Jackson Rhythm & Blues Festival

I thoroughly enjoyed myself at this festival. There were so many awesome singers I had to attend both nights. The venue was nice and clean and the crowd was mature. I loved it! I will be attending every year.

The line up was great, Calvin Richardson got the women all excited, Eric Benet made them laugh with his wit & charm, & Fantasia rejuvenated. Wish i could gone to some other stages this year but I went alone this year so i had to hog my seat. Even though I enjoyed it more in 2015 when it was held outside but nevertheless I will never miss another Rhythm & Blues Festival if I can help it.

This event was nice, parking was free, food was good, and most of all the entertainment was Great. Babyface gave an Essence musical performance, Tamia did her thing sounding good. I say go to this event!

It took entirlely to long to get in (long lines) The staff was not equipped to handle large crowds. Moving around from the main stage was nearly impossible. There has to be a better way if you intend for this event to grow!

I really enjoyed the concert. The only problem I had was there was only one way in and out of the park so this caused a back up line to get into the event. We got there Saturday at 3:00p.m and stood in line for about an hour to get into the event. Also, maybe have two lines, one with tickets and one to buy tickets. Besides that everything else was great!

I absolutely enjoyed my weekend at the Jackson Rhythm & Blues Festival. Great venue, nice staff, good food, fun audience, fabulous line-up and very affordable! What more could you ask for? Even though I went to see specific acts (Ziggy Marley, Estelle, Chrisette Michele, Fantasia), I discovered some great acts such as Boney James and Curtis Salgado. Excellent live musicians. The only negative thing I would point out is that the schedule did not allow us time to venture to the other stages. Indeed, the schedules kind of overlapped with one another therefore, I did not get to see the Rebirth Brass Band because they were playing at the same time as one of the headliners. Apart from that, everything else was great! I hope next year's line up will be just as good or even better; and just as cheap!

An Absolutely Awesome Event. I've already saved the date for August 2015. I'm coming back and bringing more with me.

These are some of the things that my group was disappointed with, shuttle service was to arrive at Hampton Inn N (3:00 pm) was 2 hours late on Friday. Festv. Com. did not let the public know on the website that camera's was not allowed, this was not posted on fb site. The committe did a wonderful job in selecting the lineup for both day, however they had to many time slots and not enough time for fans to really sit and enjoy the artist and this is not good, they really need to make big changes here. Saturday was terrible, shuttle person told us they would arrive before 3:00 pm (gates opened at 3:00pm) show was to start at 4:00pm, shuttle did not arrive, we had to drive and gates did not open at 3:00, left thousands of people trying to get in, ticket line too conjested. We were able to get in a good seating area, the conjestion TERRIBLE, TERRIBLE, TERRIBLE Saturday getting from one stage area to another and the same way with getting food. This festival was good because the attendees (fans) was all trying to work together and help each other, because we all were in the same situation, there was a great lineup and we all want to support these artist, by getting to the area to see them. Please festival committees take heed to what you saw this year happen and expand, fans realize that many things was based on the first year attendance and this year the seams busted and no room for overlfow, look into overflow and expansion, keep the good lineup, give us (fans) a chance to go to an area enjoy the artist and move around better.

The security was top notch and the acts from Denise Lasalle to Ziggy Marley was great some of the best entertainment Jackson, Mississippi has ever put together. Can't wait until next year. Need more reggae acts though.

We drove from Birmingham, Alabama to come to this festival, primarily to see Ziggy Marley. Jackson was the closest we could see him. The time between the previous act and Ziggy seemed very long for a set change. For whatever reason, the event staff cut his show short! I know because I have the set list. He was supposed to have come on stage at 10:45 PM, but did not get started until 11:15 PM. This was extremely disappointing as there were songs he didn't sing that we wanted to hear. If I could give any recommendations for next year's festival, I would say to keep the set changes short and the music during the set change at a minimum. This will keep the show moving smoothly and give everyone their allotted time.

Boney James & Estelle were great!! Great food and drinks too!

Outstanding line-up - affordable cost. Great food - beautiful people!

Venue was perfect, a place to enjoy a concert outside and in A/C! Loved the lounge-like setting for the blues.

