What we’re about
The Potomac River Jazz Club is a nonprofit society founded in 1971 whose purpose is to preserve, encourage and promote the playing and appreciation of traditional jazz. On our Web site [PRJC.org](https://prjc.org/) you’ll find information about trad jazz happenings in the Washington-Baltimore area, about our organization, about our affiliated jazz bands, about jazz history, and about many other items of interest to jazz fans. And be sure to check out what PRJC is doing to encourage young musicians to play traditional jazz with the Capital Focus Youth Jazz Band. Please look around the site, and if you want to make a comment or a suggestion, ask a question or just say “Hi,” please send us an e-mail. The PRJC can also be reached at 484-626-0887.
If you like traditional jazz, if you listen to Hot Jazz Saturday Night on WAMU, if you enjoyed the DC Tweed Rides' 1920s-themed after-parties, if you are listening to this kind of music online, you will enjoy the music at PRJC events.
While membership in this PRJC Meetup group is free to all, we encourage you to purchase a full Potomac River Jazz Club membership (annual dues $30 individual, $45 couple) to receive our monthly newsletter Tailgate Ramblings and $5 discount on admission to our events. Attend six events (we have typically 20+ per year), and you're gotten back the cost of your membership. Member ticket prices referred to in our event listings means people who have a paid membership in PRJC. Membership info is at https://prjc.org/joinprjc.html.
Upcoming events
3
- $15.00
The Conservatory Classic Jazz Band and the Monthly Jam Session
Alfio's La Trattoria, 4515 Willard Ave, Chevy Chase, MD, USThe Conservatory Classic Jazz Band opens and closes the music, with a Jam Session at the end of each set. All are welcome to sit in or just sit back and enjoy!
The Conservatory Classic Jazz Band was formed in 2003 to present the sounds of traditional jazz to Washington DC audiences. A seven-piece group, they play New Orleans style, Chicago style, small-group swing, and mainstream. CCJB members include Dave Robinson, leader/cornet/trumpet, Brian Priebe on trombone, Gary Gregg on clarinet/sax, Dan Hall on bass, Jeff Reynolds on guitar/banjo, Brian Alpert on drums.
Visit the band's website for additional information.
The PRJC Monthly Jam Session is held at Alfio's La Trattoria in Chevy Chase. Attendance there has exceeded the maximum capacity of our previous space. There is plenty or room for you and your friends. I am told we could fit 100 people in there. That said, we do recommend, if you want a table for your group, arrive early. We will get you in, but can't promise seating groups together if the space has filled up.
Alfio's has free valet parking (tips are appreciated). Street parking is free but unobtainable. There is a full menu and bar.
We welcome suggestions for possible event venues anywhere in the DMV. Our requirements include space for at least 70 people, plenty of parking, and a conveniently accessible location; near Metro is a plus.
Admission:
Non-Jammers (PRJC members $10, non-members $15), Youth & Jammers (Free). If you play, you don't pay!
Cash, checks or PayPal at the door, or in advance on Eventbrite.2 attendees 
PRJC FREE ZoomJazz Talk: Ella Fitzgerald: First Lady of Song with Dr. John Hasse
Location not specified yetFREE ONLINE via Zoom: Ella Fitzgerald: First Lady of Song with Dr. John Hasse
"Lady Ella" had a celebrated career spanning more than 50 years and is one of the most influential and beloved jazz vocalists in history.
PLEASE NOTE: RSVP ON MEETUP DOES NOT REGISTER YOU FOR THIS EVENT! YOU MUST REGISTER USING THIS LINK BY 5 PM ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT TO RECEIVE THE LOGIN INFORMATION TO ATTEND THE EVENT!
Ella. Like a select few other musicians—Elvis, Madonna, Bono—you could recognize her by one name only. Ira Gershwin said he never knew how good his songs were until he heard Ella Fitzgerald sing them. She took an innovation by Louis Armstrong—scat singing—into an art equal to that of instrumental improvisers.
In this lively talk, Dr. John Edward Hasse, author and Curator Emeritus of American Music at the Smithsonian Institution, provides insights into Fitzgerald’s music, personality, and extraordinary journey from shy orphan to beloved world celebrity. Using film and video clips, rare photographs, and original recordings, Hasse traces the evolution and triumph of one of America’s greatest and most beloved singers.
You’ll see rare video footage of Fitzgerald with Frank Sinatra, Count Basie, and Duke Ellington. You’ll hear moving ballads such as Embraceable You and The Man I Love and thrilling performances such as Mack the Knife and How High the Moon. And you’ll learn about her personality, such as the trusting way she welcomed busloads of tourists into her Beverly Hills home and how Marilyn Monroe befriended and supported her.Dr. Hasse shares anecdotes of meeting Ella at the Smithsonian and securing her archives for the Museum. He personally helped select memorabilia for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.
Register before 5:00p.m. the day of the presentation to receive the Zoom link. This is a FREE talk, but we appreciate contributions toward the program via "Donation Tickets" which help offset the cost of the program.
The PRJC has been bringing trad jazz and swing music to the DC area for 52 years in the way of concerts, jams, and talks. Our Jazz Talk series centers around early jazz topics and features top musicians and historians. As these are all hosted on Zoom, you can enjoy them wherever you are.
The PRJC began its Jazz Talk series during the pandemic shutdown as a way to support musicians who were less able to work. The series has blossomed into an ongoing project featuring speakers from across the country focusing on trad jazz and swing topics.
Registration for this talk is required by 5pm the night of the event. You will receive the link by email about 30 minutes before the program begins.
You can support the PRJC or our Educational Talks and Concerts with a donation using the Paypal link.
More info is on the Events page of the PRJC web site.
Video recording of the event will be posted on the PRJC YouTube channel after it is completed.
PRJC’s programs are supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council and the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County.
2 attendees- $25.00
PRJC Presents: Marcel Penzes & The Peabody Promenaders (in-person concert)
9707 Rosensteel Ave, Silver Spring, MD, USThe Peabody Promenaders bring the Charm City Traditional Jazz Sound celebrating Eubie Blake, Chick Webb, Calloway and more!
When the Peabody Promenaders perform for the Potomac River Jazz Club, be prepared for a blend of popular traditional melodies and some brand-new, early-days’ style traditional jazz music. Led by masters level trombonist and composer Marcel Penzes, one of the hottest new players on the local scene, the band features students of America’s oldest music academy, Baltimore’s Peabody Conservatory.
The PRJC audience can expect to hear a lineup that includes both known and forgotten jazz from turn-of-the-last-century Baltimore composers. Think of it as a pre-Thanksgiving musical treat. November 16, 1:30pm (PRJC’ s Winter start time) at Rosensteel Hall in Silver Spring
The Potomac River Jazz Club (PRJC) has been bringing Traditional Jazz to the DC area for 54 years. Our monthly concerts, Trad Jazz Jams, and online Jazz Talks offer a variety of programming for everyone. Our concerts are held at Rosensteel Hall in Silver Spring, MD. It is close to the Forest Glen Metro, has ample parking, and a spacious dance floor. There is plenty of seating, and a cash bar with beverages and snacks. Come on out and see why we have stood the test of time!
Admission: PRJC members ($20 (this means dues-paying members of PRJC, not this free Meetup group), General admission $25 at door, $22.50 if purchased online in advance. Youth with valid student IDs: Free. Sales at door are by cash, check or PayPal only.
1 attendee
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