On June 14th, Dave Matthews Band took the stage at Darien Lake, delivering an electrifying performance that left the crowd buzzing.
From the energetic opener “When the World Ends” to the soulful encore of “You Never Know” and “Shake Me Like a Monkey,” the band captivated the audience with their musical prowess and heartfelt lyrics. One of the highlights of the night was a fantastic version of “Don’t Drink the Water.” The song featured a weird and exploratory intro, which sounded similar to something you’d hear at a Phish show. As the venue is close a Native American reservation, the song about the slaughter and colonization of the Native Americans was extremely poignant.
As it often is, “Lie In Our Graves” was the standout of the night. Probably the longest song of the night, they stretched out the classic and the Darien Lake crowd loved it. The night was heavy with new songs from their recently released album, 2023’s Walk on the Moon, but it was also sprinkled with some deeper cuts to keep everyone happy.
From the infectious energy of their opening song to the soul-stirring encore, the band showcased their exceptional musicianship and their ability to create an unforgettable live experience.
Dave Matthews Band – Darien Lake, Darien Center, NY – June 14th 2023
Setlist: When the World Ends, Stay or Leave,Funny the Way It Is, All You Wanted Was Tomorrow, Madman’s Eyes, So Damn Lucky, Busted Stuff, Grey Street, Looking for a Vein, Don’t Drink the Water, The Space Between, Lie in Our Graves, Walk Around the Moon, Louisiana Bayou, Break Free, You Might Die Trying, Jimi Thing, Brick House (Commodores cover)
Even a day of hard rain was not enough to prevent Rodney Atkins and Sammy Kershaw from helping the Southern Tier celebrate 4th of July weekend at Tags in Big Flats, NY on Sunday, July 2nd.
By the time Sammy Kershaw took the stage at 7pm, it was light sprinkles and by the time Rodney Atkins took over the rain had completely stopped and made a wonderful night of classic and modern country music.
Sammy Kershaw at Tags in Big Flats
Sammy opened the night with one his most popular hits “Cadillac Style”. Along with the wonderful gift of his music, Sammy took the fans down memory lane with mini stories of his life in between songs. How he started playing the “Honkey Tonks” and bars of Texas as early as 12 years old. He also told a tale of his life with Country Music legend George Jones. His hit “Queen of my Double wide” got a huge ovation.
Sammy Kershaw at Tags, in Big Flats NY.
Rodney Atkins hit the stage with his hit “Backroad”. Atkins, a native of Cumberland Gap, TN, has been banging out hits since 2003 with his debut LP Honesty. Fast forward to 2023 with Atkins supporting his latest LP Caught up in the Country witch the title single has set a record for the longest run on the Country Singles charts.
Rodney Atkins helped the southern tier celebrate the 4th of July with a well received show at Tags in Big Flats, NY.
During a recent local interview Rodney stated that Charlie Daniels was a major influencer to his chosen path. He honored Charlie Daniels tonight by adding the opening segments of CDB “The South’s Going to do it Again “ into his hit “About the South” and played Charlie’s hit, “Long Haired Country Boy”.
Rodney told a story about how when was getting started and how the “suits” in Nashville tried to influence him on what he could and could not write about. The song “Cleaning My Gun” was a direct response to wanting to be in control of his subject matter and lyrics which has proved very beneficial for Rodney.
Rodney Atkins at Tags in Big Flats NY.
The night ended with huge CMA hits “Watching You,” “It’s America” and “ These Are My People.” Coming back for one more, Rodney treated the mildly soggy crowd to a encore with his huge single “Going through Hell”.
Local fans missing this show can catch Rodney very soon on August 5th at the Buffalo Country Music Fest in Akron NY. This show was a continuation of the 30 year anniversary of concerts at Tags, in Big Flats NY.
Big shows still coming up is next Saturday July 8th rock fans will fill the place as Cinderella’s Tom Keifer, joins Stephen Percy (Ratt) and the all-girl band Vixen come to the Summer Sound Stage. After that country music sensation Dustin Lynch will play for the Southern Teir on Aug.11th. For more info on Tags and tickets to their remaining events go to tagstickets.com.
