Transitioning the genres of musical sophistication, Veronica Swift breaks new ground even as she carries forward the great tradition of vocal jazz. Having made her mark on the international jazz scene as one of the star vocalists of her era, Veronica Swift has now expanded her style, establishing herself as a skilled rock and soul singer as well as a dynamic performer. Her third album TransGenre (2023) mixes jazz and classical with rock, soul, and funk, paying homage to greats like Janis Joplin, David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, and Duke Ellington. Her ability to transcend different styles, and fully embody them with authenticity to tell a story makes her one of the most skillful singers in any genre and displays her theatrical approach as a performer and artist.
Among the memorable talents to emerge from NBC’s “The Voice” was Virginia’s own Wyatt Michael, now starting the third season of his climb to fame, pushed along with the success of his new single, “Buona Sera.” Whether singing at a black-tie event or visiting an assisted living facility, he always strives to recreate the passion, emotion, and dedication to the craft of musicianship that was present in the golden age of music and honor the legacy of those giants that came before him.
With their tight harmonies, engaging presentation and vocal sass, UVJQ puts its creative signature on a vocal style that mixes great fun with great art. They have been highly celebrated for extending the vocal jazz repertoire beyond standards and made their own songbook of originals the spotlight of their ear-popping arrangements. The Washington DC-based vocal group has toured internationally, released albums over three decades, and provided a wealth of original material for future jazz vocalists to rely on for years to come.
This entertaining group that works mainly in Eastern Virginia is making its first appearance at Lake Anna Jazz Fest, traveling the short distance from Richmond and the bridging the longer distance from the early days of broadcast jazz. This fun, six-piece group swings music from the 1920s through the 1940s, including modern surprises in the style of Postmodern Jukebox, Pink Martini & Squirrel Nut Zippers.
This Richmond-based group consists of the familiar sidemen of “Michael Hawkins & The Brotherhood” – W. Weldon Hill on piano, James “Saxmo” Gates on alto sax, Billy Williams, Jr. on drums, along with Rex Richardson on trumpet.
Jimmy Trussell is guest bassist for this year’s jazz fest, filling the impressive shoes of Michael Hawkins, who had a schedule conflict this year but has been a part of many Lake Anna Jazz events since the organization formed in 2021.
This powerhouse of blues and jazz originated in Richmond but has become known nationally for its awesome aesthetic and cool conquering of the blues genre. Since their inception in 2012, they have entertained crowds as far west as Palm Springs, CA at venues and festivals such as Floydfest, Rooster Walk, Strawberry Fest, Beer Bourbon & BBQ – as well as private performances at the Jimmy Hendrix estate and multiple live appearances on CBS TV.
After blue crabs, the most popular thing from Maryland in Central Virginia is the long-established and highly regarded jazz trio of Alan Blackman, Max Murray, and Frank Russo. In addition to performing on the Lake Anna Jazz Fest main stage, this group will be featured at “The Boeuf on The Roeuf” after-party and jam session that takes place at a nearby location, following the outdoor concert.
The premier big band for Lake Anna will be performing throughout the festival, consisting of a local rotation of volunteer musicians with a core of intensely passionate fans and performers of big band arrangements. This band has been a fixture of great jazz tradition in Fredericksburg for decades.
Tim is a long-established favorite for his abilities with ensembles and as a solo performer. This Louisa native performs regularly throughout Virginia for corporate events, dinner clubs, resorts, night spots, and private parties as solo pianist, vocalist, and one-man band. We welcome Tim Holmes for the third year at a Lake Anna Jazz event.