Buffalo’s Growing Recognition as a Jazz Destination
As part of our ongoing commitment to strengthening jazz in Buffalo, I recently spent time in New York City representing and advocating for our community on a national stage. These visits are about more than attending concerts—they are about engaging in meaningful conversations with presenters, agents, artists, institutions, and industry leaders on how jazz can continue to thrive in a changing cultural as well as political landscape. It is important that Buffalo has a voice in this national dialogue, sharing our history, our audiences, and our growing momentum as a city that deeply values jazz and the legacy of the Great American Songbook.
In between meetings and conversations, there were also many inspiring moments spent listening and attending concerts. Experiencing tremendous performances, discovering new artists, and reconnecting with musicians and friends served as a powerful reminder of why this work matters. Those moments—both on stage and off—help inform how we continue to build programs here at home that are relevant, vibrant, and community-centered. Every conversation and every performance reinforces our belief that Buffalo belongs in the broader jazz conversation—and that our city has much to contribute as we work together to ensure a healthy, thriving future for jazz.
With gratitude,
Tony Zambito
Executive Director, JazzBuffalo
Favorite Moments in New York
Harold Arlen Celebration featuring Tierney Sutton!
We’re one month away. Have you made your plans yet? One of Buffalo’s most important figures in American Music History – Harold Arlen!
Sunday, February 15 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Jazz at Kleinhans: Celebrating Harold Arlen’s 121st Birthday, Featuring Tierney Sutton
Kleinhans Music Hall 3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY, United States
Join us on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Kleinhans Music Hall as we celebrate one of Buffalo’s most legendary musical icons: Harold Arlen, the brilliant composer behind many of the
$49
The Jazz Lounge
We are excited to begin 2026 with The Jazz Lounge in January. January and February are fully reserved. Limited number of spots available for March. Make your reservations in advance!
Visit our The Jazz Lounge page here! https://jazzbuffalo.org/jazz-lounge/
Go here to make reservations!
March 26 – The Jazz Lounge – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1974526696502?aff=oddtdtcreator
April 30 – The Jazz Lounge – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1974527976330?aff=oddtdtcreator
May 28 – The Jazz Lounge – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1974528279236?aff=oddtdtcreator
Art Meets Jazz Returns!
We look forward to resuming Art Meets Jazz in winter with a special Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday performance on Wednesday, February 18, featuring Ray Skalski’s Trad Messengers and an art exhibit of Ray’s jazz paintings!
Wednesday, February 18 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Art Meets Jazz: Mardi Gras with Ray Skalski’s Trad Messengers
Hunt Art Gallery/Beebe’s at the Gallery
Art Meets Jazz returns with a vibrant and joyful celebration of Mardi Gras—where rhythm, color, and creativity come together in true JazzBuffalo fashion. This special evening features Ray Skalski’s Trad
$20
Reserve your spot here! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1979531826982?aff=oddtdtcreator
Check Upcoming Jazz at JazzBuffalo.org
As we enter a new year, Buffalo comes alive with jazz performances and concerts. 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. With many unique events submitted weekly, we encourage you to visit the website regularly to discover where jazz is happening. Click here to view all the upcoming events!
https://jazzbuffalo.org/upcoming-events
JazzBuffalo Pick
The Vacanti Sisters make their first appearance together in Buffalo at Pausa Art House this weekend!
Friday, January 16 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Vacanti Sisters: A Night of Jazz/Folk Fusion
Pausa Art House 19 Wadsworth Street, Buffalo, NY, United States
Jazz and Folk music are two very important genres in American history, and they share a common ancestor – the blues. 2024 JazzBuffalo Vocal Jazz poll winner Vanessa Vacanti brings these genres together in their modern forms to create something new and exciting – a jazz/folk fusion experience. The jazz talents and improvisations of singer…
$20.00
ICYMI: JazzBuffalo Stories
Three Powerful Landmark Tributes at Jazz at Kleinhans
Posted on by JazzBuffalo
Elevating Jazz in Buffalo Elevating jazz in Buffalo has always meant more than presenting great concerts or a series — it means honoring the music’s legacy, investing in artistic excellence, […]
Advocating for Buffalo and Listening Closely in New York City
Posted on by Tony Zambito
Inspired by community and music. The first few days in New York City have been both affirming and inspiring—exactly the kind of time that reminds you why jazz and the […]
Veronica Swift Comes Home: A Stunning Night of Jazz and Song
Posted on by Tony Zambito
Swift Delivers Emotional and Powerful Performance at the Unity Jazz Festival in New York Witnessing Veronica Swift in her new program, Home, was one of those rare evenings that remind […]
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.
