• Fresh live jazz in and around Rochester, May 28th through June 3rd (and beyond)

    "Live ROC jazz" over piano keys

    Each week JazzRochester gathers the listings for live jazz to hear around Rochester for the next seven days, which are immediately below. Open the rest of the post at the end of this week’s listings and you’ll find live jazz we have heard about through the last bit of May and June, a start on July, plus some items of special interest beyond that. If you’re receiving this post via the email list you are seeing all the listings.

    Check back on the site from time to time between now and next Wednesday as I will update the post throughout the week as I hear about new live jazz gigs around town until the next post is published (or make corrections). Please tell your jazz-loving friends about the site so they can join us here or on our other channels.

    Thursday, May 28, 2026

    • Light Jazz with Bob Pizzutiello @ Strong Memorial Hospital Interfaith Chapel, 2:00 pm
    • Rich Thompson Trio Generations @ Lila’s, 5:00 pm
    • iSteel Music @ Vanni’s Jazz Lounge at the Inn on Broadway, 6:00 pm
    • Ben Miller @ Spritz 146 (East Rochester), 7:00 pm
    • Mike Kaupa Quartet @ The Little Theatre Cafe, 7:00 pm
    • Indigo Breeze @ Annette’s American Bistro (Webster), 7:00 pm
    • Mary DeFranco Jazz Quartet @ Rochester Swing-In at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 7:30 pm
    • Rick Holland Little Big Band with Lindsey Holland @ The Biltmore Bar & Lounge, 8:00 pm

    Friday, May 29, 2026

    • Jazz Happy Hour with Rev & Mabel @ The Biltmore Bar & Lounge, 5:00 pm
    • Dino Losito Trio @ Vanni’s Jazz Lounge at the Inn on Broadway, 5:00 pm
    • Marvin Dolly & Mel Henderson Duo @ Prosecco Italian Restaurant (Farmington), 5:30 pm
    • Melissa Argenna @ Stromboli’s (East End), 5:30 pm
    • Mike & Julie Duo @ Lemoncello (E. Rochester), 6:00 pm
    • Ann Mitchell & John Gabriele @ Flight Wine Bar Downtown, 6:30 pm
    • Ben Miller Trio @ The Trestle (Sodus Point), 7:00 pm
    • Sarah De Vallière & the Rhythmwell with special guest Katie Haverly @ Lovin Cup Bistro & Brews, 7:30 pm
    • John Troy Organ Trio @ The Biltmore Bar & Lounge, 8:00 pm
    • Ian Shoenberger @ Vanni’s Jazz Lounge at the Inn on Broadway, 9:00 pm

    Saturday, May 30, 2026

    • Ryan Johnson Trio @ Vanni’s Jazz Lounge at the Inn on Broadway, 5:00 pm
    • Deborah Sorensen & Kara Mandara @ Flight Wine Bar Downtown, 6:30 pm
    • Darryl Parker Quartet @ Annette’s American Bistro (Webster), 7:00 pm
    • Max Robbins @ The Little Theatre Cafe, 7:00 pm
    • Bob Sneider Trio @ The Trestle (Sodus Point), 7:00 pm
    • Fred Hersch Trio @ Geneva Music Festival, Gearan Center for the Performing Arts: Froelich Hall (Geneva), 7:30 pm (more info & tickets)
    • Dave Solazzo Trio @ Vanni’s Jazz Lounge at the Inn on Broadway, 9:00 pm

    Sunday, May 31, 2026 

    • Jazz Brunch with the Ann Mitchell Jazz Duo @ Geneva on the Lake, 10:00 am-1:00 pm
    • Mel Henderson “3tet” @ Embark Craft Cider Works (Williamson), 1:00 pm
    • Trio East @ The Little Theatre Cafe, 7:00 pm

