by Kirstin Fuller

Need a little “me time”? Looking for a great weekend getaway for you and your sweetheart? Drop the kids at Grandma’s house and head straight for Hampton, VA this summer.

The Hampton Jazz Festival is the perfect getaway and just what the doctor ordered, if your doctor ordered a little quality time, fun in the sun, good food and great music. The East Coast’s favorite jazz festival is an excellent way to relax and unwind while enjoying fabulous music. The 44th annual jazz festival starts on Friday, June 24th and runs through Sunday, June 26th.

Past festivals have hosted phenomenal musicians such as B.B. King, Patti LaBelle, Jill Scott, En Vogue, Melanie Fiona, Keith Sweat and Floetry. This year’s line up does not disappoint.

The party starts on Friday night with Boyz II Men, Boney James, Anthony Hamilton and the one and only Chaka Khan will also grace the stage for an unforgettable performance. The celebration of music continues on Saturday night with the “˜Soul of Summer’ featuring Jonathan Butler, Charlie Wilson, KEM and Neo Soul sweetheart Chrisette Michele. The party doesn’t stop there! Gracing the main stage on the final night, Sunday, is none other than David Sanborn, George Duke, Stephanie Mills, Laura Izibor and festival favorite Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. This is a fantastic lineup – one that you will not want to miss!

Tickets are $55 per reserved seat, per performance (+ service charges). Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com, charge by phone: 1-800-745-3000 or at the Hampton Coliseum box office (757-838-4203). Get yours today! Tickets are moving fast.
For hotel suggestions, please visit the festivals official website, www.hamptonjazzfestival.com or call the Hampton Convention & Visitor Bureau 1-800-487-8778.

Save me a seat!

– The Travelin Diva (Kirstin N. Fuller of Reservations Travel Guide)