Albany’s rising jam group Hilltop have unveiled their 2023 Summer Tour, taking them across New York, plus festival stops in Pennslyvania and the Catskills and a post Phish show in NYC.
Photo by Frank Cavone
Among the dates is a first ever show for Hilltop at Mercury Lounge in Manhattan, on August 3rd. During a non-consecutive 7-night run for Phish at Madison Square Garden, Hilltop jumps on an opportunity to play on one of the few nights off for Phish, bringing Thursday night funk to those looking to keep boogieing down in between Phish shows.
If you can’t catch them at Mercury Lounge, don’t miss Hilltop as they make a stop at Catskill Jubilee Music Festival in mid-August, featuring the Disco Biscuits headlining. More dates leading into the fall will be announced soon!
Get tickets for the Mercury Lounge show here and stay up to date on Hilltop here.
Hilltop Summer Tour 2023
6/23 – Red Square – Burlington, VT 6/24 – The Listening Room at East Coast Van Builds – Bradford, VT 7/8 – Rock the Dock Music Festival – Lake George, NY 7/14 – Riverboat Bar – Alexandria Bay, NY 7/28 – Nietzsche’s – Buffalo, NY 8/3 – MERCURY LOUNGE – New York, NY * 8/10-13 – Catskill Jubilee – East Durham, NY 8/16 – The Fire – Philadelphia, PA 8/17 – Stella Blues Bar – New Haven, CT
Victor Wooten and The Wooten Brothers have expanded their forthcoming tour into November, adding ten stops to an already jam-packed fall lineup. The group, which features lifelong collaborators and real-life brothers Victor, Joseph, Roy “Futureman,” and Regi Wooten, recently announced its highly anticipated reunion tour, making stops in NY cities including Troy, Buffalo, and Brooklyn.
Lauded by Rolling Stone as one of the “Top 10 Bassists of All Time,” Victor Wooten has captivated audiences for over four decades with his dynamic stage presence and unparalleled technical chops. Wooten’s eclectic repertoire includes collaborations with the likes of Béla Fleck and the Flecktones (of which he is a founding member), Chick Corea, Dave Matthews Band, India Arie, Keb’ Mo’, and more recently, Cory Wong. Widely regarded as one of the greatest living bassists today, Wooten continues to share his passion for music through numerous modalities. The multidisciplinary artist has authored two books and has mentored thousands of students at his own Center for Music and Nature since the year 2000.
Remarkably accomplished in their own right, each of the Wooten brothers bring a unique flavor to the live experience. Joseph Wooten, also known as the “Hands of Soul,” has been the keyboardist/vocalist for the Steve Miller Band since 1993. He is a renowned composer, arranger, author, and motivational speaker whose collaborations include work with Whitney Houston, George Clinton, and Kenny G.
Roy “Futureman” Wooten is also a founding member of Béla Fleck and the Flecktones and a five-time GRAMMY award winner, famously known for his trademark inventions the “Drumitar” and the “RoyEI” keyboard. A philosopher, researcher, filmmaker, and educator, Roy’s impressive solo career, symphonic works, and “Black Mozart” projects span the genres of classical, jazz, soul, gospel, and spoken word.
Regi Wooten’s signature guitar style of chording, slapping, tapping, and virtuosic strumming has earned him worldwide notoriety and comparisons to Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa, and Chuck Berry. In recent years, Regi has performed with many artists including the legendary Ginger Baker. Known worldwide as “The Teacha,” Regi currently teaches music in Nashville, TN, and has taught many notable musicians.
Together The Wooten Brothers bring an uncanny level of experience, originality, and expertise to the stage. Playing together since childhood, the formidable group has shared stages with the likes of Curtis Mayfield, The Temptations, Ramsey Lewis, Stephanie Mills, War, and others. Fans can expect an infectious, colorful, and exuberant production that showcases The Wooten Brothers’ impenetrable creative chemistry. An amalgam of original songs and choice classics, each show offers a one-of-a-kind adventure that defies the bounds of jazz, funk, soul, R&B, rock, and bluegrass.
