Four Intimate Nights Where Music, Art, and Community Meet
As we look ahead to winter and spring 2026, Art Meets Jazz continues to grow into one of JazzBuffalo’s most distinctive and meaningful series—bringing people together in an intimate downtown setting where live jazz, visual art, and shared experience intersect. What began as a simple idea has become a powerful gathering place for our community, one that celebrates creativity while contributing to the ongoing renewal of Buffalo’s city core.
This season, we’re excited to present four Art Meets Jazz events, each offering a different voice, style, and story—yet all rooted in the same spirit of connection and artistry that defines the series.
We begin with a festive and joyful Mardi Gras Music Night, featuring Ray Skalski’s Trad Messengers, with Ray Skalski, Tim Clarke, Tyler Westcott, and Ed Croft. Adding a special dimension to the evening, we’ll also feature a visual art exhibit of Ray Skalski’s jazz-inspired paintings—portraits that capture the soul of legends like Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, Kenny Burrell, and more. It’s a true celebration of jazz as both sound and image.
The series continues with two of Buffalo’s most respected jazz artists, George Kane and Tim Clarke, in a rare duo setting. Both have consistently represented the very best of Buffalo jazz and are perennial favorites in the annual JazzBuffalo Poll. Together, they’ll explore classic jazz tunes and beloved standards with the kind of interplay, nuance, and mastery that can only be experienced up close.
We’re also thrilled to welcome back DeeAnn DiMeo, returning to Art Meets Jazz by popular demand. DeeAnn delivered a memorable, deeply moving performance when she kicked off the very first Art Meets Jazz—and her artistic journey has only continued to rise since then. Her return promises another powerful evening of soulful, jazz-inflected music that resonates long after the final note.
Rounding out the series is the return of Nate Kalnitz’s Beatles & Jazz project, a crowd-favorite concept that reimagines the timeless songs of The Beatles through the lens of jazz. Familiar melodies meet improvisation and fresh arrangements, creating an experience that feels both nostalgic and completely new—one that has consistently brought smiles and surprises to Art Meets Jazz audiences.
What makes Art Meets Jazz truly unique is its setting and scale. Surrounded by incredible artwork at the Hunt Art Gallery and Beebe’s at the Gallery, these evenings are intentionally intimate—designed for listening, connection, and conversation. Space is limited, and that closeness is part of the magic. It’s jazz as it was meant to be experienced: personal, immersive, and shared.
At its heart, Art Meets Jazz is about more than concerts. It’s about bringing our community together, supporting local artists, activating downtown spaces, and reinforcing the role of arts and culture in improving our quality of life. Each event is a small but meaningful step in the broader effort to keep downtown Buffalo vibrant, welcoming, and alive year-round.
With only a limited number of seats available for each performance, we encourage you to reserve early. Links for each event are available below, and we look forward to welcoming you back for another inspiring Art Meets Jazz season this winter and spring.
Join us—listen closely, gather together, and be part of something special.
What follows are the links to each JazzBuffalo event description and the Eventbrite linkS to reserve spots for each event:
Art Meets Jazz: Mardi Gras with Ray Skalski’s Trad Messengers
Featured Wednesday, February 18 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pmHunt 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…
EVENTBRITE LINK: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/art-meets-jazz-mardi-gras-with-ray-skalskis-trad-messengers-tickets-1979531826982?aff=oddtdtcreator
Art Meets Jazz: George Kane and Tim Clarke Duo
Featured Wednesday, March 18 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pmHunt Art Gallery/Beebe’s at the Gallery
Two of Buffalo’s very best come together for an evening that perfectly embodies the spirit of Art Meets Jazz. Guitarist George Kane and trumpeter Tim Clarke have long stood at…
EVENTBRITE LINK: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/art-meets-jazz-george-kane-and-tim-clarke-duo-tickets-1981659013454?aff=oddtdtcreator
Art Meets Jazz: DeeAnn DiMeo Back by Popular Demand!
Featured Wednesday, April 15 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pmHunt Art Gallery/Beebe’s at the Gallery
We’re thrilled to welcome DeeAnn DiMeo back to Art Meets Jazz, returning to the series she helped launch in unforgettable fashion. DeeAnn kicked off the very first Art Meets Jazz…
EVENTBRITE LINK: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/art-meets-jazz-deeann-dimeo-back-by-popular-demand-tickets-1981660322369?aff=oddtdtcreator
Art Meets Jazz: A Night of Beatles and Jazz: Linus and Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds – Back by Popular Demand
Featured Wednesday, May 20 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pmHunt Art Gallery/Beebe’s at the Gallery
Back by Popular Demand!! If you missed the first performance at Art Meets Jazz – then it is a must to make this one! Join us for a truly unique…
EVENTBRITE LINK: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/art-meets-jazz-a-night-of-beatles-and-jazz-back-by-popular-demand-tickets-1981662214027?aff=oddtdtcreator