    Monday, June 1, 2026

    • Mel Henderson & Gerry Youngman @ The Little Theatre Cafe, 7:00 pm

    Tuesday, June 2, 2026

    • Conversations in Jazz with the Danica Rebudaio Trio @ Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County, Dorris Carlson Reading Room, 12:00 pm
    • ECMS Springfest: Jazz Performance Workshops @ Kilbourn Hall, 5:30 pm
    • Victrola Voilà @ Cheshire, 6:00 pm
    • Greg Woodsbie Flextet @ Cheshire, 7:00 pm
    • ECMS Springfest: Music Educators Jazz Ensemble @ Kilbourn Hall, 8:30 pm

    Wednesday, June 2, 2026

    • Ben Miller Trio @ Spotted Octopus Brewing, 56 South Union Street (Downtown), 6:00 pm
    Looking for some live jazz later this month and beyond? Then click on the arrow to open it up here . . . .
    • 3rd: Gian Carlo Cervone’s Lakeview Hot Record Club @ The Biltmore Bar & Lounge, 6:30 pm
    • 3rd: Margaret Explosion @ The Little Theatre Cafe, 7:00 pm
    • 4th: Vince Ercolamento & Higher Ground @ Lila’s 5:00 pm
    • 4th: Ann Mitchell with John Gabriele and Kyle Vock @ Vanni’s Jazz Lounge at the Inn on Broadway, 6:00 pm
    • 4th: Swinging at the Biltmore @ The Biltmore Bar & Lounge, 6:30 pm
    • 4th: Julie Ketchum & Scott Bradley @ Flight Wine Bar Downtown, 6:30 pm
    • 5th: Simon Fletcher Trio @ Vanni’s Jazz Lounge at the Inn on Broadway, 5:00 pm
    • 5th: Jazz Happy Hour with Rev & Mabel @ The Biltmore Bar & Lounge, 5:00 pm
    • 5th: Sarah De Vallière @ Lemoncello (E.ast Rochester), 6:00 pm
    • 5th: Live Jazz with the Beach Ave. Band @ Vine and Tap Wine Bar (Charlotte), 6:30 pm
    • 5th: Sax Summit with Will Holton, Doc Martin & Jimmie Highsmith Jr. @ 3 Heads Brewing, 7:00 pm (call or text 585-666-0019 for tickets)
    • 5th: Steve Grills & the Roadmasters @ The Little Theatre Cafe, 7:00 pm
    • 5th: Craig Snyder Trio @ Lovin Cup Bistro & Brews, 7:30 pm
    • 5th: Bob Sneider Trio @ Vanni’s Jazz Lounge at the Inn on Broadway, 9:00 pm
    • 6th & 7th: Jazz at Fairport Canal Days (see website soon for who’s playing when and I’ll be publishing a post as usual soon)
    • 6th: Annie Wells & Dave Arenius @ Flight Wine Bar Downtown, 6:30 pm
    • 6th: Laura Dubin & Antonio Guerrero @ The Little Theatre Cafe, 7:00 pm
    • 6th: Darryl Parker Trio @ Annette’s American Bistro (Webster), 7:00 pm
    • 7th: ROC Juneteenth Jazz with Herb Smith & the Freedom Trio, Jimmie Highsmith Jr., and others @ Highland Bowl, 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm (more info & tickets)
    • 8th: Rich Thompson Trio @ The Little Theatre Cafe, 7:00 pm
    • 9th: Conversations in Jazz with the Bob Sneider Organ Trio @ Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County, Dorris Carlson Reading Room, 12:00 pm
    • 9th: Ann Mitchell with John Gabriele and Dave Arenius @ Penfield Public Library, 6:30 pm
    • 9th: WGMC Jazz 90.1 and The Ontario Beach Park Program Committee present Jazz at the Beach with Deepak Thettu & Friends @ Tropic Night Club (Charlotte), 7:00 pm
    • 9th: Greg Woodsbie Flextet @ Cheshire, 7:00 pm
