Community Calendar

Born in the same city, shaped by the world, and rooted in the Pacific Northwest — pianist David Lee Joyner and trumpeter Nathan Breedlove bring a rare and powerful musical kinship to the Washington Center’s Black Box stage. Joyner, a prolific composer, scholar, and performer, has graced stages and universities across the globe. Breedlove, twice Grammy-nominated and a Seattle Jazz Hall of Fame inductee, has lent his luminous trumpet sound to iconic ensembles and theatrical stages alike. Together in an intimate setting, expect an evening that is spontaneous, deeply swinging, and utterly alive — jazz the way it was meant to be experienced.

What happens when a French classical virtuoso, an Italian YouTube rock phenomenon, a Hawaiian Slack Key master, and an Australian blues powerhouse share one stage? You get International Guitar Night — a celebration of the guitar’s breathtaking range featuring Roxane Elfasci, Luca Stricagnoli, Jim Kimo West, and Minnie Marks.

Warm. Soulful. Unforgettable. Eugenie Jones has built a remarkable career on the strength of a voice NEA Jazz Master Reggie Workman called “extraordinary” and a gift for songwriting that dazzles critics worldwide. Her latest album, EUGENIE (2025), is her most celebrated yet — a rich blend of original ballads, jazz standards, and vintage soul backed by expressive strings, spending 25 weeks on Jazz Week’s Top 50. Jones brings authenticity and heart to every performance, delivering music that is deeply genuine and utterly captivating. Don’t miss this intimate live performance — an evening of jazz at its finest.

Honor Black History Month with an afternoon of film and music that lifts up the artistry, innovation, and enduring legacy of early Black performers. This special program features a rare screening of The Flying Ace (1926), a thrilling aviation drama from the era of “race films” – independent productions created for Black audiences during a time of segregation in the American film industry. Set against the backdrop of a small-town airfield, the story follows a heroic pilot as he navigates mystery, romance, and high-flying adventure, offering a fascinating glimpse into a vital and often overlooked chapter of cinema history.

Complementing the film is a live organ performance celebrating the music of Fats Waller, one of the most influential and joyful voices of early jazz. Known for his stride piano brilliance, infectious rhythms, and larger-than-life personality, Waller helped define the sound of a generation.

Acclaimed silent film organist Dennis James brings the evening to life with a dynamic live score on our 1924 Andy Crow Wurlitzer Organ. Together, film and music create an entertaining and educational tribute to Black creativity and resilience, where history, culture, and artistry take flight.

For 15 years, Dwayne Gretzky has been North America’s greatest party band — built entirely on the strength of their live show. With a repertoire of over 800 songs spanning the classic rock and pop hits of the 70s, 80s and 90s, they perform these beloved anthems with a precision and passion not seen since the original artists in their prime. Their momentum reached new heights in 2025: headlining Budweiser Stage in Toronto to 7,000 roaring fans, and launching the viral YouTube series Dwayne’s World, which has introduced them to music lovers across the globe. Now they bring their electrifying show to the Washington Center. Whether you lived through these songs the first time or discovered them later, this is a night you won’t forget.