This FREE festival will once again be hosted by Mark Ruffin of Sirius XM’s Real Jazz. There is no charge for General Admission tickets, but registration is required here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jazz-fest-pompano-beach-2025-tickets-943593893737?aff=oddtdtcreator. There are a limited number of VIP Seats at $200 for a 2-day pass. Complete details at www.pompanobeacharts.org/jazzfest. ALL the events are FREE and open to the whole family! The parking lots and public parking garage along N Pompano Beach Blvd will all be available. The Rideshare drop-off and pick-up address is 199 N Ocean Blvd, Pompano Beach, FL 33062
JUDITH HILL | MAIN STAGE 5:00 PM
Grammy® Award-Winner Judith Hill’s latest album, Letters from a Black Widow, delves into her struggles after the deaths of Michael Jackson and Prince, two iconic artists who selected Hill for collaborations. After Jackson’s sudden passing in June 2009, Hill sang lead on a number at Jackson’s memorial service, putting her on the worldwide map. Her rise to fame is explored in “20 Feet from Stardom,” the Oscar-winning documentary narrated by Morgan Freeman. In her current album, Hill integrates theatrical elements and confronts the figure of the Black Widow that haunted her for so long. Inspired by a vision of a mountain representing her trauma, the album encompasses new stories of discovery, resistance, and redemption while maintaining her soul and funk foundation. The album features impressive guitar solos, with Hill explaining that the guitar has become a newfound voice for her during the songwriting process. Hill also experimented with her writing style while creating the album, allowing some songs to evolve from music, while others focused on storytelling and tone.
GERALD ALBRIGHT | MAIN STAGE 6:45 PM
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Albright is a versatile musician who started as a saxophonist before transitioning to bass. He has worked with various artists such as Anita Baker, Ray Parker Jr., and Whitney Houston. His solo career took off in 1987 with the smooth jazz album Just Between Us, and he has since released several successful albums. Albright’s music defies easy categorization, as he draws from contemporary R&B and urban jazz influences. He aims to take his listeners on a journey through different musical textures, rhythms, chord progressions, and moods. Whether in concert, on the radio, or through his albums, he wants to convey that he is in a good place in his life.
JONATHAN BUTLER | MAIN STAGE 8:15 PM
South African-born, Grammy® Award-Nominated guitarist Jonathan Butler is known for blending R&B, pop, jazz fusion, and worship music. His breakthrough to a wider audience came in the late ’80s with hit singles like “Lies.” He has lived in England and California and remains a star in South Africa. Butler’s faith is central to his music, as many of his albums showcase his love of gospel music and groove-based jazz chops.
Born in Cape Town in 1961, Butler was signed to Jive Records at 16 and released his debut album, Introducing Jonathan Butler. Moving to England, he continued to find success with albums like Worship Project, Jonathan, Brand New Day, and Grace and Mercy. In 2018, he reinterpreted classic songs by Burt Bacharach and Hal David on Close to You. His 2023 album, Ubuntu, celebrated the spirit and musical traditions of his home country.
JAZZ FUNK SOUL – JEFF LORBER, EVERETTE HARP, AND PAUL JACKSON, JR. | MAIN STAGE 9:45 PM
Jazz Funk Soul, a Grammy® Award-winning smooth jazz supergroup, formed in the mid-2010s with Jeff Lorber, Chuck Loeb, and Everette Harp. After Loeb’s passing in 2017, guitarist Paul Jackson, Jr. joined the group. Critically acclaimed as Contemporary Jazz pioneers, their irresistible musical recipe is simple – gorgeous melodies, unforgettable grooves, exhilarating solos and charged interplay.
Pianist, composer, and producer Jeff Lorber has been a major innovator on the creative music scene for over three decades. Along with maestros Herbie Hancock, Joe Sample and Bob James, Lorber is a groundbreaking Fender Rhodes pioneer. Having produced for everyone from Dave Koz to Kenny G, the Grammy nominated pianists’ long running acclaimed ensemble, Jeff Lorber Fusion, was a major force in Contemporary Jazz’s early beginnings. The Berklee College of Music alum’s 2014 CD Prototype with his Jeff Lorber Fusion scored a Grammy for ‘Best Contemporary Instrumental’ album.
Everette Harp’s soulful and trademark blend of Jazz, R&B, Funk and Pop have made him a favorite among fans, fellow musicians and critics alike. Harp’s impressive career that has allowed him to collaborate with everyone from Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Anita Baker, Luther Vandross and Patti Labelle to George Duke, Herbie Hancock, Billy Joel and Kenny Loggins. Harp has left an indelible imprint on the scene with his own unique, muscular and soulful approach. His work on TV has brought his saxophone into the homes of millions who have heard him playing the theme songs for such popular TV shows as Entertainment Tonight and Soul Train. He also holds the distinction of being a former member of the posse on the first Arsenio Hall Show.
Los Angeles native Paul Jackson, Jr. launched his own solo career in the late 80s. His distinctive musical style and technical prowess have made him a favorite among live audiences. First call for numerous musicians, Jackson has recorded with an impressive roster of musicians including Quincy Jones, Barbra Streisand, Whitney Houston, Patti LaBelle, Michael Jackson and Bob James, among many others. He has also lent his guitar work to several film scores including Get On Up, Zootopia and The Color Purple. The guitarist is also featured on Daft Punk’s CD Random Access Memories, which scored five Grammys in 2014.