JazzBuffalo Stands Resilient: A New Opportunity Unfolds Downtown

Bringing Jazz To The Streets Of Downtown Buffalo!

In the wake of the disappointing news regarding the cancellation of Jazz at Richardson by the Richardson-Olmsted Campus and its board, we’ve witnessed something truly inspiring—the unwavering support of our community.

I want to personally thank everyone who reached out, sent words of encouragement, and offered alternative sites to help keep this cherished series alive. Your response reaffirmed what many of us have long believed: Jazz at Richardson has become more than a concert series—it’s a part of Buffalo’s cultural heartbeat.

One of the first to step up was a familiar and trusted partner in our community, Rocco Termini. As many of you know, JazzBuffalo has enjoyed a wonderful relationship with Rocco for over a decade. Together, we’ve helped bring jazz and community gatherings to places like The Terrace at Delaware Park, the former Jazz at Chandlerville series, and now, 10 incredible years of JazzMondays on the rooftop of Tappo Restaurant—where we’ve celebrated the Great American Songbook under the stars.

After a few phone calls and a great conversation, we’ve come to an exciting decision: JazzBuffalo will bring the spirit of Jazz at Richardson downtown with a reimagined format. On two of the original Richardson dates, we’ll transform Ellicott Street, closed to traffic, in front of Tappo Restaurant into a vibrant street party atmosphere, the kind you’d find in New Orleans or other great jazz cities.

On Sunday, August 10th, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, we’ll kick things off with none other than The Brass Machine. Get ready to dance and celebrate as we turn Ellicott Street into our own Bourbon Street, filled with the joyful sounds of second-line jazz and party-line music.

Then on Sunday, August 31st, we’ll host the 4th Annual Buffalo Jazz Festival from 12:30 pm to 7:30 pm. This year, we’re going to swing—with a swing dance-themed day, including a wooden dance floor right on the street. The format will be a little different from past festivals, and we’re actively finalizing an exciting new lineup that matches this energetic vision.

While the cancellation of Jazz at Richardson was deeply disappointing, it has only renewed our commitment to serving the community. This new opportunity is driven by our shared mission: to revitalize Buffalo—especially downtown—as a vibrant destination for the arts and culture. It’s a mission Rocco and I wholeheartedly believe in and one we’re proud to move forward on together.

We’re incredibly grateful for your support as we take this resilient next step. Let’s keep building community, let’s keep making music, and let’s continue proving that Buffalo is a city that responds with heart and purpose when called upon.

Stay tuned for more details—and save the dates. JazzBuffalo is still here, and we’re bringing the music to the streets.

— Tony Zambito
Executive Director, JazzBuffalo
President, ArtsBuffalo