Napa -The Blue Note Jazz Festival once again proved why it has become one of Napa Valley’s most anticipated summer events. This past weekend, the sold-out crowd returned to the Meritage Resort and Spa, filling the venue with excitement, joy, and an undeniable love for music.
Now in its fourth year, the festival continues to expand in both size and reputation, evolving into a premier celebration of jazz, R&B, and soul. Each year brings something extraordinary, and 2025 was no exception.
Headliners included the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire, powerhouse vocalist Jazmine Sullivan, and soulful crooner Anthony Hamilton, with festival host Robert Glasper setting the tone for a weekend of unforgettable performances. The lineup was a carefully curated blend of iconic R&B and jazz talent, sprinkled with hip-hop legends and DJs who kept the energy high long after the sun went down.
The Blue Note Jazz Festival has become more than just a concert, it’s a cultural experience, uniting generations of music lovers under the Napa sky. One concertgoer has attended the festival since its inception in 2022, when it was first held at the Charles Krug Winery in Napa.
“I’ve been attending this festival since the very first one back in 2022 at the Charles Krug Winery,” said Alisa Burton. “The lineup is always amazing, and I’m a huge fan of Robert Glasper. I’m also a die-hard Napa Valley wine lover, so being in that space with a diverse crowd, great wine, good friends, and incredible food vendors, it’s just the full package.”
Another fan favorite, DJ D-Nice, kicked off Friday afternoon with high-energy beats, getting the crowd on their feet alongside rapper Slick Rick. Later, Big Daddy Kane, featuring Talib Kweli, kept the energy rolling with their legendary hits, sending waves of excitement through the audience. The night ended on a high note as Jazmine Sullivan took the stage, captivating fans with her powerful vocals and chart-topping hits, including “Bust Your Windows,” “Girl Like Me,” and “Lions, Tigers & Bears.” The crowd danced, sang along, and soaked in the electrifying festival vibe from start to finish.
On Saturday, festivalgoers had the chance to enjoy more than just music. The event featured an array of food vendors and on-site restaurants, offering a full culinary experience. Artists and attendees alike got a taste of the Bay Area’s best, including black-owned chefs like Nelson German, head chef at the new San Francisco hotspot Meski, who served a standout berbere cured salmon on an injera chip. Chef Darryl Bell delighted fans with tender, fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs. From 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., a different chef was featured each hour, showcasing a diverse lineup of flavors. To top off the foodie experience, Island Vibe’s tropical cocktails, served frozen or on ice, proved a hit in the 90-plus-degree weather, quickly becoming a fan favorite every day of the festival.
The festival was hosted by SiriusXM VJs Sway Calloway and Heather B, who were tapped to host last year for the first time and returned this year to bring their dynamic radio chemistry to the stage. They introduced each artist, keeping the energy high throughout the weekend. Performers included The Roots, who thrilled the crowd with hits like “What They Do,” “Break You Off,” and “Mellow My Man.” Saturday night closed with Philip Bailey and Earth, Wind & Fire delivering their timeless classics, including “September,” “Boogie Wonderland,” “Devotion,” and “Reasons,” leaving fans dancing and singing along.
Sunday wrapped up an unforgettable weekend with performances by Kim Burrell, Stokely, Hiatus Kaiyote, and Robert Glasper, who brought out special guests Questlove and Yebba during his set. Over the three-day festival, up to ten artists perform each day across two stages, creating a nonstop celebration of music. Led by Glasper, the Black Radio Experience unites legendary performers and music fans for a seamless blend of jazz, hip-hop, R&B, soul, and live DJ sets.
The festival continues to grow in size and reputation, drawing larger crowds and bigger names each year. Both the event and the Meritage Resort and Spa sell out quickly, so fans are encouraged to check early for next year’s lineup; this is one festival no music lover will want to miss.
