Brian Jackson & Yasiin Bey Honor Gil Scott-Heron in Tokyo Tribute

Posted on April 20, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

A special tribute to the legacy of Gil Scott-Heron is set to take center stage in Japan, as Brian Jackson and Yasiin Bey join forces for a one-night-only live performance on Friday, May 22, 2026. The event will be held at the iconic Blue Note Tokyo, a venue renowned for hosting world-class jazz and soul performances.

The show pays homage to Scott-Heron’s influence on music, poetry, and social commentary. As a pioneering voice whose work bridged jazz, soul, and early hip-hop sensibilities, his catalog remains deeply relevant, and this tribute seeks to reintroduce that message to contemporary audiences through a live experience.

Leading the performance, Yasiin Bey will handle vocals, while Brian Jackson—Scott-Heron’s longtime collaborator—anchors the musical direction on vocals, Fender Rhodes, and flute. They will be supported by a carefully assembled ensemble: Lex Cameron (keyboards, flute, vocals, musical director), Sara Madaluni (keyboards, flute, vocals), Dean Mark (bass), and Chris Morris (drums).

Click here for tickets.

From Ludacris to The Isley Brothers: JITG 2026 Bridges Musical Generations

Posted on February 6, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

The Jazz in the Gardens (JITG) Music Fest is set to return to the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on March 7 and 8, 2026. This premier event continues its tradition of bringing world-class entertainment to South Florida, showcasing a diverse lineup that spans R&B, hip-hop, soul, and jazz.

Highlights include a highly anticipated 25th Anniversary Set by Ludacris, along with performances by Jhené Aiko and the celebrated duo of Nelly & Ashanti. The stage will also host contemporary stars like GloRilla and Ella Mai, alongside R&B legends such as The Isley Brothers, El DeBarge, and SWV.

In addition to the main stage acts, the festival will feature a special “D-Nice & Friends” segment including Sunshine Anderson and Donell Jones, as well as performances by Joe, Mýa, and Stephanie Mills. Jazz enthusiasts can look forward to sets from Boney James and Damien Escobar. For those interested in attending, tickets and further information regarding artist announcements and events are available through the official festival website at jazzinthegardens.com.

Free Juneteenth Concert in Stockbridge, GA, this Thursday!

Posted on June 18, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

The City of Stockbridge, in Georgia, is hosting a free Juneteenth celebration this Thursday, June 19, at the VyStar Amphitheater, located at 4650 N Henry Blvd. in Stockbridge.

From 7pm to 11pm, attendees will be treated to live sets by 1980s Afrocentric hip-hop group Arrested Development, emerging vocalist Phillippia, and the three-man ensemble Gritz & Jelly Butter. The gates will open at 5pm local time, and as stated above, admission is free.

Vibrations – The Experience

Posted on April 17, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Vibrations—The Experience is a fusion of culture, music, and artistry, scheduled for Saturday, May 3rd, at Sound Forge (#1 Christopher Samuel Drive, Mucurapo Road) in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

This event will feature jazz, gospel, pan, soca, and calypso music, with performances by Vaughnette Bigford, Freetown Collective, Joshua Regrello, Jaron Nurse, Coutain, Sharlon Bailey, Lady Adanna, and so many more. Click here for tickets.

Montreux Jazz Festival Miami 2025

Posted on January 23, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

After a successful inaugural event, the Montreux Jazz Festival Miami will be back in full force on February 28th, March 1st, and March 2nd, 2025. This year, five-time Grammy Award-winning and Academy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and composer Jon Batiste is responsible for curating the entire programming.

That said, the lineup includes Jon Batiste, Chaka Khan, Janelle Monáe, WILLOW, Cimafunk, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Paquito D’Rivera, Alfredo Rodriguez, Pedrito Martinez, Ibrahim Maalouf, Robe L Ninho, Yissy Garcia, and Wampi. It will be staged at The Hangar in Coconut Grove, Miami, Florida.

Crismus Cantata

Posted on November 24, 2024 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Coveside Concerts, a series of live shows featuring trans-generational artists performing their top hits, presents Crismus Cantata. This is a leisurely musical treat infused with jazz and reggae with an emphasis on Christmas ballads, all performed by Myrna Hague, Boris Gardiner, Gem Myers, Fab 5, and George Nooks.

The event, which will take place on Sunday, December 22nd, at Plantation Cove in Priory, St. Ann, Jamaica, will commence with cocktails at 5:00 p.m. followed by the live show at 6:30 p.m. Click here for tickets.

The Black Radio Experience

Posted on August 13, 2024 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

The Blue Note Jazz Festival’s Black Radio Experience, which will be held at The Meritage Resort & Spa in Napa California from August 30th to September 1st, is a celebration of the rich tapestry of Black culture.

With renowned Grammy-winning musician Robert Glasper at the helm, The Black Radio Experience will present performances by several top-tier musical acts. John Legend, Jill Scott, André 3000, Musiq Soulchild, Marsha Ambrosius, Common, Pete Rock, and DJ Jazzy Jeff are just some of the names on the lineup.

For additional information and links to tickets, visit bluenotejazz.com/black-radio-experience.