    • 9th: Gregory Porter @ Kleinhans Music Hall, 3 Symphony Circle (Buffalo), 7:00 pm (more info & tickets)
    • 11th: Vince Ercolamento & Higher Ground @ Lila’s 5:00 pm
    • 11th: Swinging at the Biltmore @ The Biltmore Bar & Lounge, 6:30 pm
    • 12th: Jazz Happy Hour with Rev & Mabel @ The Biltmore Bar & Lounge, 5:00 pm
    • 12th: Jazz On Tap: The Darryl Parker Trio @ Vine and Tap Wine Bar (Charlotte), 6:30 pm
    • 12th: Mel Henderson & Marvin Dolly Duo @ Flight Wine Bar Downtown, 6:30 pm
    • 13th: Dan and Eric’s Jazz Duo @ Flight Wine Bar Downtown, 6:30 pm
    • 13th: Cool Club & the Lipker Sisters @ Lovin Cup Bistro & Brews, 7:00 pm
    • 13th: Mid-Century Modern Jazz Quartet @ The Little Theatre Cafe, 7:00 pm
    • 16th: Conversations in Jazz with Jacob Merrill Trio @ Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County, Dorris Carlson Reading Room, 12:00 pm
    • 16th: Charlie Mitchell Group @ Lila’s 5:00 pm
    • 16th: Darryl Parker Trio @ Annette’s American Bistro (Webster), 7:00 pm
    • 16th: Greg Woodsbie Flextet @ Cheshire, 7:00 pm
    • 17th: Public Water Supply Trio @ The Biltmore Bar & Lounge, 8:00 pm
    • 18th: Vince Ercolamento & Higher Ground @ Lila’s 5:00 pm
    • 18th: Swinging at the Biltmore @ The Biltmore Bar & Lounge, 6:30 pm
    • 18th: Side Step @ The Little Theatre Cafe, 7:00 pm
    • 18th: Bill Tiberio Septet @ Remedy at the Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack, 7:00 pm
    • 19th: Darryl Parker Trio @ Rochester HarborFest, 3:30 pm
    • 19th: Jazz Happy Hour with Rev & Mabel @ The Biltmore Bar & Lounge, 5:00 pm
    • 19th: Mike & Julie Duo @ Lemoncello (E. Rochester), 6:00 pm
    • 19th: Celebrate Juneteenth with Ron Carter & Foursight to benefit the The Black Community Focus Fund @ Hochstein Performance Hall, 6:00 pm (more info & tickets)
    • 20th: Darryl Parker Trio @ Rochester HarborFest, 3:30 pm
    • 20th: Live Jazz Jam Session and Wine Tastings with Jack’s Jammers @ Vine and Tap Wine Bar (Charlotte), 2:00-4:00 pm
    • 21st: Darryl Parker Trio @ Rochester HarborFest, 3:30 pm
    • 23rd: Uptown Groove Acoustic Duo @ Stromboli’s, 7:00 pm
    • 23rd: Greg Woodsbie Flextet @ Cheshire, 7:00 pm
    • 24th: Ann Mitchell with Simon Fletcher @ Canandaigua Country Club, 5:30 pm
    • 24th: Rick Holland Little Big Band with Lindsey Holland @ The Biltmore Bar & Lounge, 8:00 pm
    • 25th: Swinging at the Biltmore @ The Biltmore Bar & Lounge, 6:30 pm
    • 26th: Jazz Happy Hour with Rev & Mabel @ The Biltmore Bar & Lounge, 5:00 pm
    • 26th: Ann Mitchell with Simon Fletcher @ Prosecco Italian Restaurant and Jazz Bar, 5:30 pm
    • 26th: Mike Pallini @ Lemoncello (E. Rochester), 6:00 pm
    • 26th: Raedwald and the State Street Stompers @ The Biltmore Bar & Lounge, 8:00 pm
    • 29th: Bob Sneider Trio @ The Little Theatre Cafe, 7:00 pm
    • 29th: Bop Arts presents David Murray & Kahil El’Zabar @ Bop Shop Records, 8:00 pm (more info & tickets, eventually…)
    • 30th: Greg Woodsbie Flextet @ Cheshire, 7:00 pm

    Looking for Live Jazz in July?

