• Fresh live jazz in and around Rochester, June 18-24 (and beyond)

    Neon Jazz Club sign with There is Jazz Out there

    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.

    Heading out to the Rochester International Jazz Festival? Check out my picks for what I’ll be wrapping my ears around at the RIJF and follow all of our RIJF coverage by selecting the Category RIJF 2026. The listings here are the other live jazz around Rochester. . . .

    Thursday, June 18, 2026

    • Vince Ercolamento & Higher Ground Quartet featuring Joe Chiappone @ Lila’s 5:00 pm
    • Marco Amadio @ Prosecco Italian Restaurant and Jazz Bar, 5:30 pm
    • John Nyerges @ Vanni’s Jazz Lounge at the Inn on Broadway, 6:00 pm
    • Dan Dovideo @ Spritz 146 (East Rochester), 6:00 pm
    • Side Step @ The Little Theatre Cafe, 7:00 pm
    • Marye Lobb & Ryan Johnson @ Annette’s American Bistro (Webster), 7:00 pm
    • Bill Tiberio Septet @ Remedy at the Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack, 7:00 pm
    • Rick Holland Little Big Band with Lindsey Holland @ The Biltmore Bar & Lounge, 8:00 pm

    Friday, June 19, 2026

    • Darryl Parker Trio @ Rochester HarborFest, 3:30 pm
    • Beach Avenue Band @ Vanni’s Jazz Lounge at the Inn on Broadway (Patio), 4:00 pm
    • Adam Lynch @ Prosecco Italian Restaurant and Jazz Bar, 5:30 pm
    • Mike & Julie Duo @ Lemoncello (E. Rochester), 6:00 pm
    • Indigo Breeze Bone Trio @ Harborfest at Ontario Beach Park, 6:00 pm
    • Celebrate Juneteenth with Ron Carter & Foursight to benefit the The Black Community Focus Fund @ Hochstein Performance Hall, 6:00 pm (more info & tickets)
    • Higher Ground Jazz Duo with John Nyerges @ Ravenswood Golf Club 6:00 pm
    • Side Step @ The Trestle (Sodus Point), 7:00 pm
    • The Momentum Trio @ Spritz 146 (East Rochester), 7:00 pm

    Saturday, June 20, 2026

    • Father’s Day Brunch with DJ Shann playing jazz, R&B & Motown @ Annette’s American Bistro, 10:30 am
    • Live Jazz Jam Session and Wine Tastings with Jack’s Jammers @ Vine and Tap Wine Bar (Charlotte), 2:00-4:00 pm
    • Darryl Parker Trio @ Rochester HarborFest, 3:30 pm
    • Michael Sidoti @ Prosecco Italian Restaurant and Jazz Bar, 5:30 pm
    • Eric, Dan & Kara Trio @ Annette’s American Bistro (Webster), 7:00 pm
    • Side Step @ The Trestle (Sodus Point), 7:00 pm
    • Pullano & Price @ Spritz 146 (East Rochester), 7:00 pm

    Sunday, June 21, 2026 

    • Darryl Parker Trio @ Rochester HarborFest, 3:30 pm
    • Cool Club & the Lipker Sisters @ Rose Hill Mansion (Geneva), 5:00 pm

    Monday, June 22, 2026

    • Side Step/Jam Session @ Eden Coffee (East end), 3:00 pm
    • History of Jazz Piano Workshop featuring Jeremy Sisskind @ Spritz 146 (East Rochester), 6:00 pm

    Tuesday, June 23, 2026

    • Paradigm Shift @ Courtyard Hotel (Downtown), 4:00 pm
    • Djangoners @ Lila’s 5:00 pm
    • Uptown Groove Acoustic Duo @ Stromboli’s, 7:00 pm
    • Greg Woodsbie Flextet @ Cheshire, 7:00 pm

