[TCS RECAP] HAMPTON JAZZ FEST

TCS RECAP | HAMPTON JAZZ FEST

The Hampton Jazz & Music Festival took place June 27 – 29, 2025 at the Hampton Coliseum in Hampton, VA established in 1968 & celebrating its 57^th year.  The (3) three-day festival began on Friday night with LaLa Hathaway | PJ Morton | Lucky Daye & the soulful Anthony Hamilton. 

Saturday’s line up included Saxophonist Mike Phillips | Trombonist Jeff Bradshaw & Maysa | MAZE: The Legacy Band Honoring Frankie Beverly | SWV & crooner Keith Sweat.  Mike Phillips & Jeff Bradshaw gave us the JAZZ fix that we needed while delivering a phenomenal performance.  MAZE: The Legacy Band was a breath of fresh air after the passing of our beloved Frankie Beverly.  ‘The Legacy Band’ is the last band that toured with Frankie and he gave the current singer his blessing to continue…The LEGACY of MAZE & Frankie Beverly!  Even though we know and understand that there will never be another Frankie Beverly it’s good to know it is currently in good hands with Mr. Tony Lindsay and the band.  You could truly feel the essence of the MAZE that we all know & LOVE!  As we were walking into the coliseum, I noticed the ALL white that is signature for Frankie & MAZE…It was then I realized the tribute to culture & one of the greatest to ever do it…Frankie Beverly & MAZE!  The LOVE was felt throughout!  SWV…Sister With Voices is JUST that!  Even with the sound mishaps…Getting BOO’d because no one could hear them…They returned with a stellar performance.  The mics were definitely ON!  The finale of the night was the crooner himself…Keith Sweat!  That Hennessey kicked IN & SWEAT wasn’t all he did.  Keith gave us what we wanted…A SHOW!

Overall…Saturday Day 2 was exactly what the Hampton Jazz Fest represents…The Music Festival Culture!

Sunday’s line up for the final night included Violinist Damien Escobar | Gladys Knight | Stephanie Millis & the incomparable Patti LaBelle.  Damien Escobar was a treat to see for the first time.  He played that violin until the strings were NO more.  We were then serenated with the silky voice of Gladys Knight.  At 80+…Gladys is still performing in front stadiums of people.  I saw her a few years ago at Wolf Trap in Vienna, VA with the O’Jays…This show…Gladys has visibly & vocally aged.  Honestly…It’s AMAZING to see our icons aging so gracefully and able to perform at such an intense level & for that…I will go see her every time!  I was looking forward to seeing Stephanie Mills & Stephanie DID NOT come to play.  Her adorable son introduced her and her band was great.  Stephanie had more hits than I realized but she didn’t miss a beat.  Her energy was magnetic and performance was on my FAVS!  & then…The QUEEN…Ms. Patti LaBelle took stage in her coral ensemble, wig LAYED, face BEAT & KILLED it!  At 80+…Ms. Patti is still steppin in her heels & kickin em off when necessary!  Patti LaBelle has ALWAYS been a treat to see!  I’ve been mesmerized by her since the 80s & 90s when my Mom would take me to Kings Dominion every year to see her & this time was NO different!  Her stage presence is still just as if not even more demanding than before.  The perfectly pitched notes and unstoppable energy was the finale that was needed to complete the Hampton Jazz Festival weekend. 

Following the concert…We spoke with a few attendees for some audience reactions.  STAY TUNED for Video Recap more concert footage and what everyone had to say about the weekend.

THE CULTURE SPIEL