Clifford Brown Jazz Fest Welcomes Notable Stars Back To Its Stage
The 38th Clifford Brown Jazz Fest returns to Wilmington this month, welcoming some of the series’ most seasoned acts while also showcasing new talent.
As of press time, a total of 10 acts have been booked for the festival, which takes place June 18-21 in Rodney Square with related after-hour jam sessions to follow in various clubs around town.
“Each year, the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival is a celebration of excellence, resilience, and the power of music to bring people together,” says festival founder Tina Betz, director of the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. “In 2025, we continue that tradition with a lineup that honors the past while boldly embracing what’s next.
Victor Wooten and the Wooten Brothers play the night of Thursday, June 19 — both Victor and Roy Wooten (aka Future Man) played the festival as part of Bela Fleck and The Flecktones in 1996. Similarly, Eric Benét returns four years after his 2021 festival performance — this time to share the stage with singer Chanté Moore on Friday, June 20.
Grammy Award-winning vocalist and bassist esperanza spalding headlines Saturday night’s show, performing songs from her 20-plus-year career. Although she’s never played the festival, spalding performed at The Grand in October 2009, as part of the festival’s inaugural Clifford Brown Year-Round Series.
Spalding’s Saturday performance will cap an all-female-fronted day of the festival with earlier performances from Lili Añel, Carmen Lundy, and Wilmington’s own Maya Belardo.
Belardo isn’t the only Delaware native taking the stage; the local musicians of Celebration of Black Joy and Friends will help open the festival Wednesday, June 18.
“Expect some unforgettable moments on that Rodney Square stage—there are a few surprises in store,” Betz adds. More at CliffordBrownJazzFest.org.
Bryan Bielanski Returns To Stoney’s Singing Super Happy Fun Songs
Over the past several years, acoustic rock & roll singer-songwriter Bryan Bielanski has toured solo all over America and Europe, from Sweden to Sonoma, California. On Wednesday, June 4, the North Carolina native brings his craft to Stoney’s British Pub.
Singing songs “Thank God for Tacos” and “Rock the Library USA” from his Bryan’s Super Happy Fun Time album series, Bielanski’s upbeat humor matches his enthusiasm for the road. Reviewing his online calendar, the musician is performing nearly every day this year going as far west as Walla Walla, Washington and as far east as Kraków, Poland. More at BryansSuperHappyFunTime.com.
New Concert Stage Sees Debut This Month at Rockford Rising
Spokey Speaky and What the Funk will help christen the New Rockford Park Concert Stage on Thursday, June 5 starting at 5 p.m.
After years of fundraising and mustering community support, the Friends of Wilmington Parks say they are “thrilled to introduce” the stage to the public, encouraging guests to “bring your chairs and blankets.”
The event will also see food trucks, raffles, and beverage vendors including Moore Brothers Wine Company and Wilmington Brew Works. Tickets can be purchased online at FriendsOfWilmingtonParks.org.
Fawziyya Heart Headlines Women In Music
A new music series called Women in Music seeks to shine the spotlight on female performers in the area. Fawziyya Heart headlines this month’s show on Tuesday, June 10 at HomeBase Delaware on Concord Pike.
The pay-as-you-can event will also include live performances by Riley Lauren, Kay Renee, Melissa in the City.
“Breaking into the music scene is hard for anyone — but as women, we need spaces where we can lift each other up and gain the confidence and inspiration to keep pushing. It can be an uphill battle when trying to ‘make it’ in a traditionally male-dominated industry,” said Jenni Schick, founder of the Women’s Musician Coalition, which is organizing the monthly series. More at HomebaseDelaware.com.
