John Legend, Jill Scott & More Set for Blue Note Jazz Festival Presents: The Black Radio Experience

Blue Note Entertainment Group and Black Radio Productions have unveiled the lineup for their newly announced Napa Valley event, Blue Note Jazz Festival Presents: The Black Radio Experience, hosted by Sway Calloway, Aug 30 to Sept 1.

Inspired by the event’s Artist in Residence — Grammy-winning pianist, artist, producer and jazz great Robert Glasper — The Black Radio Experience “is an immersive journey into the soul of music, transcending boundaries and celebrating the rich tapestry of Black culture,” a press release announcing its launch explains.

“Every year our festival in Napa brings a unique vibe, and this year we are bringing you the Black Radio Experience during Labor Day weekend with a dope list of artists for an exclusive hang,” Glasper said in a statement.

Unlike new festival properties that have sprung up recent years like Friends in Lovers festival in Las Vegas and Lionel Richie and Diana Ross’s inaugural Fool In Love Festival in Los Angeles – which feature more than 100 artists spread out over a huge festival ground — The Black Radio Experience is a smaller, intimate experience snuggled in to the The Meritage Resort & Spa in Napa. Headliners include John Legend, Jill Scott and André 3000, and performances by Andra Day, Common, Nile Rodgers, Ledisi and more.

“This year’s event promises an even more boutique, intimate, and exclusive vibe than ever before, presenting an unparalleled caliber of iconic artists,” said Alex Kurland, director of programming of Blue Note. “Robert Glasper’s vision and inspiration shape the talent and tone of the entire experience,” stated Kurland.

The inaugural festival took place on June 1, 2011, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City. In 2022, a Napa Valley Blue Note Jazz Festival was launched at Charles Krug Winery in St. Helena.

The next Black Radio Experience event will feature three full days performances across two stages and a wine cave venue with music icons against the backdrop of Napa Valley. The event will include Chef Darryl Bell’s ‘In the Vineyard’ Stateline Road Smokehouse, where he combines his Kansas City roots with Michelin training and access to Napa Valley’s newest premier steakhouse, Ember Steak, for all three days of the event and with more exclusive food experiences to come.

Hotel packages run from $2,250 per person to $3,400 per person, with three-day GA passes starting at $499 going on sale Thursday, May 16, 2024. Visit the website here for more information.