May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins Passes Away at 95
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
Béla Fleck and the Flecktones—along with Alison Krauss, Boz Scaggs, Jill Scott, Lake Street Dive and Seal—have been announced as headliners at the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival.
(Photo: Courtesy Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival)Béla Fleck and the Flecktones are among the headliners for the 17th annual Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival.
Alison Krauss, Boz Scaggs, Jill Scott, Lake Street Dive and Seal also are slated to perform.
In addition to these top-billed performers, more than 1,500 players are scheduled for about 300 shows at 20 venues throughout Rochester, New York, during the nine-day festival, which runs June 22-30.
Brian Setzer’s Rockabilly Riot! and the Tower of Power—which is celebrating its 50th anniversary—are set for free outdoor shows. Prices for other performances range from $30 to $115, and package deals are available.
For more information about the festival, visit the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival website. DB
Onstage, Rollins would move about restlessly, thrusting his tenor sax in the air as he blew.
May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
Cécile McLorin Salvant busts out Jelly Roll Morton’s “The Murder Ballad” at Big Ears, here with pianist Sullivan Fortner.
Apr 7, 2026 1:21 PM
There’s pluralism, then there’s PLURALISM! — and then there’s Big Ears. Thurston Moore, who participated in…
“We thought it’s important that Ronin has a new statement,” said Nik Bärtsch of his band’s latest album, Spin. “The sound is differently produced, so it reflects more of who we are.”
Apr 21, 2026 10:00 AM
Nik Bärtsch cuts an imposing figure on stage. He’s unmistakable with his soul patch, shaven head and black attire.…
Dave King (left) and Reid Anderson offer insights into why The Bad Plus’ chemistry was cool, the accomplishments many and its longevity so fruitful.
May 12, 2026 11:42 AM
The scene still sticks with me. I had heard the oddball name of this new group being dropped around town, and…
Ava Preston, a 12-time DownBeat Student Music Award winner, is currently pursuing her master’s degree in jazz voice at Juilliard.
May 12, 2026 10:00 AM
Ava Preston, from Cleveland, Ohio, was named the winner of the ninth annual Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition on…
