Lineup Announced For Rochester International Jazz Festival 22nd Edition

Marc Iacona and John Nugent, producers of the Rochester International Jazz Festival, in partnership with Rochester Regional Health, today announced the lineup for the festival’s 22nd edition.

The nine-day festival, one of the world's leading jazz festivals, runs June 20 to June 28. It will feature more than 285 shows at 18 venues with more than 1,750 artists from nine countries, plus the United States. The annual event draws more than 200,000 people to downtown Rochester for ticketed and free headliner shows, more than 110 free shows, the festival's signature Club Pass Series, free Jazz Workshops, and nightly Jam Sessions.

Rochester International Jazz Festival | Club Pass Series

“After a long, cold winter, we are thrilled to usher in a vibrant and exciting summer and celebrate our 22nd edition Jazz Festival," said Iacona. “This significant milestone would not have been possible without the steadfast support of our loyal fans, exceptionally talented artists, and the unwavering dedication of our community. We are deeply grateful for the generous contributions of our corporate and government sponsors, whose support has been instrumental in ensuring the festival’s continued success. Behind the scenes, our remarkable team is dedicated to every detail of the event. Their commitment is vital in bringing this festival to life year after year. We are truly thankful to everyone who has been a part of this incredible journey.

Looking ahead, John and I are excited to continue offering an extraordinary lineup of world-class musicians, including Grammy winners, through our Headliner, Club Pass, and free show series. The energy, sense of unity, and shared spirit that permeate these nine days are unparalleled. It is a privilege and honor to reflect on the tremendous success of the past two decades, and eagerly anticipating the future as we continue to celebrate the magic of “Jazz in June."

“As is the tradition of RIJF since inception," said Nugent, “We have endeavored to program a wide scope of creative improvised music for our amazing audiences. This year is no exception, our Club Pass Series features all styles of jazz, from classic jazz, to many amazing singers interpreting the Great American songbook, from BeBop to Avant-Garde, Swing to Dixieland to Funk, Groove, Soul, R&B and everything in between! Our headliner series at Eastman and free show star artists will feature incredible music for all to enjoy! We welcome you to download our app when released, sample the many different musical styles, and choose your daily venue route. Marc and I are honored to bring so many award-winning artists from around the world to Rochester! Enjoy!"

Artists previously announced for the festival's ticketed Headliner Series, presented by M&T Bank, include Smokey Robinson; Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis (low ticket alert); The Wood Brothers; Rickie Lee Jones; and Thundercat. All shows begin at 8 p.m. at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre. Reserved-seat tickets are on sale now only at RochesterJazz.com or by calling 585-454-2060. Club Passes do not provide entry to Eastman Theatre shows.

Schedule

• June 20—Smokey Robinson
• June 21—Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
• June 24—The Wood Brothers
• June 25—Rickie Lee Jones
• June 26—Thundercat

The festival's signature Club Pass Series will present 171 shows with some of the finest jazz artists from around the world at 10 Club Pass venues: Hatch Recital Hall, Inn on Broadway, Kilbourn Hall, Max of Eastman Place, Montage Music Hall, Rochester Regional Health Big Tent, Temple Theater, Theater at Innovation Square, The Duke at Sibley Square, and The Little Theatre Roots & Americana Series. Entry is with a 3-Day or 9-Day Club Pass or $30 cash at the door ($35 Kilbourn Hall). Come and go from shows as you like. Venues fill quickly, so arrive early. Doors open 30 minutes before shows. Save time in line wrist bands are available for the early shows at Max of Eastman Place and Kilbourn Hall. See tickets for more information.

Not to Miss These Producers' Picks!

Ekep Nkwelle, Ruta Di, Mark Whitfield Group, Sasha Berliner Quartet, Jarrod Lawson, Claudia Acuna, Dameronia’s Legacy All Stars, Brandon Goldberg, NEA Jazz Master Gary Bartz, Allison Au Quartet, Yvonnick Prene Quartet, Jane Bunnett’s Red Dragonfly, Chuchito Valdes & Diego Figeuredo, Fabiola Mendez, and Dorreen Ketchens’ New Orleans Jazz.

See full schedule

In this year's Free Headliner Series, RIJF favorite Trombone Shorty will make his ninth appearance at RIJF, closing out the 22nd Edition with a free show on Saturday, June 28 at 9 p.m. on the Wegmans Stage at Parcel 5. Other free show headliners announced today also playing on the Wegmans Stage include Jesus Molina, Los Lonely Boys (who had to cancel last year due to a death in the family), and Lettuce.

For the first time since 2014, the festival will be back at East and Alexander for a free headliner show with Chris Lane at 9 p.m. on Saturday, June 21. The stage replaces the East & Chestnut Stage and is sponsored by the City of Rochester and Gianniny Brothers.

