Cast Your Vote in the 11th Annual JazzBuffalo Poll!

The JazzBuffalo Poll Is Now Open For Voting!

The 11th Annual JazzBuffalo Poll is officially open for public voting, and once again, we invite the Greater Buffalo community to take part in this meaningful annual tradition—recognizing and celebrating the musicians, groups, advocates, venues, supporters, and audiences who shaped another important year for jazz.

As we reflect on 2025, this year stands out as one of new voices, emerging talent, and remarkable resiliency. We witnessed a growing presence of younger-generation musicians stepping forward, being introduced to the community, and earning well-deserved recognition alongside established artists. It was also a year that demonstrated the strength, adaptability, and shared commitment of our jazz community to continue creating, presenting, and gathering—no matter the challenges.

This year’s poll features 36 categories, highlighting individual and ensemble performances, recordings, initiatives, advocates, and supporters who contribute to the vitality of jazz in Greater Buffalo. Nearly 165 nomination surveys were submitted, and we extend our sincere congratulations to all of this year’s nominees. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who took the time to nominate and help shape this year’s ballot.

The JazzBuffalo Poll remains a reflection of the community’s voice. It honors not only artistic excellence, but also the joy, connection, and sense of belonging that jazz continues to foster throughout our region. Each vote is a recognition of the people and places that help jazz thrive here.

We invite you—our readers, audiences, and fellow jazz lovers—to cast your votes for the artists, groups, supporters, and performances that inspired you throughout 2025.

Voting will remain open until January 30 (or earlier, if voting concludes ahead of schedule).

The results of the 11th Annual JazzBuffalo Poll will be announced on JazzBuffalo.org by the end of the month or in early February.

Thank you for being part of this annual celebration—and for continuing to support and uplift jazz in Greater Buffalo.

Cast your vote below (scroll within the window), or click here to participate.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JazzBuffaloPoll2026

Thank you for participating, and please share with others!

*(Please note that this year we have limited most categories to five nominees, and no more than seven, based on the results of the nominations survey. This approach helps streamline the process, reduce the costs of conducting the poll, and minimize the “popularity” effect often associated with favorite-oriented polls.)

*(A friendly reminder to our nominees: each year, we emphasize the importance of refraining from any organized efforts to “stack” votes, as such activity is easily detected. Voters should submit the poll only once. We encourage nominees to allow audiences, readers, and fans to freely cast their votes and to celebrate the results in the spirit in which this poll is intended.)

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