By Ericka Alston Buck
Special to the AFRO
The warm summer air was full with nostalgia and bass beats as more than 1,000 people packed into Hopkins Plaza on Thursday May 1st for the opening of the 25th and final season of Jazzy Summer Nights—an event series that’s become nothing short of a cultural institution in Baltimore.
Photo: Photo courtesy of Ericka Alston Buck
“It just felt right,” said Larian Finney, managing partner of The Finn Group, the longtime organizers of the event. “We started this here in 2000. Hopkins Plaza is where the rhythm began, and for our final season, we wanted to bring it home.”
There was no live musical headliner for this opener, but you wouldn’t have known it by the electric energy in the crowd. Instead, some of the region’s hottest DJs—DJ Hot Toddy, Mr. Incredible, DJ Manny, and DJ Hi-Def—tag-teamed the turntables, delivering high-octane sets that kept the crowd dancing from 6 to 10PM..
The DJs weren’t alone in bringing the fire. The Bearded Drummer, whose live percussion layered seamlessly with the beats, stole the show more than once.
The crowd? Impeccable. Decked out in bold prints, flowing dresses, summer suits and sunglasses well past sundown, everyone came ready to feel something. The vibe was electric but safe, lively but respectful—exactly the kind of experience Finney says he’s proud to have cultivated over the years.
“There’s never been an incident at Jazzy Summer Nights. Not one,” he said, during his address. “We come in peace, and we leave in peace.”
Tiffany James, 41, has been attending since the first Jazzy Summer Night in 2000. “Back then it was folding chairs and a couple hundred people. Now, it’s like a reunion, a celebration, and a spiritual reset all in one,” she said, her hands lifted to the sky as DJ Hot Toddy dropped a soulful remix of “Before I Let Go.”
Across the crowd, Carlos Benton, 34, visiting from D.C., couldn’t stop moving at his first Jazzy Summer Nights experience.
“The vibe here is unreal—no drama, just joy,” said Benton. “It’s like everybody decided to have the best night of their summer, together.”
Midway through the evening, Finney returned to the mic with heartfelt gratitude—and a nod to the past.
“We’ve hosted this series on waterfronts and courtyards. But it didn’t matter where we were, because you all kept showing up. That’s love.”
As the crowd roared back in agreement, he welcomed first-timers and day-ones alike: “To the OGs who’ve been rocking with us since 2000, and to those dancing here for the first time tonight—thank you for helping us write this story.”
Arielle Turner, 28, smiled as she leaned into her friend to shout over the music: “You just feel safe here. You can let go. You’re surrounded by people who want the same thing: good music, good people, good peace.”
If opening night was any indication, the final season of Jazzy Summer Nights is on track to be unforgettable. Finney unveiled the full 2025 lineup to loud cheers.
On June 5, Kindred The Family Soul will perform, with DJs NO-ID and Kenny K on the set. On July 3, Raheem DeVaughn takes the stage, featuring DJ Keebee and DJ Supreme. On August 7, the Go-Go Museum All-Stars will bring that D.C. energy, accompanied by DJ Farrah Flosscett and DJ Tanz. On September 5, Lady Alma will headline, with DJ Quicksilva and friends. And finally, on October 2, Morgan State University’s Homecoming celebration will feature none other than Dru Hill, with DJs P Drama and DJ Flow closing out the season.
As the sun set over Hopkins Plaza and city lights flickered on, Finney closed with a message that struck a chord:
As the music soared and the crowd swayed, it was clear—this wasn’t just the beginning of the end. It was a powerful, joyful reminder of everything that’s made Jazzy Summer Nights a Baltimore treasure for 25 unforgettable years.
“Each year, we’ve pushed to create an experience, not just an event,” he said. “Jazzy Summer Nights has always been about community, connection and celebration. Let’s make this final season the boldest, brightest, and Blackest one yet.”
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