Bob Masteller’s Jazz For All Ages Festival Returns to Hilton Head

Hilton Head Island will swing to the sounds of world-class jazz this fall when Bob Masteller’s Jazz For All Ages Festival returns to Hilton Head at the Sonesta Resort on October 12 and 13. Running from noon to 10:30 p.m. each day, the festival is sponsored by the Junior Jazz Foundation and continues its tradition of honoring jazz legends while showcasing some of today’s most dynamic performers.

This year’s lineup opens on October 12 with a celebration of Duke Ellington’s 125th birthday. The acclaimed Ulysses Owens Jr. Big Band takes the stage with a program dedicated to “Ellington: The Music • The Legacy • The Legend.” Adding to the excitement is the incomparable Ms. Lisa Fischer, whose Grammy-winning voice brings both soul and fire to Ellington’s timeless catalog.

On October 13, the spotlight shifts to another icon with Jump in the Line!, a vibrant salute to Harry Belafonte. René Marie, a Grammy-nominated vocalist known for her fearless artistry and emotional depth, leads her band Experiment in Truth through a performance that honors Belafonte’s music and the social legacy he left behind as the King of Calypso.

Each day of the festival begins with a jazz brunch, a favorite tradition for festivalgoers. This year’s brunch features Brittany Turnipseed, whose gospel-rooted, powerhouse vocals earned her top honors at Amateur Night at the Apollo. Audiences will also be treated to the smooth stylings of Edwin G. Hamilton with Unforgettable: A Tribute to Nat King Cole, an intimate performance honoring one of the most beloved voices in jazz history.

Bob Masteller’s Jazz For All Ages Festival has become a signature event on Hilton Head, uniting generations of music lovers while raising awareness and support for the Junior Jazz Foundation’s mission of preserving and promoting jazz through education. With its blend of legendary tributes, powerhouse performances, and a setting at the Sonesta Resort, the festival continues to prove why Hilton Head is one of the South’s hidden gems for live music and cultural events.

For tickets and full details, visit JazzForAllAges.com.