Steve Washington

The year has started off with a bang. I had the honor of participating in the Thad Wilson Jazz Orchestra's 20th Anniversary Concert at Bethesda Blues & Jazz. I returned to the Alex Speakeasy at the Graham Hotel in Georgetown. And I've had the pleasure of playing several dates so far this year at Laportas, my favorite Alexandria, VA, restaurant & jazz lounge. Next on the docket is a bit of acting. I'm the "narrator" in an original production "The Mahalia Jackson Story," starring friend and singer/actress Lavenia Nesmith. And immediately following that, I'm on a flight to Moscow to launch a whirlwind, three-week tour of Russia with the Sergey Vasiliev Trio. When I return, I'll begin preparing for a private event with the Thad Wilson Jazz Orchestra, a performance at Alice's Jazz & Cultural Society, and I'm this year's featured artist at the 2018 Voice of America Jazz Appreciation Month Concert (an extra special treat). And that's just the first four months of 2018. I wonder what the rest of the year will have in store.

 

I'm grateful for the ability, the desire, and the opportunity to make music, particularly jazz. Jazz is like a deep ocean. The farther out you go, the more there is to explore. Sometimes I feel like I'm mostly wading close to shore. But occasionally I experience the exhilaration of venturing out into deeper waters before returning home. The more I experience and explore, the more I have to share. As Dory in "Finding Nemo" says, "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming...." The journey continues.

 

Thanks to everyone who's expressed interest in my music and for being a wonderful part of my journey. Life is short, so enjoy your journey, even the rough patches and the mistakes. With the right perspective, they'll make you stronger and wiser.

Best Wishes for 2018.

— STEVE