Of all the bands that I wanted to see on Sunday night, and of those I hadn’t seen before, The Stretch Orchestra at Montage Music Hall was at the top of my list. I’ve seen this Canuck trio in parts — as solo artists or sidemen — and knew the total would surely outweigh the […]
XRIJF
JAZZ FEST 2013, Day 3: Willie reviews Mike Brignola and Friends, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet
For my Sunday night at the Jazz Fest, I was back at the Rochester Club for Mike Brignola and Friends. Sometimes at the festival I have to make concessions, and even though baritone sax isn’t tuba, it still dances low enough in my range-likings to be worth checking out. But, there was just something off […]
JAZZ FEST 2013, Day 3: Ron reviews Rafael Zaldivar, Christian Wallumrod Ensemble, Dave Rivello Ensemble
I chose my Sunday night venues with the best of intentions. After researching all of the acts, watching videos, and listening to the music, I picked what I thought would be the best shows. So I was surprised to be disappointed by two out of three of them. Rafael Zaldivar is an excellent pianist, but […]
JAZZ FEST 2013, Day 2: Ron reviews Matt Herskowitz, Terell Stafford, Bruce Barth and Steve Nelson
There are always a few acts at the XRIJF that I’ve never heard of before the festival, but I can’t stop talking about after I’ve seen them. Pianist Matt Herskowitz is now on that list. Before describing him I want to say that I do hope the Steinway in Hatch Hall recovers from the (positive) […]
JAZZ FEST 2013, Day 2: Willie reviews YolanDa Brown, Halie Loren Trio, Loren and Mark, and Shuffle Demons
First up for me Saturday at the 2013 Jazz Fest was the Halie Loren Trio at the Rochester Club. It’s an interesting venue (food and jazz at the same time!), and Loren’s trio fit the space well. The act created music that was more fit for the background of a conversation than it was being […]
JAZZ FEST 2013, Day 2: Frank reviews Willie Nelson, Dr. Lonnie Smith, John Mooney
The sky was cryin’ as me and my baby (now married six years) made our way to the festival site Saturday. First up: Dr. Lonnie Smith at Kilbourn Hall. Smith and his band — guitar and drums — came out to initially build a groove from next to nothing. It was if they were making […]
JAZZ FEST 2013, Day 1: Ron reviews Christian McBride, Thiefs, Patricia Barber, Trondheim Jazz Orchestra
Hearing all of the Scandinavian groups at the Lutheran Church over the years, I’ve often been curious about their distant, thrice-removed perception of jazz. After all, they are not only more than half a century away from the golden age of jazz, they’re also a continent and culture away. Friday night Norway’s Trondheim Jazz Orchestra […]
JAZZ FEST 2013, Day 1: Frank reviews Nikki Yanofsky, Dr. John, Hackensaw Boys, Pink Martini
With the longest line I’ve ever scene snaking out of the Harro East Ballroom — down around the block and all the way up Liberty Pole Way — the 2013 Rochester International Jazz Festival kicked off in style Friday night. It was gorgeous outside as I made my way into the early show of the […]
JAZZ FEST 2013: City’s Daily Jazz Blogs
The 2013 Xerox International Jazz Festival runs June 21-29, and City Newspaper has all the reviews, bios, schedules, and other information to make sure that you make the most of the festival. EVERY NIGHT of the festival City’s music bloggers will be out covering multiple shows. Check in first thing each morning for photos and […]
JAZZ FEST 2013: Meet City’s jazz bloggers
Ron Netsky My involvement with music started with my family. My grandfather was a bandleader, my uncle was a composer for Broadway shows, and both of my brothers were (and still are) musicians. My interest in jazz in particular can be traced to my younger brother Hankus, who was always practicing Joe Henderson tunes on […]
JAZZ FEST 2013: Jazz Fest Photo Retrospective
This year marks the 12th edition of the Rochester International Jazz Festival. City Newspaper has been covering the event from the beginning, and staff photographer Frank De Blase has literally hundreds of shots of the artists who have played the festival over the years. Check out the accompanying slideshow for just a selection of Frank’s […]
JAZZ FEST 2013: Where to eat at the Fest
You’re liable to work up quite an appetite while checking out a night’s worth of shows at the Jazz Fest. Thankfully, the festival provides. Several of the Club Pass venues offer food (at an additional fee, of course), including Max of Eastman Place and the Rochester Club. Refreshments are available at most of the others. […]