    Wednesday, June 24, 2026

    • Rochester Community Foundation Evening Out with Jazz (including a “fireside chat” with Tito Puente, Jr, Nestor Torres, and Simeon Banister), supporting the Arts & Culture Fund @ The Mercantile on Main, 4:30 to 7:00 (more info & tickets)
    • Mike Kelly Quartet @ Backroom Lounge at the Record Archive, 5:00 pm
    • Ann Mitchell with Simon Fletcher @ Canandaigua Country Club, 5:30 pm
    • Ben Miller @ Spritz 146 (East Rochester), 6:00 pm
    Looking for some live jazz later this month and beyond? Then click on the arrow to open it up here . . . .
    • 25th: Vince Ercolamento and the Latin Jazz Experience @ Lila’s 5:00 pm
    • 25th: Mike Pullano @ Prosecco Italian Restaurant and Jazz Bar, 5:30 pm
    • 25th: Karl LaPorta @ Spritz 146 (East Rochester), 6:00 pm
    • 25th: The Flock @ The Trestle (Sodus Point), 6:00 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: Larry Ferrante @ Spritz 146 (East Rochester), 6:00 pm
    • 26th: Bob Sneider Trio @ The Trestle (Sodus Point), 7:00 pm
    • 26th: Raedwald and the State Street Stompers @ The Biltmore Bar & Lounge, 8:00 pm
    • 27th: Special Blend Trio @ Prosecco Italian Restaurant and Jazz Bar, 5:30 pm
    • 27th: Giovanni Vona @ Spritz 146 (East Rochester), 6:00 pm
    • 27th: Cool Club & the Lipker Sisters @ Irondequoit Beer Co., 6:00 pm
    • 27th: Sonic Chasers Trio @ Annette’s American Bistro (Webster), 7:00 pm
    • 27th: The Leon Hsu Group @ The Trestle (Sodus Point), 7:00 pm
    • 28th: Heart Throbs Trad Jazz Band @ Spotted Octopus Brewing, 3:00 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…)
    • 29th: Rick Holland Little Big Band with Lindsey Holland @ The Biltmore Bar & Lounge, 8:00 pm
    • 30th: Bossa Nova Bradley Brothers @ Lila’s 5:00 pm
    • 30th: Cool Club with Marilla, Dave & Rick @ Wood Library (Canandaigua), 6:00 pm
    • 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
    • 2nd: Fred DiCesare @ Prosecco Italian Restaurant and Jazz Bar, 5:30 pm
    • 2nd: Margaret Explosion @ The Little Theatre Cafe, 7:00 pm
    • 3rd: Fred Vine Trio @ The Biltmore Bar & Lounge, 5:00 pm
    • 3rd: Jim Nugent @ Prosecco Italian Restaurant and Jazz Bar, 5:30 pm
    • 3rd: The Flock @ The Trestle (Sodus Point), 6:00 pm
    • 3rd: Cinque Quintet @ Vine and Tap Wine Bar (Charlotte), 6:00 pm
    • 3rd: Mel Henderson & Marvin Dolly Duo @ Flight Wine Bar Downtown, 6:30 pm
    • 3rd: Annie Wells Band @ The Little Theatre Cafe, 7:00 pm
    • 3rd: Simon Fletcher Trio @ Linden Social Club (Geneva), 8:00 pm
    • 4th: Connie Fredericks Malone @ Prosecco Italian Restaurant and Jazz Bar, 5:30 pm
    • 4th: Luca Santana & Bienvenido Denzy @ Flight Wine Bar Downtown, 6:30 pm
    • 6th: Blue Barn Cats @ The Little Theatre Cafe, 7:00 pm
    • 8th: Dean Keller Soul Jazz Joint @ The Little Theatre Cafe, 7:00 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: Ryan Johnson Duo @ Prosecco Italian Restaurant and Jazz Bar, 5:30 pm
    • 10th: Eastman Summer: Jazz Student Large Ensemble Recital @ Kilbourn Hall, 3:30 pm
    • 10th: Mike Pallini @ Prosecco Italian Restaurant and Jazz Bar, 5:30 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
    • 10th: Trio East @ The Little Theatre Cafe, 7:00 pm
    • 11th: Moondance Trio @ Prosecco Italian Restaurant and Jazz Bar, 5:30 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
    • 13th: Blue Barn Cats @ The Little Theatre Cafe, 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)
    • 15th: Jon Randall Quartet @ The Little Theatre Cafe, 7:00 pm
    • 16th: Marco Amadio @ Prosecco Italian Restaurant and Jazz Bar, 5:30 pm
    • 16th: John Troy Group @ Vanni’s Jazz Lounge at the Inn on Broadway, 6:00 pm
    • 17th: Connie Fredericks Malone @ Prosecco Italian Restaurant and Jazz Bar, 5:30 pm
    • 17th: Indigo Breeze Trio @ Lemoncello (E. Rochester), 6:00 pm
    • 17th: Beach Avenue Band @ Vine and Tap Wine Bar (Charlotte), 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: Michael Sidoti @ Prosecco Italian Restaurant and Jazz Bar, 5:30 pm
    • 18th: Mike & Julie Duo @ Lemoncello (E. Rochester), 6:00 pm
    • 18th: Laura Dubin & Antonio Guerrero @ The Little Theatre Cafe, 7:00 pm
    • 18th: Mary DeFranco Jazz Trio @ The Biltmore Bar & Lounge, 8:00 pm
    • 20th: Blue Barn Cats @ The Little Theatre Cafe, 7:00 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: Mike Pullano @ Prosecco Italian Restaurant and Jazz Bar, 5:30 pm
    • 23rd: Rich Thompson Trio @ The Little Theatre Cafe, 7:00 pm
    • 23rd: Uptown Groove Acoustic Duo @ Annette’s American Bistro (Webster), 7:00 pm
    • 24th: Ann Mitchell Jazz Duo @ Prosecco Italian Restaurant and Jazz Bar, 5:30 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
    • 24th: Steve Grillls and the Roadmasters @ The Little Theatre Cafe, 7:00 pm
    • 24th: Raedwald and the State Street Stompers @ The Biltmore Bar & Lounge, 8:00 pm
    • 25th: Special Blend Trio @ Prosecco Italian Restaurant and Jazz Bar, 5:30 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
    • 26th: Dean Keller’s Soul Jazz Joint @ The Little Theatre Cafe, 7:00 pm
    • 27th: Blue Barn Cats @ The Little Theatre Cafe, 7:00 pm
    • 30th: GateSwingers Big Band @ Casa Largo Winery (Fairport), 6:00 pm
    • 30th: Rick Holland Quartet @ The Little Theatre Cafe, 7:00 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
    • 31st: Bop Arts presents Todd Marcus/Virginia MacDonald Quintet @ Bop Shop Records, 8:00 pm (more info & tickets)

