The Northwest Jazz Festival in Lewiston, NY has announced its Main Stage of headliners, groups, and musicians who will appear throughout the two day festival in August 2023.
The festival is scheduled for Friday, August, 25th, and Saturday, August 26th. Visiting for the festival’s twenty-first year will be such jazz luminaries as Randy Brecker, Vincent Herring, James Carter, Benny Benack, III, and more. The festival will also include the tandem performance of vocalist Alex McArthur (JazzBuffalo winner for Jazz Female Vocalist of the Year) and saxophonist John Troy.
The Northwest Jazz Festival lineup, curated by Music Director Tony Zambito, will welcome a lineup of all-stars to the main stage, with two special projects highlighting each day. The festival’s main stage will open with the United States Air Force Rhythm in Blue Jazz Ensemble, and close with Jazz supergroup SOMETHING ELSE! performing a powerhouse Soul Jazz Revue. The super group will celebrate and perform classic soul jazz and hard bop songs by Cannonball Adderley, Horace Silver, Herbie Hancock, and more by an all-star septet ensemble.
Continuing an initiative started in 2017, the Northwest Jazz Festival will once again provide a stage for local youth to shine with performances by Matt’s Vocal Performance Team on the Center Street Stage on Friday, August 25.
For more information on Northwest Jazz Festival 2023 and to purchase tickets, please visit the festival’s website.
Constellation Brands – Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC) has announced the latest concerts of their 2023 Summer Concert lineup – rock band The Doobie Brothers and country duo Dan + Shay.
On July 14th, four-time GRAMMY Award winners and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, The Doobie Brothers, will perform at CMAC. This follows The Doobie Brothers 50th Anniversary Tour dates in Australia, Japan and Singapore prior to resuming their North American 2023 run.
Multiple platinum albums and 50 years later, The Doobie Brothers’ stop at CMAC will see their collection of hits once again be played together in full for the first time in 25 years.
CMAC will also see country duo Dan + Shay on August 19th. Dan + Shay’s mark on country music continues to grow with the release of their highly anticipated fourth studio album, Good Things.
Produced by the duo’s Dan Smyers, the highly imaginative LP is the first country album in the streaming era to achieve RIAA Gold certification at release and is one of the only 12 albums all-genre to be released and go Gold in 2021.
In 2021, they became the first and only artist to win the GRAMMY Award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance 3x consecutively since the category’s inception. The reigning Favorite Country Duo or Group winners claimed a 3rd consecutive win for the category at the American Music Awards, where they had swept their categories in 2020, becoming the first country artist ever to win Collaboration of the Year.
For more information on each event, and to purchase tickets, please visit CMAC’s website.
The Little Theatre, Rochester’s premier cultural center for the presentation of American independent and foreign films, visual arts and music, has a packed calendar through April and May, highlighted by the Rochester Guitar Festival, held April 1-3.
Educational events allow The Little Theatre to provide local artists a place to share and discuss their visions with a diverse audience. The warm and inviting atmosphere at “The Little” includes programming that stimulates and expands thought, inspires the spirit, promotes friendly discussion and opens cultural horizons.
Organizers of Rochester Guitar Festival, Rochester Classical Guitar, are dedicated to enriching the arts and connecting communities in the Greater Rochester Area through the medium of classical guitar. Since 2016, RCG has been presenting performances and masterclasses with internationally-acclaimed artists, and providing opportunities for local musicians, students, and hobbyists alike to perform and learn.
Rocheter Guitar Festival will feature two shows in the theater on Saturday and Monday evening, with classical guitar night in the cafe in between on Sunday.
Saturday’s show features two amazing Eastman faculty, both with international careers, Nicholas Goluses and Bonita Boyd. The pair of professors will present a variety of works composed for flute and guitar, including two works by Samuel Adler and Cynthoa Folio that are commissioned for the Eastman’s Centennial celebration and dedicated to the Boyd/Goluses duo. Details | Get Tickets
Ken Luk, Tom Torrisi, and Michael Jones are the main organizers of Rochester Guitar Festival, through Rochester Classical Guitar. Together they have been holding classical guitar night every Sunday at the cafe for many years, including April 2nd. These musicians offer a great deal for those who play classical guitar at all levels, as well as fans of the music. Details
Monday’s concert is by internationally touring guitarist Raphaël Feuillâtre, performing music from the distant past. The 26-year-old French classical guitarist, whose repertoire embraces everything from Johann Sebastian Bach and Rameau to contemporary compositions by Roland Dyens and Sérgio Assad, possesses the technical mastery and creative vision required to make works from all periods sound as if they were written yesterday – alive, heartfelt, filled with colour. Featuring local young musicians with a short opening number, the guitar class from ROCmusic, directed by Michael Jones, will kick off Raphaël‘s concert at 7pm. Details | Get Tickets
The Little Cinema Movement evolved in the 1920s as a response to the trend of mass marketing in the entertainment industry. With movie companies and film producers devoting increasing attention to the new “talking” motion pictures, the Movement attempted to reach an audience open to the experimental, the eclectic, and the unusual. The Little Theatre was proposed as one of a chain of small theaters designed to provide an alternative to the large commercial movie houses of the day.
