Rochester Jazz Fest: Guitar Legend, Free Shows
Are you a Jazz fan looking to enjoy some great music? Then the CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival is the perfect event for you. This festival is back in full swing, and you can witness the Star-studded lineup this year. The 20th-anniversary celebration consists of more than 300 acts across 19 venues in eight days. This includes more than 100 free shows by some of the world’s best jazz artists, including some of the biggest headliners.
Pat Metheny and Gabrielle Cavassa to Perform on the Opening Night
The festival starts with a bang with jazz guitar legend Pat Metheny performing at Kodak Hall. This will surely be one of the main highlights of the festival. Award-winning jazz vocalist Gabrielle Cavassa of New Orleans will also take the stage at Max of Eastman Place.
Free Performances You Won’t Want to Miss
If you’re looking to enjoy some great music without breaking the bank, then you’ll love the free performances. The festival offers over 100 free performances, so there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the free shows you won’t want to miss.
CSE Music School Band:
- Time: 4:30 p.m.
- Venue: Gibbs Street Stage
Honeoye Falls Lima High School Jazz Band:
- Time: 5:15 p.m.
- Venue: Gibbs Street Stage
Eastman Youth Jazz Orchestra With Herb Smith:
- Time: 6 p.m.
- Venue: Gibbs Street Stage
All in Brass Band:
- Time: 6 p.m.
- Venue: Rochester Regional Health Big Tent on East Main Street
iGNiTE Reggae Band:
- Time: 7 p.m. and again at 9 p.m.
- Venue: Wegmans Pavilion at East Avenue and Chesnut Street
Eldorado Slim Featuring Scott Sharrard:
- Time: 7:30 p.m. and again at 9:30 p.m.
- Venue: Gibbs Street Stage
Jam Session with Mike Cottone:
- Time: 10:30 p.m.
- Venue: Hyatt Regency Rochester Astor on Main
Good Music, Good Cause
More than just a musical event, the Rochester Jazz Fest serves as a fund-raising activity for The Actors Fund. This human services organization provides a safety net for performing arts and entertainment professionals by offering social services and emergency financial assistance. Every purchase benefits the fund, so the more you spend, the more you give back to the community.
Award-Winning Headliners
From Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, who will close out the festival with a free show at Parcel 5, to Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers, and Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes, there is an award-winning performer at the festival for everyone.
Celebrate Diversity and Community
The Mayor of Rochester, Malik Evans, noted that the Jazz Fest helps showcase what the city already knows, the vibrant diversity of performers and musicians from all over and helps promote a positive energy of community.
Conclusion
The CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival is the perfect event for all Jazz lovers. With a star-studded lineup, more than 100 free performances, and the opportunity to give back to the community, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
FAQ
Q) When and where does the Rochester Jazz Fest take place?
The Rochester Jazz Fest takes place in Rochester, New York, and runs for eight days, starting on June 24th and ending on July 2nd.
Q) Who are some of the performers at the Rochester Jazz Fest?
The festival has 300 acts across 19 venues. The performers include Pat Metheny, Gabrielle Cavassa, Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes, and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue.
Q) Are there any free shows during the Rochester Jazz Fest?
Yes, there are more than 100 free performances by some of the biggest headliners. Some of the free shows include the CSE Music School Band, Honeoye Falls Lima High School Jazz Band, and Eastman Youth Jazz Orchestra With Herb Smith.
Q) Is the Rochester Jazz Fest a fundraiser?
Yes, the Rochester Jazz Fest serves as a fund-raising activity for The Actors Fund, a human services organization that provides a safety net for performing arts and entertainment professionals.
Q) Who benefits from the purchases made at the Rochester Jazz Fest?
Every purchase benefits The Actors Fund, so the more you spend, the more you give back to the community.