The City of Alexandria's Office of the Arts is proud to invite you to the first ever ALX Jazz Fest Pop Up Series! Over the next few months, enjoy free art activations, live jazz, and spoken word artists at various locations throughout Alexandria. In October, we partner with the Market at Southern Towers to provide a musical experience alongside the market's offerings of fresh fruit, baked goods, artisans, and health products!

Free and open to the public!

The Market @ Southern Towers
4901 Seminary Rd
Alexandria, VA 

Sunday, October 22
12 - 2 PM 

The Farmer's Market runs from 10am - 3pm

The Jazz Fest Pop Up performances runs from 12 - 2pm

RSVP Here

Live jazz by Munit Mesfin @munit.mesfin

---

Spoken word by

• Yohanes Molla Namaga @yohaneslm

• Mari Mused @marixmused

• Raquel Ra Brown @radigya

---

Hands-on mask-making art project with David Amoroso @amorosoart with the Mobile Art Lab! 12 - 2pm

---

ABOUT THE JAZZ ARTIST

MUNIT MESFIN @munit.mesfin

Munit Mesfin is an Ethio-Soul singer and award-winning songwriter and recording artist. In her performances, she blends her Ethiopian roots with the music she loves: jazz, soul, and reggae! She loves building community with music, be it with kids as young as 3 or as old as 103 ;) She has two albums that she did in her duet, Munit and Jörg, and recently, another with the band Project Locrea which recently won two Wammies (Washington Area Music Awards) for Best World music Artist/Group and Best World Music Song for an Ethiopian tune entitled Abet Abet that she performs on. In 2021, Munit also won the overall award for the Songwriters' Association of Washington's Mid-Atlantic Songwriting Competition with her song "Adwa", and was a finalist in their newest "Freedom Songs" category.

Munit is currently working on her first solo album, and a family music album with her son and daughters under their band, Munit and the Lovebugs! Besides her performances, she works as a teaching artist with Carpe Diem Arts, the Civic Circle and Wolf Trap, using arts integration for positive social and educational outcomes!

---

ABOUT THE SPOKEN WORD ARTISTS

RAQUEL "RA" BROWN @radigya

Raquel "Ra" Brown was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pa. She's been writing since she was 13. Using poetry and prose as an outlet (and saving her parents thousands in therapy sessions) she found and still uses her voice to express ideas and experiences: in love, life situations, lust, tragedy and traveling.

She has performed and written for other artists, performed on national and international stages and for many amazing audiences. Featured on many albums and has been published in a number of anthologies.

---

MARIX MUSED @marixmused

Hailing from the Prince George’s County, Mari Mused is a young creative interested in the entertainment and advancement of black youth. Mari is a senior at the illustrious Morgan State University with future goals of becoming a physical therapist. You can follow her on instagram @marixmused to see her creative works.

---

YOHANES MOLLA NAMAGA @yohaneslm

Yohanes is a Poet, Podcaster, Blogger & more. He is the the author of the books 'የብርሃን ልክፍት' (Luminomania) and 'የብርሃን ሰበዞች' (Raffia grass of light)

---

ABOUT THE MOBILE ART LAB ARTIST

DAVID AMOROSO @amorosoart

David Amoroso shares his “Pop Art” aesthetic through painting, photography, and block and screen-printing. Although the majority of David’s work is dedicated to painting portraits of cultural icons, he also represents everyday people and addresses social justice through his art. The influence of Mexico and Central America are apparent in his bold color palette, and he upholds traditional cultural artistries such as Papel Picado, altars for Día de los Muertos and Guatemalan Alfombras de Aserrín. David Amoroso has exhibited in the DC Metro area, New York, California, Mexico, and Central and South America. His work is frequently highlighted in cultural events, festivals and Smithsonian programs.

PLUS: Check out the full lineup of vendors at the Market! Come support local businesses!

Wonder Abyssinia Trading LLC @wonderabyssinia

Bakeology Pastries (treats/pastries)

Terry’s Taste (food) @terrystaste

Carlos’ Farm (produce)

Unique Shine Cherita (jewelry)

The Snack Lady (sweets) @thesnackladyllc

Sustainably D. Marie (clothes and items)

Day Dreamer Oasis @daydreamerscbd

IZORA (soaps)

Art Bae (art) @the_artbae_

Composting station by @alexandriavates

Thanks to the City of Alexandria’s Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) @alexandriavagov and Southern Towers Apartments @southerntowersalexandria for putting on the Farmer's Market each weekend.

This last summer, The Alexandria Jazz Fest (ALX Jazz Fest) celebrated its 45th anniversary!  Despite a rain delay, more than 3,000 attendees attended this 3-hour event, full of music, spoken word, student poets, and a live mural painting.

Friday, June 16, 2023
6 - 9 pm
part of the Portside in Old Town Summer Festival
Waterfront Park
 

About The Office of the Arts  
 

The Office of The Arts promotes the value of arts and culture in Alexandria by nurturing, investing in and celebrating the creative contributions of artists and arts organizations. Through engaging the community, encouraging participation, and facilitating access to the arts, the Office of the Arts works with local artists and arts organizations to build a vibrant community for all of the City's residents, workers and visitors.  

