The only thing hotter than the sweltering Georgia heat was the music coming from the stage at the VyStar Amphitheater’s first jazz festival.
Comedian-actor Tommy Davidson hosted a star-studded lineup that included Norman Brown, Jennifer Holiday, Karen Briggs, Eric Darius, Keiko Matsui, David Benoit, Sonny Emory, the Special EFX All-Stars, Chandra Currelley, and the Jazz Funk Soul trio.
Actress-singer Currelley opened the day wearing an outfit as dazzling as her set. The former SOS band member’s vocals shone as brightly as the midday sun.
Atlanta native and Douglas High product percussionist Sonny Emory rode the heat wave. Emory brought out his talented son Ni, aka Chef. Both Chef and his older brother Nic appeared with their dad as a group on the album THE7EVENTHTIME.
Legendary violinist Karen Briggs, aka The Lady in Red, kept the fire going. Decked out in red from head to toe, the second-generation musician and Norfolk State University alumna closed her set with Scheherazade’s Goove, a rendition of Tchaikovsky’s composition.
Each successive performance elevated the fest. Saxophonist Eric Darius took a page from the supper club|cabaret menu and moved a portion of his performance into the audience. Much to the audience’s delight, Darius made his way around, stopping for the occasional selfie.
Stockbridge’s event team really outdid themselves with the quality of stars that graced the stage. Each of the acts could have commanded the stage for a three-night tour. Every member of the Jazz Funk Soul trio (Jeff Lorber, saxophonist Everette Harp, and guitarist Paul Jackson Jr.) has multiple solo hits that reached #1 on the Billboard charts.
Add Matsui, an internationally acclaimed pianist and composer, and Benoit, and the festival looked like a Jazz Hall of Fame showcase. The mere thought of Matsui and Benoit tickling the same ivories on the same stage back-to-back is mind-blowing. Combined, they represent nearly 95 years of jazz excellence.
Tommy Davidson dropped the news that he has a new project out where he sings. The multi-talented entertainer blessed everyone with a snippet from the album.
The City of Stockbridge Mayor Anthony S. Ford had the unfortunate task of ending the night early due to lightning in the area. His announcement came before giants Norman Brown and Jennifer Holliday were to take the stage.
The inaugural Jazz Fest is an absolute must-see for 2026. Mayor Ford made future events a certainty earlier in the day, announcing the city had paid off the $20M in bonds used by the city to construct the facility four years ago.
The remainder of VyStar Amphitheater’s 2025 concert schedule is robust. There are three concerts in successive weeks beginning on August 30, when legendary producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis celebrate 40 years of iconic music. A Southern Soul Weekend is two days of line dancing, fan clapping, and boots on the ground fun September 6-7. The season concludes in October when the Detroit Gospel Legends Tour comes to town. What up doe? For more information and tickets, visit the website: https://stockbridgeamp.com/#events
All photos c. Jason McDonald, JM Photography