As of late, The Little has begun an ambitious undertaking of renovating the original theatre, taking care to preserve the historic design while expanding its versitility and accesibility. Theatre 1 now has a fully rennovated marquee, new auditorium seats, a fully updated stage and sound system, and a rejuvenated lobby with an elevator.
April at The Little Theatre
Apr 1, Sat, 7-9pm: Laura Dubin Trio
Apr 2, Sun, 7-9pm: Classical Guitar Night
Apr 3, Mon, 7-9pm: PV Nunes Band
Apr 5, Weds, 7-9pm: Levi Gangi (residency)
Apr 6, Thurs, 7-9pm: Trialogue
Apr 7, Fri, 7-9pm: Sons of Monk
Apr 8, Sat, 7-9pm: Tug Hill Band
Apr 9, Sun: Easter holiday, no music
Apr 10, Mon, 7-9pm: Bossa Nova Bradley Brothers
Apr 12, Weds, 7-9pm: Levi Gangi (residency)
Apr 13, Thurs, 7-9pm: Big Blue House
Apr 14, Fri, 7-9pm: Rochester Ukulele Orchestra
Apr 15, Sat, 7-9pm: Kubick’s Rubes
Apr 16, Sun, 7-pm: Margaret Explosion
Apr 17, Mon, 7-9pm: Mel Henderson and Greg Wachala
Apr 19, Weds, 7-9pm: Levi Gangi (residency)
Apr 20, Thurs, 7-9pm: The Spring Chickens
Apr 21, Fri, 7-9pm: Uptown Tango
Apr 22, Sat, 7-9pm: Stella Hill (Originals plus tribute to Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt)
Apr 23, Sun, starting at 5:30pm: Poetry and Jazz
Apr 24, Mon, 7-9pm: Bravo Nights (w/ Opera Guild of Rochester)
Apr 26, Weds, 7-9pm: Levi Gangi (residency)
Apr 27,Thurs, 7-9pm: Jackson Cavalier
Apr 28, Fri, 7-9pm: Alyssa Rodriguez
Apr 29, Sat, 7-9pm: Meghan Kehrer Quartet
Apr 30, Sun, 7-9pm: Annie Wells Band
May at The Little Theatre
May 1, Mon, 7-9pm: Watkins & the Rapiers (residency)
May 3, Weds, 7-9pm: Sons of Monk
May 4, Thurs, 7-9pm: Trialogue
May 5, Fri, 7-9pm: Trio East
May 6, Sat, 7-9pm: Laura Dubin Trio
May 7, Sun: Classical Guitar Night
May 8, Mon, 7-9pm: Watkins & the Rapiers (residency)
May 10, Weds, 7-9pm: The Djangoners
May 11, Thurs, 7-9pm: Gregory Street Vagabonds
May 12, Fri, 7-9pm: Archive Ravens
May 13, Sat, 7-9pm: Bangers and Mash
May 14, Sun, 7-pm: Rich Thompson Trio – Generations
May 15, Mon, 7-9pm: Watkins & the Rapiers (residency)
May 17, Weds, 7-9pm: Spring Chickens
May 18, Thurs, 7-9pm: Susanna Rose
May 19, Fri, 7-9pm: Tug Hill Band
May 20, Sat, 7-9pm: Taurus Savant
May 21, Sun,7-9pm: Bob Sneider Trio
May 22, Mon, 7-9pm: Watkins & the Rapiers (residency)
May 24, Weds, 7-9pm: Margaret Explosion
May 25,Thurs, 7-9pm: Sunshine Quan
May 26, Fri, 7-9pm: Debbie Kendrick Band
May 27, Sat, 7-9pm: Mel Henderson and Greg Wachala
13 downtown historic performing arts centers from Jamestown to Poughkeepsie have come together to form Alive Downtowns! The coalition, having met virtually since the start of the pandemic, is seeking $20 million in operating support from the state.
