We reflect on the unexpected halt of a beloved summer tradition, while reaffirming our commitment to community, resilience, and the future of arts and culture in Buffalo through ArtsBuffalo and the upcoming 4th Annual Buffalo Jazz Festival.
It is with a heavy heart that I share difficult news. The Jazz at Richardson summer series, a cherished tradition for our community, will not take place for the remainder of this summer. The decision was made by the Richardson-Olmsted Campus and its Board of Directors, largely due to the uncertainties surrounding the future of the Richardson Hotel and the transition to new licensed operating management for the hotel.
As someone who has served on boards, I understand the complexities and responsibilities that come with such stewardship, particularly during periods of organizational transition. Still, this outcome is a deep disappointment—not just to JazzBuffalo, but to the many in our community who looked forward to coming together on those beautiful summer Sundays. What saddens me most is that, despite the rapid pace of developments over the past week, there was little opportunity for a collaborative dialogue or workable resolution to be explored.
Jazz at Richardson and the Buffalo Jazz Festival have brought hundreds of people to the historic campus, making these events among the most actively engaged cultural initiatives in the city. And specifically for the campus. The lawn, filled with families, jazz lovers, picnics, lawn chairs, and laughter, was more than just an event—it was a reflection of what community can and should look like.
And who can forget the emotional and uplifting moments when Jazz at Richardson first began during the pandemic—a time when it was so deeply needed?
Over the past decade, JazzBuffalo has proven resilient in the face of challenges. We’ve continually found ways to uplift the community with accessible, high-quality music programming that fosters joy, community, connection, and civic pride. And we’ll do it again. I want to assure you that the 4th Annual Buffalo Jazz Festival will take place on Sunday, August 31st, under a revised format and lineup. And we’re already working to identify venues and locales that can help us continue building this beloved tradition.
We’re also actively in conversation with several interested partners—individuals and organizations who recognize the value of what we’ve built together and who have expressed a strong desire to support our mission and ensure its future.
This moment also affirms the vital role that the future ArtsBuffalo will play moving forward. Building on the platform and success of JazzBuffalo, we are committed to further positioning arts and culture as a meaningful catalyst in Buffalo’s revitalization and redevelopment. We aim to create more shared cultural experiences and engagement that enrich the lives of people across every neighborhood in our great city.
Thank you for your unwavering support. We remain inspired by the strength of this community and the belief that music and the arts have the power to unite us all.
With gratitude and resolve,
Tony Zambito
Executive Director, JazzBuffalo
President, ArtsBuffalo
(We welcome and appreciate your comments!)
Distressing news but this could also be a good opportunity.