Acclaimed Loudoun songstress Tracy Hamlin fuses the boundaries between jazz, soul, R&B and dance music. She has performed with the likes of Carlos Santana and Gloria Gaynor and taught music appreciation for dyslexic children. She created the annual Tracy Hamlin’s Sweet Jazz Festival, which took place on April 11-12 at the Washington Dulles Airport Marriott.
LoCo Favorites
Favorite place to eat in Loudoun?
The Conche is one of my favorites. Everything is outstanding but the Braised Lamb Shank and the Fetish, a specialty cocktail, are truly exceptional.
Favorite place for a craft beverage?
I visit many and my preferences change depending on the day! However, my top three are Stone Tower for its Blanc de Blancs, Breaux Vineyards for the Breauxmance sparkling and Walsh Family Wine’s rosé.
Best hidden gem in Loudoun?
Harvest Gap Brewery on a farm outside Hillsboro is a true find.
What's a must-see place for an out-of-town visitor?
Bluemont Vineyard. It sits high in the Blue Ridge and offers stunning panoramic views of the Loudoun Valley – perfect for wine lovers and anyone who enjoys a beautiful backdrop.
Favorite event in Loudoun to go to?
Of course, my Sweet Jazz Festival, but I also enjoy the Leesburg Flower and Garden Festival every year in late April.
What's a fun fact to share about Loudoun?
It’s known as DC’s Wine Country with more than 50 wineries and vineyards, more than any other county in Virginia. I’ve hosted family and friends from out of state and they’ve all been blown away by the winery experience. Many are regulars in Napa but after visiting Loudoun they’ve become huge fans of what this area has to offer.
Gettin' Jazzy
When did you start the annual Sweet Jazz Festival?
It began in 2018 at Tarara Winery but was scaled down to Sweet Jazz Concerts during Covid. In 2024, we revived its original form— now indoors and expanded to a two-day event.
Aside from yourself, who else will perform?
This year's festival will showcase internationally renowned jazz artists like Kim Scott, Karen Briggs, Eric Essix, Oli Silk, Ilya Serov, Phylicia Rae, Jacob Webb and Saxl Rose, along with three of Loudoun’s very own: the Eric Byrd Trio, Zedric Teague and Caleb Nei.
Who is the headline performer?
Friday night it’s Kim Scott, a chart-topping flutist known for electrifying performances and smooth, soulful sound. Saturday night’s headliner is Karen Briggs, the legendary violinist whose powerhouse performances captivate audiences worldwide.
What is your latest song or album?
I’m slowly cooking up album number seven but right now I’m pumped about my latest release – a remix of a dance track. I wrote the lyrics and produced the vocals a few years ago with an Italian producer. "Ride on the Moon" officially dropped Feb. 21 on Groove Culture, one of Italy’s top dance music labels.
You have performed all over the world. What are some highlights?
I’ve performed in more than 58 countries but headlining in Tokyo and multiple cities in Russia really stands out. There’s nothing like hearing a crowd sing along to my songs—even when they don’t speak English. It’s an unreal feeling.
Who was your musical inspiration growing up?
Contrary to popular belief, I didn’t grow up singing in church but music has always been in my DNA. I come from a family of singers and that shaped me. Renee Diggs (Starpoint) and Natalie Cole were also incredible inspirations.
How old were you when you first started singing?
I joined my first band and hit the road along the East Coast when I was just 11 years old – a fun, unforgettable start to my musical journey.
Loudoun has an exciting music scene – why is that?
I believe it is because of the incredible events that bring people together and showcase amazing talent. There’s Sweet Jazz; there’s Crossroads Music Festival, which shines a spotlight on local and regional talent; Tarara Summer Concert Series where live music meets stunning scenery and so much more. With events like these, Loudoun isn’t just a great place to live – it’s a destination for live music lovers.
