Jazz@Wesley
Verny Verala, with his flute, at Jazz@Wesley in 2023.
September 27: Verny Varela
Join us this September as Grammy-winning Verny Varela lights up our monthly jazz series with vibrant, dance‑inspiring rhythms. Varela is a composer, flutist, and singer. He’s also one of DC’s most dynamic talents – a true embodiment of both Salsa and Latin fusion jazz.
Hailing from the rich musical landscape of Cali, Colombia, Varela is celebrated for weaving salsa and Afro‑Latin traditions into performances that pulse with improvisation and soul. His music reflects a lifetime of study and innovation, shaped in part by his advanced musical education, including a PhD from Howard University.
Varela has brought his Salsa/Latin Fusion talents to the Lincoln Memorial, Kennedy Center, Lincoln Theater, Smithsonian museums, and the embassies of Colombia, Italy, Panama, and France in Washington, DC.
His last Jazz@Wesley performance in 2023 had people dancing in the aisles. Experience the exhilarating blend of tradition and innovation that is Verny Varela – a jewel of the DC music scene.
Date/Time: Saturday, September 27, 6:30-8:30 pm
Meal service begins at 6:15 pm
Tickets: $20
>> Tickets can be purchased the night of the show at the door. Cash and credit card accepted.
>> Purchase Tickets Online. Assure your seat. Purchase tickets in advance.
Instructions: Enter the total amount for ticket(s) and dinner(s). Please note in the memo the number of tickets/meals and the show month.
Location: Wesley United Methodist Church, 5312 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20015. (Located a few blocks north of Politics and Prose.)
Map and Directions. Enter from Connecticut Avenue, through the glass doors (not the red doors). Look for the neon “Jazz@Wesley” sign.
Upcoming Shows
October 25: John Lamkin and the Favorites Jazz Quintet
John Lamkin II - Trumpet and Flugelhorn
Mike Hariston - Saxophone
Bob Butta - Piano
Max Murray - Bass
Jesse Moody - Drums
November 22: Greg Holloway Quartet
December 20: Annual Holiday Concert
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.
Dinner with Jazz
Enjoy a homecooked dinner with your jazz. Members of our church prepare delicious, 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
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
July 2025. What a night! The amazing Hazel Mitchell Bell and crew turned up the heat with her cool, sultry vocals.
James Zimmerman impressed with his classic bebop style in April 2025.
Petra Martin brought the wow-factor to her July show at Jazz@Wesley. We have a “fever” for Petra!
Della Tamin and Olayimika Cole at June’s Jazz@Wesley.
Rick Alberico and his crew came out swinging. A wonderful night indeed!
The Blues Brothers featuring Tiya! were here April 27. They did not disappoint. There were sax solos, guitar riffs, a surprise performance from In Process, dancing in the aisles, and Tiya! blessing us with her considerable talent. It was a funky good time.
The Harry Appelman Trio performed on April 21, 2024 in a free concert sponsored by the DC Federation of Musicians in celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month.
The Muneer Nasser Quintet gave an incredible performance in March 2024.
The incomparable Sharón Clark singing at Jazz@Wesley in 2022.
Wesley Campus, National United Methodist Church
5312 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20015 | Map and Directions
Telephone: (202) 363-4900