Jazz@Wesley
JAMES KEITH ZIMMERMAN Jazz Vocalist and Preserver of the Culture — Saturday, April 26, 2025
Whether you’re enjoying his performances that evoke the time-honored tradition of the great jazz vocalists – or appreciating his work in documenting that tradition – James Keith Zimmerman occupies a special place among his musical peers. He is uniquely a preserver and purveyor of African American musical culture – a role that has informed his decades-long association with the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, currently as a Senior Programs Producer.
As he shares his own gifts as a vocalist, James pays homage to the imaginative spirit of those who inspired him: Jon Hendricks, Oscar Brown Jr., Sarah Vaughan, Eddie Jefferson, Bill Henderson, Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, Al Jarreau, among others.
But he brings the authentic, original style of his own vocal instrument – often compared to a horn – to interpretations of an impressive repertoire including jazz standards, blues, bebop, swing, Broadway musicals, and Bossa Nova, often styling them with vocalese and scat improvisation.
With his debut album, Storytellers and Crooners, James presents an immersive tribute to the diverse yet cohesive influences that have shaped his musical artistry. The selections, some familiar and others hidden gems, transport listeners to a time when engaging lyrics were expertly synchronized with delivery in the inimitable jazz tradition. jameskzimmerman.com
Online Ticket Sales for April - Purchase Here
Tickets — and meals — are also available for purchase the night of the show at the door. Cash and credit card accepted.
Ticket: $20 each
Meal: $15 each
Date/Time: Saturday, April 26, 6:30-8:30 pm
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.
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. We also offer complimentary coffee and tea, along with soda and water for purchase. (No alcohol is allowed on the premises.) For the Christmas Show, we are offering an expanded selection of sides. Same meal price!
Meals: $15
Includes a salad, rice, beverage, and dessert. A la carte items are available.
Menu: Jerk chicken, baked chicken, turkey chili, and vegan chili.
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!
Show Highlights
August saw some of the coolest cats in town, Phaze 2 Jazz, bring their smooth and funky sounds.
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.
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AC Silver Collection
Available at a show or online
Wesley Campus, National United Methodist Church
5312 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20015 | Map and Directions
Telephone: (202) 363-4900