Bardavon, photo by Tim Lee.
Alive Downtowns! main goal is to encourage the lawmakers of New York to think of historic theatres in the same way they do aquariums and zoos, which are shown to have a significant public benefit. It is an affiliate corporation to the Upstate Theater Coalition for a Fairgame, established eight years ago in response to the creation of casinos in the eastern and southern tiers of the state.
Ulster Performing Arts Center, photo by Em Walis.
The historic theatres of Upstate New York are essential to each city’s urban education opportunities, economic viability, and continuing attractiveness. John Parkhurst, Chief Operating Officer of the Rochester Broadway Theatre League commented, “The COVID-19 shutdown of nearly two years has impacted us greatly as an industry. We are coming back, all of us, but, frankly without this coalition it would have been much harder.” The coalition is helping these places become recognized, and be bettered.
Proctors Theatre interior, photographed by Erica Miller.
These facilities combined have an average age of nearly 100 years and are keystones to the downtown areas of the cities they are in. They serve over 5 million people annually including thousands of students. Their economic impacts for upstates major downtowns exceed $350 million and their aggregate budgets exceed $100 million.
The Smith Center for the Arts, photo by Joe Booth.
In a meeting with local legislators and the Governor’s office, the response has been very supportive. The coalition is grateful for that response and hopes to reach all state elected officials to assure an annual appropriation that will allow its members to continue to be part of growing upstate downtowns guaranteeing accessibility for all citizens for years to come.
The Stanley Theatre.
Chris Silva, long-time Executive Director of the Bardavon in Poughkeepsie added, “This group of performing arts centers are economic, educational, and cultural engines in Upstate. We are hoping the state can make a modest investment in us that will pay huge dividends.” Upon meeting with local legislators and the Governor’s office, the response has been very supportive for the coalition’s efforts.
Kleinhans Music Hall has announced its annual fundraiser Rhythm and Brews will take place on Friday, June 16 from 6:00 pm-9:00 pm in the Mary Seaton Room at the famed Buffalo venue.
Buffalocal will again bring together wide representation from the Western New York brewery scene. In addition to selections from 12 breweries, patrons will be able to taste high-end cuisine courtesy of Oliver’s, Britesmith, Creekview Restaurant, and Marcato by Oliver’s, all part of the Schutte Hospitality Group.
Kleinhans Music Hall was built in 1940 thanks to the generosity and vision of Edward and Mary Seaton Kleinhans, who made their fortune from the clothing store that bore their name, and the stewardship of their charitable dreams by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. The hall was designed by the Finnish father-and-son team of Eliel and Eero Saarinen, along with architects F.J. and W.A Kidd. Kleinhans is known for its combination of graceful structural beauty and extraordinary acoustics.
In 1989, the hall was designated a National Historic Landmark, the highest designation of significance a site or structure can receive. Today, the hall plays hosts to performances by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Buffalo Chamber Music Society, the Just Buffalo Literary Center’s Babel series, and touring acts such as Fiona Apple, Cowboy Junkies, Bill Burr and others.
Proceeds from the event will benefit Kleinhans Music Hall’s programming including the annual National Geographic Live Speakers Series and the upkeep of this National Historic Landmark building.
True to the very nature of the venue, music will be provided by My Cousin Tone’ and The John Bacon Quintet!
My Cousin Tone’ is a jazz band of talented and extraordinary musicians. The band plays classic jazz, jazz blues, hard bop, and jazz soul from the era when Blue Note, Prestige, Verve, and Riverside all produced a collection of jazz tunes that will live on forever. Our sets includes jazz vocals from the Great American Songbook. The band benefited from the fantastic guidance and arrangement talents of Dick Griffo , the legendary alto sax player formerly with Woody Herman and now honors his memory along with the memory of Jim Kurzdorfer, the great bassist and original member of Spyro Gyra who served as a mentor. Come and re-live the era of jazz greatness.
Journeyman drummer and educator, John Bacon Jr, leads this quintet of young professionals. The John Bacon Quintet pays tribute to Buffalo’s musical legacy and gives its members an opportunity to share their own unique voices, all while challenging the status quo of what it means to play jazz in Buffalo. This quintet is a do not miss!
General admission event tickets are $45, but a limited number of VIP tickets are available for $75 which include early admission at 5:00 pm: first tasting of brews, and reserved table seating.
Tickets can be purchased at the Kleinhans Music Hall Box office by calling 715-885-5000 or online at www.kleinhansbuffalo.org.
