Attending the performance of Robert Glasper and his band alongside Lalah Hathaway at Warner Theatre felt like stepping into a refined, soulful celebration of modern jazz and R&B. The theatre was completely packed, filled with a stylishly dressed audience whose presence matched the elegance of the evening. The crowd leaned older, and the atmosphere carried a mature, intentional energy, calm yet deeply engaged.
From the opening moments of Glasper’s set on March 5, the room seemed to settle into a collective trance. His signature blend of jazz improvisation, hip-hop influence, and soulful textures created a hypnotic flow that kept listeners locked in. The band moved seamlessly through layered arrangements while Glasper balanced technical brilliance with emotional depth.
Stream “Ah Yeah” by Robert Glasper featuring Musiq Soulchild and Chrisette Michele on YouTube:
One of the night’s standout moments came when he paid tribute to the late D’Angelo with a heartfelt rendition of one of his songs, drawing both reverence and quiet reflection from the audience.
When Hathaway took the stage, the energy shifted into something equally powerful but more communal. Her voice carried warmth and control, effortlessly filling the theatre. During her performance of “Angel,” the crowd sang along almost instinctively, transforming the theatre into a unified chorus.
Listen to Lalah Hathaway perform “Angel” live on YouTube:
Personally, being able to step backstage and meet the artists added another dimension to the experience. Both Glasper and Hathaway were warm, welcoming, and generous with their time. I also had the chance to meet DMV native Foggieraw, whose recent album release added another layer of local pride to the night.
Overall, the show was high energy in a soothing, relaxed way — a sophisticated, uplifting, and undeniably feel-good atmosphere. It was less about spectacle and more about connection, leaving the audience floating long after the final note.
Here are some photos of Robert Glasper performing live at Warner Theatre on March 5, 2026. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Chris Castillo.
Here are some photos of Lalah Hathaway opening Robert Glasper at Warner Theatre on March 5, 2026. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Chris Castillo.
Here are some photos of DC’s own Foggieraw and a few candids!