On the forthcoming tour, Victor shares, “Being in a band with my brothers is the best thing for me. It’s like a family reunion every time we get together to play. They are my teachers and I feel most at home with them.”This will be the brothers’ first tour together as a band since the untimely death of their saxophone-playing brother Rudy a few years ago. In the forthcoming year, The Wooten Brothers will release their first studio album in several decades.
The music we are working on at the moment is a collection of new and old. We have songs that were recorded decades ago that have never been heard by anyone. We also have newer music that was recorded over the last year. It will be a nice collection of old and new. With the older music, we want to introduce the world to Rudy, our saxophone-playing brother who passed away in 2010. Be prepared to have your mind blown.
The Wooten Brothers
The forthcoming Victor Wooten and The Wooten Brothers tour will kick off on Sept. 28 in Chattanooga, TN. For tour dates, tickets, and info, visit here.
Victor Wooten and The Wooten Brothers Tour Dates
09/28 – Chattanooga, TN – The Barrelhouse Ballroom^
09/29 – Charlotte, NC – Neighborhood Theatre^
09/30 – Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse^
10/01 – Asheville, NC – The Outpost^
10/03 – Troy, NY – Troy Savings Bank Music Hall^
10/04 – Philadelphia, PA – Brooklyn Bowl^
10/05 – Silver Springs, MD – The Fillmore^
10/06 – Baltimore, MD – Rams Head Live^
10/07 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Steel^
10/08 – Portland, ME – State Theatre^
10/10 – South Burlington, VT – Higher Ground^
10/11 – Boston, MA – Citizens House of Blues^
10/12 – Wilkes-Barre, PA – FM Kirby Center^
10/13 – Roanoke, VA – Jefferson Center
10/14 – Buffalo, NY – CMC International Jazz Festival
11/01 – Saint Louis, MO – Delmar Hall
11/02 – Nashville, TN – Riverside Revival
11/03 – Germantown, TN – GPAC
11/04 – Indianapolis, IN – The Vogue
11/06 – Ann Arbor, MI – The Ark
11/07 – Cincinnati, OH – Hamilton Memorial Hall
11/08 – Madison, WI – Majestic Theatre
11/09 – Minneapolis, MN – Fine Line
11/10 – Evanston, IL – SPACE
11/11 – Elgin, IL – ECC Arts Center
01/11 – Denver, CO – Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom
01/12 – Salt Lake City, UT – The State Room
01/13 – Hamilton, MT – Bitterroot Performing Arts Council
01/14 – Bozeman, MT – The Elm
01/16 – Seattle, WA – The Crocodile
01/17 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall
01/18 – Eugene, OR – The John G. Shedd Institute For The Arts
01/19 – Chico, CA – The Big Room at Sierra Nevada Brewery
With their second big show of the year in three days, CMAC dodged a huge storm by Mother Nature to let Darius Rucker bring his “Starting Fires” tour into the Finger Lakes region. Darius making a return stop at CMAC after playing here in 2021 made it a night worth remembering. This was the third date of his 20 city “Starting Fires” tour.
Up and coming act Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors brought their contemporary style of Nashville country to the stage as the opening act as Darius got things going around 9:15.
Darius Rucker opened the night with “Have a Good Time” followed by a crowd favorite “Beers & Sunshine” and then “Drinking & Dialing.”
Paying tribute to John Mellencamp, Rucker then did his version of “Pink Houses” that was very well received. For Hootie & the Blowfish fans, Darius also sang some of his old classics, “Hold my Hand”, and “Let Her Cry.”
Since leaving the Grammy Award-winning Hootie and the Blowfish, whose debut album “Cracked Rear View remains in the top 10 albums sold of all time, Darius has become one the top country stars today. Since releasing his first country LP in 2008 Darius has four # 1 albums on the Billboard Country charts, plus 10 #1 singles.
For those at CMAC waiting to hear his biggest country hit “ Wagon Wheel” they had to wait till the end of the night as it was the third of three encore songs which came after “Valerie“ and “ Hands on me.”
