Join us on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 7:00pm-11:30pm for the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival’s premier winter Jazz weekend with SÄJE .  SÄJE’s set begins at 8:30pm at the Bethesda Marriott. Session 3 doors open at 6:30pm.

SÄJE is known for blending jazz with electronic and lo-fi elements, creating a unique and contemporary sound that appeals to a wide range of audiences. Their music spans a wide range of styles, including contemporary jazz, pop, folk, blues, and soul. SÄJE’s music often features smooth, soulful vocals paired with ambient, relaxing instrumentals and adding a distinctive atmospheric vibe to the Mid-Atlantic Jazz festival. SÄJE has an international following, and their presence appeals to fans from around the world.

The quartet is known for their dynamic live performances, which showcase their intricate harmonies and improvisational skills. Their repertoire features original compositions that often comment on social issues, as well as innovative arrangements of jazz standards and contemporary songs by artists such a Bjork, YEBBA, and the Bad Plus. 

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 Säje

SÄJE (rhymes with “beige”) is an American vocal jazz quartet formed in 2019, comprising vocalists and composers Sara Gazarek, Amanda Taylor, Johnaye Kendrick, and Erin Bentlage. The group’s name is an acronym derived from the first letters of each member’s name. They are celebrated for their innovative arrangements and original compositions that blend elements of jazz, pop, folk, blues and soul.

The ensemble originated from a collaborative session in Palm Springs, California, where the members explored the possibility of creating music together. This retreat led to the composition of their debut single, “Desert Song,” which reflects the synergy and creative energy among four artists.

In 2021, “Desert Song,” earned them a Grammy nomination for Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals, marking a significant achievement for the group’s first composition. The following year, they won the grand prize in the folk category of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest.

SÄJE released their self-titled debut album in 2023, featuring collaborations with notable artists such as Jacob Collier, Ambrose Akinmusire, Terri Lyne Carrington, and Michael Mayo. The album achieved commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart.

In 2024, the group, alongside Jacob Collier, won the Grammy Award for Best Arrangement, Instrumental and Vocals for their rendition of “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning.”

SÄJE continues to perform and create music, contributing to the evolution of vocal jazz with their innovative arrangements and original compositions.