One of the nation’s most popular and most respected music festivals, the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival in Rochester, New York, has lined up some dazzling performers for the 2013 Festival from June 21 to 29.
Five of the headliners this year are Willie Nelson & Family, David Byrne & St. Vincent, Bob James & David Sanborn with special guest Steve Gadd, Pink Martini and Roger Hodgson, the Voice of Supertramp. And there’s one more to come.
There are many unique reasons why the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival has become so popular. From legendary performers and familiar favorites to rising stars and new discoveries, this is a festival that navigates all genres of creative music from all corners of the world.
The diversity of venues, all located within walking distance in and around Rochester’s east end cultural district ranges from elegant concert halls to intimate clubs to vibrant outdoor stages. Each offers a comfortable setting in which to appreciate and savor the many genres of creative improvised music, all under the auspices of jazz.
Another festival highlight is the nightly jam sessions at the Rochester Plaza Hotel since there’s no telling who will drop in to play.
A kids’ jam session is held each year on the last day of the festival. More than 20 high school jazz bands, the best in the region, are invited to perform each year on the Jazz Street stage.
The Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival presented by M&T Bank was founded in 2002 and is produced by John Nugent, Artistic Director and Marc Iacona, Executive Director. The 11th Edition 2012 Festival drew more than 185,000 music lovers to hear some of the finest artists in the world perform. Nugent, a noted tenor sax player, has traveled the world with many jazz artists including Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Rosemary Clooney, Clark Terry, The Woody Herman Orchestra and The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. Iacona, a Rochester native, business and community leader, avid trumpeter and supporter of the arts, is President of Simcona Electronics.
For tickets and more details visit www.rochesterjazz.com
For a complete list of events in New York State visit the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in New York