    • 1st: Jazz on the Deck: Darryl Parker Trio @ Canandaigua Country Club (Canandaigua), 5:00 pm
    • 1st: Gian Carlo Cervone’s Lakeview Hot Record Club @ The Biltmore Bar & Lounge, 6:30 pm
    • 2nd: Light Jazz with Bob Pizzutiello @ Strong Memorial Hospital Interfaith Chapel, 2:00 pm
    • 3rd: Mel Henderson & Marvin Dolly Duo @ Flight Wine Bar Downtown, 6:30 pm
    • 3rd: Rev and Mabel @ The Biltmore Bar & Lounge, 8:00 pm
    • 3rd: Simon Fletcher Trio @ Linden Social Club (Geneva), 8:00 pm
    • 4th: Luca Santana & Bienvenido Denzy @ Flight Wine Bar Downtown, 6:30 pm
    • 9th-12th: Syracuse Jazz Festival @ Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards & Syracuse University (website)
    • 9th: Eastman Summer: Jazz Student Small Ensemble Recital @ Kilbourn Hall, 3:30 pm
    • 9th: Swinging at the Biltmore @ The Biltmore Bar & Lounge, 6:30 pm
    • 10th: Eastman Summer: Jazz Student Large Ensemble Recital @ Kilbourn Hall, 3:30 pm
    • 10th: Jazz on Tap: Bob Sneider Trio @ Vine and Tap Wine Bar (Charlotte), 6:00 pm
    • 10th: Joel Kastner & Chuck Underwood @ Flight Wine Bar Downtown, 6:30 pm
    • 11th: Mike Pallini @ Lemoncello (E. Rochester), 6:00 pm
    • 11th: Ryan Johnson & Glen Cummings @ Flight Wine Bar Downtown, 6:30 pm
    • 11th: Darryl Parker Trio @ Annette’s American Bistro (Webster), 7:00 pm
    • 14th: WGMC Jazz 90.1 and The Ontario Beach Park Program Committee present Jazz at the Beach with On Clave @ Tropic Night Club (Charlotte), 7:00 pm
    • 14th: Bop Arts presents Barry Altschul, Joe Fonda, Kenny Wessel & Hayes Greenfield @ Bop Shop Records, 8:00 pm (more info & tickets)
    • 16th: Swinging at the Biltmore @ The Biltmore Bar & Lounge, 6:30 pm
    • 17th: Indigo Breeze Trio @ Lemoncello (E. Rochester), 6:00 pm
    • 17th: Andrew Martelle & Mike Van Allen @ Flight Wine Bar Downtown, 6:30 pm
    • 18th: Live Jazz Jam Session and Wine Tastings @ Vine and Tap Wine Bar (Charlotte), 2:00 pm
    • 18th: Mike & Julie Duo @ Lemoncello (E. Rochester), 6:00 pm
    • 18th: Mary DeFranco Jazz Trio @ The Biltmore Bar & Lounge, 8:00 pm
    • 20th: Uptown Groove Acoustic Duo @ Boccacini’s (Fairport), 7:00 pm
    • 22nd: Eastman Summer: Trombone Jazz Night Recital @ Kilbourn Hall, 3:30 pm
    • 23rd: Swinging at the Biltmore @ The Biltmore Bar & Lounge, 6:30 pm
    • 23rd: Uptown Groove Acoustic Duo @ Annette’s American Bistro (Webster), 7:00 pm
    • 24th: Darryl Parker Trio @ Backroom Lounge at The Record Archive, 7:00 pm
    • 24th: Jazz on Tap: ESP Trio @ Vine and Tap Wine Bar (Charlotte), 6:00 pm
    • 24th: Chris Cady Duo @ Lemoncello (E. Rochester), 6:00 pm
    • 24th: Daniel King & Keith Dudinski @ Flight Wine Bar Downtown, 6:30 pm
    • 25th: Marvin Dolly & Ed Croft @ Flight Wine Bar Downtown, 6:30 pm
    • 25th: Darryl Parker Trio @ Annette’s American Bistro (Webster), 7:00 pm
    • 30th: Swinging at the Biltmore @ The Biltmore Bar & Lounge, 6:30 pm
    • 31st: Jazz on Tap: Jon Randall Octet @ Vine and Tap Wine Bar (Charlotte), 6:00 pm
    • 31st: Mike Kelly & Dave Arenius @ Flight Wine Bar Downtown, 6:30 pm

