By Ericka Alston BuckSpecial to the AFRO
The nice and cozy summer time air was full with nostalgia and bass beats as greater than 1,000 folks packed into Hopkins Plaza on Thursday Might 1st for the opening of the twenty fifth and closing season of Jazzy Summer time Nights—an occasion sequence that’s develop into nothing in need of a cultural establishment in Baltimore.
Photograph: Photograph courtesy of Ericka Alston Buck
“It simply felt proper,” mentioned Larian Finney, managing associate of The Finn Group, the longtime organizers of the occasion. “We began this right here in 2000. Hopkins Plaza is the place the rhythm started, and for our closing season, we wished to convey it residence.”
There was no reside musical headliner for this opener, however you wouldn’t have recognized it by the electrical power within the crowd. As an alternative, a few of the area’s hottest DJs—DJ Sizzling Toddy, Mr. Unbelievable, DJ Manny, and DJ Hello-Def—tag-teamed the turntables, delivering high-octane units that saved the group dancing from 6 to 10PM..
The DJs weren’t alone in bringing the fireplace. The Bearded Drummer, whose reside percussion layered seamlessly with the beats, stole the present greater than as soon as.
The group? Impeccable. Decked out in daring prints, flowing attire, summer time fits and sun shades nicely previous sunset, everybody got here able to really feel one thing. The vibe was electrical however secure, full of life however respectful—precisely the form of expertise Finney says he’s proud to have cultivated through the years.
“There’s by no means been an incident at Jazzy Summer time Nights. Not one,” he mentioned, throughout his deal with. “We are available in peace, and we go away in peace.”
Tiffany James, 41, has been attending because the first Jazzy Summer time Night time in 2000. “Again then it was folding chairs and a pair hundred folks. Now, it’s like a reunion, a celebration, and a non secular reset multi functional,” she mentioned, her palms lifted to the sky as DJ Sizzling Toddy dropped a soulful remix of “Earlier than I Let Go.”
Throughout the group, Carlos Benton, 34, visiting from D.C., couldn’t cease transferring at his first Jazzy Summer time Nights expertise.
“The vibe right here is unreal—no drama, simply pleasure,” mentioned Benton. “It’s like everyone determined to have the most effective night time of their summer time, collectively.”
Halfway by the night, Finney returned to the mic with heartfelt gratitude—and a nod to the previous.
“We’ve hosted this sequence on waterfronts and courtyards. But it surely didn’t matter the place we have been, since you all saved exhibiting up. That’s love.”
As the group roared again in settlement, he welcomed first-timers and day-ones alike: “To the OGs who’ve been rocking with us since 2000, and to these dancing right here for the primary time tonight—thanks for serving to us write this story.”
Arielle Turner, 28, smiled as she leaned into her good friend to shout over the music: “You simply really feel secure right here. You possibly can let go. You’re surrounded by individuals who need the identical factor: good music, good folks, good peace.”
If opening night time was any indication, the ultimate season of Jazzy Summer time Nights is on monitor to be unforgettable. Finney unveiled the complete 2025 lineup to loud cheers.
On June 5, Kindred The Household Soul will carry out, with DJs NO-ID and Kenny Okay on the set. On July 3, Raheem DeVaughn takes the stage, that includes DJ Keebee and DJ Supreme. On August 7, the Go-Go Museum All-Stars will convey that D.C. power, accompanied by DJ Farrah Flosscett and DJ Tanz. On September 5, Girl Alma will headline, with DJ Quicksilva and pals. And at last, on October 2, Morgan State College’s Homecoming celebration will characteristic none aside from Dru Hill, with DJs P Drama and DJ Circulate closing out the season.
Because the solar set over Hopkins Plaza and metropolis lights flickered on, Finney closed with a message that struck a chord:
Because the music soared and the group swayed, it was clear—this wasn’t only the start of the tip. It was a robust, joyful reminder of all the things that’s made Jazzy Summer time Nights a Baltimore treasure for 25 unforgettable years.
“Every year, we’ve pushed to create an expertise, not simply an occasion,” he mentioned. “Jazzy Summer time Nights has at all times been about neighborhood, connection and celebration. Let’s make this closing season the boldest, brightest, and Blackest one but.”
