This weekend’s DC Jazz Loft features a fabulous and diverse lineup. Fred Foss, who is D.C. saxophone royalty and has mentored so many of the city’s great talents, will bring a small group. Donvonte McCoy, maybe the city’s best trumpeter, who’s been playing to dancing audiences at Eighteenth Street Lounge for the better part of a decade, will bring his own band. And Hope Udobi, a young pianist whose inspirations run from McCoy Tyner to Roy Ayers, will open the night.

The loft is a monthly show featuring fabulous musicians in an intimate environment, where they can explore their inspirations and share their ideas with audiences without any intrusions. If you haven’t been to one of these shows at Union Arts, come find out what the vibe is like.

Union Arts is located at 411 New York Ave. NE; doors open at 7 p.m., and the music will be underway by 7:30. Performers are listed in reverse order below. As usual, the show is by donation—we suggest giving $15 to support the musicians. Here’s our event page, with essential info.

Donvonte McCoy

There’s not much more to say about Donvonte McCoy that we haven’t said already. We named his debut album to our best-of list a few years back. We consistently recommend his weekend gigs at Eighteenth Street Lounge—where he shows how modern jazz can be creative music, dance music, historical music, in-the-moment music, all at once. And we present him as much as we can. (His set at the Funk Parade this past May, with his AstroBop Quartet, was a doozy.) Don’t miss him here, as he presents original music with a small group.
 
 
 

Fred Foss

The last time Fred Foss played the loft, about a year ago, he stunned an intimate audience with the searing warmth of his alto saxophone’s tone, and his swinging sensitivity on ballads. On both sax and flute, Fred Foss is a force—but he’s not nearly as well known as he should be. This month he’s in residence at Bohemian Caverns, performing every Tuesday night, and it’s our honor to help make this Fred Foss Month in the DMV. Come hear him at the loft, where he’ll lead a small group that puts his bold sound front and center.

Hope Udobi

One of the most promising and exciting young piano players around, Hope Udobi can sound sharp and warm at the same time. His rhythm has a flow and a bite, and his playful way with harmony can lift the spirits of an entire band. Udobi is comfortable playing in a variety of contexts—from soul and hip-hop to straight-ahead jazz to spoken-word open-mic nights. It’ll be a joy to see where he takes things in the open terrain of Union Arts.

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