Jazz Giants at Rochester Festival

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

Bluegrass Festival in Northeastern Wisconsin

If you’re looking for the most affordable music festival in Wisconsin in late June – with great music, vendors and a lot of fun – look no further than the 13th annual Flatrock Bluegrass Jamboree.

Hosted by Thornton’s Rafting Resort in Northeastern Wisconsin, the Flatrock Bluegrass Jamboree (from June 27 to 29) features eight bands in a large outdoor tent.

The bands – The Chapmans,  Art Stevenson & High Water, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, Sloppy Joe, The Tillers, Sawdust Symphony, Back Alley Blossoms, and Mountain Feist – move from the ourtdoor tent to the bar on Friday and Saturday at midnight. 

Brats and burgers are served daily during the event and Saturday’s special is Indian Tacos, made with homemade flatbread. There is an outdoor bar set up near the tent and raffles are held on Saturday. 

The event is a great event for family and friends. There are wooded campsites, some with electric and water, all sites have firepits and picnic tables. Firewood is delivered over the weekend. There are modern shower/restroom facilities and the new bar that serves bar food, pizzas. 

The Flatrock Bluegrass Jamboree is easy to reach. Thornton's Rafting Resort & Campgrounds is located in Northeastern Wisconsin, just 70 miles north of Green Bay. Take Hwy 43 North out of Milwaukee to 41 N in Green Bay. Stay on 41 until you see Hwy 141 N and continue into Crivitz. In Crivitz, turn left and follow Cty A to Cty X. Turn left on Cty X, follow the signs to Parkway Road, turn right on and follow Parkway Road for five miles till you see Thornton's Rafting Resort & Campgrounds.

Visit Flatrock Bluegrass Jamboree for more details.

For more information about top events in Wisconsin take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Wisconsin