Vacanti To Be Featured In “Swinging Cool” Presentation By JazzBuffalo
Vanessa Vacanti has been gaining recognition across New York State for her talented vocals, engaging presence, and fresh approach to jazz standards. With praise from notable figures in the regional jazz community, Vacanti is emerging as one of the most promising new vocalists in the region. Legendary jazz singer and vocal coach Nancy Kelly remarked, “This girl can sing! She really ‘gets it.’ I’ve never been as proud of a jazz vocal student as I am with Vanessa.”
Larry Luttinger of CNY Jazz Central also shared high praise, saying, “Vanessa is one of the most promising new voices regionally that I’ve encountered in many years. Attention audiences: check out Vanessa Vacanti!”
From Musical Theatre to Jazz
A graduate of SUNY Fredonia with a BFA in Musical Theatre, Vanessa brings a distinct ability to tell stories through music. Making her performances captivating and memorable for audiences. She has performed at various jazz festivals, including the Syracuse Jazz Fest, Fulton Jazz Fest, and Jazz by the Lake in Oswego, steadily building her reputation for vocal skill and stage presence.

Vanessa’s style breathes new life into jazz standards from the Great American Songbook, adding modern touches to these treasured songs, and making her a unique artist in the jazz community.
A Debut Album to Celebrate
Vanessa recently released her self-titled debut album, Vanessa Vacanti, which showcases her deep connection to jazz traditions and the American Songbook—adding a fresh and contemporary twist to familiar tunes. The album highlights her versatility and showcases her talented voice in jazz, blending her theatrical background with the spontaneous energy of jazz music.
Swinging Cool Project Debut at Pausa Art House
JazzBuffalo is excited to introduce Vanessa Vacanti to the Buffalo jazz community through the Swinging Cool project, a celebration of the cool jazz era of the 1950s. Vanessa will perform alongside a talented ensemble on Thursday, October 24, at 7 PM at Pausa Art House. The project also introduces Gershwin virtuoso pianist Elliot Sneider and jazz guitarist Simon Fletcher, Joining the ensemble will be the veteran drummer Abdul-Rahman Qadir, bassist Mary DiCioccio, and percussionist Tony Zambito. The evening will feature classic tunes inspired by jazz greats like Anita O’Day, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Carmen McCrae, and June Christy.

This performance marks Vanessa’s first appearance in Buffalo following the release of her debut album and promises to highlight her unique take on swinging cool jazz classics.
A Next-Generation Voice
Vanessa Vacanti is a next-generation rising talent, bringing energy, passion, and a fresh perspective to her performances. Her unique blend of vocal and theatrical artistry, breathing new life into the American Songbook, sets her apart as a standout artist in the region. Be sure to catch her debut performance at Pausa Art House with the Swinging Cool project on October 24—a night of unforgettable jazz not to be missed.
Reserve your tickets now for an intimate evening of swinging jazz with one of the region’s most exciting new voices, Vanessa Vacanti! Click the link below to reserve your spot!


Last night at the Pausa House was special. The combination of Vanessa Vacanti, the five-piece jazz accompaniment and the excellent acoustics of the room made for a performance that will not soon be forgotten, Vanessa was not working a gig or fulfilling a manager’s contract performance. She was there in mind, body, and soul to present a great vocal performance. The interlude, just before the last song, was a genuine moment of mutual respect, admiration, and gratitude for everyone there that night. The enthusiastic ovation at the close of that second set confirmed to the whole room Vanessa was “our “next-generation vocal performer.
Please come back so we can enjoy an entertaining evening of great vocals, and cool music. All in a comfortable HOUSE.
Many thanks, Guy, for your wonderful and I know very sincere comment. It was a remarkable evening and moment of superb music and encouraging a truly gifted “next-generation vocal performer” that we cannot wait to showcase further for our jazz community to enjoy! Looking for more “Swinging Cool featuring Vanessa Vacanti” performances soon! We were thrilled that we could bring joy and discovery to such a great audience!