The San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival is back for its eighth year, promising an extraordinary weekend of music and scenic beauty. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park in Embarcadero Marina Park South this year’s festival features an impressive lineup of artists and a unique venue that enhances the
Scheduled for Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14, 2026 the festival kicks off at 3 p.m. each day. Headliners include the renowned Boney James on Saturday and the talented Lalah Hathaway on Sunday. Other notable performers include Bob JamesNajeeEric DariusRebecca JadeAndrea Lisa and Jessy J. Tickets range from $92 to $241 per day.
Highlighting Local Talent: Rebecca Jade and Andrea Lisa
The festival not only showcases legendary artists but also highlights local talent. Rebecca Jade a San Diego native, is one of the acts that is sure to captivate the audience. Jade, who has lived in San Diego since she was around eight years old, is excited to perform at the festival and share the stage with her musical partner, Andrea Lisa.
Jade and Lisa’s collaboration began with the release of their single, Feelin’ Free in January. Their joint performance at the festival is the next step in their creative partnership. Jade describes Lisa as an amazing artist who is multifaceted, excelling as a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer. Their performance is expected to be upbeat and engaging, blending beautifully crafted music with high energy.
The Rady Shell: A Stunning Venue
The Rady Shell is not just a stage; it’s an experience. Jade expresses her enthusiasm for the venue, describing it as gorgeous and stunning. The waterfront location offers a unique setting that complements the smooth jazz genre, providing a serene and picturesque backdrop for the performances.
Jade hopes that attendees will take the opportunity to experience the space firsthand. The Rady Shell’s design and location make it a perfect setting for a jazz festival, enhancing the
Defying Expectations: The Energy of Smooth Jazz
While the term smooth jazz might evoke images of mellow vibes, Jade and Lisa aim to defy this categorization with their performance. They describe their show as a blend of thought-provoking moments and high-energy performances that encourage the audience to move, dance, and sing along.
Jade emphasizes that smooth jazz is not just mellow stuff it’s a diverse genre that includes high-energy, thought-provoking, and internally moving music. She believes that the festival’s lineup and the performances will exceed expectations, offering a more exciting and dynamic experience than many might anticipate.
The San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival 2026 promises to be a memorable event, combining exceptional music with a stunning venue. Whether you’re a fan of smooth jazz or simply looking for a unique weekend experience, this festival offers something for everyone. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with the music and the community at the Rady Shell.
