Rosslyn Jazz Fest is back for its 34th year this weekend, bringing food trucks, local vendors and live performances to Gateway Park.
With a lineup featuring Americana, Latin Jazz, funk and global sounds, Arlington’s largest free outdoor music festival is expected to bring big crowds from 1-7 p.m. on Saturday.
“Rosslyn Jazz Fest has always been about more than music. It’s a celebration of community, culture, and discovery,” Mary-Claire Burick, president of the Rosslyn BID, told ARLnow. “This year we’re seeing record interest, an incredible globally inspired lineup, and more opportunities for attendees to experience Rosslyn’s restaurants, businesses, and growing residential community.”
Headlining this year’s event is Plena Libre, a Grammy Award-nominated band that fuses traditional Puerto Rican plena and bomba styles with modern Afro-Caribbean influences.
Joining the band are Sally Baby’s Silver Dollars, Parlor Greens and Dogo du Togo & The Alagaa Beat Band. The performances are slated to take place at the following times, but are subject to change:
- 1 p.m.: Dogo du Togo & The Alagaa Beat Band
- 2:20 p.m.: Parlor Greens
- 3:45 p.m.: Sally Baby’s Silver Dollars
- 5:30 p.m.: Plena Libre
“For more than three decades, the internationally acclaimed ensemble has captivated audiences with its vibrant rhythms, masterful musicianship, and infectious energy, earning recognition as one of the foremost ambassadors of Puerto Rican music around the world,” the Rosslyn BID said in a press release.
Rosslyn Jazz Fest has grown rapidly since its 1992 inception, drawing thousands of attendees per year. Due to capacity restrictions at Gateway Park, attendees are encouraged to register in advance.
As of yesterday (Wednesday), registration for Saturday’s festival was up 10% compared with registration at the same point last year.
The following roads are scheduled to be closed from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. for the event:
- Eastbound Langston Blvd from Fort Myer Drive to N. Lynn Street
- Fort Myer Drive access road from 19th Street N. to N. Moore Street
- N. Moore Street between 19th Street N. and Langston Blvd
The Arlington County Police Department encouraged drivers to take alternate routes.
Photo via Rosslyn/Facebook
