Each summer, world-class performers gather in the city of Rochester for the Rochester International Jazz Festival. Not just another music festival, this jazz extravaganza draws visitors from around the country and beyond for nine days of live performances from tons of world-renowned jazz musicians, all in one place.
The Rochester International Jazz Festival, which will celebrate its 22nd year from June 20 to 28, 2025, got its start in 2002 when jazz musician John Nugent was invited to play in Rochester. Seeing the community support and outpouring of enthusiasm for jazz, he decided to team up with local businessman Marc Iacona to bring more performances to the city. That first three-day festival in 2002 drew about 15,000 attendees and featured a blockbuster lineup, with Aretha Franklin, Average White Band, Blues Brothers, Dr. John, Norah Jones, Sonny Rollins, Chris Botti and about 50 other groups as well.
The now-iconic festival has grown exponentially since then, and it has become a staple not only for local Rochester residents but for jazz fans from far and wide. The lineup now features more than 1,500 artists from around the world who perform more than 300 shows at 20 different venues within the festival, ranging from elegant concert halls to intimate clubs to vibrant outdoor stages. It has been repeatedly named the top favorite arts and cultural event by Rochester Business Journal readers; voted Best Festival by City Newspaper multiple times; named one of the Top 10 Best Jazz Festivals in USA by Festicket.com; and named one of the Best 50 Music Festivals in the World by Culture Trip. Attendance has soared to more than 200,000 each year.
Though jazz is right there in the name, the festival pays tribute to all genres of improved music, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy; in fact, the motto is “It’s not who you know, it’s who you don’t know,” which perfectly embodies the spirit of discovery that drives this event. Headliners for 2025 include Smokey Robinson, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, The Wood Brothers, Rickie Lee Jones, and Thundercat, with more being announced as the date approaches. The festival’s Club Pass, which allows access for attendees to come and go as they please at more than 200 shows at several different venues rather than paying for individual shows, will be available again in 2025. There are also more than 90 free performances going on throughout the nine-day event.
In addition to the music, the festival’s downtown Rochester location, with venues within walking distance in the city’s east end cultural district, creates a lively, vibrant atmosphere that makes it easy to choose a performance to take in, grab a bite to eat at a food truck or local restaurant, or meet up with friends.Those interested in attending can get more information on the festival’s website, follow the festival on social media, or download a free app for iPhone and Android devices to help plan their visit.
PHOTO CREDITS
Band onstage photo credit Rochester International Jazz Festival
Musician photo credit Rochester International Jazz Festival
Music hall photo credit Rochester International Jazz Festival
People on the street photo credit Rochester International Jazz Festival
Outdoor performances photo credit Rochester International Jazz Festival