    Some special live jazz even later …

    • August 15th: Clarissa Street Reunion: Honoring The Python Room (inducted into the Rochester Music Hall of Fame in 2026)
    • October 4th: Bop Arts presents Dimensionality @ Bop Shop Records, 8:00 pm (more info & tickets, eventually)
    • October 7th: Samara Joy with Septet @ Smith Center for the Arts (Geneva), 7:30 pm (tickets)
    • October 14th: Bop Arts presents New Origin Trio featuring Joe Fonda, Harvey Sorgen & Christophe Rocher @ Bop Shop Records, 8:00 pm (more info & tickets, eventually)
    • November 5th: Dirty Dozen Brass Band @ Smith Center for the Arts (Geneva), 7:30 pm (tickets on sale 4/10, 4/9 for members)
    • November 8th: Kleinhans Music Hall and JazzBuffalo present Nicole Zuraitis Quintet @ Kleinhans Music Hall, Mary Seaton Room, 3 Symphony Circle (Buffalo), 3:00 pm (more info & tickets)
    • November 13th: Rick Braun Plays Chuck Mangione @ Kodak Center, 7:00 pm (more info & presale tickets ending tomorrow at 10:00 pm, use offer passcode TROMBONE)
    • December 6th: Kleinhans Music Hall and JazzBuffalo present Swinging in the Holidays featuring Champian Fulton and Carmen Bradford @ Kleinhans Music Hall, Mary Seaton Room, 3 Symphony Circle (Buffalo), 3:00 pm (more info & tickets)
    • March 14, 2027: Alfredo Rodríguez Trio @ Kleinhans Music Hall, Mary Seaton Room, 3 Symphony Circle (Buffalo), 3:00 pm (more info & tickets)
    • April 22, 2027: Kleinhans Music Hall and JazzBuffalo present Branford Marsalis and Dianne Reeves Celebrate the Ballads of John Coltrane @ Kleinhans Music Hall, 3 Symphony Circle (Buffalo), 7:00 pm (more info & tickets)

    Click on the links where available for more information on the gig or tickets, or check out the venue’s website in the right panel. For the most part only start times for the gigs are listed, call the venue or visit their website for more details about when the doors open, how long the band will be playing, etc. Most shows do not have a cover. Please let me know if you’ve heard about any gigs that I may have missed here or if I have anything wrong  (see the Contact Us link above to send an email if that’s how you roll).  

    Categories:

  • The “jazz festival” before THE jazz festival is next weekend in Fairport

    2026 Fairport Canal Days logo

    As local jazz fans’ thoughts turn to the Rochester International Jazz Festival as we head into June, one local town festival Fairport Canal Days, features at lot of local jazz artists and when the weather cooperates provides an opportunity to hear them. Tim Forster, who is again heading up the music at the festival likes to think of it as “the jazz festival before the Jazz Festival,” dedicated to some of the Rochester area’s best talent and emerging artists.

