A New Chapter Begins
This week marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for JazzBuffalo with the launch of The Jazz Lounge—a concept born from listening, observing, and responding to what our community has been asking for. At its heart, The Jazz Lounge is about bringing people together in a relaxed, social setting where jazz becomes the soundtrack to connection, conversation, and shared experience. It fills a space that has been missing: a place to enjoy great jazz as part of a vibrant, welcoming social gathering.
The response has been both humbling and energizing. The enthusiasm for The Jazz Lounge affirms that there is a strong desire for meaningful cultural experiences that feel accessible, social, and rooted in community. We are deeply grateful for the support and excitement surrounding this new initiative, which we see as a catalyst—not only for deepening our connection with one another, but for continuing to activate downtown Buffalo through music, history, and the joy of coming together around jazz and the Great American Songbook.
As always, thank you for being part of the JazzBuffalo community and for helping us move this work forward, one shared moment at a time.
With gratitude,
Tony Zambito
Executive Director, JazzBuffalo
The Jazz Lounge
The first Jazz Lounge event begins today!
We are excited to begin 2026 with The Jazz Lounge in January. April is now fully reserved! Make your reservation for May in advance! Thank you foryour tremendous support! January, February, March, and April are now fully reserved!
Visit our The Jazz Lounge page here! https://jazzbuffalo.org/jazz-lounge/
Go here to make reservations for May!
May 28 – The Jazz Lounge – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1974528279236?aff=oddtdtcreator
11th Annual JazzBuffalo Poll
Today is the final day to cast your ballot in the 11th Annual JazzBuffalo Poll. We’ve received over 1,100 ballots, and statistically, clear leaders have emerged in the majority of categories. After today, we’ll begin tabulating the results and look forward to announcing the winners in the near future!
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.
(Don’t forget about Bela Fleck’s BEATrio and Gregory Porter!)
Reserve your seats here:
https://kleinhansbuffalo.org/events/list/?tribe_eventcategory%5B0%5D=31
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 Messengers!
Reserve your spot here! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1979531826982?aff=oddtdtcreator
Read about the Art Meets Jazz winter-spring lineup in the following announcement Make your reservations soon!
Art Meets Jazz Returns for a Vibrant Winter/Spring 2026!
Posted on by JazzBuffalo
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 […]
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 Picks
Byron Stripling makes a return to the BPO with a special Great American Songbook presentation! And the Queen City Jass Society gets the spirit of Mardi Gras in February underway!
Uptown Nights with Byron Stripling
Saturday, January 31 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pmKleinhans Music Hall 3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY, United States
It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing! Inspired by Harlem’s famed musical hot spots like The Cotton Club and The Savoy, this swingin’ night of musical sensations focuses on Harlem’s heyday when Duke Ellington’s orchestra was the house band, and Cab Calloway, Ella Fitzgerald, and Ethel Waters showcased the classics of the
$44.50 – $123.50
Queen City Jass Society at Sean Patricks
Sunday, February 1 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pmSean Patrick’s 3480 Milersport Highway, Getzville, NY, United States
In February, the Queen City Jass Society will feature The Tin Roof Jazz Band. And host special guest speaker Rick Falkowski.
$10
ICYMI: JazzBuffalo Stories
JazzBuffalo and Jazz at Kleinhans on Most Buffalo: An Exciting Season of Tribute, Legacy, and Downtown Renewal
Posted on by Tony Zambito
Sharing the story behind Buffalo’s landmark Jazz at Kleinhans season—and why it matters now. I recently had the opportunity to join Lauren Hall on Most Buffalo (WGRZ Channel 2) for […]
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.
