If you think a 1950s vocal group shouldn't be selling out major arenas and headlining massive festivals in 2026, the Isley Brothers concert tour is here to prove you wrong. Honestly, it’s a bit of a miracle. We’re talking about a group that has survived every musical trend from doo-wop to trap. While most of their contemporaries have long since retired or passed on, Ronald and Ernie Isley are still out here doing the work.
The energy is different now, sure. It’s not the 1973 "3+3" era anymore. But when you’re standing in a crowd and the first liquid notes of "That Lady" ripple through the air, time basically stops.
The Isley Brothers Concert Tour: 2026 Schedule and Highlights
The 2026 calendar is filling up with some pretty heavy-hitting appearances. This isn't just a string of small club dates; they are taking over some of the biggest stages in the country. If you've been waiting to catch them, you've got several high-profile chances coming up fast.
The year kicks off with a massive event at sea. On February 7, 2026, the brothers are headlining Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite Cruise departing from the Port of Miami. It’s a literal floating R&B festival. They’ll be sharing the bill with heavyweights like Kem, Lucky Daye, and Kelly Price. Can you imagine hearing "Voyage to Atlantis" while actually floating on the Atlantic? It's a vibe.
Not long after, they head back to solid ground in Florida. On March 7, 2026, the group takes the stage at the Jazz in the Gardens Music Festival in Miami Gardens. They were a late addition to a lineup that already includes Jhené Aiko and Ludacris. It’s a testament to their longevity that they can share a bill with 2000s rap stars and modern alt-R&B queens and still be the act everyone is talking about.
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Then comes the big one: April 26, 2026. The Isley Brothers are set to perform at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival at the Fair Grounds. They’re sharing that weekend with Stevie Nicks and Tyler Childers. This is the beauty of an Isley Brothers concert—it crosses every genre boundary imaginable.
What the Setlist Looks Like These Days
If you’re worried about only hearing the "oldies," don't be. Their current show is a masterclass in pacing. They know exactly what the people want.
A typical night usually opens with high-voltage energy—often a cover like Mother’s Finest’s "Power" or their own "Fight the Power." From there, it’s a dive into the "Mr. Biggs" era. Ronald Isley still leans into that persona, especially when they transition into the "Contagious" and "Busted" medley. Even at 84, his falsetto is surprisingly intact. It’s smoother, a bit more lived-in, but the "silky" factor hasn't left the building.
Ernie Isley is the secret weapon. People forget he's one of the greatest guitarists alive. When he steps forward for the solo on "Summer Breeze" or "That Lady," the atmosphere shifts from a soul concert to a rock stadium. He uses that signature liquid wah-wah sound that has influenced everyone from Prince to Kendrick Lamar's producers.
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Common setlist staples you'll almost certainly hear:
- "Between the Sheets" (usually a massive singalong)
- "Footsteps in the Dark"
- "Choosey Lover"
- "For the Love of You"
- "Shout" (The traditional, chaotic closer)
Why This Tour Matters Now
There’s a reason you see 20-somethings and 80-somethings at these shows. The Isley Brothers are the most sampled group in music history.
When they play "Between the Sheets," half the crowd is thinking about Biggie Smalls’ "Big Poppa." When they play "Footsteps in the Dark," the younger generation is singing Ice Cube’s "It Was a Good Day." The Isley Brothers concert tour acts as a bridge. It’s a live library of American music.
Recent reviews from their late 2025 shows at the MGM National Harbor described the atmosphere as "vibrant" and "epic." Fans noted that the production value has stayed high, featuring professional dancers, a full horn section, and those iconic, sharp suits Ronald is known for. It’s a production, not just a rehearsal.
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Tips for Attending in 2026
Tickets for these festival dates, especially Jazz Fest and Jazz in the Gardens, are moving quickly. If you're looking at the New Orleans date, be prepared for the Fair Grounds environment—it's outdoors, it's dusty, and it's crowded. But hearing "Shout" with 50,000 people under the Louisiana sun is a bucket-list experience.
For the Miami festival, ticket prices have been ranging from $150 for general admission up to significantly higher for VIP packages. If you're looking for a more intimate "grown and sexy" vibe, the Maxwell cruise is the way to go, though that's a much larger financial commitment.
Practical Next Steps:
- Check official sources: Always verify dates on the official Isley Brothers website or through primary sellers like Ticketmaster or AXS. Third-party markups for Jazz Fest are already getting steep.
- Plan for the weather: For the April 26 New Orleans show, dress in layers. The weather is unpredictable, and you’ll be on your feet for hours.
- Arrive early: Especially at festivals like Jazz in the Gardens. The Isleys have a "legacy" slot, but the crowds for their sets start forming hours in advance.
- Listen to the 2022 "Make Me Say It Again Girl" remix: If you want to hear their more "recent" vibe, check out their collaboration with Beyoncé. It’s been a highlight of their live sets lately and shows they’re still relevant to the current charts.
This tour isn't just a nostalgia trip; it’s a victory lap for a group that quite literally invented the sound of modern romance and rebellion. Catch them while the "Voyage to Atlantis" is still sailing.