Jazz is Our Soundtrack of Summer
The city is alive with the rhythms of the Great American Songbook, swing, bebop, soul-jazz, and more as we find ourselves during an exciting summer season filled with festivals and outdoor performances. Jazz has once again become a soundtrack to our summer gatherings, drawing from all walks of life to experience live music in joyful, communal settings.
Over the past two decades, the vibrancy of Buffalo’s jazz culture has grown tremendously. What was once a modest series of seasonal events has blossomed into a diverse and dynamic tapestry of performances that celebrate not only the music but also our sense of community. Whether it’s neighborhood festivals, national acts visiting town, or local legends taking the spotlight, the city’s love for jazz is more evident than ever—and it’s something worth celebrating.
With gratitude,
Tony Zambito
Executive Director, JazzBuffalo
Join Us For A Special Bourbon Street Style Celebration August 10th!
JazzBuffalo will bring the spirit of New Orleans Jazz to downtown with a reimagined format. We’ll transform Ellicott Street, closed to traffic, in front of Tappo Restaurant into a vibrant dancing Bourbon Street party atmosphere, the kind you’d find in New Orleans or other great jazz cities.
Sunday, August 10 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Buffalo Jazz Festival Prelude: New Orleans Celebration on Ellicott Street with The Brass Machine
Ellicott at Huron – Tappo Restaurant 338 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, United States
Join us Sunday, August 10th, for a special Buffalo Jazz Festival Prelude event that brings the spirit of New Orleans right to downtown Buffalo! We’re closing off Ellicott Street in…
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! Forecast looks good!
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
Experience Latin Jazz and the unique sounds of Cuban influence!
Friday, July 25 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
“Piano Cubano” – Rafael Zaldivar & violinist Lazara Martinez
Pausa Art House 19 Wadsworth Street, Buffalo, NY, United States
Rafael Zaldivar, piano Lazara Martinez, violin Ben Levitt, upright bass When JUNO Nominee Cuban pianist and composer Rafael Zaldivar sits down at the piano, he brings a wealth of…
Jazz Festival Season!
July and August bring us jazz festivals throughout the region. Three this weekend that will feature jazz!
Friday, July 25 @ 11:00 am – Sunday, July 27 @ 7:00 pm
Galbani Italian Heritage Festival – 50th Anniversary
Hertel Avenue and Delaware Avenue Buffalo, NY, United States
Join us as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary of the Galbani Italian Heritage Festival Admission is free Event Date: Friday, July 25 11am-9pm, Saturday, July 26 11am-9pm, and Sunday, July 27 11am-7pm. Location: Hertel Ave, Buffalo, NY (between Delaware and Lovering).Come enjoy The Galbani® Italian Heritage Festival on Hertel Avenue in North Buffalo.Experience incredible entertainment, delicious food, and…
Saturday, July 26 @ 1:00 pm – 9:00 pm
21st Annual Queen City Jazz Festival
Lafayette Square Buffalo, NY, United States
Save the date and join The Colored Musicians Club & Jazz Museum on Saturday, July 26th at Lafayette Square in Downtown Buffalo for the 21st Annual Queen City Jazz Festival. MORE TO COME SOON! FREE TO THE PUBLIC. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets. Parking is public and first come, first serve. There are…
Free
Sunday, July 27 @ 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm Pappy Martin Legacy Masten Jazz Festival
Pappy Martin Legacy Masten Jazz Festival
Buffalo Science Museum Lawn Buffalo, NY, United States
30th Annual Pappy Martin Legacy Masten Jazz Festival…
Special Upcoming JazzBuffalo Events
We are excited to announce two upcoming events that build upon our Art Meets Jazz series and our most recent celebration of the Great American Songbook at Sto-Lot Restaurant and Bar. Two opportunities to enjoy visual art mixed with jazz, and a fabulous atmosphere at Sto-Lat with a more robust menu this time!
Thursday, August 7 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Summer Thursdays Kick Off with Will Holton at Beebe’s at the Gallery!
Hunt Art Gallery/Beebe’s at the Gallery
There’s no better way to launch Summer Thursdays at Beebe’s at the Gallery than with community-minded musician Will Holton. A dynamic saxophonist, producer, and advocate for Buffalo’s arts and culture,…
Free – Pay What You Can Night!
Wednesday, August 20 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm Celebrate the Great American Songbook at Sto-Lat Bar with My Cousin Toné!
Celebrate the Great American Songbook at Sto-Lat Bar with My Cousin Toné!
Sto-Lat Bar 4475 Transit, Williamsville, New York
After a spectacular evening celebrating the American Songbook and pre-4th of July Holiday, join us once again for an exciting evening of classic American music, great food, and festive summer…
Free
In One Month! Northwest Jazz Festival in Lewiston, NY!
The region’s largest free jazz festival is just a little over a month away! Save the dates of Friday, August 22, and Saturday, August 23, as jazz once again fills the air of Lewiston, NY!
Friday, August 22 @ 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm Northwest Jazz Festival in Lewiston, NY – 2025
Northwest Jazz Festival in Lewiston, NY – 2025
Northwest Jazz Festival in Lewiston, NY Center Street, Lewiston, NY, United States
The 2025 Northwest Jazz Festival in Lewiston, NY, takes place Friday, August 22nd, and Saturday, August 23rd! The full schedule for all 5 stages! NORTHWEST JAZZ FESTIVAL SCHEDULE 2025…
Free
4th Annual Buffalo Jazz Festival is Labor Day Weekend!
Sunday, August 31 @ 12:30 pm – 7:30 pm
4th Annual Buffalo Jazz Festival
Ellicott at Huron – Tappo Restaurant 338 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, United States
Set in the heart of downtown Buffalo, the 4th Annual Buffalo Jazz Festival returns with a vibrant new format—turning Ellicott Street in front of Tappo Restaurant into a full-blown street…
Free
ICYMI: JazzBuffalo Stories
Celebrating Buffalo’s Italian-American Legacy in Jazz and the Great American Songbook
Posted on by JazzBuffalo
Celebrating Italian Heritage and Contributions to Buffalo’s Jazz and American Songbook Legacy As Buffalo comes alive this weekend for the 50th Anniversary of the Galbani Italian Heritage Festival, it’s not […]
Buffalo Jazz Festival Prelude: A New Orleans Celebration with The Brass Machine
Posted on by JazzBuffalo
Ellicott Street transforms into a Bourbon Street-style celebration with live brass band music, New Orleans flavors, and community pride. Buffalo is about to experience a Bourbon Street-style celebration as we […]
Buffalo, Jazz, and the Great American Songbook: A Legacy Worth Celebrating
Posted on by JazzBuffalo
Buffalo’s Enduring Love Affair with the Great American Songbook Lives On Buffalo’s relationship with jazz runs deep—through its neighborhoods, theaters, performance centers, and its vibrant cultural memory. But one of […]
How Jazz and the Arts Are Reshaping Downtown Buffalo as an Exciting Destination
Posted on by Tony Zambito
With jazz at its core and a growing arts movement in motion, Buffalo is redefining itself as a vibrant arts and cultural destination where community, creativity, and civic pride take […]
“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.