Rochester reggae outfit Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad (GPGDS) have announced the release of their latest single “Revolution.” The powerful track features Josh Swain and was co-produced with Italian-born international reggae icon, Alborosie.
Beginning April 7, fans can enjoy “Revolution” amongst other songs on the band’s upcoming album, Love In Time.
The essence of the collaboration was indisputably present throughout the creation of Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad’s news album. The consultation between the band and Alborosie helped shape “Revolution” into a song that can only be created by complete openness and trust in the process.
Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad took a contrasting approach with the writing and recording process of the new album compared to previous tracks. Since the band was facing a potential six-month separation at the start of 2020, they rushed into the studio to record as many tracks as possible. Recording with longtime friend Matthew Goodwin, the reggae ensemble developed over 25 song ideas and riddims within a week. Various tracks were sent to musicians, engineers and producers such as the production trio Zion I Kings, Akae Beka, Midnite, Lutan Fyah, Alborosie, and Danny Kalb.
Originally GPGDS planned three different releases, but the diversity of the songs and production styles all complemented each other in ways the band had not expected. Working with Danny Kalb on the “Steady” single in 2014 was the first time GPGDS collaborated with an outsider and the results were so powerful that they strived for a similar sound for their new album. Additionally, working with featured guests such as Fearon and Botri, The Movement, Anthony B, Double Tiger, Blakkamoore, and Skribe Da God, inspired GPGDS to select the best tracks from the past sessions which resulted in Love In Time.
Formed in 2001 in Rochester, GPGDS consists of guitarists Dylan Savage and Eli Flynn, Chris O’Brian on the drums, and Tony Gallicchio on the keyboard. The band is recognized for their world beats and reggae rhythms with an urgent energy and jam band dynamics. It
GPGDS released six studio albums, ranging from their alternative Americana releases Country (2012) and Bright Days (2015) to their Billboard Reggae Chart-toppers Steady (2014) and Make It Better (2016). Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad’s Love In Time delivers a fresh new evolution of the band’s trademark sound that results from their newly collaborative approach.
“Revolution” from Giant Panda can be enjoyed by fans here.
The Offspring have announced their newest 2023 tour, Let The Bad Times Roll Tour, with special guests Sum 41 and Simple Plan.
The 24-city tour kicks off on August 1 in Auburn, WA, and includes stops at Darien Lake and Jones Beach.
One of the best things about being on tour is traveling the world playing to great audiences, and it’s even better when you can do it with your friends – we had sold out International tours with Simple Plan and Sum 41, and we’re excited that they’ll be joining us this Summer in America. It’s going to be great!
Dexter Holland of The Offspring
Frequently regarded as one of the best rock bands of all time, The Offspring have garnered a reputation for their unmistakable sound and social comment. The multi-platinum band first achieved worldwide success in the 90’s with the release of their album Smash, which sold over 11 million copies. Following Smash, they continued to release hit after hit, popularizing rock at a mainstream level. The group is also currently working on new music.
Throughout their career, they’ve sold over a staggering 40 million albums, and toured arenas, and built a global fan base. Let the Bad Times Roll marks the band’s tenth studio album and third album produced by the legendary Bob Rock. True to the irreverence at the core of their rock music, the band and lyricist Dexter Holland took a view to today’s cultural moments and didn’t shy away from creating topical material in this album. The album is sure to delight old and new fans.
Touring With Friends – Simple Plan & Sum 41
From their new millennium rise to MTV superstardom through pop-punk’s modern resurgence, Simple Plan have been an indelible part of pop culture since forming in Montreal in 1999. They’ve sold 10 million albums worldwide, won multiple Juno Awards, performed at the 2010 Winter Olympics – and, most recently, launched the omnipresent #ImJustAKid TikTok challenge that’s spawned more than 3.4 million videos, including clips from Hilary Duff, Ed Sheeran, Usher and Venus and Serena Williams. But most importantly, they’ve never lost connection with what really matters: their audience.
“We couldn’t be more excited to get back on tour all across the US with our friends The Offspring and Sum 41! We had such a blast touring with both of them last year that we just had to do it again and put together what we feel will be one of the most awesome tours of the summer. There’s nothing like going to see a show outside on a perfect summer night, and we hope our fans will join us and enjoy this really special show. See you there!” said Chuck Comeau of Simple Plan.
