Teaism is delighted to continue its Sunday Jazz & Tea series, held at Teaism Lafayette Park. Our October artist will be award-winning soul and jazz vocalist Kemi.

Sunday Jazz & Tea brings together two Teaism traditions in one afternoon: our curated teas and small bites and the jazz that has long filled every Teaism location. This series celebrates that legacy — live, in person, and steeped in the sound our guests know and love.

Produced in partnership with Corinne Molz and Teaism.

What to expect:

• Two 45-minute sets of live jazz. We recommend arriving on time to select your refreshments and seat your party comfortably before the music starts.
• An array of small bites, including Teaism's signature vegan ginger scones, and a curated set of teas offered throughout the program.
• Opportunities to connect with Teaism and jazz enthusiasts. We ask that guests keep talking to a minimum during music sets. There will be time before the music and during the set break to chat!

More about the artist:

Drawing inspiration from icons like Aretha Franklin, Minnie Riperton, and Stevie Wonder, Kemi has established herself as a powerhouse live performer across the Mid-Atlantic and beyond. A two-time sold-out headliner at the renowned Blues Alley Jazz Club (for her 2025 debut during the club’s 60th-anniversary celebration and her 2026 EP release show), she also headlined the opening night of the 2025 Richmond Jazz and Music Festival alongside T.I., Jodeci, CeeLo Green, and Aloe Blacc. Other notable venues include the Hippodrome Theater, Union Stage, and Pearl Street Warehouse, as well as major sporting arenas as a recurring National Anthem soloist for the Washington Nationals and the DC Open.

Kemi’s latest project, sophomore soul EP BLOOM, explores themes of love, time, recordkeeping, and giving people their flowers. Mastered by multi-Grammy Award-winning engineer Gene Paul, the record has been praised for Kemi’s "rich vocal performance" and arrangements that effortlessly "straddle the soul-jazz borderline."

Her dynamic catalog of nine studio releases includes her Motown-inspired debut single The Man Who Stole the Moon (Wammie Award Finalist); her debut EP For the Record (Wammie Finalist for Best R&B/Soul Album & Artist); her live album Live with Terra Firma; and the 2000s R&B-inspired single In My Corner, whose accompanying visual earned a 2024 Telly Award. Whether commanding stadium crowds or intimate jazz rooms, Kemi captivates audiences with her timeless warmth, vocal artistry, and unforgettable storytelling.

FAQs:

• Will walk-in tickets be available? Advanced tickets are required, as space is limited.
• Is this an accessible space? Yes, please reach out if you need any accommodations.
• Can I bring a service animal (SA)? Yes, as long as it is a verified SA.
• Is this kid-friendly? Yes. Please note that this is primarily a seated event due to the venue space. It may be challenging to help a restless little one move around without disrupting others.
• Do you have restrooms? Yes, accessible restrooms are available to all participants.
• Do you have a mask policy? Guests are welcome to wear masks during this session.

This concert is part of a series of events celebrating Teaism's 30th anniversary. To learn more, visit the Teaism website.