Arlington’s premier jazz festival is returning next month, at a venue now set to receive major renovations in coming years.
The 32nd Rosslyn Jazz Fest will take place on Saturday, Sept. 7 at Gateway Park. Featuring acts such as the two-time Grammy winner Ranky Tanky and El Laberinto Del Coco, which recently starred on NPR’s Tiny Desk series, the event promises an afternoon full of soulful grooves and lively heavy-hitters from 1-7 p.m.
As always, the concert is free but space is finite, so attendees are encouraged to book tickets in advance. In addition to music, food trucks, yard games and vendors are on tap.
“This event is not only a celebration of jazz music, but also a celebration of our diverse community,” said Mary-Claire Burick, president of the Rosslyn BID, which is co-hosting the event with Arlington Arts. “We invite everyone to join us for a day filled with incredible music, delicious fare from local food trucks, and engaging activities for all ages. Whether you’re an avid jazz fan or simply looking to enjoy an afternoon of great music and fun with family and friends, Rosslyn Jazz Fest is the place to be.”
The Arlington County Board officially cleared the way for a planned overhaul of Gateway Park last month, though how changes will ultimately affect Jazz Fest remains to be seen.
County staff are currently reviewing feedback on three possible designs for the park, all of which would retain a stage and an open space for performances while also creating a greener and more multi-functional recreation area. Staff are expected to present a final draft design later this summer or fall, for a County Board vote this winter.
The Rosslyn BID has been coordinating with the county on the planning process, and expects to keep hosting large-scale events like Jazz Fest no matter what design moves forward, Jenna Sobray, the BID’s director of marketing and communications, told ARLnow.
“The county anticipates construction on Gateway Park to begin in 2026, and we will explore alternative locations for Rosslyn Jazz Fest during that time,” she said. “While we don’t have exact details yet, we are confident that by being creative and leveraging the various spaces within our neighborhood, we can continue to deliver an exceptional experience for the event in the future.”
The full Jazz Fest lineup is below.
- At 1 p.m., D.C.-based vocalist and songwriter Cecily, “known for her agile soprano and honest lyrics” with a sound “as soothing as it is rich”
- At 2:20 p.m., Charleston, S.C.-based quintet Ranky Tanky, whose debut album claimed the No. 1 spot on Billboard, Amazon and iTunes jazz charts
- At 3:45 p.m., The Rumble ft. Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr., nominated for “Best Regional Roots Album” at the 2024 Grammys
- At 5:30 p.m., El Labertino Del Coco, a rising Bomba Fusion band from Puerto Rico with roots in D.C. that “tore the roof of the Lincoln Center” at the globalFEST showcase in New York
A playlist offering a sneak peak of the concert’s tunes is available on Spotify.
