Hampton Jazz Fest adds R&B artists

NICOLE PAITSEL
247-4737

April 26 2007, 2:31 PM EDT

R&B singers Musiq Soulchild and Lyfe Jennings have been added to the performance lineup June 23 and 24 at the 40th Annual Hampton Jazz Festival.

Soulchild, whose latest album "Luvanmusiq" peaked at Number 1 on Billboard's albums chart, will perform at 7 p.m. June 23 at the Hampton Coliseum.

Jennings, who developed his sound during a 10-year stint in prison, released his sophomore album, "The Phoenix," last year. He is scheduled to perform at 2 p.m. June 24 at the Hampton Coliseum.

Organizers of the festival said in a press release that they hope the addition of more contemporary artists will help broaden the event's appeal. The festival also features artists Patti LaBelle, Norman Brown's Summer Storm and Ramsey Lewis.

Tickets for the festival cost $52.50 per night through Ticketmaster.

Complete festival lineup:

*7:30 p.m. June 22 includes performances by Patti LaBelle, George Benson, David Sanborn and Tower of Power.

*7 p.m. June 23 includes performances by Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, Norman Brown's Summer Storm and Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band.

*2 p.m. June 24 includes performances by Maze, Frankie Beverly, Lyfe Jennings, Stephanie Mills and Ramsey Lewis.