The “Starting Fires” tour continues with shows July 13th & 14 with shows at Q Casinos Backwater Stage in Dubuque, Iowa and Windy City smokeout respectively. For more info on Darius turn to his website at www.dariusrucker.com
Back in the day when Drakkar was the go-to scent for young men and the smell of clove cigarettes was the norm, Toad the Wet Sprocket was becoming a household name. On June 22, they brought their sounds to Lincoln Hill Farms, a small rustic backwoods venue just outside of Canandaigua.
Opening up for TTWS was Marcy Playground. Back in 1996, Marcy Playground was riding the merry-go-round waiting for a big break. They were awarded that break when they were invited to tour with Toad. 27 years later, here they are on tour together again.
Marcy Playground is fronted by John Wozniak, Shlomi Lavie on drums, and Dylan Keefe on bass. On this night, Keefe could not make the trip so Scot Alexander of Dishwalla filled in and crushed it as if he were in the band for years. Of course the fans knew every word to every song and came close to overpowering Wozniak’s voice on Sex And Candy.
Setlist for Marcy Playground: Poppies, Pigeon Farm, Rock and Roll Heroes, Special, Saint Joe on the School Bus, Rebel Sodville, A Cloak of Elvenkind, Punk Rock Superstar, Wave Motion Gun, Sherry Fraser, Deadly Handsome Man, Sex and Candy, Star Baby
Formed in the late 80s, Toad the Wet Sprocket is named after a Monty Python skit when the band needed a name so they could enter a talent contest. Although the band called it temporary and a joke, the name has stuck.
Lead singer Glen Phillips smooth voice can transition into any style flawlessly, so it makes sense to see his style described as folky and alt-pop. Songs like “Good Intentions” and “All I Want” are great examples of both pop and alternative sounds, while a song like “I Will Not Take These Things for Granted” yields a more folk sound.
Another folk style song from Phillips was “Transient Whales,” which he performed acoustically using a 50s style microphone to enhance the sound. Trucking along flawlessly, he forgot some lyrics but thanks to fan in the front row, he was able to get back on track and finish it out.
Minus the aforementioned scents and a parking lot of full of Ford Tempos and Chevy Cavaliers, Toad took fans back to the 90s with hits such as “Walk on The Ocean,” “All I Want,” and “Good Intentions.” The respectable crowd of near middle-aged parents danced around like they were still in high school partying at the Saturday night bonfires.
While they have not been producing new music on regular basis, the band released Starting Now in August of 2021 the title track and “Old Habits Die Hard” released in September and October of same year. Keep up to date with Toad the Wet Sprocket here.
Setlist: Windmills, Come Down, California Wasted, Crowning, Hold On, Nanci, Whatever I Fear, All I Want, Transient Whales, Good Intentions, Closer to Fine (Indigo Girls), The Moment, Dam Would Break, Fly From Heavan, Pray Your Gods, Nightingale Song, Crazy Life, Something’s Always Wrong, Walk On The Ocean, Fall Down, I Will Not Take These Things For Granted
Santana made his eighth visit, and first since 2017, back at CMAC in Canandaigua on Thursday, June 22, part of his 1001 Rainbows tour and to open up the season for the venue. The shed was packed and so was the stage, as Carlos always has a hefty crew along to bring his unique fusion of Latin and rock music to fruition.
This time at CMAC, Santana had Ray Green on vocals and trombone, Andy Vargas on vocals, Benny Rietveld on bass, David Matthews on keys, Tommy Anthony on guitar, Paoli Mejias on congas, the great Karl Perrazo on percussion, and Santana’s wife, Cindy Blackman Santana on one of the biggest drum kits you’ll see.
With puffs of smoke filling the air, and tribal music and videos playing on a huge screen, they all took the stage, picking up the beat and launching into “Soul Sacrifice.” A sizeable rhythm section break, an organ solo, some trombone, and of course Santana’s signature searing guitar all made the rounds from the get-go.
There was no holding back and no wasted time. With no pause they launched into “Jingo” and from there “Evil Ways.” A trio of tunes off Santana’s 1969 debut, songs he must have played as much as anyone has played the same songs ever. Yet they were played with fire and urgency, Santana giving his ensemble direction with glances, nods and motions. The early hit train kept rolling along with “Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Woman” and “Oye Como Va” as classic Santana footage played over the screens. A long line of musical history still delighting and energizing.
