Shaolin Jazz launches free outdoor summer film series across Washington, D.C.

Shaolin Jazz will bring its award‑winning CAN I KICK IT? live cinema program to Washington, D.C., this summer with three free outdoor film events, including the series’ first‑ever screenings on the National Mall. The 2026 lineup features Black Panther, New Jack City, and Scarface, each paired with a live soundtrack created in real time.

CAN I KICK IT? Summer Series

The series blends classic films with hip‑hop, funk, soul, jazz and rock as DJ 2‑Tone Jones remixes music throughout each scene. The press release notes that the experience “transforms familiar films into one‑night‑only performances.”

Skyland Town Center on Aug. 8

The summer series opens Aug. 8 at Skyland Town Center with a screening of Black Panther. A pop‑up marketplace featuring local fashion and vinyl vendors begins at 6 p.m., followed by the film at 8 p.m.

Lincoln Memorial Screening Set for Aug. 22

The second event takes place Aug. 22 on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, where New Jack City will be shown. A guest DJ performs at 7 p.m. before the live‑scored feature begins at 8 p.m.

Series Concludes Sept. 5 on the National Mall

The final screening, Scarface, is scheduled for Sept. 5 on the northeast lawn of the Washington Monument. A DJ set starts at 7 p.m., with the film at 8 p.m. All events are free and open to the public.

Can I Kick It : A Decade of National Performances

CAN I KICK IT? has been presented at major cultural institutions nationwide, including Lincoln Center, the Smithsonian National Gallery of Art, SXSW, the Kennedy Center, the New York Asian Film Festival, and FanX Salt Lake City Comic Con. The Washington, D.C., series marks the program’s first appearance on the National Mall.

Unlike traditional outdoor screenings, CAN I KICK IT? replaces each film’s original soundtrack with a live DJ performance synchronized scene by scene. The press release describes the format as “a shared experience that blends cinema, music, and community gathering.”

Can I Kick It Summer Series Event Schedule

Aug. 8 – Black Panther

• Skyland Town Center
• Marketplace: 6 p.m. | Film: 8 p.m.

Aug. 22 – New Jack City  

•  Lincoln Memorial
• DJ Set: 7 p.m. | Film: 8 p.m.

Sept. 5 – Scarface  

• Washington Monument (Northeast Lawn)
• DJ Set: 7 p.m. | Film: 8 p.m.

About Shaolin Jazz

Shaolin Jazz is a creative collective that explores the intersection of hip‑hop, jazz, martial arts and film through live performances and cultural programming.