Willow and Chaka Khan Added to Montreux Jazz Festival Miami

Two heavy hitters have joined the lineup of Montreux Jazz Festival Miami's 2025 edition, set to take over the Hangar at Regatta Harbour in Coconut Grove the first weekend of March.

First up, Willow (AKA Willow Smith) takes the stage on Friday, February 28, alongside previously announced headliner Jon Batiste. The Grammy-nominated Late Show bandleader also produced Willow's 2024 album Empathogen, which might have inspired the jazzy, energetic sound on singles "Symptom of Life" and "Big Feelings." Oft-overshadowed by her very famous parents and brother, the pop musician has taken a varied path since her hit single "Whip My Hair," trying out breezy, big-throated alt-R&B on TikTok-viral "Wait A Minute" and moody pop-punk on "Split."

Chaka Khan, meanwhile, requires little introduction — after all, she's every woman. Known as the Queen of Funk for her stint in the band Rufus, the ten-time Grammy winner is best remembered for that iconic disco tune "I'm Every Woman," made even more famous by Whitney Houston's cover, and for her infectious cover of Prince's "Feel For You," a No. 1 hit on the Billboard R&B and dance charts and No. 3 on the Hot 100. Khan's status as one of the great disco divas has made her a coveted collaborator for everyone from Quincy Jones, Joni Mitchell, and Steve Wynwood to Mary J. Blige, Ariana Grande, and Sia. She will co-headline the festival on Saturday, March 1, alongside previously announced headliner and new-generation phenom Janelle Monae.

Other additions include Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Paquito D'Rivera, who will join the Sunday night La Descarga jam session led by Batiste and Cimafunk. The program also calls for VIP masterclasses, curated food and dining experiences, and more.

Montreux Jazz Festival Miami announced its initial lineup in November. It's the second edition of the prestigious Swiss event's Miami satellite, which has become a hot ticket owing to its intimate 1,500-capacity venue and the star power of its performers. The inaugural edition in 2024 included Daryl Hall and Daniela Mercury.

Tickets for the festival are available on tixr.com and start at $169 for single-day passes, while a three-day general admission pass costs $399.

Read New Times' preview of Montreux Miami to learn more about the festival.

Montreux Jazz Festival Miami 2025. With Janelle Monáe, Jon Batiste, Willow, Chaka Khan, and others. Friday, February 28, through Sunday, March 2, at the Hangar at Regatta Harbour, 3385 Pan American Dr., Coconut Grove; montreuxjazzfestivalmiami.com. Tickets cost $169 to $999 via tixr.com.