All of the artists were great. Unforgettable. I would've been completely seeing each artist as a featured act. So to have all of them in one night was incredible. Out of 5 stars, the artists get 10. The problem was the local event staff, some volunteer, some paid, not having a clue as to how to operate. Outrageously long wait times in every line. EVERY line. Not a good idea in 90-degree Mississippi heat. The person with the ticket scanner was late arriving to the entrance, causing the crowd to be let in about 45 minutes past the time listed on the ticket. Food vendors ran out of common items like cups, ice, etc. Equipment crew could not properly adjust the speakers, causing many of the artists to be delayed starting their respective show due to sound checks. This was the 2nd Annual. Unless there are more groundbreaking artists like the ones I saw this time around, do not expect me to attend the 3rd.

Another great festival and another great line up for year #2. Much larger crowd this year than last but it was managed well and the parking was still good unless you were a late arrival.

Great event! I'm not really a blues fan; I bought my tickets strictly for the Bell Biv DeVoe performance. However, the variety of acts available there was something for everyone! I ended up taking my mom with me because I recognized a lot of the names (Dorothy Moore, Denise LaSalle, Bobby Rush, etc) from Saturday mornings when I used to beg her to change the radio station LOL. She had a BLAST! Special presentation to Dorothy Moore from Blues Foundation or Blues Hall of Fame highlighted how long and how hard these folks have been grinding in music biz. Estelle was great though she was completely unprepared for Mississippi humidity + heat. Chrisette Michelle took us to chuuuuuuuch when she sang Richard Smallwood's Total Praise. I've seen New Edition and Heads of State multiple times but this was my first BBD show and it was worth the wait - those guys look and move like it's still 1992! Also, I'm a new fan of Joe Louis Walker after hearing him perform Soldier for Jesus and Too Drunk to Drive Drunk...This Time. There were a few families who brought their kids out for the younger acts like Homemade Jamz and B. Smyth. Overall, Jackson R&B Fest was a great event! We can't wait to go back next year.

I enjoyed myself thoroughly! Great event and talent! Promoters need to be more organized and start on time.

The venue was great and the weather cooperated very nicely. I'm a huge Boney James fan and he did not disappoint. Jackson, MS has a lot to look forward to if they keep this event as an annual attraction!

The show was well put together. The entertainment was OUTSTANDING.......

Chrisette Michelle is a vocal beast!!! Certainly, Fantasia is a new cross between Tina Turner and Patti Labelle!! She was giving us life out there!!

I loved the event. There was a performer there for every age group. The lawn chair seating got a little cluttered but not unbearable. I really appreciated the live bands and performances of each entertainer. I will definitely attend next year if the event returns to Jackson.

The concert was awesome despite the sweltering heat. The only problem I incurred was the crowded seating. I think the event should have had ushers or event workers to control the seating. People were trying to crowd in when there was no more room for them to sit. The acts were great though! Looking forward to next year. I would love to see JHud, Jill Scottt, Kem, or Joe!

The artist lineup was AMAZING!!! The only complaint I have, we had to stand outside in the HOT SUN for nearly an hour!!!...the gates were supposed to open at 3....it was almost 4 before we were allowed in. Next year, I hope they have more vendors and I am not sure the venue will be large enough...IT WAS PACKED!!! Overall a I had a wonderful time!!! The entertainment was worth the wait!!!

this was my first time at the Jackson rythm & blues festival and i really enjoy myself ,all of the entertainment saturday was GREAT and i will be attending again next year.

GREAT EVENT! TO MANY TECHNICAL ISSUES AND SITTING WAS CRAZY, NOT ENOUGH SPACE IN THE AREA WHERE STAGE 1 WAS SET UP. OTHER THAN THAT IT WAS GREAT.

We have a wonderful time. My family went with me too and it was a great family outing as well as enjoying different music artists singing. We are planning on making it a tradional thing every year.

I really enjoyed this event from the parking to the security was awesome. I do have one complaint and there need to be more food vendors because the lines were extremely long.

Wonderful event! Really enjoyed Bell, Biv, Devoe and Chrisette. Hope it continues to come here for many years to come.

It was an awesome experience. The entertainment was amazing.