“Our goal is to flood you with enthusiasm,” Santana announced at the first of only a few very short breaks. Later he urged the crowd to “Elevate the consciousness of the planet to stop the corruption.”
The band continued to work through Santana’s vast catalog, seemingly chronologically. A big hit of the mid 70’s followed, with “Everybody’s Everything” including a ripping bass solo, “Europa,” “Batuka,” and “No One To Depend On” with a particularly fiery solo from Santana.
The second half of the show belonged almost solely to their late 90’s hit album, Supernatural, with “(Da Le) Yaleo,” “Put Your Lights On,” “Corazon Espinado” and “Maria Maria” all making big splashes with the audience.
With a massive catalog to draw from, they still found plenty of room to pay tribute to other musical heroes. A subtle tease of his friend Mahavishnu John McLaughlin here, and few riffs from The Beatles’ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” there. A seemingly random mash-up of James Brown’s “Funky Good Time,” The Doors’ “Roadhouse Blues” and The Chambers Brothers’ “Love Peace and Happiness,” may have just been an excuse for Santana to squeeze in some final unadulterated guitar shredding into the encore.
Though the encore showstopper was handed to his wife, as she was granted a massive drum solo that brought the house down. Carlos has been around long enough to know how to put on one a hell of a rock show, and how to go home with happy wife.
Andy Vargas back up singerRock & Roll Hall of famer Carlos SantanaRock & Roll Hall of famer Carlos SantanaPaoli Mejias, drumsRock & Roll Hall of famer Carlos Santana with drummer Karl Perazzo in the backgroundRock & Roll Hall of famer Carlos Santana plays to a excited crowd with drummer Karl PerazzoCindy Blackman Santana drummer Carlos Santana plays along with guitarist Tommy AnthonyCindy Blackman Santana drummerBenny Rietveld, bass
While currently wrapping up a tour in the Midwest, moe. announced a 16-stop 2023 Fall tour that will see the group run off shows from September 14 to October 7.
In 1990, Al Schnier, Chuck Garvey, and Rob Derhak came together at the University of Buffalo, and now over three decades later, moe. continues to deliver its hefty, genre-fusing discography along with Jim Loughlin, Vinnie Amico, and Nate Wilson.
Having released a whopping 12 studio albums and 21 total bodies of work, they have blended the many different styles of “funk and free jazz, country and classic rock, progressive, new wave, calypso, pop, and many other forms of music.
Following the return of Garvey to the road after his recovery from a stroke and the permanent addition of keyboardist Nate Wilson, many of their recent tours have revitalized their catalog and bring a breath of fresh air to shows.
Performing at some of the biggest festivals of all time, Woodstock 1999, Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, and many others, the band is no stranger to large crowds and bringing immense energy to venues across the world, and will now continue to do so in 16 cities this Fall.
“The reality is, you spent thirty years with people doing what you do, you get better. There’s no ifs, ands or buts about it. Your ears get more trained, your playing gets better and better, your ability to communicate with each other better.”
They’ve also utilized their creativity to promote and headline multiple festivals of their own, including snoe.down and moe.down.
Kicking off at Rams Head Live in Baltimore, MD on Thursday, September 14th, moe. will only make one stop in New York on Sunday, September 17th at the Borderlands Music Fest in East Aurora.
In addition to the Fall stop in East Aurora, they recently concluded a 2-night run at the Saranac Brewery in Utica, NY.
