Jul 17, 2025 12:44 PM
DownBeat’s 73rd Annual Critics Poll: One for the Record Books
You see before you what we believe is the largest and most comprehensive Critics Poll in the history of jazz. DownBeat…
RIJF stages will once again celebrate some of the finest creative improvised music from around the world.
(Photo: Courtesy RIJF)The Rochester International Jazz Festival has announced the lineup for its milestone nine-day 20th Anniversary Edition, scheduled to take place June 23–July 1 in Rochester, New York.
From emerging artists to iconic music legends, festival stages will celebrate some of the finest creative improvised music from around the world. Musicians will travel to the festival from 17 countries including the USA, Australia, Benin (West Africa), Canada, Cuba, Denmark, England, Finland, France, Italy, Japan, Mozambique, Norway, Scotland, South Africa and Switzerland.
More than 100 free shows and events will be presented on nine free stages, including 49 shows on the City of Rochester Jazz Street Stage presented by the Community Foundation; 16 free shows in the new Wegmans Pavilion on East at Chestnut Squeezers Nightly Jam Sessions presented by the DiMarco Group at the Hyatt Regency Rochester; nightly 6 p.m. shows in the Rochester Regional Health Tent; eight shows on the Wegmans Stage at Parcel 5; five Jazz Workshops for music students sponsored by Wegmans and led by artists performing at the festival; five noontime concerts in the Rochester Monroe County Central Library; two shows on the City of Rochester Stage at East and Chestnut; and a scholarship concert at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre.
Thanks to an increased level of sponsorship from Wegmans, the festival will able to present four nights, with two shows each night, of free headliner shows on the Wegmans Stage @ Parcel 5. Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue will close the festival in their eighth appearance at RIJF on July 1. Other headliners will include Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers (June 28), Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes (June 29) and Artimus Pyle Band Celebrating Lynyrd Skynyrd (June 30). No tickets are required.
Other choice performers appearing during the festival will include Samara Joy, Gabrielle Cavassa, The Baylor Project, Camille Thurman w/ Darrell Green Quartet, NYChillharmonic, Joe Robinson, Joey Alexander Trio, Glen David Andrews, Kenny Werner & Gregoire Maret Celebrating Toots Thielemans, and Tia Fuller Quintet.
You can find the full lineup, artist bios and schedules to download, plus buy tickets and Club Passes online, at the RIJF website. DB
James Brandon Lewis earned honors for Artist of the Year and Tenor Saxophonist of the Year. Three of his recordings placed in the Albums of the Year category.
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