the first platinum-selling jazz album, "Head Hunters." They collaborated with Bill Summers, producing classics like "Thrust" and "Flood," and released albums such as "Survival of the Fittest." Their music blends funk, jazz, and more.

The Blackbyrds

2 concerts

Jazz-funk band The Blackbyrds, formed by Donald Byrd at Howard U in 1974, are known for hits like "Walking in Rhythm" & "Rock Creek Park." Famed for film scores & iconic albums, they've collaborated with artists like B.B. King & Roberta Flack.

Chris Botti

37 concerts

Chris Botti, born in Portland, is a renowned jazz trumpeter famed for his romantic sound. Influenced by Miles Davis, he worked with icons like Sting and Paul Simon. His albums, including "When I Fall in Love" and Grammy-winning "Impressions," topped jazz charts. Educated at Indiana University, he collaborated with Herbie Hancock and Michael Bublé, and continues to tour globally.

Marcus Miller

29 concerts

Born in Brooklyn, Marcus Miller is a renowned bassist known for his funky, contemporary jazz and improvisational skills. He gained fame with Miles Davis, collaborated with icons like Grover Washington Jr. and Bob James, and had hits like "M²," winning a Grammy. His albums, including "Renaissance" and "Afrodeezia," topped jazz charts. Also a film composer, Miller scored movies like "Marshall" and is a UNESCO Artist for Peace.

Brownstone

5 concerts

Brownstone, signed to Michael Jackson's MJJ Epic in 1993, is known for "If You Love Me," sampled by Tory Lanez, Future, and Metro Boomin. Now featuring Nicci Gilbert-Daniels, Arin Jackson, and Alexis Jones, they continue their legacy through touring and new music.

Najee

9 concerts

Born in Greenwich Village and raised in Queens, Najee is a renowned jazz and R&B saxophonist and flutist. Known for his lyrical style, he achieved fame with albums like "Najee's Theme" and "Tokyo Blue." He has collaborated with icons such as Prince, Chaka Khan, and Stanley Clarke, won two NAACP Awards, and topped jazz charts multiple times, most recently with "Center of the Heart."

José James

2 concerts

Minnesota-born José James is a jazz artist melding hip-hop, soul, and funk. Known for his rich baritone and works like "The Dreamer," he collaborated with Flying Lotus and Robert Glasper. His tributes to Billie Holiday and Bill Withers highlight his versatility. A Blue Note veteran, he co-founded Rainbow Blonde Records, releasing acclaimed projects like No Beginning No End. He frequently appears in high-profile jazz festivals globally.

TLC

9 concerts

TLC, formed in Atlanta, blended R&B and pop, with hits like "Waterfalls" and "No Scrubs," earning Grammys and diamond sales. Known for bold fashion, they worked with Dallas Austin. Despite member Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes’ tragic death, T-Boz and Chilli continued to release music and perform.

En Vogue

10 concerts

En Vogue, formed in 1990 in Oakland by producers Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy, set the R&B standard with hits like "Hold On" and "Don't Let Go." Known for their harmonious style, they’ve released platinum albums such as "Born to Sing" and "Funky Divas," earning multiple Grammy nominations. They've collaborated with Boyz II Men, Salt-N-Pepa, and Ne-Yo, and continued to perform into the 2020s, including appearing on "The Masked Singer."

Bilal

7 concerts

Bilal, a Philadelphia native, is a versatile R&B artist known for his unique voice and genre-defying style. His debut album, "1st Born Second," featured hits like "Soul Sista." Bilal is celebrated for his extensive collaborations, earning Grammy recognition with artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé, and Robert Glasper. Not limited to neo-soul, his music spans various genres. His albums, including "Airtight's Revenge" and "In Another Life," showcase his diverse musical influences and collaborations with talents like Questlove and Common.

Take 6

2 concerts

Take 6, an a cappella group rooted in gospel and jazz, formed at Alabama's Oakwood College. Notable for Grammy-winning albums like "Take 6," they've worked with stars like Quincy Jones and Stevie Wonder. Known for blending genres, their hits span gospel, R&B, and jazz charts.

Atlantic Starr

3 concerts

Atlantic Starr, formed in 1976 in White Plains, NY by the Lewis brothers, is known for smooth R&B hits like “Secret Lovers” and “Always,” defined by powerful vocals and soulful melodies.

Keith Sweat

10 concerts

Keith Sweat, born in Harlem, is a legendary R&B singer known as a pioneer of new jack swing. His debut album "Make It Last Forever" went triple platinum, featuring the hit "I Want Her." He's famous for songs like "Twisted" and "Nobody." Sweat also shaped Silk and Kut Klose's careers and was part of LSG. With numerous albums and accolades, his impact on R&B is iconic.