    Looking Out into August for Live Jazz?

    • 1st: NPV @ House of Guitars, outside stage (Irondequoit), 2:00 pm
    • 7th: Indigo Breeze Trio @ Lemoncello (E. Rochester), 6:00 pm
    • 8th: NPV @ Psychic Garden, 8:00 pm
    • 10th: WGMC Jazz 90.1 presents Bill Tiberio & Friends @ Jazz Cruise on the Colonial Belle (Fairport), 6:30 pm (more info & tickets)
    • 14th: Jazz on Tap: The Darryl Parker Trio @ Vine and Tap Wine Bar (Charlotte), 6:30 pm
    • 15th: Clarissa Street Reunion: Honoring The Python Room (inducted into the Rochester Music Hall of Fame in 2026) (more info)
    • 15th: Live Jazz Jam Session and Wine Tastings with Jack’s Jammers @ Vine and Tap Wine Bar (Charlotte), 2:00-4:00 pm
    • 21st: Jazz on Tap: Jazz Generation @ Vine and Tap Wine Bar (Charlotte), 6:30 pm
    • 28th: Jazz on Tap: Paradigm Shift @ Vine and Tap Wine Bar (Charlotte), 6:30 pm

    Some special live jazz even later …

    • 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, 7:30 pm (more info & tickets)
    • 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:

  • Rochester’s local musicians shine at the 2026 RIJF

    Jazz Street at the 2024 RIJF

    Every June, the nine days of the Rochester International Jazz Festival lights up the city, drawing international attention to our vibrant music scene. However, it’s important not to overlook the exceptional jazz and music talent we have right here at home the other 356 days of the year. From incredibly talented jazz bands from local high schools to Eastman School of Music students and faculty to acclaimed year-round professionals, many of Rochester’s local musicians take the stage at RIJF, giving you an opportunity to hear them in a festival setting and discover artists worth following all year long (in these pages, I hope…). Celebrating local music, this year the RIJF has increased the visibility of our local artists, replacing the Club Pass venue Big Tent with a free Wegman’s Pavilion in its redesigned “Rhythm Square” that spotlights Rochester’s own and sprinkling them into the Club Pass venues as well.

