The M&T Syracuse Jazz Fest will feature three major headline acts at its Silver Anniversary edition held at Onondaga Community College, June 29 through July 1: The legendary “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin, living jazz legend Dave Brubeck (repeat performance from his appearance at the RIJF), and jazz banjo great and jam band superstars, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones. But there is so much more:

• "Toots" Thielemans Trio featuring Kenny Werner and Oscar Castro-Neves
• Mose Allison
• David 'Fathead' Newman
• Chico Hamilton
• Jaco Pastorius Big Band w/ Special Guest Will Lee
• Beatlejazz
• Nancy Kelly Quartet
• Hiram Bullock
• Ed Palermo's Big Band tribute To Frank Zappa with Special Guest Napoleon Murphy Brock
• Howard Johnson & Gravity
• Harri Stojka A Tribute to Gypsy Swing
• The Steelheads

While there is no comparison in the number and variety of artists you can catch, there is one very important difference between the Syracuse and Rochester jazz festivals—the Syracuse festival is free. Here is the schedule. Check out the "Dos & Don'ts" about attending this year's festival (some new measures have been put in place due to this year's Virginia Tech tragedy).  You can even go and stay on the OCC campus (I believe it is in on campus housing) for $60 a night, sleeping up to 5.