Jazz performances

6:15 – 7:00pm  

Joe Baione Quintet 

Joe Baione grew up in a jazz drenched musical environment. His father, the clarinetist-saxophonist-educator Jim Baione, is a graduate of Philadelphia’s prestigious Combs Conservatory of Music, where he earned both his B.A. and M.A. in Music Education Degrees and first met Joe’s musician mother, Barbara. The other musical members of the Baione family include Joe’s two older brothers, bassist Tom and guitarist Jimmy. Following in his father’s footsteps, Joe studied both music education and jazz performance, graduating from the University of Maryland E.S. in 1995. Since then he has gone on to become a passionate and creative band teacher by day and an energetic and innovative band leader and performer at night. Joe Baione has performed at some of the most prestigious festivals and venues in the world, including the Trinidad Jazz and Steelpan Festival, Rochester International Jazz Festival, Clearwater Jazz Holiday, Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, The Iridium NYC, The Kimmel Center, The Freeman State and the Rehoboth Autumn Jazz Festival.  

7:15 – 8:00 pm 

Michael Hawkins and the Brotherhood 

Growing up in Alexandria Virginia, Michael Hawkins became influenced by the vibrant music scene. Local musicians would play at his neighborhood’s recreation centers and parks on a regular basis.  Hawkins began his music career as a trumpet player in his high school band. After switching to trombone, he finally settled on bass guitar. At 15, he began to work professionally in his native Alexandria, Va. By 16, he was leading his own band and performing regularly in the Washington, D.C., area. Upon receiving a full scholarship, Hawkins studied music at Virginia State University. Next, he made his way to New York City, where he earned a master’s degree in Jazz Studies from Queen’s College and shared the stage with some of the world’s greatest musicians. 

Internationally, Hawkins has toured and performed with some of the biggest names in music.  Hawkins has toured abroad in Japan, Russia, Ukraine, China, Germany, Italy, Canada and Scandinavia. Michael has led groups and performed in prestigious venues such as New York City's, The Village Vangaurd,  Sweet Basil's,  Dizzy’s Coca Cola Club (Jazz at Lincoln Center), and house Bassist at Cleopatra's Needle,  Joe Segal's Jazz Showcase (Chicago), Jazz Bakery (Los Angeles), Ragatta Bar, Sculler's (Boston),  The Dakota (Minneapolis) and Yoshi's (Oakland).   

A sought after side-man, Michael's dynamic Bass sound  can be heard on numerous recording projects such as Cyrus Chestnuts "You Are My Sunshine" (Warner Bros.),  "Genuine Chestnut" (Telarc),  and on various performances, and songwriting collaborations. 

8:15 – 9:00 pm 

Sharón Clark 

Washington, D.C. standout Sharón Clark has brought festival and concert audiences to their feet across the globe. Ms. Clark has made countless international tours, from Europe to Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Russia, where she has developed a major following. Ms. Clark has performed as a featured soloist with the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, the Richmond Symphony, and the Baltimore Symphony. 

Both the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra and The Ludacris Foundation chose Ms. Clark to perform for their separate tributes to Quincy Jones. Ms. Clark won the Gold Medal and $10,000 top prize at the Savannah Music Festival's American Traditions Competition. She then took first place in the Billie Holiday Vocal Competition, which offers a $2,500 prize along with a featured appearance with the Baltimore Symphony. 

Poetry readings

6:10 – 6:15 pm  

Zeina Azzam 

Zeina Azzam is a Palestinian American poet, writer, editor, and community activist. She serves as the poet laureate of Alexandria, Virginia, for 2022-2025 and has been nominated twice for a Pushcart Prize. Her poems appear in literary journals and anthologies, and her poetry collection, Some Things Never Leave You, will be released in summer 2023 by Tiger Bark Press. Zeina’s chapbook, Bayna Bayna, In-Between, was published in 2021 by The Poetry Box. She holds an MA in Arabic literature from Georgetown University and an MA in sociology from George Mason University. www.zeinaazzam.com  

 7:00 – 7:15 pm  

Sami Miranda 

Samuel "Sami" Miranda grew up in the South Bronx and resides in Washington, DC. He is a visual artist, poet, and teacher who uses his craft to highlight the value of everyday people and places. His work is heavily influenced by Puerto Rican culture and family history, as well as his interactions with his students, people he encounters in his travels, and DC locals. Much of his work is figurative and explores how the body and face illustrate the successes, hardships, and beliefs that people carry with them. He is the author of Protection from Erasure, published by Jaded Ibis Press, Departure, a chapbook published by Central Square Press, and We Is, published by Zozobra Publishing. He is currently working on collaborative projects with musicians and visual artists about the deep connections they can make through their artwork. Samuel's artwork has been exhibited internationally in Puerto Rico and Madrid, as well as New York and Washington, DC. Most recently, Samuel's artwork has been included in the Smithsonian's new Molina Family Latino Gallery inaugural exhibition ¡Presente! His artwork has been included in University and private collections.  