    Below, you’ll find this year’s lineup of local musicians and groups at RIJF. Check their page on the RIJF’s site for more (many of them have websites on our Rochester Jazz Musicians and Groups page). If we’ve missed anyone, drop me a note and I’ll be happy to add them. I’ve noted the ones that are Club Pass, but the rest are free.

    Friday, June 19, 2025

    • Harley School Jazz Band @ Jazz Street Stage, 3:45 pm
    • Greece Arcadia High School Jazz Band @ Jazz Street Stage, 4:30 pm
    • Pittsford Sutherland High School @ Jazz Street Stage, 5:15 pm
    • Paul Hofmann & Bob Sneider Play Stevie Wonder @ Hatch Recital Hall, 5:45 pm
    • All in Brass Band @ Wegmans Pavilion, 6:00 pm
    • The Campbell Brothers @ Temple Theater, 9:15 pm (Club Pass)
    • Jimmie Highsmith Jr. @ Wegmans Pavilion, 9:30 pm
    • Jam Session Led by Ryan Johnson @ Vanni’s Jazz Lounge at The Inn on Broadway, 10:30 pm
    • Jam Session Led by Mike Cottone @ Squeezers at the Hyatt Regency Rochester, 10:30 pm

    Saturday, June 20, 2025

    • Greece Olympia High School Jazz Band @ Jazz Street Stage, 3:45 pm
    • Penfield High School Jazz Band @ Jazz Street Stage, 4:30 pm
    • School of the Arts Jazz Band @ Jazz Street Stage, 5:15 pm
    • 78 Rpm Big Band @ Wegmans Pavillion, 6:00 pm
    • Ryan Johnson & Escape Terrain @ Wegmans Pavillion, 7:45 pm
    • Judah Sealy @ Wegmans Pavillion, 7:45 pm
    • Jam Session Led by Ryan Johnson @ Vanni’s Jazz Lounge at The Inn on Broadway, 10:30 pm
    • Jam Session Led by Mike Cottone @ Squeezers at the Hyatt Regency Rochester, 10:30 pm

    Sunday, June 21, 2025

    • Gates High School Jazz Band @ Jazz Street Stage, 3:45 pm
    • Joey Stempian Big Band @ Jazz Street Stage, 4:30 pm
    • Joey Stempian Big Band @ Jazz Street Stage, 5:15 pm
    • Penfield Big Band @ Wegmans Pavillion, 6:00 pm
    • Bill Tiberio Band @ The Duke, 7:30 pm & 9:45 pm (Club Pass)
    • Dirty Blanket @ Wegmans Pavilion, 7:45 pm
    • Fall Creek Brass Band @ Wegmans Pavillion, 9:30 pm
    • Jam Session Led by Ryan Johnson @ Vanni’s Jazz Lounge at The Inn on Broadway, 10:30 pm
    • Jam Session Led by Bob Sneider @ Squeezers at the Hyatt Regency Rochester, 10:30 pm

    Monday, June 22, 2025

    • Mike Melito @ Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, 12:00 pm
    • Webster Thomas High School Jazz Band @ City of Rochester Jazz Street Stage presented by the Community Foundation, 3:45 pm
    • Spencerport High School Jazz Band @ City of Rochester Jazz Street Stage presented by the Community Foundation, 4:30 pm
    • Brockport High School Jazz Band @ City of Rochester Jazz Street Stage presented by the Community Foundation, 5:15 pm
    • Charles Pillow Octet featuring Amy Azzara @ The Inn on Broadway, 5:30 pm & 7:45 pm (Club Pass)
    • ESM Jazz Honors Unit 1 @ Jazz Street Stage, 6:00 pm
    • Brockport Big Band @ Wegmans Pavilion, 6:00 pm
    • RIJF-ESM Scholarship Concert @ Jazz Street Stage, 7:30 pm & 9:30 pm
    • Novasonic @ Wegmans Pavilion, 7:45 pm
    • Europa @ Wegmans Pavilion, 9:30 pm
    • Jam Session Led by Ryan Johnson @ Vanni’s Jazz Lounge at The Inn on Broadway, 10:30 pm
    • Jam Session Led by Bob Sneider @ Squeezers at the Hyatt Regency Rochester, 10:30 pm

