• Fresh live jazz in and around Rochester, June 25-July 1, 2026 (and beyond)

    Jazz Sign (from the JALC)

    We’re past the mid-part of the Rochester International Jazz Festival and I’m still part of the living (although a bit haggard around the edges). Heading out to the RIJF through Saturday? 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 in this post are the other live jazz around Rochester, which we provide the other 356 days of the year.

    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 June and July, plus a start on August, plus some items of special interest beyond that.

    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, June 25, 2026

    • Vince Ercolamento Latin Jazz Experience Quartet, @ Lila’s, 5:00 pm
    • Mike Pullano @ Prosecco Italian Restaurant and Jazz Bar, 5:30 pm
    • Karl LaPorta @ Spritz 146 (East Rochester), 6:00 pm
    • The Flock @ The Trestle (Sodus Point), 6:00 pm
    • The Biltmore Commandos @ The Biltmore Bar & Lounge, 8:00 pm

    Friday, June 26, 2026

    • Ann Mitchell with Simon Fletcher @ Prosecco Italian Restaurant and Jazz Bar, 5:30 pm
    • Mike Pallini @ Lemoncello (E. Rochester), 6:00 pm
    • Larry Ferrante @ Spritz 146 (East Rochester), 6:00 pm
    • Bob Sneider Trio @ The Trestle (Sodus Point), 7:00 pm
    • Raedwald and the State Street Stompers @ The Biltmore Bar & Lounge, 8:00 pm

    Saturday, June 27, 2026

    • Special Blend Trio @ Prosecco Italian Restaurant and Jazz Bar, 5:30 pm
    • Giovanni Vona @ Spritz 146 (East Rochester), 6:00 pm
    • Cool Club & the Lipker Sisters @ Irondequoit Beer Co., 6:00 pm
    • Sonic Chasers Trio @ Annette’s American Bistro (Webster), 7:00 pm
    • The Leon Hsu Group @ The Trestle (Sodus Point), 7:00 pm
    • Steve Grills and the Roadmasters, Nitecap Blues, 233 Mill St. (High Falls), 8:00 pm

    Sunday, June 28, 2026 

    • Heart Throbs Trad Jazz Band @ Spotted Octopus Brewing, 3:00 pm

    Monday, June 29, 2026

    • Bob Sneider Trio @ The Little Theatre Cafe, 7:00 pm
    • Bop Arts presents David Murray & Kahil El’Zabar @ Bop Shop Records, 8:00 pm (more info & tickets, eventually…)
    • Rick Holland Little Big Band with Lindsey Holland @ The Biltmore Bar & Lounge, 8:00 pm

    Tuesday, June 30, 2026

    • Bossa Nova Bradley Brothers @ Lila’s, 5:00 pm
    • Cool Club with Marilla, Dave & Rick @ Wood Library (Canandaigua), 6:00 pm
    • Greg Woodsbie Flextet @ Cheshire, 7:00 pm

    Wednesday, July 1, 2026

    • Jazz on the Deck: Darryl Parker Trio @ Canandaigua Country Club (Canandaigua), 5:00 pm
    • Gian Carlo Cervone’s Lakeview Hot Record Club @ The Biltmore Bar & Lounge, 6:30 pm
    Categories:
  • JazzRochester at the 2026 RIJF: My picks for June 25, 2026

    Image of JazzRochester picks for June 25th at 2026 RIJF:

    The seventh night of the Rochester International Jazz Festival is filled with artists I want to hear. My choices are a blend of my diverse tastes, a yearning to explore new musical genres, and, regrettably, timing. So, you do you, but if you’re interested, here are the artists/groups I am aiming to hear at the 2026 RIJF on June 25th. The headings are links to their RIJF pages 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 few more I wish I could fit in.

    Camila Meza

    Born in Santiago, Chile, Camila Meza was exposed to a broad musical world through her siblings and, after starting her career in Chile, moved to NYC at 23, graduated from The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music and began bringing her talents as a vocalist, guitarist and composer in the NYC jazz scene and festivals. She has been a member of Ryan Keberle’s Catharsis and Fabian Almazan’s Rhizome, and played with Paquito D’Rivera, Aaron Goldberg, Sachal Vasandani, and many more artists. Meza was named the #1 Rising Star Female Vocalist by Downbeat Magazine in 2022. Debuting as a leader in 2007, Meza recently released her sixth album, Portal, which is her first record consisting entirely of her original compositions. The album blends jazz with Latin American influences, Brazilian rhythms and electronic elements.

    Venue:  Kilbourn Hall

    Time: 6:00 pm & 9:00 pm

    Isaiah J. Thompson Trio

    This pianist and composer started touring with Wynton Marsalis in several of his projects around the time he graduated from Juilliard, and then joined the John Pizzarelli Trio in 2019 and has performed with Christian McBride, Steve Turre, Catherine Russell, and Buster Williams. A struggle with tendonitis in his arms that limited his playing made him reassess his priorities, become more spiritual, and pursue more education at the Fuller Theological Seminary. A little over a year ago, Thompson released an ambitious and personal album on Mack Avenue, The Book of Isaiah: Modern Jazz Ministry, which is an autobiographical suite of music exploring faith, musicianship, race, and humanity, produced by legendary pianist Cyrus Chestnut. Thompson was a featured interview in the October 2025 issue of Downbeat Magazine.

    Venue: Max of Eastman Place (Thompson is also playing solo piano on June 26th in Hatch Recital Hall)

    Time: 6:15 pm & 10:00 pm (on the 26th, 5:45 pm & 7:45 pm)

    Trane of Thought

    Canadian saxophonists Pat LaBarbera (he was born near Rochester in Mt. Morris) and Kirk MacDonald have been playing together since MacDonald was a student of Pat’s at Humber College. Their deep and shared connection to the music of John Coltrane eventually led them to the Trane of Thought collaboration, and for many years they have performed an annual tribute to Coltrane since at the famed jazz club at the Rex Hotel in Toronto and elsewhere. With the centennial of Coltrane’s birth now upon us, they have continued that tradition. LaBarbera has even expanded on the theme through his collaboration on the Coltrane Sutras project. Trane of Thought is an RIJF Producer’s Pick.

    Venue: The Inn on Broadway

    Time: 5:45 pm & 7:45 pm

    You Might Also Consider …

    I won’t be hearing these artists, despite wishing I could, but that doesn’t mean you can’t:

    • Tessa Souter. This vocalist is an RIJF frequent flyer (and festival favorite).
    • Laura Dubin Trio. A local favorite who always brings something different.
    • Robin McKelle & the Flytones Stax Soul Sessions (opening for Galactic). Robin was born in Rochester and her singing and composing cross all genres, including jazz, blues and, here, the Stax Records soul sound. McKelle is an RIJF Producer’s Pick. She’s also appearing on the Jazz Street Stage on the 26th.

    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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  • 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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