Looking back at the band’s storied 27-year career with over 15 million records sold worldwide, multiple Billboard Charting releases, a Grammy Award nomination, 2 Juno Awards (7 nominations), a Kerrang!Award in 2002, and multiple Alternative Press Music Awards, Sum 41 is still at the top of their game. Vocalist Deryck Whibley shas hared that the band’s new double album, titled Heaven and Hell, is shaping up to be the most ambitious of their career – half of the album brings Sum 41 back to their pop punk roots, Heaven, and half of the album is strictly metal, Hell.
“We’re so excited to be back touring the States with The Offspring and Simple Plan this summer!” said Deryck Whibley of Sum 41. “There’s nothing better than hitting the road with your friends, and we can’t wait to bring the tour to you – see you soon!”
Let The Bad Times Roll Tour Dates:
Tue Aug 01 — Auburn, WA — White River Amphitheatre
Thu Aug 03 — Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre
Sat Aug 05 — Mountain View, CA — Shoreline Amphitheatre
Sun Aug 06 — Irvine, CA — FivePoint Amphitheatre
Tue Aug 08 — Chula Vista, CA — North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
Wed Aug 09 — Phoenix, AZ — Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
Fri Aug 11 — Austin, TX — Germania Insurance Amphitheater
Sat Aug 12 — North Little Rock, AR — Simmons Bank Arena
Sun Aug 13 — Dallas, TX — Dos Equis Pavilion
Tue Aug 15 — Atlanta, GA — Lakewood Amphitheatre
Wed Aug 16 — Tampa, FL — MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre at the FL State Fairgrounds
Fri Aug 18 — Charlotte, NC — PNC Music Pavilion
Sat Aug 19 — Bristow, VA — Jiffy Lube Live
Sun Aug 20 — Darien Center, NY — Darien Lake Amphitheater
Tue Aug 22 — Cuyahoga Falls, OH — Blossom Music Center
Wed Aug 23 — Clarkston, MI — Pine Knob Music Theatre
Fri Aug 25 — Noblesville, IN — Ruoff Music Center
Sat Aug 26 — Tinley Park, IL — Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – Chicago, IL
Sun Aug 27 — St. Louis, MO — Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – St. Louis, MO
Tue Aug 29 — Milwaukee, WI — American Family Insurance Amphitheater – Summerfest Grounds
Wed Aug 30 — Cincinnati, OH — Riverbend Music Center
Fri Sep 01 — Burgettstown, PA — The Pavilion at Star Lake
Sat Sep 02 — Wantagh, NY — Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
Sun Sep 03 — Mansfield, MA — Xfinity Center
Tickets go on sale March 24th at 10am on the bands website.
There is a sense of belonging within the community of the Rochester DIY Scene, with loyal fans showing up to gigs to see their favorite bands live, as well as accountability, those with bad behavior never get off with a slap on the wrist. There are ups and downs, as with any scene, but it holds itself together with the great talent booming out of the area.
Muck Duck Studio in Rochester.
The Rochester DIY Scene is expansive, successful, and most importantly: diverse. Rochester has a population of a little more than 200,000, full of culture and diversity, hosting a variety of local and international musicians, and festivals like the International Jazz Festival, the Greek Festival, The Lilac Festival, East Ave Festival, Fringe Festival, the Irish Festival, the Ukrainian Festival, and more, pulling in thousands of people to the city each year. Sort of hidden in the shadows of big venues and festivals are those trying to make a name for themselves, playing to local fans right in their hometown of Rochester weekly.
Jackson Cavalier was born and raised in Rochester, playing music around town in open mics and dive bars, starting ten years ago, going through the motions from a hobbyist musician to part-time to full-time. His bands include The Big Dead Waltz and the Anarchist Zen Collective, as well as just him solo. He plays a variety of Americana, including punk, rock, folk, bluegrass, and more, while also booking bands and musicians in the area for the past few years.
He has advocated for good industry practices and has seen the issues that have arisen since becoming a musician, from bad venue owners to unethical practices and bands being paid close to nothing. He says that “the past couple of years I’ve spent time working with venues and bands to get everyone on the same page as to what a fair pay rate is for musicians and things that you should and should not tolerate as a musician just in hopes to make things positive and good for the community.”
Jackson Cavalier
Notable venues in the Rochester DIY scene include Muck Duck Studio, Bug Jar, Lux Lounge, and more. Muck Duck Studio is showing the most growth potential right now because it is an inclusive and diverse venue, hosting music, yoga, events for mental health, and more. Cavalier commented that the crowd is there to listen and, “it is almost kind of scary because you don’t get it anywhere else. During songs, people aren’t talking and after it is over, people clap and they’re equally silent, waiting for the next song. It is the most bizarre and beautiful thing.” It is a shining star of the DIY movement in Rochester right now for those reasons.
