Your Passionate Support Created Fabulous Memories
We couldn’t have done it without you, our incredible 2025 Art of Jazz Series subscribers and enthusiastic audiences. Your passion for witnessing live, internationally acclaimed jazz filled the Buffalo AKG Art Museum auditorium all season long, transforming each concert into a shared celebration of music, community, and Buffalo’s vibrant spirit.
Celebrating You Through Four Memorable Afternoons
Dena DeRose Trio kicked off the year on February 2, and your warm welcome turned her return to Buffalo into a homecoming. Who will ever forget the opening number, Sunday in New York? Your applause and energy reminded us why we book artists of her caliber in the first place.
On March 9, Joe Alterman’s soulful tribute to Les McCann resonated deeply because you brought your curiosity and open hearts. Together, we honored jazz history, reveled in Joe Alterman telling great stories, and brought new fans into our community.
April 13 found Jeff Hamilton leading a riveting celebration of Oscar Peterson’s Canadiana Suite. With Tadataka Unno on piano, the performance was riveting! Your standing ovation at the final chord was proof of the overwhelming emotions felt throughout the concert.
Finally, on May 18, the Emmet Cohen Trio—Emmet Cohen (piano), Phillip Norris (bass), and Joe Farnsworth (drums)—walked onstage to your thunderous applause before a single note was heard. Your standing ovations throughout the performance showed just how enthralling the music of Emmet Cohen and the trio captivated all of us.
Our Gratitude to You, Those Who Amplify Our Message, and Our Production Team
To our media partners—WIVB‑Channel 4, Jazz FM 90.1, WEBR, and The Buffalo News—thank you for introducing Buffalo audiences (and our friends from Rochester) to these internationally acclaimed performances. Your coverage helped us reach many new listeners, subscribers and expand our audiences beyond Buffalo.
Behind the scenes, Mark Percy, Devin Kelly, Suzanne Manacchio, Cindy Zambito, Dave Sipos, and Jack Zuff ensured every concert ran smoothly and looked spectacular. And we could not have done it without various members of the Buffalo AKG Art Museum staff.
Looking Forward to Sharing More With You
Because of your unwavering support, we’re already at work finalizing another thrilling 2026 Art of Jazz Series lineup. When subscriptions open, please secure your spot early, so as not to miss out, which unfortunately many did with the Emmet Cohen Trio.
As mentioned yesterday, at the core of Jazz is Joy. Help us next year to present the joyful music of jazz and hear the joyful noise of applause.
From all of us associated with the Art of Jazz Series: thank you for making this season truly extraordinary. We can’t wait to share the magic of internationally acclaimed jazz from renowned, amazing artists with you again next year!
Please comment on your thoughts about the 2025 Art of Jazz Series!!
“Great season of awesome musicians, thank you!”
“What a great series this year that included great shows with Jeff Hamilton and Joe Alterman. These cats can really swing……………!!!”
“Thanks for a great season and series!”
When it comes to jazz concerts there are “gigs” and there are “events.”
Tony Z. & Co. have provided us with a new category, The ART of Jazz: a truly ethereal and transcendent experience
which encompasses both artists and audience members alike. “Build it,” my friend and THE MUSE will come …