    Tuesday, June 23, 2025

    • Prime Time Brass @ Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, 12:00 pm
    • Alexander High School Jazz Band @ Jazz Street Stage, 3:45 pm
    • Webster Schroeder High School Jazz Band @ Jazz Street Stage, 4:30 pm
    • Greece Athena High School Jazz Band @ Jazz Street Stage, 5:15 pm
    • Harold Danko @ Hatch Recital Hall, 5:45 & 7:45 pm (Club Pass
    • Greece Jazz Band @ Wegmans Pavilion, 6:00 pm
    • Music Educators Big Band @ Jazz Street Stage, 5:15 pm
    • Sarah De Valliere & the Rhythmwell @ Wegmans Pavillion, 7:45 pm
    • Viavattine Brothers @ Wegmans Pavillion, 9:30 pm
    • Jam Session Led by Ryan Johnson @ Vanni’s Jazz Lounge at The Inn on Broadway, 10:30 pm
    • Jam Session Led by Bob Sneider @ Squeezers at the Hyatt Regency Rochester, 10:30 pm

    Wednesday, June 24, 2025

    • Mel Henderson 4tet @ Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, 12:00 pm
    • Honeoye Falls-Lima High School Jazz Band @ Jazz Street Stage, 3:45 pm
    • West Irondequoit High School Jazz Band @ Jazz Street Stage, 4:30 pm
    • Pittsford Mendon High School Jazz Band @ Jazz Street Stage, 5:15 pm
    • New Horizons Jazz Ensemble @ Wegmans Pavilion, 6:00 pm
    • ECMS Faculty with Special Guest Vocalists @ Jazz Street Stage, 6:00 pm
    • Grupo Ife @ Wegmans Stage at Parcel 5, 7:00 pm
    • Rochester Metro Jazz Orchestra @ Jazz Street Stage, 7:30 & 9:30 pm
    • Almost There Band @ Wegmans Pavillion, 7:45 pm
    • Public Water Supply @ Wegmans Pavillion, 9:30 pm
    • Jam Session Led by Ryan Johnson @ Vanni’s Jazz Lounge at The Inn on Broadway, 10:30 pm
    • Jam Session Led by Bob Sneider @ Squeezers at the Hyatt Regency Rochester, 10:30 pm

    Thursday, June 25, 2025

    • Katy Eberts @ Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, 12:00 pm
    • Brighton High School Jazz Band @ Jazz Street Stage, 3:45 pm
    • Victor High School Jazz Band @ Jazz Street Stage, 4:30 pm
    • Canandaigua High School Jazz Band @ Jazz Street Stage, 5:15 pm
    • Laura Dubin Trio @ Hatch Recital Hall, 5:45 pm & 7:45 pm (Club Pass)
    • ESM Jazz Honors Unit 2 @ Jazz Street Stage, 6:00 pm
    • Victor High School Jazz Band @ Wegmans Pavillion, 6:00 pm
    • Robin Mc Kelle & the Flytones Stax Soul Sessions @ Wegmans Stage at Parcel 5, 7:00 pm
    • Excursion Jazz Orchestra, Don Sherman, Dir. @ Wegmans Pavillion, 7:45 pm
    • Scoulive Celebrating the Music of John Scofield and Soulive @ Wegmans Pavillion, 9:30 pm
    • Jam Session Led by Ryan Johnson @ Vanni’s Jazz Lounge at The Inn on Broadway, 10:30 pm
    • Jam Session Led by Bob Sneider @ Squeezers at the Hyatt Regency Rochester, 10:30 pm

