ComedianDave Chappelleis scheduled to host part of the premiereBlue Note Jazz FestivalNapa Valley this summer to mark the first U.S. event of its kind presented as an outdoor, multiday and multistage event.
The two-day concert, to take place at the Charles Krug Winery in St. Helena on July 30-31, is slated to feature Grammy-winning pianist and festival artist in residence Robert Glasper, who is billed to headline and perform with special guests including Erykah Badu, Ledisi, D Smoke, Terrace Martin and BJ the Chicago Kid.
Organizers said Glasper sparked the idea for the festival with his annual monthlong residency at the Blue Note New York jazz club.
“The vibe of the festival stems from Robert Glasper’s artistry, musical collaborations, and his inspiration,”亚历克斯Kurland主任编程for Blue Note, told The Chronicle. “Many of the artists featured on the lineup have a deep artistic, musical history and kinship with each other. This festival is like a family reunion.”
Also on the bill for what is being described as a “smaller-scale, intimate” festival is a Black Star reunion, featuring Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def) and Talib Kweli, as well as sets by Maxwell, Thundercat, Corinne Bailey Rae, Maurice “Mobetta” Brown featuring Anderson .Paak, and the Soul Rebels featuring GZA and Kweli.
Badu and DJ Jazzy Jeff are expected to DJ the festival after-party.
The festival is an extension of the Blue Note Napa jazz club, which opened in 2016.
“We established a relationship with the Charles Krug Winery during the pandemic, where we started a successful outdoor concert series,” said Steven Bensusan, Blue Note Entertainment Group president. “In addition to the winery and the club, we produce the Oxbow RiverStage series, which is a larger, outdoor festival-style venue in downtown Napa. We’re very active in this market, and it’s a great destination. It was a natural fit for our festival.”
蓝色笔记爵士音乐节已成为一个主要的the New York City summer concert calendar over the past decade, taking place each June at venues such as theBlue Note Jazz Club in Greenwich Village, Sony Hall, SummerStage in Central Park, Town Hall and Washington Square Park.
Acts that have previously performed include Chris Botti, McCoy Tyner, Dave Brubeck, Bobby McFerrin, Chaka Khan, Charles Tolliver, Bela Fleck, Cassandra Wilson, Stanley Clarke, Natalie Cole and Buddy Guy.
“Spontaneity and improvisation is a core quality of jazz, and this specially curated festival mirrors that experience and vibe,” Kurland said.
Chappelle, who cameunder fire over his comments about transgender people in his most recent Netflix comedy special,“The Closer,”was tapped to host the festival by Glasper. The embattled comedian is a regular at the Blue Note New York.
“We have been very fortunate and blessed to witness the friendship and camaraderie between Robert and Dave at Blue Note,” said Kurland. “The level of respect, love and admiration between them has been a constant on the Blue Note stage during and throughout Robert’s residencies and anytime he performs at the club. Robert is hilarious and amazingly comedic, and believe it or not Dave can play a mean and soulful piano. We feel gratitude and deep appreciation for them officially joining forces with Blue Note for our special and uniquely curated festival weekend in Napa Valley.”
Tickets for the Blue Note Jazz Festival Napa Valley, priced from $385 for general admission to $850 for VIP tickets, go on sale at noon on Tuesday, April 26, viabluenotejazzfestival.com. Afterparty passes start at $225, and on-site parking is available for $150.