    Here’s the jazz lineup based on what Tim has shared with us:

    Friday, June 5th

    Canal Nights at Fairport Junction Stage

    • Eastman Youth Jazz Orchestra (ECMS), 5:00-6:00 pm
    • Gateswingers Big Band, 6:30-7:30

    Saturday, June 6th

    Lift Bridge West Stage

    • Sarah De Vallière Trio, 10:30-11:30 am
    • Chiticalla, 12:00-1:00 pm
    • Bob Sneider Quartet, 1:30-2:30 pm
    • Ruckus Juice Jug Stompers, 3:00-4:00 pm
    • Funkyard Brass Band, 4:30-5:30 pm

    Fairport Junction Stage

    • SOTA MS Jazz Ensemble & SOTA Senior High Jazz Ensemble, 10:00-11:30 am
    • ER Jazz Band, 12:00-1:00 pm
    • Mike MacArthur Group, 3:00-4:00 pm
    • Lucas West, 4:30-5:30 pm

    Village Hall Stage

    • Benett Marconi, 10:30-11:30 pm
    • Mid-Century Modern Jazz Quartet, 12:00-1:00 pm
    • Los Pajaritos Duo, 4:30-5:30 pm

    Fairport Brewing Company Stage

    • Paradigm Shift, 12:00-1:00 pm
    • Charlie Reitz Duo, 1:30-2:30 pm
    • iSteel Music, 3:00-4:00 pm
    • Deepak Thettu & Friends, 4:30-6:00 pm

    Kennelley Gazebo (Eastman Community Music School)

    • New Horizons Jazz Ensemble, 12:00-1:00 pm
    • All In Brass with Tom Allen, 1:00-2:00 pm

    Sunday, June 7

    Lift Bridge West Stage

    • FHS Jazz Combo, 10:00-11:00 am
    • Trio Generations, 11:30 am-12:30 pm
    • Gregory St Vagabonds, 2:30-3:30 pm

    Fairport Junction Stage

    • JP Middle School Jazz Band & Fairport 9th Grade Jazz Band, 10:00-11:00 am
    • Fairport High School Jazz Band, 11:30 am-12:30 pm
    • Rick Holland Little Big Band, 1:00-2:00 pm
    • Bill Tiberio Band, 2:30-3:30 pm
    • Sofrito Latin Jazz Quintet, 4:00-5:00 pm

    Village Hall Stage

    • iSteel Music, 11:30 am-12:30 pm
    • Victrola Voila!, 1:00-2:00 pm
    • WILDyR Jazz Combo, 2:30-3:30 pm
    • Mid Century Jazz Quartet, 1:00-2:00 pm

    Kennelley Gazebo (Eastman Community Music School)

    • EMCS Jazz Performance Workshops, 10:00 am & 11:00 am (Bob Sneider, Dir.)
    • EMCS Jazz Performance Workshops, 12:00 pm & 1:00 pm (Mike Kaupa, Dir.)
    • EMCS Jazz Performance Workshops, 2:00 pm (Eric Heveron-Smith, Dir.)
    • New Horizons Big Band, 3:00 pm

    Of course there is a lot more music and other things to enjoy at FCD, including the running of the Rubber Ducks. Cross your fingers for warm and sunny weather!

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  • JazzRochester at the 2026 RIJF: My picks for June 20, 2026

    JazzRochester picks for June 20th at 2026 RIJF

    The Rochester International Jazz Festival offers many choices that pull you in different directions. But, you have to make a choice. So, you do you, but if you’re interested here are the artists/groups I am aiming to hear on June 20th, the second night of the 2026 RIJF. The headings are links to their RIJF page so you can check them out yourself. It is possible to go hear the full sets on these picks (depending on how fast you walk, in some cases). I’ve added links at the end to a couple more I wish I could fit in.

