My Soulful Weekend at the Hampton Jazz & Music Festival

Until this past weekend, I had never heard of the Hampton Jazz & Music Festival. Now, I can’t stop talking about it. Held June 27–29 at the Hampton Coliseum in Virginia, the festival has been going strong since 1968—and after experiencing the Saturday and Sunday concerts, I understand why.

Although I missed Friday’s show — which featured Anthony Hamilton, PJ Morton, Lucky Daye, and Lalah Hathaway – I can only imagine the magic. I would’ve loved to hear Lalah perform Luther Vandross’ “Forever, For Always, For Love.” That song always brings tears to my eyes.

Saturday’s lineup was an R&B lovers’ dream. Keith Sweat headlined the night, belting out hit after hit in a rotation of satin blazers. Songs like “Nobody,” “Right and a Wrong Way” and “Make It Last Forever” reminded the crowd why Sweat is the “King of Slow Jams.”

SWV powered through their set with solid vocals and 90’s charm, despite a myriad of technical challenges. Jazz musicians Mike Phillips (saxophone) and Jeff Bradshaw (trombone) brought electric energy to the stage—far from the laid-back image of jazz.

But the night belonged to Maze Honoring Frankie Beverly. The vocal legacy of Frankie Beverly is now in the hands of veteran singer Tony Lindsay and let me tell you – he did not disappoint. This man sounded incredible – especially on “Golden Time of Day.” The energy, the music, the crowd two-stepping in their white outfits – I know Frankie was somewhere in heaven smiling.

Sunday took things to another level. Violinist Damien Escobar was a revelation. I’ve never seen someone pour so much passion into an instrument. He closed his set with a rendition of “Purple Rain,” tossing the bow aside as a “drop-the-mic” gesture at the end.

Stephanie Mills was the picture of elegance and poise, plus she still has those powerhouse chops. Her performance of “Home” was a showstopper, and I loved how she opened and closed her set with her son Farad – born with Down syndrome – by her side. 

Gladys Knight, radiant at 81, had an infectious joy that spread across the audience. She was adorable, genuine, and clearly still loves the stage. 

But of course, the supreme queen of the evening was Patti LaBelle. Also 81, Patti dazzled with multiple hair and wardrobe changes and a voice that was as commanding as ever. I live for her diva antics. After kicking her heels off, she laid into “If Only You Knew” and had the cheering audience on the verge of throwing their own shoes at the stage. 

There’s something magical about seeing legendary artists still doing what they love—and doing it well. The Hampton Jazz & Music Festival may have flown under my radar before, but it’s now firmly on my summer must-do list.

Written by Saptosa Foster