moe. 2023 Fall Tour
Thursday, September 14th – Rams Head Live – Baltimore, MD Friday, September 15th – XL Live – Harrisburg, PA Sunday, September 17th – Borderland Music Fest – E. Aurora, NY Wednesday, September 20th – Newport Music Hall – Columbus, OH Thursday, September 21st – Madison Theater – Covington, KY Friday, September 22nd – Vic Theatre – Chicago, IL Saturday, September 23rd – Headliners Music Hall – Louisville, KY Tuesday, September 26th – Turner Hall Ballroom – Milwaukee, WI Thursday, September 28th – Peoria Riverfront – Peoria, IL Friday, September 29th – Barrymore Theatre – Madison, WI Saturday, September 30th – First Ave – Minneapolis, MN Sunday, October 1st – Wooly’s – Des Moines, IA Wednesday, October 4th – The Pageant – St. Louis, MO Thursday, October 5th – Bourbon Theatre – Lincoln, NE Friday, October 6th – Hillberry Fest – Eureka Springs, AR Saturday, October 7th – Liberty Hall – Lawrence, KS
Tickets go on sale this Friday, June 23rd at 10:00 am EST. For more information and to purchase tickets visit: moe.org
Summer is finally here, and so then, so is the 2023 CGI Rochester International Jazz Fest. Downtown Rochester once again will be transformed from a small city music scene punching above it’s weight to a live music mecca worthy of inclusion in the lyrics of “Dancing in the Streets.”
With myriad choices each night for nine straight nights it’s enough to make you dizzy, so let NYS Music help guide your way. It’s the 20th edition of the Rochester International Jazz Fest so here are 20 must-see artists for 2023.
1. Nellie McKay
Friday June 23 at The Little Theatre, 7pm & 9:15pm
A singer/songwriter that brings the full package, a true one-of-a-kind talent. Prepare to be captivated and entertained to the nth degree.
Others to check out on Friday June 23: Okan, iGNiTE Reggae Band, Eldorado Slim, Tom Guarna Trio
2. Albino Mbie
Saturday, June 24 at Montage Music Hall, 6pm & 10pm
Berklee-trained Mozambican guitarist melds worlds while staying true to his roots.
3. Samara Joy
Saturday, June 24 at Kilbourn Hall, 6pm & 9pm
Fast-rising buzz-worthy vocalist returns to the jazz fest for the second straight year. Kilbourn Hall will give more fest-goers a chance to get in to see her but this will still be a tough packed house to get into. Next year headlining Kodak Hall?
4. Bill Frisell Trio
Saturday, June 24 at Theater at Innovation Square, 6:30pm & 8:30pm
We’ll never not recommend seeing this guitar wizard and his incredible trio with Rudy Royston and Thomas Morgan, or in any format he brings. Coming back for his tenth visit, and for the first time appearing in consecutive years, this still earns a top pick. Don’t hesitate to go for both sets either!
5. Big Lazy
Saturday, June 24 at The Little Theatre, 7pm & 9:15pm Sunday, June 25 at Wilder Room, 6pm & 10pm
A big hit at last year’s Rochester Jazz fest, their noir-ish soundtracks will put you in a time and a place while also delighting your ears aplenty.
6. St. Paul and the Broken Bones
Saturday, June 24 at City of Rochester East Avenue and Chestnut Street Stage, 9pm
And yet another festival returnee to fill our your Saturday, there’ll be dancing in the streets when this soulful Alabama eight-piece takes the stage playing selections from their new album, Angels in Science Fiction.
Others to check out on Saturday June 24: Eldorado Slim, Oddgeir Berg Trio, Joel Frahm Trio
7. Omara Portuendo
Sunday, June 25 at Kodak Hall, 4pm
Legendary Cuban singer and dancer, she has reached a wider international audience from her involvement with the extremely popular Buena Vista Social Club project. Should be a stirring early afternoon set in Kodak Hall.
8. Nduduzo Makhathini
Sunday, June 25 at Kilbourn Hall, 6pm & 9pm
South African pianist comes in hot off the heels of his superb 2022 release, “In the Spirit of the Ntu,” one of the best jazz albums of last year.
9. Kenny Werner & Gregoire Maret
Sunday, June 25 at Temple Theater, 7pm & 9:15pm
A tribute to harmonica legend Toots Thielemans by harmonica legend Gregoire Maret with Thielemans longtime pianist Kenny Werner, sign us up!
10. Peter Johnstone & Tommy Smith
Sunday, June 25 at Hatch Recital Hall, 5:45pm & 7:45pm
Fellow Scots return to the fest for some out-of-this-world saxophone/piano duets in the beautiful, acoustically magnificent and intimate Hatch Hall.
https://youtu.be/jNjCKdFjVo8
Others to check out on Sunday June 25: Corner House, Big Lazy
11. Victoria Victoria with Charlie Hunter
Monday, June 26 at Montage Music Hall, 6p & 10pm
Hunter has been to the festival a number of times, always in something completely different and always in something fantastic. Grouped with Victoria Victoria, aka singer/songwriter Tori Elliott, we expect more of the same.
