The perfect host: Arsenio Hall. With a presence that is both commanding and comforting, Hall once again brought his signature charisma to the Hollywood Bowl. A longtime host of the Bowl’s jazz festivities, the beloved comedian knows just how to navigate the rhythm of a night like this—playful when needed, serious when it matters, and always reverent to the music and artists onstage. On Saturday, June 14, 2025, as the sun dipped behind the Hollywood Hills, Hall welcomed thousands to the opening night of the newly minted Blue Note Jazz Festival, marking a bold new chapter in the city’s jazz legacy.
This wasn’t just a festival—it was a celebration of culture, sound, and soul. Hall, ever the crowd-favorite, tied the evening together with warmth and musical insight, setting the tone for a lineup that honored the past while boldly looking ahead.
Opening performances from student ensembles reminded the crowd that jazz’s future is already in motion. The LA County High School for the Arts kicked off the day with youthful energy, followed by the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Performance Ensemble at UCLA, whose refined improvisation and technical precision showcased emerging talents shaped by one of jazz’s most elite training grounds.
Brandon Woody impressed with his dynamic compositions, while Pedrito Martinez brought fire and joy through his rhythmic performance, fusing traditional Afro-Latin beats with modern jazz forms. Lakecia Benjamin, a true standout, took to the stage with commanding saxophone solos, blending fiery technique with spiritual energy. Her Coltrane-inspired style—complex yet accessible—earned her multiple standing ovations.
Keyon Harrold, widely respected for his cinematic trumpet work, delivered a set filled with texture and passion, demonstrating why he remains one of jazz’s most sought-after collaborators. He was followed by a breathtaking duo performance from vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater and pianist Bill Charlap, who together wove a tapestry of jazz classics and vocal elegance, leaving a hush of admiration across the Bowl.
Derrick Hodge brought a fresh sonic palette with his genre-blending compositions on bass, setting the stage for the night’s first surprise highlight—D Smoke. Known for his lyricism, musicianship, and community roots in Inglewood, D Smoke lit up the stage with a performance that combined conscious hip-hop with jazzy undertones. His surprise revelation—that he was newly married—and the heartwarming moment when his wife joined him onstage, deeply resonated with the crowd. It was a personal touch that reminded everyone that music is as much about connection as it is performance.
Then came De La Soul. Their energy was magnetic, their rhymes nostalgic and potent. As pioneers of alternative hip-hop, the group reminded audiences of the deep ties between jazz and hip-hop—a shared lineage of innovation, rhythm, and resistance. Their set was a cross-generational celebration, drawing cheers from Gen Xers and curious Gen Z fans alike.
Closing out the evening were the legendary Isley Brothers. Few acts can command a stage with such authority and legacy. With Ronald Isley’s silky vocals and Ernie Isley’s searing guitar riffs, they offered a genre-spanning masterclass—from gospel roots and early rock to funk, R&B, and quiet storm ballads. The band’s iconic background singers were a highlight of their own, bringing vocal power and stage presence that rivaled headliners anywhere. Songs like “Between the Sheets” and “That Lady” brought the crowd to their feet, while “Shout” felt like a communal rite, echoed word-for-word by fans across every generation.
The festival’s new Blue Note branding marked a pivotal shift. With its roots in the legendary New York City jazz club, the Blue Note name brings global prestige and artistic credibility. The partnership with LA Phil ensures a future of expanded programming, fresh artist collaborations, and a deeper commitment to jazz in all its forms. For festivalgoers, this means a broader soundscape—where classic meets contemporary, and global meets local—all under one iconic Los Angeles sky.
The atmosphere was lively and inclusive. Families, young couples, jazz die-hards, and first-timers sprawled across the lawn with wine and snacks, sharing stories between sets. The Bowl’s rotating stage design allowed for seamless transitions, keeping the energy high. It was more than a show—it was a shared cultural moment.
The music reverberated beyond the stage. It reminded us that jazz isn’t just a genre—it’s a living, breathing conversation across time. From student ensembles to icons like the Isley Brothers, each performance was a thread in a larger musical quilt that celebrated heritage, experimentation, and soul.
Key Highlights from Day 1:
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Arsenio Hall hosted with a perfect balance of humor and reverence, anchoring the evening with grace.
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D Smoke delivered a personal and musically rich set, surprising the crowd with a touching onstage moment with his wife.
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Lakecia Benjamin stunned with passionate, Coltrane-inspired saxophone artistry.
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De La Soul bridged generations with their golden-age hip-hop performance, celebrating hip-hop’s jazz roots.
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The Isley Brothers commanded the stage with timeless hits and unforgettable vocals, closing the night with power.
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Full artist lineup, from student musicians to Grammy winners, embodied the festival’s mission to honor jazz’s past, present, and future.
Report By Lela Christine
The Power Player Lifestyle Magazine
