Four Performances Set To Thrill Audiences
Set against the storied grounds of the Richardson Hotel and the historic Richardson-Olmsted Campus, the 4th Annual Buffalo Jazz Festival returns Sunday, August 31st, from 12:30 PM to 7:30 PM for a daylong celebration of Buffalo’s finest jazz talents and a special guest from across New York State. Four distinct performances will unfold on the lush South Lawn, each showcasing a unique facet of jazz’s rich tapestry—from Mediterranean-inspired fusion to vintage swing—uniting our community through the joy of live music.
Paul Hage & Mirage: Mediterranean Jazz Like No Other
Led by composer and multi-instrumentalist Paul Hage, Mirage crafts a sun-drenched sound where Nuevo-Flamenco, world rhythms, and classical-style guitar meet contemporary jazz improvisation. Their performance promises an energetic fusion of melodies drawn from the three continents bordering the Mediterranean Sea—a truly global jazz experience you won’t find anywhere else. Paul Hage (Lead Guitarist, Keyboard) is joined by Dan Innes (Guitar, Bass) and Hicham Mihab (Cajon, Percussion) to create music like no other.
Vanessa Vacanti Quartet: A Great American Songbook Tribute
Next, the Vanessa Vacanti Quartet honors the timeless classics of the Great American Songbook, led by JazzBuffalo Poll winner Vanessa Vacanti, who was named Rising Star of the Year. Joining her are fellow JazzBuffalo Poll winners Ian Liedke on piano (2024 Jazz Piano Poll winner) and Abdul-Rahman Qadir on drums (2024 John Hunt Jazz Artist of the Year awardee), along with Nate Kalnitz on bass (2023 JazzBuffalo Poll winner for Jazz Electric Bass), forming an ensemble that celebrates our next generation and bridges tradition with fresh interpretation.
Wendell Rivera Latin Jazz Ensemble
Led by Buffalo Music Hall of Fame percussionist Wendell Rivera, the ensemble has been a cornerstone of Latin jazz in the Western New York region for over twenty years. Their high-energy performances draw on inspirations from Mongo Santamaría and Tito Puente, delivering sensational percussion, bright horn charts, and vibrant solos that invite audiences to dance. Comprising some of the area’s finest musicians—including Lisa Hasselback (piano), Ben Levitt (bass), Joey Gonzales (timbales), and trumpeters Hansel Herrera and Calvin Rice—the ensemble crafts a rich, dynamic sound uniquely their own
Gregory Street Vagabonds: Vintage Hot Jazz & Swing Finale
Closing out the festival is Rochester’s acclaimed Gregory Street Vagabonds, one of New York State’s top vintage hot jazz and swing ensembles. With a roster of Lindy Hop dancers and accomplished musicians, they revive the exuberant spirit of 1930s-’40s music and dancing, making for an irresistible celebration of America’s jazz and swing heritage.
From the sunlit sounds of Mediterranean-fusion to the swinging rhythms of vintage jazz, the 4th Annual Buffalo Jazz Festival brings together local and regional favorites for a memorable day of community, culture, and the universal language of music.
Gather your lawn chairs, pack a picnic, and join us for this free, family-friendly event on August 31st from 12:30 pm to 7:30 pm—it’s the perfect way to spend a summer Sunday at one of the city’s most iconic cultural landscapes.
