Tony’s Thoughts
Building Traditions, One Sunday at a Time
One of the things I’ve been reflecting on lately is how traditions begin.
They rarely arrive with great fanfare. More often, they grow quietly—one gathering at a time, one familiar face at a time, one memorable afternoon that makes people say, “Let’s do that again.”
That’s what I’ve begun to see with our Summer of Jazz.
Over the past several weeks, we’ve watched downtown Buffalo come alive with music, laughter, conversation, and the simple joy of being together. Families have brought lawn chairs. Friends have lingered long after the final song. Visitors have discovered something they didn’t expect in the heart of our city.
For me, those moments matter just as much as the performances themselves.
Our goal has never been simply to present great jazz. It has been to create reasons for people to gather, reconnect, and celebrate the rich musical heritage that continues to inspire us today.
As we look ahead to the next four Sundays of Summer of Jazz, I’m reminded that we’re not just filling a calendar. Together, we’re creating traditions that I hope will become part of Buffalo’s story for many summers to come.
Thank you for being part of this journey. The best, I truly believe, is still ahead.
With gratitude,
Tony Zambito
Executive Director, JazzBuffalo
(Tony Bennett photo by photographer: Mark Seliger)
What We’re Building
A Great American Songbook City
People often ask what we’re trying to accomplish at JazzBuffalo.
Of course, we want to present outstanding artists and memorable performances. But our vision has always been larger than any single concert.
We believe Buffalo can become recognized as a Great American Songbook City—a place where timeless songs are not simply remembered but celebrated, shared, and passed on to new generations.
This summer alone, we’ve traveled musically from the swing of big band jazz to the romance of Paris, and soon we’ll experience the vibrant rhythms of Havana, the beauty of Italian song, the joyful spirit of New Orleans, and the celebration of our own Buffalo Jazz Festival. Next week, we’ll also honor what would have been Tony Bennett’s 100th birthday, celebrating one of the greatest ambassadors the Great American Songbook has ever known.
Each performance adds another chapter to a story we’re writing together.
When world-class artists like Nicole Zuraitis, Branford Marsalis, and Dianne Reeves come to Jazz at Kleinhans, when local musicians bring these timeless songs to neighborhood stages, and when our community gathers to listen, we’re doing more than presenting music.
We’re shaping a cultural identity.
That vision belongs to all of us. Every time you attend a performance, invite a friend, or share your love for these timeless songs, you’re helping build something that reaches beyond today.
You’re helping create a Buffalo known not only for its remarkable musical talent but as a city where the Great American Songbook continues to live, grow, and bring people together.
JazzBuffalo: Where Buffalo Gathers for Jazz.
This Week’s Featured Event
Summer of Jazz has become much more than a concert series. It has become a celebration of community, culture, and the Great American Songbook in the heart of downtown Buffalo. With four extraordinary Sundays still ahead, we invite you to continue the journey and experience why these gatherings are quickly becoming one of Buffalo’s favorite summer traditions.
Four magical Sundays. Four special experiences. One extraordinary summer.
Read more here:
Four Exciting and Magical Sundays Await in Summer of Jazz 2026
Posted on by JazzBuffalo
Music. Culture. Community. Four magical Sundays that continue to transform downtown Buffalo into a place where people gather in the joy of jazz. From Havana to Italy, New Orleans to […]
Great American Songbook Spotlight
“The Best Is Yet to Come”
Few artists embodied the spirit of the Great American Songbook quite like Tony Bennett. Throughout a remarkable career that spanned more than seven decades, he reminded us that timeless songs have an extraordinary ability to connect generations.
One of his signature recordings, “The Best Is Yet to Come,” with music by Cy Coleman and lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, captures Bennett’s enduring optimism. Though written in 1959, it became one of the songs most closely associated with his legendary career and remains a joyful reminder that life’s greatest moments may still lie ahead.
That message feels especially fitting as we continue our Summer of Jazz journey.
On Monday, August 3, JazzMondays will celebrate what would have been Tony Bennett’s 100th Centennial, honoring one of the greatest interpreters of the Great American Songbook. We invite you to join us as we celebrate some of the songs and legacy of one of the true greats.
Congratulations to Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Inductees
Congratulations to the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame for honoring five remarkable individuals whose contributions to Buffalo’s musical heritage have long deserved this recognition: Rick Strauss, Jim Hall, James “Pappy” Martin, John “Spider” Martin, and Gerri Peters. Undoubtedly, a way of saying long overdue.
Each has helped shape our city’s rich musical identity in meaningful ways, leaving a lasting impact on generations of musicians and audiences alike. Their dedication, artistry, and commitment to Buffalo’s music community remind us that today’s vibrant cultural landscape is built upon decades of passion and perseverance.
As we continue celebrating Summer of Jazz and looking toward the future, it’s equally important to celebrate those whose work helped make Buffalo the music city it is today.
Congratulations to all the inductees of the Class of 2026!
This Week on JazzBuffalo.org
Jazz at Kleinhans is dedicated to bringing the world’s finest jazz and songbook artists to Buffalo. Fresh from an NPR Jazz Night in America feature, two-time Grammy Award winner Nicole Zuraitis is redefining the Modern Songbook through her extraordinary songwriting, artistry, and vision. Discover why she’s the perfect artist to open our 2026-2027 season and why NPR’s Jazz Night in America devoted a rare entire broadcast episode to Nicole.
Why Nicole Zuraitis Is Jazz’s Most Compelling New Voice
Posted on by Tony Zambito
Fresh off an NPR Jazz Night in America feature, the two-time Grammy winner brings her extraordinary gifts as a vocalist, pianist, songwriter, and arranger to Buffalo this November—opening the 2026–2027 […]
Check Upcoming Jazz at JazzBuffalo.org
As we enter the summer season, Buffalo comes alive with jazz performances, festivals, and concerts. Be sure to visit the Upcoming Events section on JazzBuffalo.org to stay current on all the live jazz and other music 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-event
Every week, thousands of readers, audience members, musicians, and supporters help strengthen the jazz community that makes Buffalo special. Thank you for being one of them.
Become a JazzBuffalo Patron
Many thanks to those who have explored and contributed via Patreon. Every patron helps JazzBuffalo continue creating experiences, supporting musicians, strengthening our jazz community, and bringing more people together through the joy of music. Will you consider becoming a JazzBuffalo Patron and help us continue building Buffalo’s future through jazz and live music? Click on the Become A Patron link below and become a supporting patron for as little as $1/month.