12. NYChillharmonic
Monday, June 26 at Theater at Innovation Square, 6:30p & 8:30pm
Another returning artist that wowed the 2022 jazz fest crowds, this large ensemble group from, you guessed it, NYC, is a tough-to-describe knockout.
13. Olli Hirvonen Group
Monday, June 26 at Christ Church, 7:30pm & 9:30pm
Finnish-born Brooklyn-based guitarist fuses jazz and rock and experimental sounds for a sound that oozes the “it’s not who you know it’s who you don’t know” festival ethos.
Others to check out on Monday, June 26: Kurt Rosenwinkel Quartet, ESM Jazz Ensemble Celebrating Chick Corea
14. Glen David Andrews
Tuesday, June 27 at Montage Music Hall, 6pm & 10pm Wednesday, June 28 at Rochester Regional Health Big Tent, 8:30p & 10pm
Someone has to get the New Orleans party started at this festival and let it be this trombonist and vocalist, all the way from… New Orleans, fancy that! Get to these sets if you want to work up a sweat.
Others to check out on Tuesday, June 27: Miss Tess, Tia Fuller Quintet, Doc Robinson, Christian Sands
15. Christian Sands Trio
Wednesday, June 28 at Kilbourn Hall, 6pm & 9pm
An inventive Grammy-winning pianist and his trio put their own stamp on the traditional jazz trio format. You can also check him out solo the night before. Better yet do both!
16. Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers
Wegmans Stage at Parcel 5, 9pm
You can see this legendary pianist and songwriter, who has continued to evolve, remaining fresh and relevant over multiple decades, for free. That’s just the way it is.
Others to check out on Wednesday June 28: Diego Figueiredo & Ken Peplowski, Tia Fuller Quintet, Twisted Pine, Ralph Alessi Group, Glen David Andrews
17. Gretchen Parlato & Lionel Loueke
Thursday, June 29 at Kilbourn Hall, 6pm & 9pm
Gretchen Parlato’s voice and Lionel Loueke’s guitar go together like peanut butter and chocolate and their new album, “Lean In,” is in the running for jazz album of the year in our opinion.
18. Joe Beard Band
Thursday, June 29 at Wegmans Stage at Parcel 5, 7pm
You could see this blues legend nearly any week of the year, but you probably don’t. Here’s a chance to see him on the big stage with a full band. Support your local treasure.
19. Mark Guiliana Quartet
Thurday, June 29 at Christ Church, 7:30pm & 9:30pm
Supreme drummer, who has visited the festival as a member of various other groups, returns with his quartet to present music from their killer new album, “Mischief.” And maybe we’ll be lucky and also see him sit in with his wife, Gretchen Parlato.
Others to check out Thursday, June 29: Diego Figueiredo & Ken Peplowski
Others to check out Friday, June 30: Joey Alexander Trio
20. Jontavious Willis
Saturday, July 1 at The Little Theatre, 7pm & 9:15pm
This young blues man from Georgia straight up just has “it,” plain and simple. See for yourself.
Others to check out Saturday, July 1: Harold Danko, Eddie 9V
Make sure you add these to your personalized schedule using the new and improved 2023 Rochester International Jazz Fest app and we’ll see you out there on Jazz Street!
Horn and percussion were powered and individually formed by NYC subway supergroup Lucky Moon Zooz, comprised of Lucky Chops, Moon Hooch, and Too Many Zooz. The group finished off their recent tour with a stop to Lincoln Hill Farms in Canandaigua on June 11.
A project years in the making, the LMZ live show featured each band performing in their usual configurations as well as a host of new combinations of the various bandsâ personnel. Drawing from their shared roots busking in the NYC subway to their years touring the world, this was the brass fueled evening to remember.
Their live show featured each band performing in their original configurations as well as a host of various impromptu combinations of each bands performers finally finishing up the night with all three bands performing together in their entirety.
