Saturday, September 26, 2026
Verny Varela: Celebrating Salsa

The master of salsa is back! There will be dancing in the aisles at our annual celebration of music from the southern hemisphere, featuring Verny Varela, originally from Cali, Colombia.

Varela is an arranger, composer, singer and flautist. He was born and raised in "Barrio Obrero," one of the most traditional and well-known neighborhoods for its love of salsa. It is home to some of the world's most famous salsa musicians.

A talented multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and vocalist, his credits include features with Grammy-nominated Thievery Corporation. Varela is one of Latin music's most well-known talents in Washington, DC.

Verny holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy in African Studies and a master's degree in arts from Howard University. Verny also earned a bachelor's degree in music from the Universidad del Valle in Cali, Colombia.

Varela has performed on such important stages as the Lincoln Memorial, the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Theater, Smithsonian museums, and the embassies of Colombia, Italy, Panama, and France.

Join us for an exceptional evening of music and dance!

Day/Time: Saturday, September 26, 6:30-8:30 pm

Tickets: $20

> Purchase online: Please note the number of tickets and meals purchased in the memo.

> Purchase in person: Tickets are available for purchase the night of the show at the door. Cash and credit card accepted.

Location: Wesley United Methodist Church, 5312 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20015

To enter the venue, go to the glass doors (not the red doors). The venue is wheelchair accessible. There is ample street parking.

Dinner with Jazz

Enjoy a homecooked dinner with your jazz. Members of our church prepare delicious and fresh hot meals in our Wesley kitchen.

Meals: $15

Includes a salad, rice, beverage (soda or water), and dessert. A la carte items are available.

Menu: Jerk chicken, baked chicken, turkey chili, and vegan chili.

Complimentary coffee and tea

FAQs and Contact Info

Questions? See our list of FAQs.

Contact us: For general inquiries, email jazzatwesley@gmail.com.

To contact the booker for Jazz@Wesley, email songbirdtoo@live.com.

Upcoming Shows

October 24: Mark Kraemer, Saxophonist/Composer
"Mark Kraemer is a talent to be reckoned with!!” —The Baltimore Jazz Alliance
Saxophonist and composer Mark Kraemer brings an exhilarating passion and intensity to live music performances. His sound is rich in texture and blends traditional be-bop and modern jazz with Latin and R&B influences.

November 21: Jenny Wilson Trio
The Jenny Wilson Trio is a dynamic and engaging musical group that brings a blend of jazz, classical, and contemporary music to audiences. Trained in classical piano, Jenny Wilson discovered jazz and never looked back. She has become an accomplished performer and vocalist. Her trio performs a variety of music, including jazz standards, original compositions, and holiday favorites. Their performances are known for their emotional depth and the dynamic interplay between the members.

December 21: Bobby Felder Tribute Band
Join us for the funkiest, swing-iest, jolliest concert of the year, the Christmas show! Coming back will be a 10+ ensemble of talent from the DC jazz scene. Bobby Felder transitioned this year, but his big, bold spirit lives on in this all-star line-up!

About Tiya!

Jazz@Wesley’s producer is Tiya Adé, a master vocalist, arranger, and songwriter. Known professionally as Tiya! this DC native’s talent has enabled her to perform with an array of well-known bands and musicians across the globe. Tiya! has been a fixture on DC's music scene for decades, wowing audiences with her rich voice and electric performances. Find out more about Tiya!

Email Notifications

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Show Highlights

December 2026. What a night! Bobby Felder and Friends blew the roof off. It was Bobby’s last performance at Jazz@Wesley before his passing. RIP Bobby! You will always be remembered with love.

July 27, 2026. A grand mix of jazz and soul from DC’s trumpet maestro, Thad Wilson. Thank you for a great show!

The Paul Carr Quintet featuring Steve Washington brought old school vibes on March 28, 2026. Their tribute to John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman reinterpreted great jazz standards with their impeccable stylings.

The Benjie Porecki Trio astounded us on March 15, 2026 with their many jazz stylings. These cats can do it all: smooth, be-bop, and funk! What a thrilling way to spend a Sunday afternoon. (And is the bass player’s little boy destined to make this group a quartet some day?)

Our February 2026 Show was a Main Street Jazz success story! With Sharón Clark, vocalist, Harry Appelman, piano, Marshall Keys, sax, Mikel Combs, bass, and Ross Kaplan, drums, it was a powerhouse collection of DC greats.

Wesley Campus, National United Methodist Church
5312 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20015 | Map and Directions

Telephone: (202) 363-4900