Kick off your new year with this new monthly jazz jam session led by guest host Kenny Rittenhouse on trumpet! The house band will play a set starting at 7:30PM. Bring your instrument! After enjoying their set, you’ll have a chance to call a tune! Participation in our jazz jams is free–no tickets required and all levels welcome.

Kenny Rittenhouse is a distinguished music educator with more than 30 years of experience, currently serving as an adjunct trumpet professor at Morgan State University after a 13-year tenure as the jazz and trumpet professor at George Mason University. Kenny retired in 2020 after 30 years of service in The United States Army Band (Pershing's Own), during which he served 17 years as a soloist and a leader in the Army Blues Jazz Ensemble. Simultaneously, he directs the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Youth Orchestra, nurturing young talents and serving as the Music Director. Beyond education, Kenny is a versatile performer, showcasing his exceptional skills with renowned artists and ensembles, including the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra. As a composer and arranger, he has contributed to over twenty big band and jazz orchestra charts, earning recognition in national competitions. Kenny holds a bachelor's degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College, a master's degree in jazz studies from the University of Maryland, and pursued graduate studies at the Eastman School of Music and Duquesne University. His dedication to education, performance, direction and composition underscores his multifaceted and meaningful presence in the world of music.

This event is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council and The Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation.