The Blue Note Jazz Festival made its way back to the Napa Valley on Labor Day weekend.
Held at The Meritage Resort and Spa, this year’s lineup featured headlining performances from Jazmine Sullivan, Questlove, Earth, Wind & Fire, Yebba, and of course, artist-in-residence Robert Glasper. “Black Radio Experience and Robtober are the platforms I use to bring all my favorite artists and collaborators together as one big family reunion and this year is no different!” Glasper said in a statement. “I’m honored to be part of such an amazing community and bring that community back together for another dope weekend in Napa.”
Guests also enjoyed riveting performances from WILLOW, Aneesa Strings, D-Nice, Slick Rick, Anthony Hamilton, Terrace Martin, Kenyon Dixon, Big Daddy Kane, Lupe Fiasco, and other indelible talent.
Back in 2022, when VIBE spotlighted the inaugural experience, Glasper explained that its conception stemmed from the intimate nature of the Blue Note clubs.
“What really draws people into the Blue Note is that it’s a small club. So even when you’re in the audience, it’s kinda like you’re part of your show,” he explained, noting that that type of intimacy is just as attractive to artists as it is for the audience. The festival “mirrors” the residency in that way.
Glasper added, “It’s not a huge festival [and] that’s on purpose. We want to have that feeling of ‘Wow, this is special. Everybody couldn’t get in here.’ And you can really feel what’s going on, like you’re part of the family.”
Check out highlights below, as well as the new Blue Note in Los Angeles.