Thursday, May 24, 2018
George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, Eric B. and Rakim, Gladys Knight and the O'Jays on Richmond Jazz Fest Lineup
Posted By Peter McElhinney on Thu, May 24, 2018 at 5:45 PM
“If you’re over 30, you’re going to love this year’s lineup,” promises Ken Johnson, CEO of JMI, formerly Johnson, Inc., and curator of the Richmond Jazz Festival. The wide-ranging roster for the Festivals ninth edition, held Aug. 9 through 12 at Maymont, was revealed today at River City Roll, the Scott's Addition upscale bowling alley.
Retro-heavy headliners include '60s R&B legends Gladys Knight and the O’Jays, '70s funk futurists George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, and '90s rap pioneers Erik B and Rakim and Warren G. UK blue-eyed soul singer (and royal wedding attendee) Joss Stone may be just 31, but even her career stretches back to 2003. Additional youthful counterweight is provided by 2015 Monk Competition Jazzmeia Horn and Richmond’s own Butcher Brown, just featured as one of five bands to watch in Ebony magazine.
The annual multiday event at Maymont is 2018’s Style Weekly readers’ choice for Best Festival for good reason. There are three stages spread across the sylvan grounds, an artist “meet and greet” tent, an expansive vendor section, and an always-popular wine tasting area.
Musically, there is literally something for everyone. Some of the best and most interesting acts are found further down the list. Dee Dee Bridgewater put on a memorable set a few years back, and South Africa’s Ladysmith Black Mambazo is always amazingly high-energy live.
The complete lineup:
Gladys Knight
The O’Jays
Jazzmeia Horn
Joss Stone
Kurt Elling
Nicholas Payton
Dee Dee Bridgewater and the Memphis Soulphony
Deva Mahal
George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic
Butcher Brown
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Red Baraat
Warren G
Christian Sands
Butterscotch
Erik B and Rakim
Euge Groove
The City
Nelson Rangel & Steve Oliver
Tony! Tony! Toné!
Brian McKnight
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