From David Volz
Pompano Beach Arts is excited to bring the soulful rhythms of Jazz Fest Pompano Beach back to the City’s stunning shores on January 24th and 25th, 2025. This 4th annual festival promises to be bigger and tastier than ever before, featuring a stellar lineup of renowned jazz musicians, including Joshua Redman and Gabrielle Cavassa, Judith Hill, Randy Brecker, and Jazz Funk Soul, alongside a vibrant new food court with a New Orleans flavor. This free festival will again be hosted by Mark Ruffin of Sirius XM’s Real Jazz. There is no charge for General Admission tickets, but registration is required. There are limited VIP Seats at $200 for a 2-day pass.
Jonathan Butler will be a major performer. He will perform on the Main Stage at 8:15 p.m. South African-born, Grammy® Award-Nominated guitarist Jonathan Butler is known for blending R&B, pop, jazz fusion, and worship music. His breakthrough to a broader audience came in the late ’80s with hit singles like “Lies.” He has lived in England and California and remains a star in South Africa. Butler’s faith is central to his music, as many albums showcase his love of gospel music and groove-based jazz chops.
Born in Cape Town in 1961, Butler was signed to Jive Records at 16 and released his debut album, Introducing Jonathan Butler. Moving to England, he continued to find success with albums like Worship Project, Jonathan, Brand New Day, and Grace and Mercy. In 2018, he reinterpreted classic songs by Burt Bacharach and Hal David on Close to You. His 2023 album, Ubuntu, celebrated his home country’s spirit and musical traditions.
Jazz Funk Soul will perform on the Main State at 9:45 p.m. The group is a Grammy® Award-winning smooth jazz supergroup, formed in the mid-2010s with Jeff Lorber, Chuck Loeb, and Everette Harp. After Loeb’s passing in 2017, guitarist Paul Jackson, Jr. joined the group. Critically acclaimed as Contemporary Jazz pioneers, their irresistible musical recipe is simple – gorgeous melodies, unforgettable grooves, exhilarating solos and charged interplay.
Pianist, composer, and producer Jeff Lorber has been a major innovator on the creative music scene for over three decades. Along with maestros Herbie Hancock, Joe Sample and Bob James, Lorber is a groundbreaking Fender Rhodes pioneer. Having produced for everyone from Dave Koz to Kenny G, the Grammy-nominated pianists’ long-running acclaimed ensemble, Jeff Lorber Fusion, was a major force in Contemporary Jazz’s early beginnings. The Berklee College of Music alum’s 2014 CD Prototype with his Jeff Lorber Fusion scored a Grammy for ‘Best Contemporary Instrumental’ album.
