Franklin Square Park was abuzz with the vibrant rhythms of the Jazz and Blossoms festival, a celebration that brought together music, community, and culture on April 7. This event, honoring both Jazz and Poetry Appreciation Months, is part of National Cherry Blossom Festival programming and showcased a diverse lineup of performances and activities that captivated audiences from near and far.
The festival featured a standout performance by the legendary hip-hop group Digable Planets.
Ishmael Brown of Digable Planets emphasized the significance of the event.
“This is kind of our cultural wheelhouse,” said Brown. “Something that’s community-oriented as well as trying to talk about hip-hop culture and a good time.”
Organized by Words Beats and Life, the festival celebrated its eighth year by focusing on jazz and poetry from a hip-hop perspective, a departure from its traditional hip-hop elements.
Asad Ali Jafri of Words Beats and Life highlighted the festival’s aim to inspire attendees.
“We hope that the festival continues to inspire us through the year [until] we come back together again next year.”
Reflecting on the festival, local arts entrepreneur Omrao Brown underscored the community’s support and the lineup’s significance.
“It was nice to see all of D.C. out together,” Brown told The Informer. “The city needs more of this.”
