Jazz@Wesley

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July 25, 2026
Tiya! Songs From My Heart

In July, noted DC songstress and Jazz@Wesley producer Tiya! will perform. Tiya! will present an evening of some of her favorite songs, including jazz, blues, and R&B classics.

Tiya! has been a star on the DC music scene for decades. She’s a dynamic and emotive performer. Fans look forward to her headlining concert at Jazz@Wesley each year. This year she will be joined by Minh Vo on piano, Herman Burney on bass, Kevin Kearny on drums, and Mark Kraemer on sax.

This concert will also honor one of our beloved Wesley church members and Jazz@Wesley volunteers, Paula Pree. With her vibrant purple hair and big smile, she was a memorable presence on jazz nights. She was also long-time member of NUMC and central to the life of the Wesley congregation. Sadly, Paula transitioned over the winter. We’ll be honoring her memory at our July 25th concert.

Tiya! and Paula performed together in the African American women’s a cappella ensemble “In Process…”. They also were part of the group that founded Jazz@Wesley over 15 years ago and have been dedicated stewards of the program ever since.

All are welcome to attend what will be a joyous and heart-felt concert. Tickets: $20. Find out more about Tiya!

Day/Time: Saturday, July 25, 6:30-8:30 pm

Tickets: $20

> Purchase online: Please note the number of tickets and meals purchased in the memo.

> Purchase in person: Tickets are available for purchase the night of the show at the door. Cash and credit card accepted.

Location: Wesley United Methodist Church, 5312 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20015

To enter the venue, go to the glass doors (not the red doors). The venue is wheelchair accessible. There is ample street parking.

Dinner with Jazz

Enjoy a homecooked dinner with your jazz. Members of our church prepare delicious and fresh hot meals in our Wesley kitchen.

Meals: $15

Includes a salad, rice, beverage (soda or water), and dessert. A la carte items are available.

Menu: Jerk chicken, baked chicken, turkey chili, and vegan chili.

Complimentary coffee and tea

FAQs and Contact Info

Questions? See our list of FAQs.

Contact us: For general inquiries, email jazzatwesley@gmail.com.

To contact the booker for Jazz@Wesley, email songbirdtoo@live.com.

Upcoming Shows

August 22: Melba Liston Tribute, featuring Jen Krupa
A dynamic force in the jazz world, Jen Krupa is an accomplished performer, educator, and leader. Renowned for her exceptional musicianship, transformative teaching, and dedicated service to the jazz community, her influence extends across generations of musicians and audiences worldwide.

She is the lead trombonist in the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, and the DIVA Jazz Orchestra, and her performances have graced renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, and the Hollywood Bowl. Krupa is also a dedicated educator and mentor, currently serving as a faculty member at The Juilliard School, where she is the conductor of the Juilliard Jazz Orchestra.

In August, Jen and her crew will be honoring the pioneering work of Melba Liston. Melba Doretta Liston was an American jazz trombonist, composer, arranger, and educator who broke gender barriers as the first woman trombonist in major big bands. Renowned for her sophisticated arrangements, she worked with Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones, Count Basie, Billie Holiday, and many other Motown artists. An NEA Jazz Master, she continued arranging after a 1985 stroke until her death in 1999.

Join us for an evening of world-class music from this special guest from the New York jazz scene!

September 26: Verny Varela
The master of salsa is back! There will be dancing in the aisles at our annual celebration of music from the Southern hemisphere. Verny Varela has performed on such important stages as the Lincoln Memorial, the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Theater, Smithsonian museums, and the embassies of Colombia, Italy, Panama, and France.

October 24: Mark Kraemer, Saxophonist/Composer
"Mark Kraemer is a talent to be reckoned with!!” —The Baltimore Jazz Alliance
Saxophonist and composer Mark Kraemer brings an exhilarating passion and intensity to live music performances. His sound is rich in texture and blends traditional be-bop and modern jazz with Latin and R&B influences.

November 19: TBD

December 21: Bobby Felder Tribute Band
Join us for the funkiest, swing-iest, jolliest concert of the year, the Christmas show! Coming back will be a 10+ ensemble of talent from the DC jazz scene. Bobby Felder transitioned this year, but his big, bold spirit lives on in this all-star line-up!

About Tiya!

Jazz@Wesley’s producer is Tiya Adé, a master vocalist, arranger, and songwriter. Known professionally as Tiya! this DC native’s talent has enabled her to perform with an array of well-known bands and musicians across the globe. Tiya! has been a fixture on DC's music scene for decades, wowing audiences with her rich voice and electric performances. Find out more about Tiya!

Email Notifications

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Show Highlights

December 2026. What a night! Bobby Felder and Friends blew the roof off. It was Bobby’s last performance at Jazz@Wesley before his passing. RIP Bobby! You will always be remembered with love.

July 27, 2026. A grand mix of jazz and soul from DC’s trumpet maestro, Thad Wilson. Thank you for a great show!

The Paul Carr Quintet featuring Steve Washington brought old school vibes on March 28, 2026. Their tribute to John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman reinterpreted great jazz standards with their impeccable stylings.

The Benjie Porecki Trio astounded us on March 15, 2026 with their many jazz stylings. These cats can do it all: smooth, be-bop, and funk! What a thrilling way to spend a Sunday afternoon. (And is the bass player’s little boy destined to make this group a quartet some day?)

Wesley Campus, National United Methodist Church
5312 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20015 | Map and Directions

Telephone: (202) 363-4900