Bug Jar and Lux Lounge have been cited as top places to attend by many because they allow musicians a space to perform. After COVID, Cavalier says, house shows have died down a bit, but the positive is that these spaces turned into outlets for those to come to. They also allow a wide variety of people to come play, from punk to grassroots, something you don’t see every day.
Among the notable acts, besides Cavalier’s projects include Jimso Slim, fronted by Shane Joyce, with an almost Mac DeMarco vibe to his music, indie with the right touch of emotion. Brand new group Bellwether Breaks is taking the scene by storm with almost a 60s soul revival sound, and singer/songwriter Sally Louise, brings a modern Joni Mitchell touch to her music. One thing these acts have in common is that they all have ambitions, to put out music and play the hell out of it, something that is refreshing to see in a smaller city. Also, these acts showcase just a small part of the scene, showing that there is diversity present, with a little bit of something for everyone, and it is in the hands of the artists to make it go in the direction they want.
Described as successful, the Rochester DIY scene has a lot of potential and room for growth, but the biggest issue plaguing the scene is that a lot of acts have hit the ceiling. Cavalier says that “we’re all making albums and we have a fan base and everyone is doing their own thing. We get to a point where it is impossible to grow further in Rochester because the major venues and stages that aren’t part of the DIY scene and who may not even know about it are booking only tribute or cover bands.” Venues are taking a cash-grab approach, regardless of what they are doing or thinking about how they represent the community and culture.
Rochester is not the only scene where venues are showing less concern for patrons. It is hard to become a successful artist when the industry is filled with people who don’t know or appreciate these incredibly talented smaller artists, but would rather give their attention to those that already have their attention grabbed by dozens of others. It is up to the audience to decide where they want to go and who they want to see, and that might change this dynamic to bring lesser-known artists to the surface. The most important part of any scene is saying something if you see something. If a venue owner is being toxic, there are hundreds of other venues you can perform at to not give them any business.
I just ask my associates to think and say ‘does my performance at this place do good things for the community, or bad things?’ The same thing goes for the audiences too…Make your dollar count because as long as you go to places that have allowed hateful things to happen, you’re telling them that it’s okay for that behavior to continue. It is very easy to boycott a place when there’s quite literally hundreds of places you can go and see muisc in the greater Rochester region.
Jackson Cavalier
Make your dollar count, the point that is hardest hit home. Everybody has a choice on where they want to go, and with a place that is so diverse like the Rochester scene, there’s a home for everybody from anywhere. From bluegrass to folk to punk to pop, there is a wide variety of genres and venues for people to check out, just keep in mind who you support and be mindful of others.
Electronic artist Kayzo performed for Buffalo locals at the Town Ballroom for his Unleashed XL tour on Thursday, March 16. His blend of EDM and rock has introduced a new wave of dubstep, bringing drums and guitar into his live shows to add a unique aspect to his sets.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Openers of the night included Automhate who at just 15 years old is making a name for himself on this tour. Followed by riddim producer Infekt and popular dubstep artist Ray Volpe. All of which kept the crowd pumped up before Kayzo took the stage and even blew a speaker beforehand.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Kayzo, also known as Hayden Capuozzo, had his career first take off in 2012 when he won Insomniac’s Discovery Project challenge. This then started a ripple effect for his growing fandom around the world. He later started playing for renowned festivals and venues. In 2018 Kayzo launched his very own record label Welcome Records further leaving his imprint in the scene as well as bringing attention to other new talent.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
When Kayzo took the stage at the Town Ballroom a wave of electric energy filled the venue. The popular producer not only knows how to hype up a crowd but also introduce different elements into the EDM scene that make his shows a new experience. Joined by Tyler Lacca on drums and Ben Havok on guitar, the trio were undeniably rage worthy.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Kayzo performed many of his hits like “Battle Drums,” “Domination,” and “Suffocate.” He also performed remixes from various artists such as Sullivan King, John Summit, and Fred Again. The EDM producer does not shy away from doing what is different. As many EDM artists do he samples from popular songs. Although, what makes Kayzo standout is how he incorporates old school rock and metal into these tracks.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
This blend of live music and bass is something that fans don’t know they’re missing out on until they hear it live. Which paid mind to the nonstop mosh pits that opened up throughout the show. Opener Automhate even joined in on the moshing for his birthday celebration.
