The Potomac River Jazz Club Meetup Group

NYC's Dan Levinson and a host of Gotham all-stars plus vocalist Molly Ryan.
The Potomac River Jazz Club is eager to welcome back award-winning, New York City-based reedman Dan Levinson and friends for its September 13 concert. Dan was last here in 2023, presenting a dazzling tribute to the Benny Goodman sextet.

For this appearance, Dan has assembled a truly stellar ensemble of all- stars from New Orleans, Chicago and New York City—plus local PRJC favorite David Sager—for what promises to be a spectacular afternoon of searing hot jazz. In addition to trombonist David Sager, Dan will be joined by instrumentalists Mike Davis on cornet, Paul Asaro on piano, Hunter Burgamy on banjo, Rob Adkins on bass, and Colin Hancock on drums. Molly Ryan’s silvery voice—which recalls the lush, elegant big band vocalists—will add a dash of spice to the ensemble.

The 2017 winner of Hot House Magazine’s “NYC Jazz Fans Decision” award for Best Clarinetist, Dan Levinson is equally at home as both leader and sideman, fronting his own groups as well as performing with those led by others. During a 30-year career specializing in traditional jazz and swing music, he has appeared alongside such prominent artists as Mel Tormé, Wynton Marsalis, Dick Hyman, Bria Skonberg, Ed Polcer, Howard Alden, Joe Ascione, Dan Barrett, Jon-Erik Kelso, Randy Reinhart, Mark Shane, Dick Sudhalter, Frank Vignola, Rossano Sportiello, Nicki Parrott, and Randy Sandke.

Dan has put together multiple jazz ensembles that vary considerably in style and repertoire, running the gamut from ragtime-era dance music to early jazz to swing: his Canary Cottage Dance Orchestra specializes in early twentieth century (pre-jazz) popular music; his Roof Garden Jass Band is devoted exclusively to re-creating the earliest jazz recordings, made between 1917 and 1923; his Palomar Quartet is modeled after the renowned Benny Goodman Quartet and features the same lineup of clarinet, piano, vibes, and drums; his gypsy jazz group Fête Manouche honors the rich legacy of guitarist Django Reinhardt; and his New Millennium All Stars brings together a new generation of young and vibrant “torch bearers” who are currently breathing new life into century-old jazz traditions.

Originally from the Los Angeles area, Dan moved to New York in 1983. The following year he met 82-year-old reedman James “Rosy” McHargue, who became Dan’s friend and mentor, and over the next fifteen years taught him most of what he now knows about music and life. During that period Dan also studied with world-class clarinet instructor Leon Russianoff and saxophone virtuoso Al Gallodoro.
In 1990 Dan moved to Paris to join a band formed by American cornetist Dick Miller that featured the up-and-coming vocalist Madeleine Peyroux, then 16 years old. Dan’s wanderlust soon took him across the continent, through 17 European countries, where he earned a living for a year playing on the streets. Shortly after returning to the U.S., Dan temporarily relocated to New Orleans to perform a five-night-a-week engagement at the Royal Sonesta Hotel on Bourbon Street.

A joyful celebration of classic jazz performed by some of the region’s brightest young musicians from the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore.

Back by popular demand after last year’s successful appearance, the Marcel Penzies Peabody Promenaders return to the Potomac River Jazz Club with the irresistible spirit of New Orleans jazz.
Featuring recent graduates and current students from The Johns Hopkins Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, this talented ensemble brings fresh energy and superb musicianship to the timeless sounds of the 1920’s and 1920’s. It’ll be an afternoon of lively, hot jazz rhythms, warm melodies, and familiar tunes that still delight listeners today—a joyful celebration of classic jazz performed by some of the region’s brightest young musicians.

Marcel was named as a Strathmore Music Center Artist in Residence in 2025. Now, having earned his Master’s Degree in Music from Peabody, Marcel is an active player in the Baltimore-Washington area where he specializes in the jazz sounds of New Orleans and the boldness of Pan-American music. From an early age, Penzes performed at some of D.C.’s most famous venues, such as the Kennedy Center and Blues Alley. Being a product of the Washington D.C. music scene, Penzes is continually inspired by the diverse cultural landscape of the region, from Go-go to funk, salsa to jazz, reggae to rock, and everything in between.

Penzies has played in bands accompanying Braxton Cook, Sean Jones, Warren Wolf, Briann Lynch, Carmen Bradford, and Mike Rodriguez. In addition to sharing the stage with these modern greats, he has also opened for Joey Defranceso, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Gabriel Alegria, and other notable jazz artists. As a bandleader, he has performed at Strathmore, the Kennedy Center, and more! He has also performed at many of the D.C. area’s jazz festivals, including the DC Jazz Fest, the Mid Atlantic Jazz Festival, and the Silver Spring Jazz Festival. Penzes has played at many of the D.C. region’s major venues and cultural institutions, including the Concert Hall at Strathmore, the Embassy of France, the Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building, and more principal venues.

The Potomac River Jazz Club (PRJC) has been bringing Traditional Jazz to the DC area since 1971. 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!