Best of jazz and blues coming to Hawaiʻi Island stage

The Big Island Jazz and Blues Festival will deliver a rich tapestry of jazz, blues, Hawaiian and zydeco Cajun music with legendary artists from New Orleans and Chicago this weekend.

The Big Island Jazz and Blues Festival is a celebration of music, culture, and community, set against the backdrop of Hawaiʻi Island.

The 12th annual event will have over 12 remarkable acts slated to perform, including:

• Wayne Toups: A Grammy-winning zydeco and music Hall of Fame legend known for his lively performances and infectious sound.  
• Donald Harrison: National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master and Big Chief of Mardi Gras, celebrated for his innovative fusion of traditional and contemporary jazz, with his life story featured in the HBO Emmy-winning TV series Treme.  
• Steve Freund: Grammy-winning Chicago blues guitar legend whose soulful playing has won the hearts of audiences worldwide, having performed with legends such as James Cotton, Koko Taylor, Boz Scaggs, and Luther Allison.  
• Camile Baudoin: Lead guitarist from the renowned Radiators band, recently awarded the Professor Longhair FESS Award 2025, showcasing his unique style and talent.  
• Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes: Zydeco master and former NFL player making his much-anticipated Hawaiʻi debut. Sunpie has toured with music icons including Sting and Paul Simon.  
• The Iguanas: A beloved New Orleans band known for their captivating blend of rock, blues, and Latin influences, with songs featured in Hollywood movies.  
• Charlie Halloran: Trombone master of the Squirrel Nut Zippers, making his Hawaiʻi debut and bringing his Grammy-winning experience, having performed with U2, Rickie Lee Jones, and John Cleary.  
• Lynn Drury: Singer-songwriter and guitarist sensation, also making her Hawaiʻi debut, known for her powerful lyrics and enchanting melodies.  
• John Keawe: Grammy and Na Hoku Award winner celebrated for his mastery of slack guitar.  
• Larry Dupio: Two-time Na Hoku winner and talented blues guitarist contributing to the festival’s rich musical landscape.  
• Bill Noble: Na Hoku Award winner and saxophone master, delivering dynamic and soulful performances.  
• The Jazz Alley TV Band: An ensemble known for their dedication to bringing the best of jazz to life on stage.  

Along with remarkable performances, attendees can expect delicious culinary experiences and a chance to connect with fellow music lovers.

The festival will be at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and Resort on the Kohala Coast from Friday, May 30 to Sunday, June 1. The main festival day will be from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday.

For more details or to buy tickets, visit the Big Island Jazz and Blues Festival website.