By Ritza Yana
After 25 unforgettable years of music, culture and community, Baltimore’s beloved Jazzy Summer Nights (JSN) series will take its final bow on Thursday, Oct. 2 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Baltimore City Hall. Fittingly, the grand finale will be headlined by none other than Baltimore’s own R&B superstars, Dru Hill.
Founded in 2000, Jazzy Summer Nights has grown from a local gathering at Hopkins Plaza, into one of the city’s most anticipated cultural traditions – uniting thousands through soul, jazz and joy. The 25th and final season has brought standout performances from Kindred the Family Soul, Raheem DeVaughn, Go-Go All Stars (Feat. The Queens of Go-Go), Lady Alma, culminating in a once-in-a-generation homecoming performance from Dru Hill.
“We created Jazzy Summer Nights as a way to highlight the soul of Baltimore — and for 25 years, it’s done exactly that,” said LaRian Finney, founder of Jazzy Summer Nights and managing partner of The Finn Group. “This series has been bigger than music, it’s about legacy, local business, culture, and joy. Thanks to our incredible partners, we’re ending this chapter with love, energy, and spirit that reflects all that Baltimore is.”
Throughout the season, April Watts served as “Vibe Creator,” alongside some of the city’s top DJ’s, including – DJ NO-ID, DJ Kenny K, DJ Keebee, DJ Supreme, DJ Farrah Flosscett, DJ Tanz, DJ Quicksilva, and finale DJs P Drama and DJ Flow, ensuring every “Jazzy” event captured the movement and magic of Baltimore’s music culture.
The farewell season was made possible through partnership with the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, The City of Baltimore and sponsors including, The Finn Group, Mana Supply, Sagamore Spirit, Corenic Construction, and Coke Consolidated.