Tracy Hamlin’s Sweet Jazz Festival brings world-class acts to Loudoun County

When the Sweet Jazz Festival takes the stage at the National Conference Center on April 19-20, it will be the largest celebration of jazz and soul music to ever take place in Loudoun County.

The festival is years in the making, and is the brainchild of Loudoun-based, internationally-acclaimed songstress Tracy Hamlin. 

In addition to performing at the indoor festival, she has assembled some of the most entertaining headliners in the business today. This year’s lineup will feature renowned jazz artists like Marcus Anderson, Karen Briggs, Jeff Bradshaw, and many more. 

After touring more than 58 countries and enjoying chart-topping success overseas, it was important to pair her love of music with her appreciation for Northern Virginia.

“Loudoun County has been my base of business operations and my musical sanctuary for many years. Friends and family have always asked why I never performed here, and it’s because the opportunity didn’t exist,” she explained. “The Sweet Jazz Festival is a realization of that dream, and something I want to grow close to home.”

Hamlin has a unique perspective on Loudoun County, having served for years on the Visit Loudoun Board of Directors. It’s no coincidence that Visit Loudoun has increased its promotion of music, arts and culture in recent years.

“What helps set Loudoun apart from other wine regions is that an abundance of singers, songwriters and musicians call Loudoun home. We’re proud to call Tracy one of our own,” Visit Loudoun President & CEO Beth Erickson said. “We are excited to welcome music enthusiasts to experience the Sweet Jazz Festival and all that Loudoun County has to offer.”

The vision for this festival is to be a celebration of great music, award-winning wine, and one-of-a-kind art. 

Hamlin explained: “This festival is a love letter to this incredible community and to the transformative power of music.”

Hamlin grew up in Baltimore and credits music with saving her life. Now, she uses her musical spotlight to shine on aspiring artists and community partners in need of resources and exposure.

A portion of all ticket sales will help support musical scholarships for students, as well as make financial donations to the Young Kings Movement and the Tigerlily Foundation. These nonprofit partners were carefully selected based on their impact in Loudoun County, and their need for resources and exposure.

The Young Kings Movement provides young men with the necessary mentorship, educational support and life skills necessary to succeed. 

“We are grateful for this partnership with Sweet Jazz Festival, which not only raises funds to expand our community impact, but also provides a valuable opportunity for our young men to work at the event,” Young Kings Movement Founder and CEO Doode Summers explained. “We encourage everyone attending the Sweet Jazz Festival to learn more about us, and everyone around the Young Kings Movement to come enjoy a celebration of music and culture.”

The Tigerlily Foundation specializes in empowering and supporting young women before, during and after battles with cancer. 

“Beyond raising awareness and cancer prevention for young women, the Tigerlily Foundation is dedicated to building a community of women educated and empowered when it comes to their breast and overall health, and are thrilled to partner with the Sweet Jazz Festival,” Tigerlily Foundation CEO Maimah Karmo said. “We truly appreciate their support of our mission, and we look forward to an amazing weekend together.”

Beyond the music, Sweet Jazz Festival attendees are encouraged to visit area attractions, including restaurants, wineries and shopping destinations, supporting everything that Loudoun has to offer.

“This is bigger than me or the music. Everything about the Sweet Jazz Festival is intended to showcase Loudoun County and uplift our community,” Hamlin said. “This festival is a heartfelt invitation to explore everything our community has to offer. Music serves as the best catalyst for human connection.”

To learn about the festival lineup and accommodations, and to buy tickets, visit SweetJazzFestival.com.