2025 Duck Jazz Festival Lineup + Band Biographies
The theme for this year’s Duck Jazz Festival is to celebrate the colorful livelihood of Jazz music and celebrate the fellowship it creates amongst people who enjoy live music.
Thursday, October 9
Event details coming soon!
Friday, October 10
Event details coming soon!
Saturday, October 11
More event details coming soon!
Main Stage
4:00 PM Adam Hawley
Sunday, October 12
10:00 AM Gates Open
11:00 AM Music Starts
Main Stage
11:00 AM Shayna Steele
1:10 PM Gerald Veasley
3:25 PM Brass Queens
5:25 PM Tito Puente, Jr.
Amphitheatre Stage
12:10 PM First Flight High School Honors Jazz Band
2:20 PM David Esleck Trio ft. Jordan Garrett
4:30 PM The Hot Lanes with Bobby Jasinski
Brass Queens
Sunday, October 12th: 3:25 PM – Main Stage
đˇ Brass Queens will take the Main Stage at the 2025 Duck Jazz Festival!
Back by popular demand! We first welcomed this dynamic, female-led brass band to the festival in 2023, where they lit up the amphitheater with a high-energy, interactive performance that left the crowd wanting more. Since then, we’ve received countless requests to bring them backâand this year, we’re so excited to welcome them to the Main Stage on Sunday, October 12!
Based in New York City, Brass Queens is a powerhouse, all-female brass band that’s redefining the brass band scene. In a genre traditionally led by men, theyâve carved out space to highlight the incredible talent and musicianship of women. Their sound is a unique and electrifying blendâpaying homage to the rich traditions of New Orleans brass bands while channeling the vibrant, fast-paced energy of their New York roots.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering them for the first time, get ready for a performance thatâs bold, joyful, and full of heart. The Brass Queens bring more than musicâthey bring an experience. Donât miss your chance to see them live at the Duck Jazz Festival this fall!
David Esleck Trio ft. Jordan Garrett
Sunday, October 12th: 2:20 PM – Amphitheatre Stage
Led by internationally acclaimed pianist, composer, and educator Dr. David L. Esleck, this dynamic trio brings a fresh and masterful approach to jazz. With performances for world leaders, GRAMMY recognition for his album “Little Ears”, and decades of musical excellence, Esleck is a true standout in the jazz world. In addition to his performance career, Dr. Esleck is a dedicated music educator at the University of Richmond, where he teaches jazz performance, history, and piano, mentoring students who have gone on to successful careers in music around the globe. Heâs joined by award-winning bassist Jason Jenkins and multi-instrumentalist Keith Willingham, both of whom bring their own impressive artistry to the stage.
This special performance will feature vocalist and pianist Jordan Garrett, whose dynamic voice and expressive style bring a vibrant energy to the stage. A multi-talented musician, Jordan began her career as a songwriter while earning her degree in Music Industry from James Madison University. She later served as Choral Director at Glen Allen High School, earning First Year Teacher-of-the-Year honors and multiple Blue Ribbon awards. Now an Elementary Music Specialist for Virginia Beach City Public Schools, she also serves as a guest clinician and continues to perform nationally. Her passion for both music and education shines through in every performance.
Catch the David Esleck Trio featuring Jordan Garrett live on October 12 on the Amphitheater Stage at the 2025 Duck Jazz Festival â a performance you wonât want to miss!
The Hot Lanes with Bobby Jasinski
Sunday, October 12th: 4:30 PM – Amphitheatre Stage
Weâre thrilled to welcome The Hot Lanes with Bobby Jasinski back to the 2025 Duck Jazz Festival!
This 16-piece powerhouse, led by composer, arranger, and pianist Bobby Jasinski, lit up the Main Stage in 2023âand theyâre returning with even more energy, passion, and big band brilliance.
A native of NYC with Colombian, Polish, and Italian roots, Bobby brings a global flair to his jazz, blending Latin rhythms, classical influences, and folk melodies into a bold, original sound. His vision for The Hot Lanes was inspired by legends like Count Basie and contemporary giants like the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestraâand it shows in every performance.
With award-winning albums like Spectrum (2021 Wammie Award for Best Jazz Album) and an ever-evolving musical palette, The Hot Lanes promise a dynamic, unforgettable show filled with rich ensemble textures and standout soloists.
Mark your calendars and get ready to swingâThe Hot Lanes are bringing the heat back to Duck this fall! đĽđś
Gerald Veasley
Sunday, October 12th: 1:10 PM – Main Stage
We are beyond excited to welcome Gerald Veasley, one of the most celebrated bassists in contemporary music, BACK to the stage for the first time since 2008 when he performed as part of the second Duck Jazz Festival. A master of the six-string bass, Veasley has carved out a genre-defying career as a bassist, composer, bandleader, producer, educator, and curator.
