This Saturday is the 33rd Annual Rosslyn Jazz Fest!
September 4, 2025
ROSSLYN JAZZ FEST 2025
Sat, Sept 6 | 1-7pm | Gateway Park | Rosslyn
Chill out and groove at the 33rd Annual Rosslyn Jazz Fest! The festival has become a cultural cornerstone in the DMV, recognized for curating progressive lineups in jazz, funk and soul. Set against the gorgeous Rosslyn skyline, the festival combines urban energy with park-side relaxation. Join us at Gateway Park for an afternoon of music, food trucks, yard games, community vendors, and tons of fun!
Southern Avenue, the Blues Music Award-winning, GRAMMY-nominated Memphis-based family band, plays original Memphis blues, modern soul, and gospel-infused roots music that is uplifting and timeless. They are known worldwide for their inclusive, message-driven songs fueled by hard-hitting grooves and electrifying guitar. The band’s new album, Family, makes it clear that Southern Avenue creates musical storytelling magic. The band is unlike any other on the scene today, featuring lead vocalist/songwriter Tierinii Jackson, her husband, guitarist/songwriter Ori Naftaly, and her sisters, drummer/vocalist/songwriter Tikyra “T.K.” Jackson and percussionist/violinist/vocalist Ava Jackson. “Through our music,” says Naftaly, “we expand our family to include our fans and whomever is moved by our songs.”
The inspiring harmonies of the church-raised Jackson sisters are fueled by guitarist Naftaly, whose passion for blues and soul music led him to Memphis from his birthplace in Israel. Together, Southern Avenue blends the city’s musical traditions with their own thoroughly modern worldview. Their authentic and unfiltered original songs are a bold step in defining the future of Memphis music. They are among the most musically riveting and visually exciting live bands, and are among the few “must see” acts on the scene today.
New Breed Brass Band presents a brand of second line music in conversation with everything from Caribbean music to No Limit Records to modern R&B in the vein of Bruno Mars and Anderson Paak’s Silk Sonic. It’s joyful and vital and distinctly of the moment — music for and by New Orleans’ next generation. Though the young musicians were ensconced in second line culture — band leader Jenard Andrews’ father is the great trumpeter James Andrews, and his uncle is Trombone Shorty, the New Orleans scene lynchpin — it took something of an intervention to help them find their own sound. Trombone Shorty began coaching them up, and their sound took shape: The rhythmic versatility of the local jazz and funk scenes — as well New Orleans hip-hop from Cash Money to bounce — fused with second line culture to create something distinctly theirs. New Breed Brass Band forge a new path for 21st century second lines — it’s just up to listeners to follow their lead down the parade route.
The Sensational Barnes Brothers. Photo by Kevin Evans.
The Sensational Barnes Brothers
2:20 pm
The Sensational Barnes Brothers are a melting pot of the old and the new. As Pop Matters states, “The brothers run through a spectrum of moods and modes in their gospel soul, often bridging the gap between, say, the Soul Stirrers and Stax, all the while keeping a local flavor.” The brothers are able to dive deep into their roots, creating a sound that reflects the music of their history, all the while drawing in a modern-day audience. Inspired by their shared past, fueled by harmonies that resonate with both their blood and their kindred souls, The Sensational Barnes Brothers see themselves singing, playing, and dancing for a long time coming.
Son Cubano Subterraneo
1:00 pm
Son Cubano Subterraneo brings the musical sounds of Cuba’s golden era (1950-60's) to life, right here in the nation’s capital. They are a six-piece ensemble of top-notch musicians and entertainers with a shared passion for Cuban “Son”, the musical style at the core of latin Salsa dance music. Led by sonero Gerardo Contino, a Cuban native and singer extraordinaire who has performed around the world with some of the greats of Cuban Son including NG La Banda and the GRAMMY-award winning Larry Harlow’s Latin Legends Band.
Bandleader and Cuban tres player Josh Schneck has been performing in latin, jazz and rock ensembles for over thirty years before taking up the Cuban Tres - an instrument at the heart of Cuban son. He’s joined by Jimmy Rioja on upright bass, Jorge Aranya on guitar and vocals, Michael McSweeny on congas and bongos, and Maksim Tsvetovat on flute.
Rosslyn Jazz Fest will also have food trucks, yard games, and community vendors!
Arlington Art Truck - Patch or Swap: A Textile Rescue Lab By Roxana Alger Geffen
1-7pm
We have all had clothes that we loved and lost—to coffee stains, rips or years of wear. This project is about rescuing those well-loved things and making them wearable again. Sculpture and collage artist Roxana Geffen, will show you simple ways to mend your clothes in a visible but cool way and give you some supplies to get started, either at the Arlington Art Truck or at home. If you decide that you don’t need another project, you can also swap a tired garment for something on our Swap Rack, leaving a short description and story about the piece or simply take a garment and leave us a story about a favorite outfit from your past. More
Know Before You Go
You got questions? The Rosslyn BID has answers! Check out the complete FAQ on the event page for information on the performance schedule, permitted items, and other need-to-knows ahead of your day at Jazz Fest.
Festival Food and Drink
Great music only gets better when you have delicious food and drink in hand! Ten food trucks will be on-site serving a variety of dishes, from sandwiches to pizza to tacos and more. Plus, multiple bars will be stationed around Gateway Park where those 21+ can choose from a selection of beer, wine, and hard seltzers.
Join the Arlington Arts Facebook Page Join our conversation on the Arts Arlington Facebook page to learn about new art initiatives in the County, get updates on upcoming events, enter contests, and more.
