Adam Hawley will bring his distinct and dynamic brand of musical energy to High Point when he performs on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026 at the John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival.
Hits Non-Stop
A guitarist and producer, Hawley was handpicked by Maurice White (founder of Earth, Wind, & Fire) to debut on the White’s label Kalimba Music. Now leading his own imprint, MBF Entertainment, Hawley has released seven acclaimed albums while helping shape the sound of modern smooth jazz. His work has generated an extraordinary 19 Billboard No. 1 hits, along with more than 50 Top 30 singles. In 2025, he earned the title of Billboard Smooth Jazz Artist of the Year after receiving more radio airplay than any other artist in the format. In 2024, Hawley song “Uptop” went to number one on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Songs chart. It was included on his fifth album, Unstoppable, which included guest spots by Judah Sealy, L. Young, and his wife, singer Kat Hawley.
His impact extends well beyond his own recordings. Hawley contributed to four of Billboard’s Top 50 contemporary jazz songs of 2025 as a producer, co-writer, and mixing engineer, including his own hits “Absolute Love” featuring Judah Sealy and “Fly By.” Earlier honors include Mediabase Artist of the Year in 2024 and Billboard Song of the Year distinctions in both 2020 and 2022.
Musically Uplifting
Yet what makes Hawley especially compelling for festival audiences is the balance he strikes between technical excellence and pure entertainment. His music draws from jazz, R&B, funk, soul, and pop influences, creating performances that are sophisticated without losing their accessibility. Listeners who appreciate melodic improvisation, deep grooves, and uplifting musicality will find plenty to enjoy in his live show.
Beyond the stage and studio, Hawley is also deeply committed to music education. Holding a Doctorate of Music from the University of Southern California, he has dedicated part of his career to mentoring and developing the next generation of musicians. He currently serves on the faculty at Saddleback College and has previously held teaching appointments at Chaffey College, Musicians Institute, and Azusa Pacific University.
Over the last decade, Hawley has emerged as one of the most successful and recognizable artists in smooth jazz. Combining infectious grooves, polished production, and virtuosic guitar work, he has built a reputation for creating music that connects equally well with longtime jazz audiences and younger listeners.