Overall, the night in Buffalo was a hit for both metal and dubstep lovers alike. Make sure to checkout upcoming shows at the Town Ballroom. Hawthorne Heights perform March 23 and The Movement take the stage March 29. Get tickets here.
The CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival has announced the lineup for the 20th anniversary, happening from June 23-July 1 at 19 venues across the Flower City featuring over 1,700 artists.
Photo by Eli Stein.
Founded in 2002, the CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival is one of the world’s leading jazz festivals, held annually in Rochester with over 210,000 attendees. Over nine days, there are 300 shows with more than 1750 artists from around the world, traveling from places like Australia, Benin (West Africa), Canada, Cuba, Denmark, England, Finland, Japan, and more. The festival is produced by RIJF, LLC, a privately held company owned by John Nugent and Marc Iacona.
In a blink of an eye, we find ourselves producing our 20th Jazz Festival. Sustaining an event of this magnitude has been realized thanks to hundreds of thousands of appreciative fans, talented musicians, overwhelming community support, collaborative corporate and government sponsorship support, and an enthusiastic team that goes above and beyond every June to make this Jazz Fest succeed. We are so appreciative of them all. We are committed to presenting a unique combination of Grammy Award-winning musicians for our Headliner Series, Club Pass Series, and free concerts. The power of the unity, community, and positive energy created during these nine days is second to none! We are blessed to be able to celebrate these memorable two decades and focus on ‘Jazz in June’ for many years to come!
Marc Iacona, Producer and Executive Director.
More than 100 free shows and events will be presented on nine free stages including 49 shows on the City of Rochester Jazz Street Stage presented by the Community Foundation, 16 free shows in the new Wegmans Pavilion on East at Chestnut, Squeezers Nightly Jam Sessions presented by the DiMarco Group at the Hyatt Regency Rochester, 8 shows on the Wegmans Stage at Parcel 5, 2 shows on the City of Rochester Stage at East & Chestnut, 5 Jazz workshops for music students, and more.
The ticketed headliner shows return to Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre this year. On June 23, Pat Metheny‘s Side-Eye will perform at 8 p.m. Metheny is an American jazz guitarist and composer, leader of the Pat Metheny Group, and is also involved in duets, solo works, and other side projects. Metheny’s new Side-Eye project will be an unforgettable encounter spotlighting two sensational rising stars: pianist Chris Fishman and drummer Joe Dyson.
On June 24 at 8 p.m., five-time Grammy-award blues musicians Keb’ Mo’ performs. He is a singer, guitarist, and songwriter, writing much of his own material, applying his acoustic, electric, and slide guitar skills to jazz and rock-oriented bands. The next day brings Omara Portuondo on her farewell tour at 4 p.m. She is a Cuban singer and dancer and a founding member of the popular vocal group Cuarteto d’Aida. During her long career, she has collaborated with many important Cuban musicians and won many prestigious awards.
Keb’ Mo’.
Finishing out the ticketed headliners is a sold-out show with Bonnie Raitt on her Just Like That…Tour. Raitt is a 13-time Grammy award winner, receiving 30 nominations, and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. She has been ranked No. 50 on Rolling Stone’s list of the “100 Greatest Singers of All Time,” and ranked No. 89 on the magazine’s list of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.
The free headliners for Rochester’s International Jazz Festival will perform at the Wegmans Stage at Parcel. Kicking off the events on June 28 is Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers, playing a mix of folk rock, bluegrass, Southern rock, and more. Hornsby has won three Grammy Awards, including a 1987 Grammy Award for Best New Artist with Bruce Hornsby and the Range, a 1990 Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album, and a 1994 Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance.
The next day brings Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes at 9 p.m. Founded by the Jersey Shore, the group is closely associated with Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, recording and performing several Springsteen songs. He also made an appearance on their Better Days album in 1991. June 30 brings the Artimus Pyle Band Celebrating Lynyrd Skynyrd. Since his departure from Skynyrd Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Artimus Pyle’s career has led him down an amazing path of solo records and projects culminating into one the finest tributes to southern rock royalty. Artimus Pyle, Brad Durden, Jerry Lyda, Dave Fowler, and Scott Raines come together to deliver hit after hit, with some of the most seasoned musicians in the southeast.
Ending the five free headliner shows on July 1 is Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue at 9 p.m. Trombone Shorty is a Grammy-nominated NOLA icon, blurring the lines between funk, soul, R&B, and psychedelic rock. His latest release Lifted contains bold lyrics full of self-assurance, standing up to hard times and loss with grit and determination.
