UDC Music Program

Calvin Jones BIG BAND Jazz Festival-Monday, Apr 27th - 8 PM
The powerhouse jazz ensembles from the University of the District of Columbia (dir. Allyn Johnson), Howard University (dir. Paul Carr), and the University of Maryland (dir. Mark A. Williams) return to celebrate 37 years of world-class jazz.

This year, the festival welcomes Paul Carr as director of the Howard University Jazz Ensemble. We also honor the memory of Fauneé – a prominent and beloved voice on D.C. jazz radio and the festival’s longtime host. Join us as we honor her legacy and the music she championed for decades.

Location: THEATRE OF THE ARTS, UDC Van Ness Campus, 4200 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, DC. 20008.
For ticket information: [email protected], 202-274-5803 or bigbandjazzfest.org

For those who were unable to attend the Spring Concert given by the Chorale, you can find the digital FlipGrid booklet here -->

UDC Spring Concert 2026 | PDF to Flipbook Created with the Heyzine flipbook maker

TUES, APR 7 @ 2pm -JAZZforum: Celebrating a Legacy: Mike Binsky & Baltimore’s The Bandstand. Join veteran broadcaster Rusty Hassan, jazz lover and supporter Ruth Binsky, and a host of musicians who once graced the stage at Baltimore’s The Bandstand for a celebration of the life and legacy of Mike Binsky (1946–2017) and the club that became a premier destination for musicians and jazz enthusiasts alike. Recital Hall (46W), UDC, 4200 Connecticut Ave. NW (202) 274-5803 - [email protected] - jazzaliveUDC.org.

Save the Date

The University of the District of Columbia Chorale will present their Spring Concert, ‘My Soul is a Witness for My Lord: The Choral Music of Phillip McIntyre,’ on Tuesday, April 14th, at 7 pm in the Theatre of the Arts on the Van Ness campus. This concert will celebrate the release of the Chorale’s recording of the same name. CDs will be available for purchase after the event.

Special guests will be The Laurel High School Spartan Singers under the direction of Mr. Kevin A. Lewis, Sr.

Free Admission!

https://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/782365/swing-beat-this-isnt-an-obituary-for-bobby-felder-but-an-ode-to-his-legacy/

Swing Beat: This Isn’t an Obituary for Bobby Felder, But an Ode to His Legacy Felder, who died March 1 at 96, was a jack-of-all-trades: a muscian, composer, bandleader, organizer, talent scout, archivist, and educator.

The University of the District of Columbia Chorale’s premiere recording, “My Soul is a Witness for My Lord (The Choral Music of Phillip McIntyre)“ will be available on most streaming platforms on Friday, March 27th.

This project was recorded during the summer months of 2025, and features Concert Spiritual arrangements, hymn arrangements, and one self-composed Sacred work by the late Mr. Phillip McIntyre. McIntyre was a Professor of Music at the University from 1987 to 1991.

The choir’s collaborative pianist for this project was Mrs. Leona Lowery - Fitzhugh, and it is under the direction of Professor Johnny H. Butler III.

Robert “Bobby” Felder was a towering figure in the Washington, D.C. music community. Bobby joined the faculty of the Federal City College in 1968 which later merged to form the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) in 1976. He served as the Director of Instrumental Music and Music Education at UDC for 23 years, where he was instrumental in establishing the Felix E. Grant Jazz Archives and the annual Calvin Jones BIG BAND Jazz Festival. Throughout his retirement, he remained active as a performer and mentor. Rest in Power, Bobby. Thank you for your many years of dedicated service to the music and musicians.

TUESDAY, MAR 3rd @ 2pm – Allyn Johnson & Meet the Artist on the Bandstand w/Herman Burney. Join Allyn Johnson and "one of the finest bassists on the music scene today" - Herman Burney for a lively session of conversation and performance. Recital Hall, UDC, 4200 Connecticut Ave. NW (202) 274-5803 - [email protected] - jazzaliveUDC.org.

We, at the UDC Music Program, are saddened by the passing of a friend and supporter, Mr. Richard Smallwood. We will always be appreciative of his music, his scholarship, and his advocacy for the art form of Gospel music.
We fondly remember and share with you his last visit with us in April 2019.
RIP. 🕊️