For 20 years, the Ella Fitzgerald Music Festival has brought a plethora of amazing artists to the city of Newport News. To mark this monumental milestone in honoring the legacy of our "First Lady of Song", we are proud to present two unforgettable concerts with iconic figures in Jazz music. 

On Friday, April 20th, join us at the Ella Fitzgerald Theater for an amazing night with Grammy-nominated Jazz vocalist, Jane Monheit. Drawing inspiration from Ella Fitzgerald herself, you can hear the emotion in Jane's soul-stirring voice. Opening for the evening is singer/songwriter and Richmond-native, Jon Bibbs.

On April 27th, we bring to you the legendary Jennifer Holliday. She catapulted to stardom 35 years ago in the smash Broadway musical, Dreamgirls, with her show-stopping performance as Effie "Melody" White, the iconic role which garnered her a Tony Award for Best Actress in A Musical.  She was discovered at age 17 while singing in her church choir in Houston, Texas by dancer Jamie Patterson, who persuaded her to move to New York City, where she made her Broadway debut in Vinnette Carroll's Your Arms Too Short To Box With God as a featured soloist.  Beyond Broadway, Ms. Holliday appeared as Lisa Knowles on the Fox TV dramedy, Ally McBeal.  She has also enjoyed a successful recording career, winning Grammy® Awards for her mesmerizing performances of "And I Am Telling You, I'm Not Going” (1982) and Duke Ellington’s “Come Sunday” (1985).  Ms. Holliday has also received rave reviews for her first album in two decades, The Song Is You (2014).

You can see both of these women of jazz this year for the 20th Annual Ella Fitzgerald Music Festival. Now offering a combo pack to see both shows for a discounted price. The Combo Pack is only available when purchased over the phone (757-247-8950) or in-person at the box office. It cannot be purchased online.