Horn-blowing, progressive funk and jazzy vocals will fill the Phoebus Jazz Festival this weekend.
The fest will pair some of Hampton Roads’ most talented musicians with concerts by nationally acclaimed jazz acts such as The Headhunters.
The festival begins Friday and lasts through Sunday at The American Theatre in Hampton. The festival’s founder, Jae Sinnett, said his goal has been to bring something new to the area.
“Now, we have jazz festivals, in name, for example. But there’s a lot of R&B and smooth jazz on those festivals. But when we’re talking about a real jazz festival, we’re lacking in that area,” he said. “My main concept was to bring a real jazz festival to the area.”
His ultimate hope is that the Phoebus Jazz Festival can grow into a larger Hampton Roads Jazz Festival.
Sinnett is a drummer, composer and bandleader who has produced 19 albums. He’s also been a longtime Norfolk radio host on WHRV-FM, 89.5, with the shows “Sinnett in Session” and “The R&B Chronicles.”
He organized the festival’s inaugural run in 2019, and then the pandemic halted its momentum until now. It’ll kick off with performances by local musicians including Liz Brydge from Virginia Beach.