The Commonwealth of Virginia’s state slogan may be “Virginia is for lovers,” but if you’re in Hampton this weekend, it’ll be for R&B, soul and jazz lovers, too. The 56th Annual Hampton Jazz & Music Festival is on deck with three days of live music filling the Hampton Coliseum from Friday, June 26th through Sunday, June 28th.
The Black Promoters Collective is back for a second year, renewing their partnership with the long-running festival from the City of Hampton and Hampton University. BPC has curated an impressive lineup that spans genres and generations.
The fun kicks off with “No Skips Friday” featuring an all-you-can-eat buffet of R&B from the ’90s and early 2000s. Serving the sounds up hot and fresh all night will be singer Lil’ Mo and the groups Next, 702 and Dru Hill. After those appetizers, the main dish will be provided by headliners Jagged Edge.
The next day is dubbed “Soul Food Saturday,” and the music will be well-balanced. Attendees will get their fill of jazz from saxophonist Marcus Anderson, Southern soul from Pokey Bear and Tonio Armani and R&B from ’90s legends Jodeci. Closing out the night will be Kirk Franklin, cleansing everyone’s palates with gospel and taking them to church.
The final day of the festival is titled “Sunday Dinner,” and you’re gonna want a seat at this table. The first course will be jazz, courtesy of Marion Meadows and Alex Bugnon, before plentiful portions of R&B and soul from El DeBarge and co-headliners The Isley Brothers and Charlie Wilson. Uncle Charlie last performed at the 53rd Annual Hampton Jazz & Music Festival in 2023, and this will be his second time back on stage after suffering a series of strokes late last year that he’s still recovering from. Though his mobility has been affected, he will be coming through with his signature vocals.
If you haven’t already made up your mind to attend the Hampton Jazz & Music Festival, this is your sign. Make your mind up, soon, though, because it’s only a few days away. Whether you attend one day, two days or all three, it’s going to be a festival to remember. Visit Ticketmaster to purchase single-day tickets and the festival’s website for additional information.