8:00 – 8:15 pm  

ACPS Student Poet Laureates 

Two recipients for the Alexandria City Public Schools Poetry Award will read a poem each as part of the closing set for the 2023 Alexandria Jazz Fest. The student poet laureates will be announced at the April 26 ACPS Poetry Award Ceremony.  

Live mural painting during the performances

Experience the live creation of a masterpiece before your very eyes, inspired by the music and spoken word poetry on stage and produced by the artist behind famous murals featured at DC's Art All Night and Ben's Chili Bowl.  

6 - 9 pm  

Aniekan Udofia

Aniekan Udofia has built up a formidable reputation as a powerful Painter and illustrator. Whether through multi-layered compositional complexity and suggestive narrative or straightforward human form, there is often autobiographical narrative at play.

Udofia garnered national attention in the early 2000s with his illustrations, working for publications such as XXL, Vibe, DC Pulse, Frank151, While You Were Sleeping, and The Source.

In recent years he has become well known for his many vibrant murals around Washington DC with quite a solid clientele list, including Toyota, American Express, the Office of Unified Communications, Murals DC, the Museum of Public Art, and a host of small businesses and property owners.

His murals share the rich history and culture of the different communities they are created in, whether it's the gagged George Washington on 15th and U Street or the very bright and colorful Marvin Gaye in the Shaw area of Washington DC, and his most famous Ben's Chili Bowl mural, Udofia's public works speak for themselves.

Aniekan lives and works in his studio in the Adams Morgan area of Washington DC.

Master of Ceremonies 

Introduction 6:00 – 6:10 pm 

Tatiana Figueroa Ramírez

Born in Puerto Rico, Tatiana Figueroa Ramírez graduated with a B.A. in English Literature from UMBC and an M.A. in Public Management with a focus on Nonprofit Management and Leadership at UMD. She has received fellowships from VONA Voices and Anaphora Arts, having worked with Willie Perdomo and Danez Smith. Tatiana currently performs, facilitates workshops, and hosts events in the DC area, having previously done so across the United States and the Dominican Republic at venues including The Kennedy Center. Much of her community and poetic efforts are dedicated to amplifying marginalized voices and empowering young women of color. Her work has been featured in MSNBC’s “Leguizamo Does America” and The Acentos Review, among other publications. Tatiana is the author of Coconut Curls y Café con Leche (2019) and Despojo (2020).

Special Thanks to

The 2023 Alexandria Jazz Fest Activation Team 

 Comprised of professionals from the Smithsonian, NPR, and the Levine School of Music, the 2023 Alexandria Jazz Fest Activation Team supported Office of the Arts staff in the review and selection of jazz musicians for the 2023 Alexandria Jazz Fest. Musicians were considered based on talent, range of jazz styles, live performance experience, as well as additional considerations for regional impact and/or cultural resonance with Alexandria.  

John Hasse    

During his 33-year tenure at the Smithsonian Institution, Curator Emeritus John Edward Hasse developed exhibitions on Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Ray Charles. He led the Smithsonian’s efforts to build the world’s largest museum collection of jazz history, including the 200,000-page Duke Ellington Collection. John founded the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, now celebrating its 32nd season, and international Jazz Appreciation Month, celebrated in 40 countries. His books include Beyond Category: The Life and Genius of Duke Ellington and Discover Jazz. He has written 50 articles on music for The Wall Street Journal and is the recipient of two Grammy Award nominations, two honorary doctorates, and two ASCAP awards for excellence in writing on music. John has lectured on leadership, the arts, and music in 25 countries. His website is: johnedwardhasse.com.   

Suraya Mohamed 

Suraya Mohamed is a senior manager on the NPR Music team. A 3-time Peabody award-winning producer, sound designer, and editor, she is also the recipient of 3 Gracie Allen Awards and an NEA Chairman’s Award for Distinguished Service. With years of experience in podcast creation and long-form documentary series production, she is a versatile media professional who also specializes in project management, content development, and multi-partnership collaborations.  

Jeremy Castillo 

As Director of Performance and Contemporary Music at iconic D.C. community music school Levine Music, Jeremy oversees contemporary music education—specifically heading up the Jazz Program, Rock Program, and Levine Music Theater—and the school's popular professional concert series. Jeremy is a member of the Recording Academy, and before coming to Levine in 2012 was a longtime private guitar instructor, session guitarist, independent soundtrack composer, and a member of a professional, long-running rock band in Los Angeles. Jeremy holds a bachelor's degree in guitar performance from George Mason University and still actively plays—over the past 30 years has played on dozens of notable stages, in various ensembles, across the country. But he's found his greatest professional joy over the past decade in helping Levine modernize, grow, and positively impact the lives of its students, staffers, and supporters. Jeremy lives in Fairfax, Va., with his wife, two kids, and too many pets.