Despite a fresh snowfall, festival season is just a few months away. This week, two of the city’s cornerstone summer celebrations have revealed some 2026 headliners. The Rochester Lilac Festival will fill Highland Park with homegrown and touring acts beginning May 8 and running through May 17. Each night has free live music, with local acts […]
Rochester International Jazz Festival
Posted inMusic
Concert Review | Thundercat
The bass virtuoso gave a neo-soul jazz masterclass at Kodak Hall on June 26.
Posted inSpecial Sections
June Editor’s Letter | Red Headed Stranger
On Willie Nelson’s bandana, more than a decade of jazz fest coverage — and getting out there for the arts.
Posted inSpecial Sections
Finding heaven
A year after family tragedy sidelined their tour, “Texican” rock band Los Lonely Boys plays Parcel 5 on June 26.
Posted inSpecial Sections
A 2025 Rochester International Jazz Festival primer
The basics on the 22nd annual fest, which runs June 20-28.
Posted inSpecial Sections
From classroom to concert
Two college students will lead ensembles at the Rochester International Jazz Festival this year.
Posted inSpecial Sections
Jazz Fest gets weird — in a good way
Neo-funk fusion, ASMR electronica and free improv color this year’s lineup.
Posted inSpecial Sections
Smokey Robinson will perform at Rochester International Jazz Festival, despite allegations
The Motown icon, accused of sexual assault by four former housekeepers, is the headlining act on June 20.
Posted inMusic
Concert Review | John Oates
Without his former creative partner, John Oates was under no obligation to play the hits at the CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival on Thursday.
Posted inMusic
Concert Review | Taj Mahal
The 82-year-old bluesman kicked off the 2024 CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival by melding island rhythms with Irish folk music and traditional fare.
Posted inMusic
Jazz Fest performers keep other musicians’ legacies alive
Jimi Hendrix, Steely Dan and funk legends The Meters find new life in 2024’s varied sets.
