Lake Anna Jazz Festival: Vocal Gumbo
Program Details & Spotlights
Experience outstanding jazz music at the 5th annual Lake Anna Jazz Music Festival, hosted at the scenic Cooling Pond Brewery & Winery. The festival's premier Saturday night event, 'Vocal Gumbo,' features stellar performances hosted by multi-Grammy winners Janis Siegel (of The Manhattan Transfer) and Lauren Kinhan (of New York Voices). Sit back under the stars and pair the world-class jazz with Cooling Pond's English-inspired craft beers, local wines, and delicious food truck pairings.
There is nothing quite like a Lake Anna sunset transitioning into a cool evening of world-class music, and the annual Lake Anna Jazz Festival has quickly become one of our community’s most anticipated weekend traditions. Now in its fifth year, this festival brings an incredible caliber of musicianship directly to our quiet corner of Virginia. This year's Saturday headliner, "Vocal Gumbo," elevates the event to a whole new level, turning the rolling hills of Mineral into a premier stage for vocal jazz artistry.
Hosted by multi-Grammy award winners Janis Siegel of The Manhattan Transfer and Lauren Kinhan of New York Voices, "Vocal Gumbo" is a masterclass in harmony and swing. If you are a fan of rich vocal arrangements and improvisational brilliance, this is a rare opportunity to see legends of the genre collaborate in an intimate, open-air setting. The chemistry these two powerhouses bring to the stage is infectious, and they’ve curated an evening of music that blends classic jazz standards with fresh, soulful arrangements that will have the entire crowd swaying.
The setting for this spectacular performance is the beautiful Cooling Pond Brewery & Winery, a beloved local staple known for its relaxing atmosphere and exceptional beverages. Situated just a short drive from the water, Cooling Pond offers a spacious lawn perfect for an outdoor concert. As the music fills the night air, you can sip on their signature English-inspired craft beers or enjoy a glass of estate-grown local wine. Local food trucks will be on-site, serving up delicious pairings that make it easy to dinner-and-a-show your way through the evening.
Why You Should Attend
- Grammy-Winning Headliners: It's not every day you get to hear members of The Manhattan Transfer and New York Voices singing together in rural Virginia.
- Support Local: Cooling Pond is a cornerstone of the Lake Anna community, and this festival celebrates both national talent and local hospitality.
- Perfect Outdoor Setting: Sit back under the stars with a cool breeze, surrounded by vineyards and beautiful countryside.
- Top-Tier Food & Drink: Enjoy local estate wines, authentic English-style ales, and a rotating selection of great local food trucks.
Insider Tips
- Bring Your Own Seating: While there is some seating available, the best experience is on the lawn. Bring comfortable lawn chairs or a thick picnic blanket.
- Arrive Early for Parking and Good Spots: Gates get busy as the 7:30 PM start time approaches. Arriving early lets you grab a prime spot close to the stage and secure a drink before the lines form.
- Dress in Layers: Mineral evenings can cool down quickly once the sun goes down, even in the warmer months. A light jacket or sweater is highly recommended.
- Try the English Ales: Cooling Pond is famous for its authentic hand-pumped cask ales—don't leave without trying one if you appreciate traditional craft beer.
- Car Pool If Possible: Parking is on-site but can fill up fast during major festival events. Carpooling with friends makes entry and exit much smoother.
⚓ Local Visitor Navigation Tips & Parking
Tickets are required for the evening 'Vocal Gumbo' concert and can be purchased on the Lake Anna Jazz website. Onsite parking is free, and the venue offers spacious outdoor seating, though bringing your own folding lawn chairs is highly recommended.