FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HAMPTON, VA (April 11, 2025) – Get ready for an electrifying summer as the Hampton Jazz & Music Festival, co-presented by the City of Hampton, Hampton University, and The Black Promoters Collective, unveils its exciting transformation, bringing a fresh new identity and an iconic lineup to Hampton Coliseum from Friday, June 27 – Sunday, June 29, this historic festival which began in partnership with the City of Hampton and Hampton University in 1970, formerly known as the Hampton Jazz Festival, is stepping into a bold new era with their partnership with The Black Promoters Collective. The festival embraces a fusion of multi-generational musical genres while staying true to its deep jazz and R&B roots.
This year’s show-stopping lineup features a mix of trailblazers and contemporary hitmakers. Expect powerhouse performances, soulful and jazzy vibes, and an unforgettable atmosphere that brings together music lovers across generations.
FRIDAY, JUNE 27
- Anthony Hamilton – A soulful, Southern balladeer who always stirs hearts.
- Lucky Daye – Grammy-winning R&B singer who brings future soul vibes.
- PJ Morton – Award-winning New Orleans native blending gospel roots with R&B brilliance.
- Lalah Hathaway – A velvet vocalist with an unmatched musical legacy.
SATURDAY, JUNE 28
- Keith Sweat – The King of Slow Jams, ready to make it last forever.
- SWV – Sisters With Voices serving ’90s R&B nostalgia and power.
- Maze Honoring Frankie Beverly – “The Legacy Band” – Keeping the timeless sound of Maze alive in celebration.
- Jeff Bradshaw & Maysa – Trombone meets soul in this smooth collaboration.
- Mike Phillips – Saxophone sensation bringing funk, jazz, and soul fusion.
SUNDAY, JUNE 29
- Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, & Stephanie Mills – Three icons. One historic night of legendary soul.
- Damien Escobar – Classically trained, street-smart violinist with explosive emotion and flair.
Before offering to the general public, the 55th Annual Hampton Jazz & Music Festival goes on presale with American Express card members beginning on Wednesday, April 16 at 10:00AM EST through Thursday, April 17. Tickets will be available to the general public on Friday, April 18 at 10:00 AM ET at the Hampton Coliseum Box Office and Ticketmaster.com. Prices range from $69.50 to $169.50, offering options to suit every music lover’s budget and preferences.
“Hampton Jazz & Music Festival is more than just a concert—it’s a cultural touchstone,” said Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams. “As we celebrate 55 years, we honor our legacy of excellence and music innovation. With a reimagined identity and a fresh marketing approach, we are elevating the festival and engaging longtime fans and new audiences.”
Since 1968, the festival has stood as a cultural cornerstone, launched initially as a one-time celebration of Hampton University’s 100th anniversary. Over the decades, it has become a must-attend event, drawing thousands of music lovers nationwide. This year, organizers are pushing the envelope with a rebrand that honors tradition while amplifying the festival’s impact and inclusivity.
“We love the energy infused throughout this year’s lineup and are very excited about the new engagements the festival will bring to fans in the upcoming years.” Terri Vander Vennet, Director of Hampton Coliseum.
“Joining the legacy of the Hampton Jazz & Music Festival is an incredible honor for the Black Promoters Collective,” said Gary Guidry, CEO of the Black Promoters Collective. “This festival has been a cultural cornerstone for over five decades, and we are excited to bring our innovative approach to elevate the experience even further. By blending timeless legends with rising stars, we’re committed to ensuring the Hampton Jazz & Music Festival continues to thrive as a must-attend event for music lovers of all generations.”
For festival updates, visit www.hamptonjazzfestival.com or call 757-838-4203 for more information.
ABOUT THE HAMPTON JAZZ & MUSIC FESTIVAL
The annual Hampton Jazz & Music Festival has brought the best of jazz, pop, blues, soul, and R&B to the Hampton Roads region for more than five decades. The first Festival was held at Hampton University’s Armstrong Stadium in 1968 to celebrate HU’s 100th Anniversary. The best in jazz showed up to play, including Cannonball Adderley, Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie Quintet, Herbie Mann Quintet, Thelonious Monk Quintet, Dionne Warwick, and Muddy Waters and his Blues Band.
The popular event was held again the following year but moved to the newly-built Hampton Coliseum in 1970 where it has since become an annual tradition every last weekend in June. The lineup infuses a mix of talent, with local musicians from the Hampton Roads area acting as openers to nationally recognized headliners.
ABOUT HAMPTON UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1868, Hampton University has been the Standard of Excellence in higher education for over 150 years. Rich in history and tradition, Hampton University is recognized as one of the top historically Black colleges and universities in the world, and recently named Top Private University in Virginia. Hampton offers a broad range of technical, liberal arts, and graduate degree programs. HU is a tightly knit community of learners and educators representing 49 states and 35 territories and nations. Visit: www.hamptonu.edu.
ABOUT THE HAMPTON COLISEUM
The Hampton Coliseum is a versatile facility that can accommodate over 13,000 roaring fans and has been providing stellar entertainment to fans for over 50 years.
A structural masterpiece located at the heart of the city of Hampton, it is a landmark in itself and attracts tourists from all over the United States. www.hamptoncoliseum.org.
ABOUT BLACK PROMOTERS COLLECTIVE
Since 2022, the Black Promoters Collective (BPC) has solidified itself as a powerhouse in live entertainment. BPC continues to transform the industry as the only wholly Black-owned live music company on the Global Pollstar Top 100 Promoters list (#39) and is ranked #3 on Pollstar’s Global Top Urban Promoter/Producers list. Featured multiple times on the Billboard Power Players List, BPC remains committed to providing culturally relevant, world-class live entertainment experiences. Learn more at BlackPromotersCollective.com.
