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…
Joss Stone will appear as a headliner at the 2017 Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival, which runs from June 23—July 1.
(Photo: Courtesy of the artist)Live jazz returns to the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival this summer alongside a healthy dose of rock, soul and r&b.
Producers John Nugent and Marc Iacona have announced that English rock band King Crimson, vocalist Joss Stone, saxophonist Maceo Parker and musical collective Postmodern Jukebox will appear as the final four headliners for the nine-day fest, which celebrates its 16th edition June 23–July 1.
Newly added acts include St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Colin James, the Jerry Douglas Band and Caravan Palace. The Hooligans—also known as the backing band for pop artist Bruno Mars—will perform on the Midtown Free Outdoor Stage.
“Every June we bring world-renowned artists to Rochester from around the globe,” said John Nugent, artistic director and co-producer. “This year the iconic UK art rock group, King Crimson, led by the incomparable Robert Fripp, makes a rare appearance on American shores. British soul goddess, Joss Stone, brings a powerhouse band along with her amazing vocals. YouTube sensations, Postmodern Jukebox, will deliver their unique sounds in Kodak Hall and we are honored to present the ultimate celebration of the life of the legendary Ray Charles [with] To Ray, With Love, starring Maceo Parker with The Ray Charles Orchestra featuring The Raelettes.”
Overall, the festival includes more than 325 shows at 19 venues across the downtown area.
The 3-day Club Pass and 9-day Club Pass are also on sale at rochesterjazz.com for $154 and $204 respectively, plus service charges. Tickets for headliners Sheryl Crow and Mavis Staples are also still available.
For a complete lineup of artists, 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…
To the world, James Blood Ulmer was a legend, a visionary and a musical force whose sound was distinctive and unique. To his family, he was their teacher, their storyteller and a source of strength.
Jun 9, 2026 10:54 AM
With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
How best to mark Miles Davis’ centennial? By allowing the stories to flow, and cross-discussions to happen.
May 26, 2026 10:40 AM
Editor’s Note: The iconic trumpeter, composer and bandleader Miles Davis would have turned 100 today (May 26, 2026).…
Clockwise from top left, Mary Halvorson, Patricia Brennan, Adam O’Farrill, Keith Jarrett’s At the Deer Head Inn: The Complete Recordings, Sheila Jordan and Jaki Byard.
Jul 16, 2026 1:34 PM
The DownBeat Critics Poll never ceases to amaze! And the 74th Edition offered plenty of accolades for poll veterans and…
Ibrahim was an early jazz acolyte, studying the music via 78s he would buy from soldiers stationed in South Africa — who also gave him the nickname “Dollar.”
Jun 30, 2026 3:19 PM
Pianist Abdullah Ibrahim, the NEA Jazz Master from South Africa who helped fuse the folk music of his home country with…
