The landscape of Washington D.C.’s jazz scene has undergone significant changes, prompting local arts advocacy organization CapitalBop to evolve alongside it.
Alex Hamburger, the new managing director of CapitalBop, reflects on this transformation, noting how everything about D.C. has changed dramatically.
“Remember when it was sort of our young heyday?” reflects Giovanni Russonello, one of the co-founders of CapitalBop, reminiscing about a time when the jazz scene was thriving in clubs across U Street.
To maintain its relevance, CapitalBop has initiated an extensive revamp, culminating in a celebration at Hill Prince for its 15th anniversary, which also served as the launch of “CapitalBop 3.0.”
This overhaul includes a redesign of its flagship website, supported by a grant from Humanities DC.
Over the years since CapitalBop’s inception in 2010, Russonello observes a shift in how D.C. engages with jazz music.
Recognizing these changes, the CapitalBop team has crafted an ambitious plan to respond to current challenges and opportunities.
On May 9, they announced two free summer festivals: Jazz in the Heights on May 31 and June 1, and the fourth annual Home Rule Festival on June 21.
Additionally, they have structured their staff to better fit the modern jazz landscape, bringing Hamburger on board and appointing Joshua Myers as contributing editor, who will help steer the editorial content.
Their partnership with local radio station WPFW to present a weekly jazz calendar further demonstrates their commitment to enhancing jazz visibility in the community.
Plans are also underway for various educational programs, including a videography apprenticeship at Howard University and a music workshop at Riverside Center in Ward 7.
Further developments include a mini-festival slated for fall and a reboot of the Jazz Loft series,
showcasing CapitalBop’s ongoing dedication to jazz culture.
Reflecting on the organization’s youthful beginnings, Russonello and Stewart were both in their early twenties when they established CapitalBop during a resurgence of jazz in D.C.
Full-time venues like Bohemian Caverns and Blues Alley were instrumental in creating a vibrant environment for jazz music.
This inspired them to create a hub for connecting jazz enthusiasts with events happening around the city.
Initially, they provided a comprehensive listing of shows and even began producing concerts through the Jazz Loft Series.
This series enabled many artists, both local and from afar, to showcase their talents, solidifying CapitalBop’s role as a full-fledged nonprofit organization.
As the scene evolved, so too did CapitalBop, expanding its offerings and adapting to new challenges.
In 2018, they reignited their efforts with a resurgence, launching a new Jazz Loft and garnering support from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.
Hamburger, stepping into her role, emphasizes the need to elevate their efforts in response to the changing conditions of the sociocultural landscape in D.C.
Sandel, now leading creative media, has been crucial in delivering new video content through CapitalBop’s platform.
The editorial team, including Abe Mamet and Jackson Sinnenberg, aims to provide an enriched perspective on D.C.’s jazz scene.
Myers, as contributing editor, appreciates the opportunity to shape their coverage and enhance community engagement through regular collaboration and discussions.
With an eye toward the future, CapitalBop harbors aspirations for a dedicated jazz institution akin to San Francisco’s SFJAZZ as their ultimate goal, though this vision remains a long-term ambition.
Hamburger notes the inherent desire within the community for such a space, highlighting the need for D.C. to have a destination for jazz akin to other cities.
Current circumstances around federal arts funding underlines the uncertainty facing organizations like CapitalBop, particularly in light of recent political shifts.
Hamburger expresses cautious optimism, noting that, while they have faced challenges, they have yet to experience any significant cuts to their current funding.
Despite the precariousness of the situation, they are committed to ensuring that jazz endures through community support and innovative programming.
As the D.C. jazz community gradually rebounds from the recession induced by the pandemic, CapitalBop continues to adapt, seeking to revitalize the vibrancy that characterized the scene during its heyday.
Through their commitment to music education, festival planning, and collaborative initiatives, they aim to fuel a renaissance of jazz in the District.
With passion for jazz as a living art form, CapitalBop is determined to navigate the shifting tides and ensure that the legacy of D.C.’s jazz scene remains vibrant and alive.
image source from：https://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/764358/swing-beat-capitalbop-relaunch/
