Funk Fest Jacksonville 2025: Dances Through the Rain and Honors Boosie Badazz

Jacksonville’s Metropolitan Park was alive with energy on May 9–10, 2025, as the Funk Fest Tour made a triumphant return after a seven-year hiatus. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the festival, aptly themed “The Rebirth,” brought together a stellar lineup of R&B, hip-hop, and soul legends, reaffirming its status as a cornerstone of the city’s cultural scene.

Weathering the Storm with Unstoppable Spirit

Despite a brief weather delay, the festival’s momentum remained unshaken. Attendees, undeterred by the rain, embraced the elements with ponchos and umbrellas, turning potential setbacks into memorable moments. The community’s resilience and enthusiasm transformed the park into a vibrant celebration of music and unity. As one festival-goer aptly put it, “Everybody is having fun and enjoying themselves”.

A Star-Studded Lineup

Funk Fest 2025 featured an impressive roster of artists that spanned generations. Headliners included the iconic Charlie Wilson, the smooth sounds of Trey Songz, the dynamic performances of Boosie Badazz and King George, and the harmonious melodies of 112. Fans were also treated to performances by Marsha Ambrosius, 8Ball & MJG, Tela, and rising star 803 Fresh. Complementing the live acts, renowned DJs such as Dr. Doom, DJ Stormy, DJ Bo Weezy, DJ Trucker, and DJ DEMP kept the crowd energized between sets . 

Checkout the pictures of the performances courtesy of Destinee Daily

Beyond the Music

Funk Fest is more than just a concert; it’s a cultural experience. Attendees enjoyed a variety of food vendors offering everything from Cajun , Hispanic, and Creole delicacies to local Jacksonville favorites, ensuring that both out-of-town visitors and locals had a taste of the region’s culinary offerings . The festival also featured merchandise stalls and interactive experiences that celebrated the essence of the funk and soul community.   

A Homecoming to Remember

Funk Fest’s return to Jacksonville was met with enthusiasm and nostalgia. Founder Leo Bennett expressed his excitement, stating, “Jacksonville has always been a special city for Funk Fest. The love and passion from the fans here have been undeniable, and we knew we had to bring this experience back to where it belongs” . The festival’s comeback not only celebrated its rich history but also set the stage for a vibrant future in Jacksonville’s music scene. 

Boosie Badazz, born Torrence Hatch Jr., was honored with two honorary doctorate degrees from Kingdom Heritage University, a Florida-based Christian institution. These degrees were awarded in recognition of his contributions to Music Composition and Music Management. The ceremony took place during the Two-Day Funk Fest in Jacksonville, Florida.   

In addition to the honorary degrees, the university named its music and entertainment arts department after Boosie, officially designating it as the “Torrence ‘Lil Boosie’ Hatch Jr. Music and Entertainment Arts Department.” 

Lil Boosie receiving his two Honorary Doctorate Degrees from Kingdom Heritage University

For more information on future events and ticket details, visit www.funkfesttour.com

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