A special ArtsBuffalo and JazzBuffalo celebration, in partnership with Tappo Restaurant, celebrating the music of Andrea Bocelli, featuring internationally acclaimed tenor Jay Dref, Buffalo favorite Carolyn Lansom, and an exceptional quartet.
Certain voices transcend musical genres.
Andrea Bocelli is one of them.
For more than three decades, his remarkable artistry has introduced millions of people around the world to music that blends classical elegance with the accessibility of popular song. His unforgettable duets, soaring melodies, and heartfelt performances remind us that great songs have the power to connect people regardless of age, background, or musical preference.
On Sunday, August 16, JazzBuffalo and ArtsBuffalo, in partnership with Tappo Restaurant, will celebrate that legacy with Voci d’Amore: The Music of Andrea Bocelli, a special afternoon featuring two of the region’s most exceptional vocalists—Jay Dref and Carolyn Lansom—accompanied by an outstanding quartet of accomplished musicians featuring Harry Graser on keyboards, George Kane on guitar, Wayne Moose on bass, and Devin Kelly on drums.
Rather than recreating an Andrea Bocelli concert, Voci d’Amore celebrates the music that has made him one of the world’s most beloved artists. Audiences will experience timeless love songs, memorable duets, and soaring melodies presented through elegant arrangements that blend classical beauty with warmth, intimacy, and spontaneity.
Two Extraordinary Voices, One Special Afternoon
What makes Voci d’Amore especially exciting is the opportunity to experience two remarkable performers whose voices complement one another in both artistry and expression.
Internationally acclaimed tenor Jay Dref has performed on some of the world’s most respected stages, earning admiration for his soaring voice, commanding presence, and remarkable ability to communicate both power and tenderness through song. A graduate of The Juilliard School, Dref has toured internationally alongside legendary soprano Sarah Brightman, bringing his artistry to audiences across North America and beyond. A Buffalo native with an international career, Dref has become an accomplished vocal artist on the world stage, making his return home for Voci d’Amore a special opportunity for local audiences to experience a performer who has toured internationally.
Joining him is Carolyn Lansom, whose expressive voice, elegant stage presence, and heartfelt interpretations have made her one of Buffalo’s most admired vocalists and a perennial nominee and winner in the JazzBuffalo Poll. Equally at home interpreting jazz standards, Broadway favorites, contemporary classics, and timeless love songs, Carolyn possesses a rare ability to draw audiences into every lyric she sings. Her warmth, artistry, and exceptional vocal versatility make her the perfect musical partner for this unique collaboration.
Together, Dref and Lansom create something greater than the sum of their individual talents.
Their voices blend beautifully, making them the perfect pairing to celebrate the majestic duets and timeless melodies associated with Andrea Bocelli. Backed by an exceptional quartet, audiences can expect an afternoon filled with soaring vocals, rich musical textures, and songs that have inspired listeners around the world.
For many, this will be the first opportunity to experience these two extraordinary artists together in this unique setting—making Voci d’Amore one of the signature musical events of this year’s Summer of Jazz Series on Ellicott Street.
The Power of Song
The program is built around something JazzBuffalo has come to believe deeply:
Great songs bring people together.
Whether those songs come from the Great American Songbook, jazz, Broadway, or the music made famous by Andrea Bocelli, they create shared experiences that connect us across generations and cultures. Beautiful songs have a remarkable ability to transcend labels and remind us of our common humanity.
That belief has become central to the work JazzBuffalo and ArtsBuffalo are doing in downtown Buffalo.
Throughout this summer, thousands of people will gather on Ellicott Street for the Summer of Jazz Series, featuring four free outdoor concerts culminating with the 5th Annual Buffalo Jazz Festival. Others continue to fill JazzMondays at Tappo Rooftop Patio, one of Buffalo’s most sought-after summer live music experiences.
Each event is unique.
Yet together they represent something much larger.
They are creating reasons for people to come downtown—not simply to attend a concert, but to spend time together, support local businesses, experience Buffalo’s arts and culture, and strengthen the sense of community that makes great cities thrive.
Working alongside ArtsBuffalo, Tappo Restaurant, the Electric District Alliance, and many other dedicated partners, JazzBuffalo believes music can help shape a downtown that is vibrant, welcoming, and alive with opportunity. Every concert, every gathering, and every shared experience contributes to a stronger cultural identity for our city.
An Invitation to Gather
Voci d’Amore continues that vision.
It is an invitation to spend a summer afternoon surrounded by beautiful music, extraordinary voices, and a growing community that believes Buffalo deserves to be recognized as one of America’s premier destinations for music and culture.
Bring family.
Bring friends.
Bring someone you love.
Join us as Jay Dref and Carolyn Lansom fill downtown Buffalo with timeless songs inspired by the music of Andrea Bocelli, reminding us once again that the most enduring music is the music that brings us together.
Voci d’Amore: The Music of Andrea Bocelli
Featuring Jay Dref & Carolyn Lansom
Sunday, August 16, 2026
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
JazzBuffalo • ArtsBuffalo
Ellicott Street • Tappo Restaurant • Downtown Buffalo
Free and Open to the Public
Because the strongest communities are built one gathering at a time.