Bob James

8 concerts

Bob James, born in Marshall, Missouri, is a Grammy-winning jazz composer and pianist known for pioneering smooth jazz with hits like "Angela," the theme for Taxi. His style fuses jazz, pop, and classical music. As a member of Fourplay and a collaborator with David Sanborn and Grover Washington, Jr., James has released successful albums and scored films and TV shows. His "Touchdown" album reached platinum status. James' career includes jazz and classical works alongside collaborations with Nathan East, Earl Klugh, and Till Brönner.

After 7

7 concerts

After 7, an Indianapolis-born R&B group, debuted in 1989 with hits like "Ready or Not." Known for harmonies and Babyface collaborations, they earned Grammy nods and gold/platinum albums.

Tom Browne

1 concert

Tom Browne, a New York-born trumpeter, rose to R&B fame from 1979-1989 with pop-oriented tunes. He collaborated with Sonny Fortune and Lonnie Smith. Influenced by Freddie Hubbard, he took a break in the late '80s, returned in 1994 with the jazz album "Another Shade of Browne." Also a commercial pilot.

AverySunshine

9 concerts

Avery*Sunshine, born Denise White in Chester, PA, is celebrated for her vibrant, uplifting music and riveting performances. Known for "Call My Name," she won ASCAP's Rhythm and Soul Song of the Year Award, received Soul Train and BET Centric Award nominations, and opened for B.B. King. Collaborating with Dana "BigDane" Johnson, her Grammy-winning partner, she has four Hot Adult R&B top 20 hits. She's performed globally and was invited by Aretha Franklin to perform, showcasing her unmistakable sound everywhere, from the UK to her living room.

Big Daddy Kane

11 concerts

Brooklyn-born Big Daddy Kane, alias for Antonio Hardy, emerged in the late '80s as a hip-hop icon. Known for his smooth style and Afrocentric themes, Kane was part of the Juice Crew, collaborated with Biz Markie, and released classics like "Ain't No Half-Steppin'." He gained fame with hits such as "Smooth Operator" and worked alongside legends like Barry White. Despite a dip with the 1991 album Prince of Darkness, Kane's influence remains substantial in the genre.

Eric Benét

3 concerts

Milwaukee-born Eric Benét launched his career with Benét and found success with Warner Bros. His acclaimed albums, "True to Myself" and "A Day in the Life," feature the #1 hit "Spend My Life" with Tamia. Known for his soulful R&B style, Benét co-founded JBR Creative Group in 2023 with Alison Ball, continuing his legacy in music.

Will Downing

15 concerts

Will Downing, known as The Prince of Sophisticated Soul, captivates with his baritone voice, covering R&B classics and original hits. His career includes 21 albums, the duet "Nothing Has Ever Felt Like This" with Rachelle Ferrell, and a radio show, "The Wind Down."

Gerald Albright

9 concerts

Born in South Central LA, jazz saxophonist Gerald Albright excels across multiple instruments. He’s known for hits like "Just Between Us" and "24/7" with Norman Brown. Albright’s collaborations include Patrice Rushen, Quincy Jones, and Dave Koz. His albums, such as "Slam Dunk" and "Summer Horns," frequently top jazz charts, and he runs his own label, Bright Music.

Dru Hill

17 concerts

Dru Hill, formed in 1992 in Baltimore, is known for R&B hits like "Tell Me." Notable albums include their debut and "Enter the Dru." Despite Sisqó's solo fame, they've remained active, with hits achieving multi-million sales.

Samara Joy

22 concerts

Bronx native Samara Joy, immersed in classic R&B and church gospel, won the 2019 Sarah Vaughan Jazz Vocal Competition. Her jazz journey includes breakthrough LPs "Linger Awhile" and "Portrait," showcasing lyricist talent with music by Mingus and Sun Ra. Co-produced with Grammy-winner Brian Lynch, she's emerging as a standout jazz vocalist.

Esperanza Spalding

6 concerts

Esperanza Spalding, born in Portland, is a Grammy-winning jazz bassist and singer known for her eclectic style, blending jazz, R&B, and art rock. Prodigy and Berklee's youngest faculty member, she rose to fame with albums like Esperanza and Chamber Music Society. Collaborations include Fred Hersch, Janelle Monáe, and Milton Nascimento.

Malcolm Jamal Warner

3 concerts

Capital Jazz Fest

3 concerts

Teddy Riley

2 concerts

Urban Guerilla Orchestra

2 concerts

Frank McComb

2 concerts

The JoGo Project

2 concerts

Concert Info

Genre: Jazz

Experience the Capital Jazz Fest concert in Columbia at Merriweather Post Pavilion on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 7:00 PM, with The Headhunters and Tom Browne. Grab tickets before they’re gone!

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Venue Info

Merriweather Post Pavilion

merriweathermusic.com

+1 410-715-5550

10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21044, USA

More Upcoming Capital Jazz Fest Concerts

Sat, 12:00 PM Jun 7 2025	Capital Jazz Fest Saturday Merriweather Post Pavilion - Columbia, MD	tickets $208
Sun, 12:00 PM Jun 8 2025	Capital Jazz Fest Sunday Merriweather Post Pavilion - Columbia, MD	tickets $209