55th Annual Hampton Jazz & Music Festival Returns with All-Star Lineup, & Festivals Historic Legacy with Roots at Hampton University

A new chapter begins this summer as the Hampton Jazz & Music Festival 2025 reemerges with a vibrant new look and dynamic energy. Co-hosted by the City of Hampton, Hampton University, and The Black Promoters Collective, the festival will take over the Hampton Coliseum from Friday, June 27 through Sunday, June 29.

 First launched in 1970 through a collaboration between the City of Hampton and Hampton University, the beloved event—formerly known as the Hampton Jazz Festival—is evolving. Now with The Black Promoters Collective joining the fold, the festival is embracing a bold rebranding while honoring its rich legacy.  

Patti LaBelle, PJ Morton, Anthony Hamilton, Lucky Daye, Maysa, Lalah Hathaway, Keith Sweat, SWV, Jeff Bradshaw, Mike Phillips, Gladys Knight, Stephanie Mills, Damien Escobar, and more ware slated to perform at this years festival.

According to Hampton Univeristy and The Black Promoters Collective, attendees can look forward to an electrifying mix of legendary artists and modern chart-toppers, spanning generations and genres. While rooted in jazz and R&B, the updated festival promises an eclectic blend of musical styles and unforgettable performances that will unite music fans of all ages under one roof.

“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.” 

To purchase tickets click here. 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.