I enjoyed all of the performances except B. Smyth. He should not be invited back. While the performances were great, the space was extremely tight. I attended the event last year and can see a tremendous growth in attendance and sponsors. If it is going to be in the same location next year, please get rid of the cars and gates. It took up valuable space that could have been used for seating. The VIP tents on both sides also took up valuable seating space. I recommend tents just on one side of the side of the stage next year. Also, most of the vendors were completely unprepared for the amount of people that attended the event. Before 8 o'clock, half of the vendors were completely out of food, which we did not learn until we had waited in line for a long period of time. Finally, there were several problems with the sound which is never good. Overall, I really enjoyed the event and am so glad events like this are coming to our city, but as always, there is room for improvement.

This was my first time going. I enjoyed every minute of it. I can wait til next year.

Performances were wonderful, just behind schedule. Besides that, it was fun and very exciting

My friends and I had a great girls weekend attending this festival. Warm summer night, good food, cool drinks and great music!

It was my first time attending, and I really enjoyed it. The performers were amazing and the people I encountered were all very, very nice.

I loved every minute of the heat, bugs, waving through the crowds, and long lines to this concert. It was freaking awesome. I would like to see a little more security. My friends got there at 3:00pm and got awesome seats. People came later (5 hours later) and tried to take up walking space, leg room, and even move people's chairs. Security would be nice. Also, defined walking areas amongst the crowd would be nice. It is a HASSLE especially in the front going to the back to go to the restroom or get more beer. Establishing walk ways with tape and reinforcing the space with security would make the seating more organized and less frustration. Other than that, I LOOOOOVVVVVEEEEEDDDD it. (Chrisette more than anything) Can't wait for next year!

Amazing show! All the artists were amazing! Fantasia was an excellent closure!

The artists were great! I enjoyed the performances. Pros: Artists Food Cons: Hour behind schedule Poor crowd control Food lines backed into the audience

I had so much fun. I will definitely go again. Thanks Jackson MS for making this a wonderful weekend for entertainment . The weather was picture perfect! Kudos to the event planners!! LET'S DO IT AGAIN!!!

This 2 day event was awesome!!! 5 stages 30 artist that kicked butt!!! The crowds were good, the vendors had great food. For 55 bucks you seen legends such as Bobby Rush, Denise La Salle Dorthy Moore Boney James Fantasia. Upcoming young artist B Smith C Michelle Mr. Sapps (Blues) Homegrown Rhythm (Blues) and sooooo many more not a bad show in the bunch. and the blues stages were inside like being at a club. If you didn't go you missed it!!!!! it was first come first served but the inside stages where set up really cool and they all had the bars so you didn't have to leave to get a drink. PS great Bar tenders!!!

Great music! Great fans! Need bigger venue and more food vendors.

the worst event I have ever attaneded. poorly organized, inappropriate venue, vendors and concert seating too close, city stage view blocked, distorted sound systems in indoor venues. a complete waste of time and money.

Awesome event. Well planned and organized. Only concern were the long lines for the food vendors. Need more food vendors OR allow people to bring their own.

Very good Venue , Easy in and out , outstanding line up of performers, will definitely be back next year, so excited to see The Dancing Dolls, to me that was the highlight of the Friday show. Overall GREAT !!!!

The event was fabulous. Loved every performance I saw. Well worth a return next year.

The price verses act were excellent. The choices for a indoor brass band was not the best too loud. Only one entrance to the event should be rethought Suggest separate entrance for volunteers

Great performance by all artist!! Will definitely attend next year!

This event was awesome!! Jackson Rhythm & Blues Festival owes me absolutely nothing!! Great Music Great Venue! Will be attending in 2018!!

The performers were really good, but the the fans were out of control. At each performance they rushed the stage and a lot of them had no respect for fellow fans.

The line up was great, I can't wait until next year. It is getting better with each passing year.

Fantasia performance was exceptional! I am planning to go see her perform again...

Lots of headliners and great performers. I almost didn't go because of the location but I'm glad I did. The only thing I didn't like was how people would place items in the seats hold them an hour in between acts while they went to see someone else in another lounge. I don't think this should be allowed.

