Ekep Nkwelle Quartet

Ekep Nkwelle, a rising star in vocal jazz, brings her quartet to Dumbarton Concerts Gallery for an evening that blends classic jazz tradition with a bold contemporary edge. Born and raised in Washington, DC, Nkwelle has moved from the Duke Ellington School of the Arts to headlining at Jazz at Lincoln Center, earning acclaim for her evocative style that channels Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and Billie Holiday while pushing the genre forward in 2027. Backed by her trio, she will perform a mix of jazz standards and original compositions, all delivered with elegance, innovation, and compelling artistry.

When: Friday, March 12, 2027, at 7:30 p.m.

Showtimes: One performance at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $50 for live in-person attendance.

Lineup: Ekep Nkwelle (vocals) with her trio (piano, bass, drums — specific musician names not listed in the source).

Run time: Not specified in the provided information.

Ages: Not specified; typical concert.

Venue: Dumbarton Concerts Gallery, Washington, DC. For location, parking, and other visit details, see the venue’s Plan Your Visit page.

Note: Nkwelle’s background includes a diploma from the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, a Bachelor’s from Howard University, and a Master’s from The Juilliard School. She has collaborated with jazz luminaries such as Wynton Marsalis, Dianne Reeves, Russell Malone, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and others, and has performed at Umbria Jazz Festival, Marians Jazzroom, San Javier Jazz Festival, Carnegie Hall, NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert, and SFJAZZ. In 2023 she received the Juilliard Career Advancement Grant, nominated by Marsalis, and contributes to organizations including The National Jazz Museum in Harlem, Jazz Houston, and The Woodshed Network.