    Alexa Tarantino Quartet

    It’s great to see Alexa Tarantino getting a prominent place at the Rochester International Jazz Festival. Alexa is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music who has clearly made her way as a force to be reckoned with in the jazz world. I remember Tarantino gigging around Rochester while a student and heard her raw talent. Her career has blossomed since graduating from Eastman with a bachelor’s degree in Jazz Saxophone Performance and Music Education along with a Certificate in Arts Leadership. She also obtained a master’s degree in Jazz Studies from The Juilliard School. Recently, Tarantino was named to replace Ted Nash, the first woman in a permanent position in the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. She has also made a name as a leader. Tarantino was nominated as a “Rising Star – Alto Saxophone” in Downbeat Magazine’s Critics’ Poll in 2021 and 2020, and the JazzTimes Critics’ Poll named her one of the “Top 5 Alto Saxophonists of 2019”. Tarantino has also performed with Sherrie Maricle and the DIVA Jazz Orchestra, Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society, Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, and with Cécile McLorin Salvant among others. She is an RIJF Producer Pick as well.

    Venue: Kilbourn Hall (Club Pass)

    Time: 6:00 pm & 9:00 pm

    Bob James Trio

    Keyboardist, arranger, and record producer (and Producer Pick) Bob James made his mark at with producer Credd Taylor at his CTI label in the 1970s, where he helped build an innovative new sound that fused jazz with classical music and funk. During this period that he arranged for major CTI artists including saxophonist Stanley Turrentine, vibraphonist Milt Jackson, and saxophonist Grover Washington Jr. While still with CTI, James recorded his solo debut One in 1974, which featured the track “Nautilus,” which is one of the most sampled songs in hip-hop, which earned him the nickname the “unlikely godfather of hip-hop.” James co-founded the band Fourplay, a local favorite, which became a commercially successful smooth jazz group in the 1990s and beyond. He is widely regarded as the godfather of smooth jazz. While I’m not a major fan of this sub-genre in jazz, I think anyone who, like James, is always looking for something different is worth a listen.

    Venue: Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre (Club Pass)

    Time: 7:00 pm

    Harvey Mason’s Chameleon

    Producer Pick Harvey Mason is among the most recorded and in-demand drummers of all time — a legendary, he has been nominated for multiple Grammy’s as a session drummer, producer, composer, and recording artist. Mason started his career with jazz piano titan Erroll Garner in 1970. Mason played on Donald Byrd’s seminal fusion bestseller for Blue Note, Black Byrd. In 1974, he was asked by Herbie Hancock to join his new band, with which Hancock aimed to fuse jazz with funk and reach a larger audience. The result was one of jazz’s landmark recordings. Herbie Hancock’s million-selling Head Hunters, which contained the funk-jazz fusion classic Chameleon (co-composed by Mason) and an arrangement of Hancock’s 1962 standard Watermelon Man. Harvey Mason has worked with musical giants including Barbra Streisand, James Brown, Herbie Hancock, Beyoncé, Christina Aguilera, Usher, Jennifer Hudson, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Björk, Carlos Santana, Michael Jackson, John Legend, Seal, and the London Symphony Orchestra. He has also composed and written songs recorded by artists ranging from Nancy Wilson and Mary J. Blige to The Notorious B.I.G., Lupe Fiasco, and T.I. He linked up with Bob James as a founding member of Fourplay. As Mason has noted, naming his group “Chameleon . . .defines me. That’s what I identify myself as. I can easily switch into different areas of quality music.”

    Venue: Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre (Club Pass)

    Time: 9:30 pm

    You Might Also Consider …

    There were more choices than I had time or speed between venues to catch. I won’t be hearing these artists, but that doesn’t mean you can’t:

    Whatever you choose, I hope you take some chances and let something unexpected grab your ears. Tell me who you’re planning on seeing in the Comments below (for those of you who get the email, you’ll have to come to the site first). I’ll be back with more picks for the rest of the RIJF soon.