Great show and I can't wait until next year show. I love the fact that it was a safe environment and parking was great. The Jackson Rhythm and Blue show was the place to be this pass weekend. I love live entertainment.

I came al the way from Chicago to Jackson Mississippi for this concert and I will say that it was worth the distance. The ticket price was very reasonable considering the amazing line up they had for performers and I also loved the fact that the seating was first come first serve instead of them charging ridiculous amounts of money for front row seats. This was my first year going and it definitely won't be my last this concert will definitely be added to one of my annual trips. Looking forward to next year!!

Enjoyed the event; all the artist were great. I was impressed by the venue and the staff. I've already planned to attend this event next year with a group of friends from all over the United States. It was well planned and I enjoyed this event.

Thoroughly enjoyed every part of the event on both days. It was such a great experience having these musicians in Jackson. Looking forward to the next event.

I had a great time! Every artist had a great performance. Siting or standing was optional and you could see artists on different stages. Fish and chicken baskets were for sale by vendors along with other refreshments. I would definitely attend this event again.

The whole event was well planned and the staff were very customer friendly. I enjoyed myself immensely with all of the participants that I spoke with. From other attendees, performers, security, police, and concession stand operators. The Jackson Convention Center/Complex was clean and orderly and I have nothing to complain about.

Great artists all under one roof. Lalah Hathaway, Morris Day & the Time, BJ the Chicago Kid, Gropale, and the main artist of the festival, Babyface, was the highlight. Looking forward to next year.

The whole Festival was Amazing! I had the time of my life! Baby Face was the bomb as well as the other acts. Lalah Hathaway, Tamia, Kindred the Family Soul & several local acts. I had a wonderful evening!

The venue was wonderful, crowd was great, performances memorable! I missed the first night, which will never happen again, but night 2 was so enjoyable! Tamia was the best!! I really appreciated the diversity of the music and performers that were there. The food...speechless. See you all next year!

Great event, the line could have been setup up with more signage so that attendees would know which way to go.

The Festival was great this year. Being inside made a big difference. All stages were in good locations

Everything was great. It was well organized and police and security was there so I felt safe. I had a great time.

The line up was great. The facility was very nice but the sound was terrible for some of the acts. Jagged edge had to stop their performance while they tried to fix it...it wasn't any better. I love Kindred but I could barely tell which songs they were doing because the base was louder than the singing. If they fix the sound issues this could be a fantastic venue.

This is the way the Capitol City should provide entertainment for its citizens all year long!! There were lighting issues during the LTD concert. The main lights in the ceiling kept coming on and going off for no apparent reason.

The line up was AWESOME!! Lalah Hathaway, T-Pain, Babyface, Jagged Edge--I was reliving a few moments from the mid-late 90s allllllllllllll over again. I was reminded of so many classic hits--how could I forget about Tamia and Morris Day! This was a phenomenal show--if next year's line up is similar to this, I WILL be back!!

Babyface was amazing and definitely a performer! I wish the show started earlier however.

Great location this year and pretty good lineup on the main 2 stages. Didn't care for Bones Thugs and Harmony...abit too much. T-Pain was great. Didn't get to experience but one act up on third level. Definitely will return next year. Food was good; drinks were good. Plenty of bars set up so no long waits.

Had a gr8 time @ the fest the venue was excellent! The music was wonderful, the food was delicious..Babyface, Lalah Hathaway, T-Pain, Jagged Edge, Bobby Rush..what more can I say..it was awesome!!! Looking forward to next year's event!!!

The acts for Friday and Saturday nights were exhilarating and musically stimulating. There was never a dull moment because of the multiple acts on different stages. The venue was convenient and accommodating to your needs far as food and adult drinks. If you are looking for dancing and good music, please consider this yearly event. You will not be disappointed.

I enjoyed it totally. The sound was an issue in the largest room! Somewhat disappointing but overall I enjoyed the event

Friday night was awesome. I got to see Lalah Hathaway, BJ The Chicago Kid, Morris Day and The Time, and T-Pain! The atmosphere was so awesome. Each stage and performer had their own unique setting. The bands were awesome just as well as the vocalists. It will definitely be a night I will never forget.

Great line up, good cost, a great event. We had a great time.