(The Dallas Examiner) – Lalah Hathaway, Grammy Award-winning singer known as the “First Daughter of Soul,” was the headliner for Jazz on the Trinity. Singer, songwriter and producer Kevin Ross; and jazz, R&B and pop singer Lindsey Webster, were among a lineup of dynamic artists performing at the annual outdoor concert held May 31 at Panther Island Pavilion in Fort Worth.
Webster, known for her hits such as Fool Me Once and Where Do You Want To Go, was excited to make it to the music festival.
“I’m so happy to be here,” Webster said enthusiastically. “I’ve been wanting to make it to this area for a long time. We’ve had a lot of people writing in on social media saying come to Dallas, come to Fort Worth, come to Texas. We don’t make it down here that often, so I’m happy to be here.”
Classically trained violinist Richmond Punch, a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas, was the first artist to take the stage. Referred to as “The Baddest Violinist Around” by Bishop T.D. Jakes, Punch wowed the audience with his orchestral hits that stemmed from his training at Booker T., the Julliard School and Yale University.
“I am beyond excited to be here,” Punch said. “This is an amazing dream come true to be able to be in front of an audience, to go from what I mostly do which is being classically trained, performing in churches, doing corporate, doing private. But the stage – that’s where it’s at.”
Ross’ energy had the crowd on their feet as he performed his hits Sweet Release and Look My Way. The vocal riffs included in his performance truly displayed his musical talent.
Having just performed in Houston two nights before, Hathaway explained that she was excited to be at the festival, and that the last time that she performed in the metroplex was so amazing that it’s almost a blur for her. This was in 2017.
“I hope the audience loves [my performance]. I hope they take it home and want to give it to their kids,” Hathaway said. “I make music for those who want to give to other people, so I just hope that they have a good time.”
Festival attendees were able to visit food trucks from local restaurants such as Ms. Piggy’s Catering and La Pasadita Salvadorean restaurant. Menus featured items such as southern fried catfish, corn dogs and funnel cakes. DAMM Whiskey, which stands for Distinguished and Modern Men, was also on-site providing samples of their distinct high-wheat blended whiskey that carries the flavors of vanilla, oak and fruit.
The music festival debuted an exclusive Cigar Lounge, which offered hand-selected cigars paired with a premium liquor tasting while listening to live jazz performances. It also introduced a tasting tent highlighting Black-owned brands.
Also featured at the festival was the Silver Fox Squad, a group of mature, accomplished men over age 50 with distinctive gray beards based out of Houston. The group aspires to be an influence on others through excellence and dignity. During their time on stage, the men spoke about their initiatives such as providing prom attire for sons of single mothers and working to educate men of all ages to lead better lives.
“Live right, exercise, go to the doctor,” CEO Irvin Randle called out. “Men – go to the doctor.”