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Richmond Jazz & Music Festival returns with eclectic lineup

Julinda D. Lewis | 8/8/2024, 6 p.m.
The Richmond Jazz & Music Festival will celebrate its 12th edition Aug. 9-11. Since its debut in 2010, the festival …
Fantasia

The Richmond Jazz & Music Festival will celebrate its 12th edition Aug. 9-11.

Since its debut in 2010, the festival — originally known as the Richmond Jazz Festival — has broadened its scope to feature a diverse array of music genres. On the bill this year are rappers, R&B singers and of course top-notch jazz musicians.

“Each year we aim to elevate the experience, both in terms of the artists we feature and the additional entertainment options we provide,” Frances Burruss, JMI’s director of account management, said.

Workers began setting up at the Maymont site last Thursday.

The festival regularly attracts thousands of attendees, though exact numbers weren’t made available. This year, festival-goers can enjoy an enhanced Bistro area, a chill zone for mingling with fellow music enthusiasts and vendors offering art, clothing and jewelry.

The lineup spans three days, beginning with “Homegrown at the Hipp” on Friday night. The Hippodrome Theater in Jackson Ward will host guitarist Chieli Minucci, American Idol alum and Richmond native Elliott Yamin, jazz keyboardist Lao Tizer, drummer Tony Austin and bassist Cheikh N’Doye, starting at 6:45 p.m. Singer-songwriter Teresa Griffin performs at 8:15 p.m. Tickets for Friday night are $40 plus fees. Saturday and Sunday performances will be held on two stages at Maymont, with gates opening at 1 p.m. Saturday’s lineup on the Virginia is for Lovers Stage includes, jazz pianist Alex Bugnon, jazz guitar vet Lee Ritenour, saxophonist Najee, singer Gregory Porter and others. The night closes with the festival’s artist-in-residence, guitarist and former Fugees member Wyclef Jean and R&B dynamo Fantasia.

Sunday’s lineup features The Heavy Hitters, the Katz Band, Big Mike Hart, soul singer Andra Day, R&B diva Monica and rapper Ludacris.

Nearby in the park, The Dominion Energy Stage presents local jazz quartet Sweet Potatoes Music, Teresa Griffin, the sounds of Trap Jazz, R&B legend Regina Belle and rap trio The Lox on Saturday, starting at 1 p.m. Sunday’s lineup begins at 12:15 p.m. with performances by soul artists Trey Jones and Angelica Baylor, jazz legend Bob James, alt-R&B from Moonchild and blue-eyed soul throwback group St. Paul and the Broken Bones. Day passes for Saturday or Sunday are $169.38 plus fees, while a Weekend Pass for both days costs $299.25 plus fees.

For first-time attendees, seasoned festival-goers suggest bringing energy, friends and a folding chair or blanket.

Beverages are available at the Bistro, you can also bring a small cooler (no outside alcoholic beverages allowed) with your own beverages. Small umbrellas are permitted, but tents are not and attendees should be mindful not to obstruct others’ views. Sunscreen is recommended for daytime shows and bug repellent is a must for the evening.