When One Door Closes, Jazz Opens a Street
Over the past week, we’ve been incredibly moved by the outpouring of support following the unexpected cancellation of the beloved Jazz at Richardson series by the Richardson-Olmsted Campus and its Board of Directors. Your sincere messages, encouragement, and belief in what Jazz at Richardson represented—a celebration of music, community, and shared joy—have reminded us of how deeply these events resonate across our city. We are grateful beyond words.
In true community spirit, a new door has opened. Thanks to our long-standing partner, Rocco Termini, we are thrilled to bring jazz directly to the heart of downtown Buffalo. With Ellicott Street closed off in front of Tappo Restaurant, we will extend the essence of JazzMondays into an exciting new street jazz format. This creative pivot is made possible by those who choose to lead with community-first values, engage in resolved dialogue, and a commitment to revitalizing Buffalo through music, culture, and connection.
We now look ahead with excitement to two special events: a New Orleans-style celebration with The Brass Machine on August 10th, and the 4th Annual Buffalo Jazz Festival on August 31st. Both will help redefine how music can shape the vibrancy and future of our city—and you, our amazing community, will be at the center of it all.
Let’s keep building something beautiful together.
With gratitude,
Tony Zambito
Executive Director, JazzBuffalo
A Renewed Plan and Dancing in the Streets
JazzBuffalo will bring the spirit of Jazz to 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 dancing in the 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 welcome a ‘Dancing in the Streets’ theme, featuring a wooden dance floor right on the street. The format will be a little different from past festivals, but we’re excited by this new energetic vision that brings life to downtown and offers a promising future.
JazzMondays at Tappo Restaurant Rooftop Patio 10th Anniversary!
We had a great weather evening this past Monday and we’re hoping for another as we celebrate the Great American Songbook each Monday through Labor Day!
Join us as we celebrate the 10th Anniversary of JazzMondays on the newly renovated rooftop patio at Tappo Restaurant! For a decade, we’ve made Monday nights in downtown Buffalo sparkle with the timeless charm of the Great American Songbook.
Check Upcoming Jazz at JazzBuffalo.org
As summer gets underway, Buffalo comes alive with outdoor jazz performances, concerts, and festivals. Be sure to visit the Upcoming Events section on JazzBuffalo.org to stay current on all the live jazz taking place throughout the city and region. From rooftop evenings to concerts in the park, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this season. With many unique events submitted weekly, we encourage you to check the website often to find out where jazz is happening. Click here to view all the upcoming events!
https://jazzbuffalo.org/upcoming-events
JazzBuffalo Pick
Catch the very talented Harmonia Vocal Jazz Ensemble in a special performance at Babeville – Ashbury Hall. Another of Buffalo’s uniquely gifted creative treasures that makes our city a treasured city of arts and culture.
Thursday, July 10 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Harmonia Vocal Jazz Ensemble
Asbury Hall at Babeville 341 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY, United States
The Harmonia Vocal Jazz Ensemble makes its fourth appearance at Babeville! Noted for eclectic programming, Harmonia has long been one of Buffalo’s finest choral groups. Under the direction of Rob Pacillo, Harmonia VJE will perform jazz standards and favorites in a fabulous mix of swing, bebop, funk, samba, fusion, pop, and a cappella! Harry Graser,
$25
ICYMI: JazzBuffalo Stories
An Exciting Downtown Jazz Revival: A Conversation on WBEN Radio with Thomas Puckett
Posted on by Tony Zambito
Tony Zambito and Rocco Termini share plans to bring jazz to the streets of downtown Buffalo It was a privilege to join Thomas Puckett on WBEN Radio to talk about […]
JazzBuffalo Stands Resilient: A New Opportunity Unfolds Downtown
Posted on by Tony Zambito
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 […]
Community Disappointment as Beloved Jazz at Richardson is Halted
Posted on by Tony Zambito
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 […]
“Jazz For Everyone” Campaign
Join our “Jazz For Everyone” campaign starting in April! Your support and proceeds help us bring the magic of jazz and the timeless American Songbook to our community through exciting events like the Buffalo Jazz Festival, and future endeavors like the American Songbook Experience series. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps make these cultural experiences accessible to hundreds of people throughout our communities through free events or by keeping fees low. Thank you for helping us create unforgettable moments and enrich lives through music!
Please visit our donate page, where you can donate via PayPal, Venmo, or credit card and help build our community! DONATE
Become a JazzBuffalo Patron
Many thanks to those who have explored and contributed via Patreon. JazzBuffalo grows and supports the need to enrich our community through jazz. Will you consider becoming a JazzBuffalo Patron to continue the development of JazzBuffalo as an integral part of what makes our city one of the best for arts and culture in the country? Click on the Become A Patron link below and become a supporting patron for as little as $1/month.