From jazz and soul to gospel and funk, Veasleyâs music is rich, emotive, and boundary-breaking. He has performed and recorded with musical icons including Kirk Whalum, Maysa, Chuck Loeb, McCoy Tyner, Philip Bailey, and The Jaco Pastorius Big Band, just to name a few.
His latest album, Live at SOUTH, is a dynamic live recording captured at the legendary SOUTH Jazz Parlor in his hometown of Philadelphia. The project is a testament to Veasleyâs versatility and passionâblending groove, sophistication, and spontaneity with a world-class band and a standout guest performance by vocalist Carol Riddick.
Veasley is also the creative mind behind the Unscripted Jazz Series, an acclaimed concert series that has brought over 140 nights of unforgettable music to Philly audiences. Heâs the Artistic Director of Jazz Philadelphia, and the founder of Bass BootCamp, an annual experience that inspires bass players from around the globe.
Whether he’s lighting up the stage, mentoring the next generation, or curating unforgettable jazz experiences, Gerald Veasley brings his musicâand his heartâwherever he goes.
Donât miss your chance to witness a legend live in action! You can catch Gerald Veasley on Sunday, October 12 on the Main Stage.
Tito Puente, Jr.
Sunday, October 12th: 5:25 PM – Main Stage
We are beyond excited to announce that Tito Puente Jr. will be taking the stage at the 2025 Duck Jazz Festival! đˇđĽ
As the son of the legendary Tito Puente, whose iconic hit Oye CĂłmo Va became a cornerstone of Latin jazz, Tito Jr. carries on his fatherâs rich musical legacy while infusing it with his own electrifying style. With every performance, he honors the “King of Mambo” while bringing a fresh and modern energy that keeps audiences dancing all night long!
With a career spanning over 300 shows across jazz festivals, symphony halls, and beyond, Tito Puente, Jr. is known for his exhilarating blend of traditional mambo and contemporary Latin jazz. His albums “In My Fatherâs Shoes” and “Got Mambo?” showcase his ability to both celebrate the past and push Latin music forward into new and exciting territory.
This is a performance you wonât want to missâso mark your calendars, grab your dancing shoes, and join us for vibrant, high-energy Latin jazz that will have you moving to the beat! Tito Puente, Jr. will be performing on the Main Stage on Sunday, October 12. Are you ready to dance? đ
Shayna Steele
Sunday, October 12th: 11:00 AM – Main Stage
Get ready for a powerhouse performance at the 2025 Duck Jazz Festival!
We are thrilled to welcome Shayna Steele to this yearâs lineup! Known for her electrifying vocals and seamless blend of soul, jazz, and blues, Shayna is a force to be reckoned with on stage.
She has wowed audiences at legendary festivals like Monterey Jazz and North Sea Jazz with Snarky Puppy, performed with over 100 symphony orchestras, and collaborated with stars such as Chris Botti, Moby, and Snarky Puppy. Her latest album, Gold Dust (Ropeadope Records, 2023), showcases her evolution as a songwriter, vocalist, and arranger, featuring a mix of powerful originals and reimagined classics.
Shaynaâs incredible journey has taken her from Broadwayâs Hairspray to global stages, television, and film, including an upcoming role in the Marvel Max Original Series The Penguin. Before stepping out as a solo artist, she lent her vocals to Bette Midler, Rihanna, and Kelly Clarkson, appearing alongside countless A-list stars. Her 2015 album RISE (Ropeadope Records) soared to #2 on the U.S. iTunes jazz charts, and now, her latest work, Gold Dust, cements her status as one of todayâs most compelling vocalists.
Donât miss Shayna Steele as she takes the main stage on Sunday, October 12 at the 2025 Duck Jazz Festival!
Adam Hawley
Saturday, October 11th: 4:00 PM – Main Stage
A celebrated guitarist, producer, and composer, Adam has taken the jazz world by storm with 17 Billboard #1 hits and accolades like Mediabase Artist of the Year (2024) and Billboard Song of the Year (2022 & 2020). His incredible career has included performances with Jennifer Lopez, Natalie Cole, Lalah Hathaway, The Manhattan Transfer, and many more. With a doctorate in music and a passion for both performing and educating, Adam brings a dynamic energy to every stage he graces.
Join us in welcoming Adam Hawley to the 2025 Duck Jazz Festival! He will be opening up the festival weekend for us on Saturday, October 11 at 4:00 p.m. on the Main Stage located at 1200 Duck Road! đ¸
Check out more of Adam’s work and start creating your 2025 Duck Jazz Festival playlist so you’ll be ready to groove along with us!