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  • JazzRochester at the 2026 RIJF: My picks for opening night, June 19, 2026

    JazzRochester picks for June 19th at 2026 RIJF

    The Rochester International Jazz Festival is less than a month away from filling the streets of downtown Rochester and JazzRochester will be there for all 9 days! I have a ritual for the first night of the Rochester International Jazz Festival. I come down early and walk around the East End footprint taking in the final frenzy of preparation for the festival to jump off and then begin, for me, a marathon of incredible music, friends, street food, and probably way too much alcohol and cigars for any 9-day stretch of life. Yes, my first night ritual includes the latter items…

    At the RIJF you are often confronted with so many choices, pulling you in different directions musically. Some may be imposed on you by timing, some by a line that suggests you may not get in, some by sheer accident after hearing raves about an artist you didn’t even have on your radar. But, you have to make a choice. So, you do you, but if you’re interested here are the artists/groups I am aiming to hear on the first night of the 2026 RIJF. The headings are links to their RIJF page so you can check them out yourself. It is possible to go hear the full sets on these picks (depending on how fast you walk, in some cases). I’ve added links to a few more who I wish I could fit in.

    Celebrating John Coltrane with Joe Lovano + Special Guests

    This year is the 100th anniversary of saxophonist John Coltrane’s birth. Joe Lovano and a one-time gathering of all-star musicians will be showing their “love supreme” for the jazz legend and, count them, four of the best saxmen in jazz will be stepping into Coltrane’s giant shoes to take a step and pay tribute to this legendary artist who influenced generations of jazz musicians. The band will include: Joe Lovano, George Garzone, Jerry Bergonzi, Tommy Smith, Leo Genovese, Peter Slavov, and Otis Brown III. This should be a special concert. This is one of the new series of jazz being presented to Club Pass holders in Kodak Hall. You’ll be seeing a lot from that series in the posts to come (and immediately below).

    Venue: Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre (Club Pass)

    Time: 9:30 pm

    Danilo Pérez Trio

    Grammy-winning Danilo Pérez is an incomparable pianist and composer, whether collaborating with Wayne Shorter (he and trio bassist John Patitucci spent more than 20 years playing in Shorter’s Quartet) or infusing a deep foundation in jazz tradition with a blend made up of his Panamanian roots, Latin and African rhythms and European impressionism. With drummer Adam Cruz, this trio is known for their deep and symbiotic connection while playing.

    Venue: Venue: Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre (Club Pass)

    Time(s): 7:00 pm

    The Rodriguez Brothers Celebrate Miles Davis’ 100th

    This year is another big milestone in jazz: Miles Davis would have turned 100 May 26th. Brothers Robert and Michael Rodriguez, on piano and trumpet respectively, will be celebrating the music of the “Prince of Darkness” by reimagining it through their Afro-Cuban and modern jazz lenses.

    Venue: June 19th: Max at Eastman Place (also June 20th: Montage Music Hall) (Club Pass)

    Time(s): June 19th: 6:15 & 10:00 pm (June 20th: 6:00 & 10:00 pm)

    You Might Also Consider …

    This first night presented me with a lot of choices and the timings just didn’t work to fit anyone else in. I won’t be hearing these artists, but that doesn’t mean you can’t:

    These are all Club Pass events. Just follow the links to find out venue and location.

    However you map out your night of music, try to give yourself room to change course if something unexpected grabs your ears. As RIJF Music Producer John Nugent says, “it’s not who you know, it’s who you don’t know….” Tell me who you’re planning on seeing in the Comments below (for those of you who get the email, you’ll have to come to the site first). I’ll be back with more picks after the regular listings post on Wednesday.

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Derrick Lucas Named 2026 JJA Jazz Hero

In addition to the musicians who play it, live jazz depends on many people to thrive in a community. Every year the Jazz Journalists Association (JJA) celebrates individuals from across the United States (and this for a first, London) as “Jazz Heros” in launching their annual Jazz Awards season during Jazz Appreciation Month and, climaxing…

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RIJF 2026

The 2026 Rochester International Jazz Festival: Exploring the Full Lineup and Changes Announcement

Lineup Announced On March 10th, and without a press conference this year, Marc Iacona and John Nugent, producers of the 23rd Edition of the Rochester International Jazz Festival, June 19-27, announced the festival’s full lineup. Starting this year, there also were earlier lineup announcements starting in November. The 9-day festival turns downtown Rochester into a…

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