Downtown Buffalo Comes Alive with Music, Flavor, and the Spirit of New Orleans
Yesterday, our community came together for something truly special—the Buffalo Jazz Festival Prelude: A New Orleans Celebration on Ellicott Street.
From the very beginning, our goal was not to recreate an existing event but to produce something entirely new—a joyous, fresh occasion that would unite our community in a novel way. We wanted to create a moment that embodied celebration, renewal, and the unmistakable spirit of New Orleans right here in Buffalo.
I am filled with gratitude for everyone who made this day possible.
First, my heartfelt thanks to Rocco Termini, whose supportive partnership and passionate dedication were essential to making this event a success. His commitment to Buffalo’s revitalization is unmatched.
A huge thank you to Chef Phil Limina, who, along with his dedicated staff, worked tirelessly in sweltering kitchen temperatures reaching over 120 degrees to keep the food flowing. Your hard work and professionalism did not go unnoticed.
I also want to applaud the incredible young staff members who brought their passion and energy to setting up the event and serving our guests with warmth and enthusiasm.
Special thanks to Mark Percy for delivering exceptional sound engineering—ensuring that every note rang true in the summer air.
And, of course, The Brass Machine, led by the incomparable Kyle Yagielski, deserves the loudest applause. You gave us a performance overflowing with energy, heart, and the festive magic of New Orleans.
To Jack Zuff, thank you for once again capturing the spirit of the gathering with your magnificent photography. Your images preserve the joy and community we experienced yesterday.
But most of all, my deepest gratitude goes to all of you who came out—out of genuine support, resilience, and a shared love for music and community. Your presence made this event a celebration of who we are as Buffalo.
Let’s carry this spirit forward as we look ahead to Sunday, August 31st, when we’ll gather again for the 4th Annual Buffalo Jazz Festival. Another chance to unite, to celebrate, and to be one in the spirit of community.
With heartfelt thanks,
Tony Zambito
Executive Director, JazzBuffalo
President, ArtsBuffalo
P.S. Enjoy the fantastic photo gallery below featuring the photography of Jack Zuff!
Appreciative Comments:
We welcome comments! Please share your thoughts. Check out these so far!
“It was a great event and appreciate all the time and effort that went into it . It was well attended and everyone loved it . Thank you and Rocco for a great time and the music was spectacular.”
“We had a great time. Looking forward to the next one.”
“Wow!!“
“It was a great event!!! Thank you!!!!!”
“It was great!!!”
“Great event, and the group performing was on fire!! Of course, I’m a bit partial since the sax player is my nephew.”
“It was a cool event, great band!”
“Had a great time!”
“Fabulous!”
“We were blown away listening to the Brass Machine! Such a wonderful event, Thanks to all who made it possible!!”
“Awesome work by all!”
“Incredible!”
“Great day of great music and great food, thanks to Tony and Rocco Termini for all their hard work.”
“…Incredible, incredible, incredible display of exceptional musical talent engaging the audience throughout. Cafe’ tables serving New Orleans food from Tappo, surrounded by tables and chairs of folks with their own brought food & drink, bookended with more of the same in their own folding chairs…What an extraordinary event…!”
Jack Zuff Gallery of Photos
