The Significance of the JazzBuffalo Poll
Each year, the JazzBuffalo Poll becomes far more than a list of winners—it becomes a reflection of who we are as a city and what we value in our cultural life. The 11th Annual JazzBuffalo Poll once again affirmed the powerful role jazz plays in connecting people, strengthening community, and giving voice to the artists and supporters who help define Buffalo’s creative spirit. With well over a thousand ballots cast, this year’s poll stands as a meaningful bridge between audiences and artists—one built not on critics’ panels or organizational agendas, but on genuine engagement and shared experience.
What makes the JazzBuffalo Poll special is its purpose. It invites the community into the conversation, allowing listeners, supporters, and neighbors to actively recognize the music and musicians that move them. In doing so, it reinforces a vital truth: thriving arts and culture are built together. When audiences show up, vote, and celebrate their favorites, they help sustain artists, venues, and programs that enrich our city and contribute to its ongoing renewal. This annual moment of reflection reminds us that jazz in Buffalo is not only alive—it is valued, supported, and deeply woven into the fabric of our community.
As we share the results of the 11th Annual JazzBuffalo Poll, we do so with gratitude and pride—for the artists who continue to give so much, and for the community that continues to listen, engage, and believe. Together, we are not just honoring favorites; we are investing in a cultural legacy that helps make Buffalo a better, more vibrant place for all of us.
With gratitude,
Tony Zambito
Executive Director, JazzBuffalo
The 11th Annual JazzBuffalo Poll
If you have not had the chance yet, review the results of the 11th Annual JazzBuffalo Poll!
Congratulations to John Anderson on being voted by the community, for the second time, as the recipient of the John Hunt Jazz Artist of the Year Award. This recognition is especially meaningful because it comes directly from the ballots cast and the sentiments expressed by the people of our community.
We thank John for his passion, leadership, and enduring contributions to making our city a better place through jazz and the Great American Songbook.
Announcing The Winners Of The 11th Annual JazzBuffalo Poll!
Posted on by JazzBuffalo
Jazz Community Chooses Its Favorites of 2025 Each year, the JazzBuffalo Poll offers something truly special—not a critic’s list or a panel-selected “best of,” but a genuine reflection of what […]
10 Days Until Jazz at Kleinhans!
We are 10 days away from our 2nd Annual Harold Arlen Celebration featuring the 9-time Grammy Nominee, Tierney Sutton. She is thrilled to present special arrangements of the Harold Arlen Songbook. Don’t miss this momentous occasion!
Jazz at Kleinhans: Celebrating Harold Arlen’s 121st Birthday, Featuring Tierney Sutton
Featured Sunday, February 15 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pmKleinhans 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
Reserve your seats here: https://kleinhansbuffalo.org/event/tierney-sutton/
Reserve All Three Tributes That Raise Buffalo’s Stature in Jazz!
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 Pick
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!
Elliot Sneider in Concert: A Tribute to Jack DeJohnette
Saturday, February 7 @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pmPausa Art House 19 Wadsworth Street, Buffalo, NY, United States
Jack DeJohnette (1942–2025) was one of the most influential jazz drummers of the last sixty years—an artist whose sound reshaped rhythm, space, and musical conversation. This concert celebrates his music and aesthetic through the work he helped define, featuring selections associated with Miles Davis, Charles Lloyd, the Keith Jarrett Trio, Joni Mitchell, and DeJohnette himself.
$15 – $18
ICYMI: JazzBuffalo Stories
The Jazz Lounge Launches with an Exciting Night at the Historic Statler
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A Sold-Out Evening of Music, Community, and Warmth—Even on the Coldest Winter Night Despite some of the coldest winter weather we’ve experienced, the inaugural night of The Jazz Lounge could […]
An Engaging Conversation on Jazz, Community, and Downtown Renewal
Posted on by Tony Zambito
Tony Zambito joins Judge Penny Wolfgang on On Target to reflect on JazzBuffalo’s journey, the growing impact of Jazz at Kleinhans, and the vital role arts and culture play in […]
Rocco Termini Recognized as Jazz Crusader of the Year in 11th Annual JazzBuffalo Poll
Posted on by Tony Zambito
A Decades-Long Advocate Bridging Jazz, Business, and Downtown Revitalization in Buffalo In the 11th Annual JazzBuffalo Poll, the community has spoken clearly and with purpose—through hundreds of votes, recognizing Rocco […]
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.