The Festival’s signature Club Pass Series will present 192 shows in 11 venues. Enjoy unlimited access with a 3 or 9-Day Club Pass, or $30, $35 (Kilbourn Hall) cash at the door. For more information on other events happening at the International Jazz Festival and to purchase club passes, go here.
2023 Full Lineup
78 RPM Big Band, Airmen of Note, Akiko Tsuruga Organ Group, Al Chez & the Brothers of Funk, Albino Mbie, Alexi Tuomarila Quartet, All in Brass Band, American Patchwork Quartet, Artimus Pyle Band Celebrating Lynyrd Skynyrd, Atlas Band, B.D. Lenz Group, Bassel & the Supernaturals, Big Lazy, Bill Frisell Trio, Bill Goodwin Trio, Bill Tiberio Band, Blue Moon Marquee, Bonnie Raitt: Just Like That…Tour 2023, Brockport Big Band, Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers, Camille Thurman with Darrel Green Quartet, Catherine Russell, Celebrating Toots Thielemans With Kenny Werner & Gregoire Maret, Chris Lewis & the Jon Ballantyne Trio, Chris Minh Doky All Stars, Chris Whiteman Trio, Christian Sands, Christian Sands Trio, Corner House, Cory Weeds Quartet, Curtis Stigers, Damon Fowler, Dave Restivo Trio + Christine Jensen, David Hazeltine, David Hazeltine Quartet, Dawn Thomson & Gary Versace, Deanna Witkowski Plays Mary Lou Williams, Dear Marian: Laura Dubin Trio Plays Marian McPartland, Diana Herold & Helium, Doc Robinson, Durham County Poets, Eastman Youth Jazz Orchestra w/ Herb Smith, Eastman Community Music School (ECMS) Faculty w/ Special Guest Vocalists!, ECMS Jazz Alumni, ECMS Jazz Combos Directed by Bob Sneider, Eddie 9v, Eldorado Slim Featuring Scott Sharrard of Little Feat, Emilie-Claire Barlow, Erez Aviram Ensemble, Eri Yamamoto & Bruce Barth, Eastman School of Music-RIJF, Fred Costello, Gabrielle Cavassa, Gate Swingers Big Band, Glen David Andrews, Greece Jazz Band, Harold Danko, Harry Allen Trio, Helen Sung Quartet+, Helen Sung Solo, High School Jazz Bands, Houston Person & Eric Person, Houston Person & Eric Person “Person2Person,” iGNiTE, Joe Beard Band, Joe Robinson, Joel Frahm Trio, Joey Alexander Trio, Joona Toivanen Jazz & Flyfishing, Jonatavious Willis, Juliet Lloyd, Keb’ Mo’, Kurt Rosenwinkel Quartet, Latriste Fulton & The Frequencies, Lionel Loueke & Gretchen Parlato, Los Angeles Jazz Orchestra, Luis Deniz Quartet, Mambo Kings, Marc Broussard, Mark Guiliana Quartet, Mark Kelso & the Jazz Exiles, Matthew Whitaker, Melody Masters Big Band, Mike Kaupa’s Ecms Ensembles! Saturday Ensemble & Junior Jazz, Miss Tess, Ms. Lisa Fischer w/ Taylor Eigsti, Music Educators Big Band, Nancy Kelly, Nathan Paul & the Admirables, Nduduzo Makhathini, Neil Swainson Trio, Nellie McKay, New Horizons Big Band Directed by Priscilla Todd Brown, New Horizons Jazz Band Directed by Don Sherman, Nick Finzer Sextet, NYChillharmonic, Oddgeir Berg Trio, Okan, Olli Hirvonen Group, Omara Portuondo “Vida,” Pat Metheny Side-Eye, Pedrito Martinez, Penfield Big Band, Peter Johnstone & Tommy Smith, Phylicia Rae Sealy, Ralph Alessi & This Against That, Rich Thompson Trio, Richie Goods & Chien Chien “Connected,” Rochester Metro Jazz Orchestra, Samara Joy, Soul Stew, Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes, St Paul & the Broken Bones, Steve Smith & Vital Information, Syndicate Jazz Octet, Tatiana Eva-Marie, The Baylor Project, The Bossa Nova Wave Diego Figueiredo + Ken Peplowski, The Buddahood, The Clements Brothers, Tia Fuller Quintet, Tom Guarna Trio, Tommy Gearhart, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Twisted Pine, USP, VickiKristinaBarcelona, Victoria Victoria w/Charlie Hunter, Vince Ercolamento & Friends, Vincent Peirani, Violet Mary.
