HAMPTON, Va. — The 53rd Hampton Jazz Festival kicked off Friday. It's a three-day event featuring instrumental and vocal performances.
The festival started back in 1968, and every year, it brings thousands of visitors to Hampton. This year, at least 20,000 people are expected to attend. That's close to pre-pandemic totals.
"It's just a great form of music," said Joe Santangelo who is with the festival. "People have been loving it, we've been in business since we started this festival since 1968. It's been very, very successful and we hope to get ti back to being very, very successful."
On Thursday, crews could be seen setting up for the festival.
Organizers said the performances start at 7:30 Friday afternoon, 7 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. The doors open an hour beforehand. Tickets are still available.
Nearby, at the Convention Center, is the 757 Extravaganza, a vendor fair mixed with live performances. It's open on Friday and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday it goes from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The city said it wanted to make a weekend of local attractions of visitors.
Some people attending Friday night's events told News 3's Kelsey Jones the rain couldn't dampen their excitement.
"It's a legacy," said Kenneth Ford. "I like it because it was created by the school, Hampton University. All my family before me was going to the jazz festival."
It's a tradition Ford hopes to continue.
"When I come here, I know I'm going to see a live band," he said. "I know I'm going to see background singers and I know the artists are going to dress up."
