The JazzBuffalo Poll Fosters Connections
Each year, the JazzBuffalo Poll serves as more than a list of favorites—it becomes a reflection of the deep connection between our audiences, our artists, and the broader jazz community we’ve built together. It’s a moment when listeners, readers, and supporters take the time to recognize the musicians, groups, venues, and advocates who have brought joy, inspiration, and meaning to our lives through jazz over the past year. Your participation matters because it helps tell the story of what jazz sounds like, looks like, and feels like in Buffalo right now.
What makes this poll especially meaningful is that it is rooted in community. In Buffalo, audiences know the artists—they see them regularly, follow their growth, and celebrate their successes. By casting a vote, you help strengthen that relationship, bringing artists and audiences closer together in a way that feels personal and authentic. Few cities have the kind of engaged, informed jazz community that makes a poll like this possible, and it’s one of the reasons Buffalo continues to stand out as a truly unique jazz city. Together, this shared act of recognition helps sustain the music, encourages new talent, and reminds us that jazz here is not just presented—it’s lived.
With gratitude,
Tony Zambito
Executive Director, JazzBuffalo
11th Annual JazzBuffalo Poll
Cast Your Vote in the 11th Annual JazzBuffalo Poll!
Posted on by JazzBuffalo
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 […]
Three Landmark Tributes at Jazz at Kleinhans!
As we look ahead to what’s shaping up to be a special season at Jazz at Kleinhans, we share a glimpse of three landmark tributes that speak to both the history of jazz and Buffalo’s growing role as a premier jazz destination. Presented in one of America’s great music halls, these concerts are about honoring legacy while keeping the music deeply alive in the present.
The season in 2026 begins with our annual Harold Arlen Celebration, a tradition that pays tribute to one of Buffalo’s most significant contributions to American music, featuring 9-time Grammy nominee Tierney Sutton alongside the brilliant pianist Tamir Hendelman. We then welcome John Pizzarelli, who brings his heartfelt Dear Mr. Bennett program to Buffalo, honoring the centennial of the great Tony Bennett—with our city among the first to hear music from this beautiful new project. Rounding out this trio of tributes is Emmet Cohen’s Miles & Coltrane at 100, a powerful celebration of two towering figures whose influence continues to shape jazz today.
Each of these tributes is more than a concert. They are moments to reflect on jazz’s rich history, the enduring importance of melody and song, and why this music continues to matter in our lives—and in our city.
I hope you’ll join us and be part of these special moments at Jazz at Kleinhans at Kleinhans Music Hall.
Reserve your seats here:
https://kleinhansbuffalo.org/events/list/?tribe_eventcategory%5B0%5D=31
The Jazz Lounge
The first Jazz Lounge event is a week from today!
We are excited to begin 2026 with The Jazz Lounge in January. January, February, and March are fully reserved. Only eight spots are available for April. Make your reservations in advance!
Visit our The Jazz Lounge page here! https://jazzbuffalo.org/jazz-lounge/
Go here to make reservations!
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
The winter-spring lineup!
We start with the above special night, but we have more planned!
March 18: George Kane and Tim Clarke Duo
April 15: Back by popular demand – DeeAnn DiMeo Trio
May 20: Back by popular demand – Linua and Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds – Beatles Meet Vince Guaraldi led by Nate Kalnitz
Save the dates – reservations for March, April, and May available soon!
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
Django Reinhardt’s annual birthday celebration is this weekend!
Django Reinhardt’s 116th Birthday Celebration
Friday, January 23 @ 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The Cave, 71 Military Road, Buffalo Military Road, Buffalo, New York, United States
Friday, January 23rd, is Django Reinhardt’s 116th birthday. Our custom is to celebrate with a concert featuring local and national acts playing in the style of jazz manouche (gypsy jazz) and music that represents gypsy culture as well as was an inspiration to Django Reinhardt’s playing and composing. This year we are happy…
$25 – $30
ICYMI: JazzBuffalo Stories
John Pizzarelli Brings New “Dear Mr. Bennett” to Jazz at Kleinhans
Posted on by JazzBuffalo
Buffalo Will Be Among the First to Hear New Album Honoring Tony Bennett On Sunday, April 26, Jazz at Kleinhans will welcome one of the great keepers of song, swing, […]
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, […]
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.
