Mo Betta SHOUT! – Saturday, April 4 – 7 pm, Main Stage, First Ward Park

The Blackhawk Quintet is a Charlotte-based, hard bop jazz group redefining the modern sound of acoustic jazz. Drawing from the deep traditions of bebop, gospel, soul, and swing, the group delivers a hard-hitting, high-energy live experience that bridges classic jazz lineage with contemporary fire, earning them a growing reputation as one of the region’s most compelling young jazz collectives. Anchored by a powerful rhythm section and fronted by bold, expressive horn voices, The Blackhawk Quintet embodies the spirit of the “Young Lions” generation: musicians grounded in tradition yet fearlessly forward-thinking in execution. Their performances are marked by electrifying interplay and a shared commitment to pushing the music forward without losing its roots. With original recordings, a growing radio and streaming audience, and a rapidly expanding live following, that includes residencies and collaborations, The Blackhawk Quintet represents the next chapter of hard bop; soulful, urgent, and undeniably alive.