    Friday, June 26, 2025

    • Margaret Explosion @ Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, 12:00 pm
    • Fairport High School Jazz Band @ Jazz Street Stage, 3:45 pm
    • Bloomfield High School Jazz Band @ Jazz Street Stage, 4:30 pm
    • Eastridge High School Jazz Band @ Jazz Street Stage, 5:15 pm
    • Mike Kaupa’s Eastman Community Music School Ensembles & Junior Jazz @ Jazz Street Stage, 6:00 pm
    • Prime Time Brass @ Wegmans Pavillion, 6:00 pm
    • Mambo Kings @ Wegmans Pavillion, 7:45 pm
    • Freddy Colon & 5 Con Swing @ Wegmans Pavillion, 9:30 pm
    • Robin Mc Kelle & the Flytones Stax Soul Sessions @ Jazz Street Stage, 9:30 pm
    • Jam Session Led by Ryan Johnson @ Vanni’s Jazz Lounge at The Inn on Broadway, 10:30 pm
    • Jam Session Led by Mike Cottone @ Squeezers at the Hyatt Regency Rochester, 10:30 pm

    Saturday, June 27, 2025

    • Pal-Mac High School Jazz Band @ Jazz Street Stage, 3:45 pm
    • Multi-School Jazz Band @ Jazz Street Stage, 4:30 pm
    • University of Rochester Jazz Ensemble @ Jazz Street Stage, 5:15 pm
    • C.M.D. @ The Inn on Broadway, 5:15 pm & 7:45 pm (Club Pass)
    • ESM Jazz Honors Unit 3 @ Jazz Street Stage, 6:00 pm
    • The GateSwingers Big Band @ Wegmans Pavillion, 6:00 pm
    • Cinnamon Jones @ Wegmans Stage at Parcel 5, 7:00 pm
    • Black Rabbit @ Wegmans Pavillion, 7:45 pm
    • Aaron Deruyter & the Confluence @ Wegmans Pavillion, 9:30 pm
    • Jam Session Led by Ryan Johnson @ Vanni’s Jazz Lounge at The Inn on Broadway, 10:30 pm
    • Jam Session Led by Mike Cottone @ Squeezers at the Hyatt Regency Rochester, 10:30 pm

    Click to Check Out the Rest of our RIJF Coverage

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  • JazzRochester at the 2026 RIJF: My picks for June 21, 2026

    JazzRochester picks for June 21st at 2026 RIJF

    The third night of the Rochester International Jazz Festival again offers many choices pulling you in different directions. So, you do you, but if you’re interested here are the artists/groups I am aiming to hear on June 21st 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.

    Arturo Sandoval

    A protégé of Dizzy Gillespie, he co-founded the groundbreaking Cuban jazz group Irakere (one of my favorites) with saxophonist Paquito D’Rivera and pianist Chucho Valdés in 1973, helping ignite the Afro-Cuban jazz fusion movement with its blend of bebop, classical, and Afro-Cuban traditional music and rhythms. Known for his ability to mine the upper register of his trumpet, Sandoval is still hitting the notes and hitting them fast well into his 70s. He and his band cook and may have some folks dancing in the aisles in Kodak Hall.

    Venue: Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre

    Time: 7:00 pm & 9:30 pm

    Makoto Ozone & Tommy Smith

    Japanese pianist Makoto Ozone joins Scottish saxophonist (and RIJF frequent flyer) Tommy Smith for a duo performance. The intimacy of a duo performance by these two masters who have worked together repeatedly since being in Gary Burton’s Quartet should be special (again … they were last at the RIJF together in 2016, which was the only year of the festival I have missed). This one is a RIJF Producer Pick.

    Venue: Kilbourn Hall

    Time: 6:00 pm & 9:00 pm

    Joe Farnsworth Quartet featuring Sarah Hanahan

    I like to end a night in Max at Eastman Place, and drummer Joe Farnsworth’s Quartet with saxophonist Sarah Hanahan will likely be a great on my third night at the RIJF. Farnsworth has appeared at the RIJF many times as a leader and side-man. Hanahan was named a Rising Star in last year in Downbeat’s 2025 Critics’ Poll. How Farnsworth and Hanahan came together illustrates the mentorship that often occurs across generations in jazz. The two first met during the pandemic, when Hanahan came by Farnsworth’s place for a livestream he was doing with saxophonist Eric Alexander. Farnsworth recounts that during that session when she hit a certain note, it “was kind of raw and mean, but that note, I swear to God, gave me goosebumps. I could hear the spirit of Jackie [McLean], McCoy and Pharoah inside her.”

    Venue: Max at Eastman Place

    Time: 6:15 pm & 9:15 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.

    Click to Check Out the Rest of our RIJF Coverage

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