The inaugural festival is scheduled for September 28 through October 1. Major events will take place on the National Mall and on the banks of the Anacostia River; smaller shows may be scattered around the city. Performers will reportedly include conga player Pancho Sanchez and pianist Herbie Hancock.
Organizers believe the festival could draw more than 100,000 visitors.
"We are the only major capital city in the world that doesn't have a jazz festival," said Charles Fishman, the festival's producer. "It's a shame to me. This is the nation's capital. Jazz was invented in his country."