Schedule

• Saturday, June 21—Chris Lane, East & Alexander Stage
• Wednesday, June 25—Jesus Molina, Wegmans Stage at Parcel 5
• Thursday, June 26—Los Lonely Boys, Wegmans Stage at Parcel 5
• Friday, June 27—Lettuce, Wegmans Stage at Parcel 5
• Saturday, June 28—Trombone Shorty, Wegmans Stage at Parcel 5

All shows begin at 9 p.m., with opening artists performing at 7 p.m. No tickets are required for free shows, which will take place rain or shine. Food and beverages will be available. All bags are subject to search. See the full schedule at: [rochesterjazz.com].

More Free Shows

Jazz Street Stage – Head to Jazz Street (Gibbs St.) for 54 free shows over nine days, from 3:15 to 10:30 p.m. nightly, including six Eastman Community Music School youth ensembles and 24 of the region's top High School Jazz Bands. Sponsored by the City of Rochester and The Community Foundation. See the full schedule at: [rochesterjazz.com].

Wegmans Pavilion – On East Ave and Chestnut, enjoy two free shows nightly at 7 and 9 p.m. featuring I Square, iGNiTE! Band, Jimmy Highsmith, Groupo IFE, Flower City Trio, Red Hot & Blues Band, Public Water Supply, USP, and The Buddahood. Sponsored by Wegmans.

Jazz Starts at the Central Library – Five free shows from noon to 1 p.m., June 23 to 27 featuring Joey Stempien, Simon Fletcher, Mel Henderson, Mike Kaupa, and Quinn Lawrence. Sponsored by Monroe County and City of Rochester.

More Highlights & What's New

• The updated 2025 RIJf free App will launch in April for iPhones and Android devices. Sponsored by Harris Beach Murtha.
• Countries Represented by Artists Performing this Year: Canada, Brazil, Cuba, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Japan, Italy, Germany, Chile and the U.S.
• The RIJF Ticket Shop opens June 16, returning to 100 East Avenue at the corner of East Avenue and Gibbs Street. Open June 16 through 19 from noon to 5 p.m. and Friday, June 20 through June 28 from Noon to 9 p.m.
• Note new show times for some Club Pass Venues: Montage 2nd show is at 9:30 (previous 10 p.m.), Inn on Broadway 2nd show is at 7:45 (previous 7:15 p.m.), The Little Theater 2nd show is at 9:00 (previous 9:15 p.m.), and one now longer 90 minute set at 8:30 p.m. in the Rochester Regional Health Big Tent (no 10 p.m.).
• RIJF / Eastman School of Music Scholarship Presentation and Concert: free at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. June 23 on the City of Rochester Jazz Street Stage presented by The Community Foundation. Directed by Jeff Campbell and featuring Scott Mayo. Sponsored by M&T Bank. The festival has provided more than $500,000 for 43 scholarships to students entering Eastman School since 2002.
• 5 Jazz Workshops for music students of all ages will be held June 23 to 27 at Eastman School of Music's Ray Wright Room 120 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. FREE! No registration is required. They are hosted by Bob Sneider, Eastman School Associate Professor of Jazz Studies & Contemporary Media and led by additional Eastman School faculty and artists who are playing at the festival: Dawn Thomson, Vocal jazz; Scott Mayo, Saxophone; Herb Smith, Trumpet; and Jeff Campbell, Acoustic Bass. Sponsored by Wegmans.
• Squeezers Jam Sessions at the Hyatt Regency Rochester are moving upstairs to the Craft Kitchen & Bar, steps away from the hotel lobby. Held nightly from 10:30 p.m., and led by Bob Sneider and his trio Sunday through Thursday, and new this year, Ryan Johnson & his band Escape Terrain Fridays and Saturdays. Sponsored by the DiMarco Group.
• You can now follow the festival on Spotify.

About RIJF

The Rochester International Jazz Festival in partnership with Rochester Regional Health is one of the world’s leading jazz festivals. Since 2002, the nine-day multi-dimensional festival is held annually in downtown Rochester, NY, drawing 200,000-plus people to 290+ shows and 18 venues. The Festival navigates all genres of creative improvised music from around the world, presenting more than 1750 legendary performers, familiar favorites, and new discoveries. RIJF is produced by RIJF, LLC, a privately held company owned by Marc Iacona and John Nugent. Nugent, Producer/Artistic Director, is a noted tenor saxophonist who has traveled the world with many jazz artists, including Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Rosemary Clooney, the Woody Herman Orchestra, and The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. Marc Iacona, Producer/Executive Director, is a Rochester native and President of Simcona Electronics. A business and community leader, he is an avid trumpeter and supporter of the arts.