About Jazz at Wesley
Jazz at Wesley is a not-for-profit music program located in the heart of Chevy Chase, DC. It features some of the best jazz musicians in the DMV. Tiya Adé, a renowned vocalist, curates each show. She books well-established artists that are highly respected in the DC jazz scene as well as exciting newcomers.
Located two blocks north of Politics and Prose, Jazz at Wesley brings much-needed live entertainment to upper northwest DC. Established in 2010, it has been called a "hidden gem" of the DC jazz scene. It takes place at the Wesley Campus of National United Methodist Church (NUMC).
Volunteers Peter Mucha, Joan Gordon, Paula Pree, Thomas Laryea, and Mallika Gamage.
On the fourth Saturday of each month, a dedicated team of volunteers and staff from the NUMC church prepares food and sets up the room. They then welcome audience and musicians alike with the warmth the Wesley Campus is known for.
The event is cabaret-style: Audience members sit together at round tables and can eat and drink during the show. Hot meals, desserts, and drinks (non-alcoholic) are available for purchase. Audience members come away from the evening feeling the joy and uplift from this unique and engaging event (click here to see audience reaction).
Jazz at Wesley is dedicated to supporting local jazz musicians AND building community. Most of the money raised through ticket sales goes to our talented musicians and sound engineers. In addition, ticket prices are kept low so that the event is affordable for most anyone. For over 10-years, Jazz at Wesley has been bringing the best of DC jazz to upper NW and inviting everyone in.
Jazz at Wesley is made possible through the generous support of National United Methodist Church.
History of Jazz at Wesley
The concept of Jazz at Wesley emerged during a meeting of the Wesley gospel choir in March 2010. Choir members in attendance were Clint Hyson, Mike Wheaton, Vince Stroman, Georgia Hughes, Sherry Antoine, Tiya Adé, Pam Rogers, and Paula Pree.
The musicians wanted to create an event that would promote the church and showcase its rich musical traditions. From this, the idea for Jazz at Wesley was born. Its goals were to highlight the Wesley music program, support local jazz musicians, and connect with the neighborhood.
Fellowship hall during Jazz at Wesley.
In particular, the Wesley Campus wanted to bring the outside community into its fellowship hall so that people could experience the welcoming spirit of the Wesley congregation. Wesley has always gathered for lunch in the fellowship hall after Sunday services, so freshly prepared hot meals were added to the mix.
At the time, there was no other jazz venue in Chevy Chase and very little nightlife, so the need in the area was apparent. The first Jazz at Wesley occurred on October 16, 2010. The event was a grand success. The Wesley congregation then dedicated itself to holding similar events once a month.
Jazz at Wesley Today
Jazz at Wesley has stayed true to the original concept voiced by those choir members over 10 years ago: to bring good music, food, and people together — and to invite everyone in.
Today, Tiya Adé is the producer of Jazz at Wesley and likes to showcase both established musicians and talented up-and-comers. The artists gathered represent a variety of musical styles beyond the original concept of jazz, including blues, bebop, swing, R&B, and Latin fusion.
Wesley Campus, National United Methodist Church
5312 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20015 | Map and Directions