Elegance Meets the Field: The 10th Annual Polo X Jazz Celebrity Event in Dumfries, VA

On Saturday, October 18, 2025, Garrison Park at Dumfries Town Hall became the backdrop for something truly special. The 10th Annual Polo X Jazz, produced by Susan Smallwood of Grandiosity Events, brought together luxury, culture, philanthropy, and Black excellence for a milestone celebration a decade in the making.

Ten Years of Grandiosity

For a decade, Susan Smallwood has been curating extraordinary experiences that blend the elegance of polo, the sophistication of jazz, and the vibrant expression of Black culture and style. What began as a vision for a luxury lifestyle event in the DMV has grown into one of the region's most anticipated cultural gatherings — and the 10th anniversary delivered on every promise the first nine years made.

The Town of Dumfries and Mayor Derrick R. Wood welcomed Grandiosity Events back to the community with the event benefiting the Derrick R. Wood Foundation, which invests in mentorship, education, and community empowerment. "Polo X Jazz is more than an event," said Mayor Wood. "It's an opportunity for our community to gather, celebrate, and make a difference."

Representation on the Field

The polo match featured all-Black polo players — Noah Dabney, Marc Harris, Hosea Johnson, Dale Johnson, Eric Brown, and Malachi "Lavish" Lyles, a polo player and international model for Ralph Lauren — who brought skill, grace, and representation to a sport where Black players have historically been underrepresented. Every pass, every gallop, every moment on that field carried the weight of what it means to show up in spaces not always built for you — and own them completely.

The Experience

The day was absolutely beautiful — perfect weather, stunning fashion, and an atmosphere that radiated elegance and celebration. Live jazz accompanied the polo match, luxury experiences were woven throughout the afternoon, and the crowd arrived dressed to match the occasion. The event also honored Libra season with the beloved "Bring Your Own Cake" birthday tradition turning the milestone into a communal celebration as much as a personal one.

Notable faces in attendance included Fox 5 Washington anchor Tisha Lewis Griffith, national anthem singer Terry Long, and Jamie and Erana Tyler of Love and Marriage.

Culture with a Cause

The event benefited five foundations, including the Derrick R. Wood Foundation, supporting Mayor Wood's work in mentorship, education, and community empowerment in Dumfries. It was a reminder that at its core, Polo X Jazz has always been about more than a beautiful afternoon — it's about investing in the community that makes it possible.

What's Next

Whispers are already circulating that Polo X Jazz may be heading back to the Baltimore Peninsula in 2026 — and if this year was any indication, the next chapter is going to be worth every moment of the wait.