Join us for Session 5, Sunday, February 16, 2025, starting at 7:00pm with the Paul Carr Quartet featuring Billy Pierce; 8:30pm with Cyrus Chestnut and Ekep Knwelle; and 10:00pm with Orrin Evans, Jeff “Tain” Watts, and Chris Potter.

Drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts, known for his brilliant and masterful style, is set to ignite the stage as a part of the Orrin Evans Super Band, along with Chris Potter. Catch this electrifying performance at 10:00pm on the Main Stage. Doors for Session 5 open at 6:30pm.

The Main Stage ticketing is divided into Sessions. Each Session is comprised of three power-hitting Acts. Seating is divided into groups which include Premium 4-seater tables, General 6-seater tables and then General theater seating.  ALL GENERAL SEATING TABLES ARE RESERVED FOR VOYAGER PASSPORT HOLDERS, so please purchase your all-access Voyager Passport in advance. You can pick up your Voyager Passports at the Box Office after 3pm on the first day of the festival. All proceeds from the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival directly support efforts of the Jazz Academy of Music.

About Jeff Tain Watts

Watts is renowned for his explosive power, blinding speed, and mastery of complex rhythms and time signatures. His ability to blend elegance with gritty street funk has set him apart as a true jazz innovator. Throughout his career, Watts has performed with a who’s who of jazz, including Wynton and Bradford Marsalis, Betty Carter, Michael Brecker, George Benson, McCoy Tyner, and Harry Connick Jr. These collaborations have solidified his reputation as a versatile and sought-after musician.

Jeff “Tain” Watts is a celebrated jazz drummer, composer, and bandleader whose influence has shaped the sound of contemporary jazz. Watts is renowned for his dynamic and innovative drumming, characterized by explosive power, intricate polyrhythms, and deep musicality. His nickname “Tain” originates from a joke referencing a train sound he once imitated while playing. 

Watts first gained widespread recognition as a member of Wynton Marsalis’s band in the early 1980s, contributing to some of Marsalis’s most celebrated early albums, including Black Codes (From the Underground). He later joined Branford Marsalis’s ensembles, including the Branford Marsalis Quartet. Watts became a key figure in shaping the group’s sound during their long-running collaboration. In addition to his musical career, Watts appeared in Spike Lee’s jazz film Mo’ Better Blues (1990), showcasing his drumming talents on screen.

As a bandleader and composer, Watts has released several albums, including Citizen Tain (1990), Bar Talk (2002) and Watts (2009). These works demonstrate his prowess not only as a drummer but also as a composer with a unique voice in jazz. 

Watts continues to inspire musicians worldwide through his performances, recordings, and dedication to jazz education. His ability to blend technical mastery with emotional depth has cemented his reputation as one of the most influential drummers in modern jazz.