Lights

JazzFest 2026 is pleased to welcome international sensation Veronica Swift as the headliner of its main event on June 6 at The Paramount Theater. An All-Star collective of many of the region’s finest jazz artists, led by renowned trumpeter John D’earth, will open for Swift that evening.

Swift has established herself as one of her generation’s iconic voices in jazz.

She recorded her first album at age nine, and since then has enjoyed a career spanning two decades which saw a 2nd place win at The 2015 Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition, a twice-a-year residency at Birdland Jazz Club, joining [trumpeter] Chris Botti’s touring band, as well as touring with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and the Benny Green trio. She has appeared with Michael Feinstein, recorded with Jeff Goldblum, and traveled the globe as she leans into the leading edge of jazz and other genres that capture her energy, ingenuity, and creative essence.

Her 2021 album This Bitter Earth received a 5-star review – and the cover – of DownBeat magazine. In 2024, she was honored with a French knighthood as Chevalier in the Order of Arts and Letters.

Swift was raised in Charlottesville, Virginia, as part of a family of renowned jazz artists. Her parents are singer Stephanie Nakasian, and the late jazz pianist Hod O’Brien.

Now making her home on the west coast, her 2026 album, titled Home, will be released in June. With songs like “I Miss the Mountains,” “Home” from The Wiz, and “I’m Comin’ Virginia,” Swift explores longing to return to her beloved Appalachia, her place in the country that is her home, and the complex challenges of this time as we question our roots.

JazzFest 2026 has received support from: C-VILLE Weekly, Dave Matthews Band/Bama Works grant program/Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, City of Charlottesville “Vibrant Community Fund,” The Caplin Foundation, John and Kate Byrne, and from supporters of the Charlottesville Jazz Society.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO! The Paramount Theater is pleased to bring diverse programming to the stage and screen. The Theater does not provide advisories about subject matter for events, as sensitivities vary. Not all events may appeal to, or be appropriate for, every person. Patrons are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the shows offered in order to make informed decisions prior to purchasing tickets.

In addition to show synopses, trailers, and reviews on our web events, other resources about content and age-appropriateness for specific films can be found on Common Sense Media, IMDb, and DoesTheDogDie.com as well as through general internet searches. For further questions, please contact the Box Office at 434.979.1333 or at boxoffice@theparamount.net, 10AM-2PM Monday-Friday + 1 hour before events.