The 54th Annual Hampton Jazz & Music Festival Reveals New Name and Line Up Featuring Grammy AwardWinning Headliners

Jon Batiste, Kem, Boyz II Men, Ledisi, Coco Jones, Boney James, Brian Culbertson, and more!

The Hampton Jazz Festival is returning this summer from June 28 – June 30 with an exciting lineup, a fresh look, and a new name: The Hampton Jazz & Music Festival. Tickets for all performances go on sale on Saturday, March 23 at 10:00 a.m. at the Hampton Coliseum Box Office or ticketmaster.com.

The 54th Annual Hampton Jazz & Music Festival, co-presented by the City of Hampton, Hampton University, and the Santangelo Group, Inc. and hosted by smooth jazz radio show host and jazz enthusiast Jay Lang, promises a dynamic fusion of genres, broadening the festival’s appeal across diverse age groups.

The annual festival has brought the best of jazz, pop, blues, soul, and R&B to the region since its first show on the campus of Hampton University in 1968 as part of a one-time celebration of the institution’s 100th birthday.

“We have been building off of the success of that first show with lineups that honor our music legends, introduce new artists, and celebrate the rich variety of sounds and styles from around the country,” said Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams. “This year’s festival will continue the tradition of bringing a signature blend of world-class artists, solidifying its place as a “must-stop” destination on the summer festival trail.”

The Jazz Festival rebrand reflects a commitment to redefining the live performance experience, promising a truly unforgettable festival for all attendees.

“This is a nod to the changing times and will keep people excited to attend the festival for many years to come,” said Joe Santangelo, festival co-promoter. “The new name reflects the broad diversity of music that we are bringing to our fans – young and old – from jazz and R&B to funk and more.”

According to organizers, the rebrand signifies a crucial milestone in the growth of the festival.

“The last weekend in June brings thousands of visitors who travel to see the talented artists on stage,” said Hampton Coliseum Director Terri Vander Vennet. “The economic impact of the festival reverberates throughout the City of Hampton. The familiarity of this festival spans generations and reunites friends and family from across the country. We are excited about expanding the music genres and building a bridge between new artists and new festival goers.”

The festival, which has hosted every major jazz artist of this and previous generations, features a vendor fair, food trucks, and pop up shops showcasing small and local businesses from near and far.

“We are proud to have helped present this festival for decades,” said Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck.

“The City of Hampton is proud to be home to many cultural offerings but none as historic as this jazz and music festival. Restaurants, hotels and businesses of all sizes experience the economic boon that’s driven by our local and visiting music-loving guests.”

Featuring a roster of more than two dozen musical groups, including festival debuts, the confirmed artists for this year’s Jazz Festival are as follows:

FRI., JUNE 28, 7:30 p.m.

• KEM

• Ledisi

• Kingfish

• Special EFX All-Stars

SAT., JUNE 29, 7 p.m.

• Boyz II Men

• Coco Jones

• Boney James

• Kustom Made Band

SUN., JUNE 30, 2 p.m.

• Jon Batiste

• Brian Culbertson

• October London

• The Fuzz Band

The ticket prices are structured to be accessible to a broad range of audiences, and are priced at $115, $105, and $95. Additional fees may apply. Prices are per ticket, per day.

Jazz Festival patrons can receive additional information by calling 757.838.4203 or www. hamptonjazzandmusicfestival.com. Travelers interested in lodging information should contact the Hampton Visitors Center at 1.800.800.2202.

For more information, CLICK HERE.