HAMPTON, VA. — The 48th Annual Hampton Jazz Festival is this weekend!
The festival will take place over a 3-day period at Hampton Coliseum June 26-28, and will feature some of the greatest names in R&B, Soul and Smooth Jazz.
Friday’s show features one of Hampton’s favorite female singers – Jill Scott. Considered to be at the top of her game, Jill will be an exciting closer for opening night. Other artists performing on Friday night will include the famous Trombone Shorty & Orleans Ave (try and sit still for this one) – Eric Benet – whose new album coming out next month already has quite the buzz – and Avery*Sunshine – whose hit singles “All In My Head” and “Call My Name” will remind Festival fans of another Festival great (Anita Baker). All three artists will be appearing at Hampton Jazz Festival for the first time.
Saturday’s show features one of the hottest names in the business right now – Jennifer Hudson. Not only did she appear on the Grammys – but at the Academy Awards as well. Her new album with songs like “It’s Your World” will bring down the house. Also appearing will be KEM – always a Hampton favorite – and The Whispers – perhaps the last of the iconic R&B groups. Opening on Saturday night is a Hampton Roads native – Myra Smith will expose those unfamiliar with her to what locals have already coined as The Myra Smith EXPERIENCE.
Sunday’s show features the return of Frankie Beverly and Maze, one of the Hampton Jazz Festival’s greatest stars. Also appearing will be Fantasia – who has carved quite a niche for herself in the R&B world after winning American Idol several years ago. A great jazz fusion band – BWB featuring Norman Brown, Kirk Whalum, and Rick Braun will add to Sunday’s already talent heavy line-up. The Unifics will open up Sunday’s festivities.
Tickets to the 48th Annual Hampton Jazz Festival are priced at $62.00 per seat, per day, plus applicable fees. Tickets are available online at www.Ticketmaster.com, charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000, at all Ticketmaster Outlets, and at the Hampton Coliseum Box Office. Additional festival information is available online at www.HamptonJazzFestival.com.
