Your weekly guide to Jazz in Buffalo.
Tony’s Thoughts
One of the things I’ve noticed this summer is that communities are built one experience at a time.
It may be a JazzMondays evening on the rooftop. A Sunday afternoon at Summer of Jazz. Sitting on the patio at Beebe’s On The Square. Or simply spending time downtown with family and friends.
Each experience becomes another reason to come back downtown again.
Over time, those moments begin to shape how we see our city—and how we connect.
It’s a simple observation, but an encouraging one.
Thank you for continuing to make jazz and the Great American Songbook a part of your lives and, in doing so, helping make Buffalo an even more vibrant community.
With gratitude,
Tony Zambito
Executive Director, JazzBuffalo
What We’re Building
People Getting to Know One Another
One of the most rewarding things about this summer has been watching people get to know each other.
Someone who first joined us for JazzMondays decides to spend a Sunday afternoon at Summer of Jazz. Friends who met at one event return together for another. Familiar faces become new friends. Before long, a unique community begins to take shape.
That’s what has made this summer feel so special.
JazzMondays, Summer of Jazz, and now the 5th Annual Buffalo Jazz Festival aren’t simply individual events. Together, they’re creating a place where people know they’ll find great music, welcoming faces, familiar friends, and another reason to spend time in downtown Buffalo.
I’ve especially enjoyed seeing people get to know one another. Conversations begin before the music starts and continue long after the final song. Week after week, familiar faces return, new friendships are formed, and a genuine sense of community continues to grow.
For me, that’s what this summer has been all about.
Not simply presenting memorable jazz and Great American Songbook experiences.
Creating a place where people feel they belong.
This Week’s Featured Event
Havana Nights Brings the Rhythms of Latin Jazz to Downtown Buffalo
One of the joys of Summer of Jazz has been celebrating the many styles and traditions that make jazz such a rich and vibrant art form.
This Sunday, August 9, we invite you to experience Havana Nights on Ellicott Street as the outstanding Wendell Rivera Latin Jazz Ensemble fills downtown Buffalo with the dancing rhythms of Latin jazz.
There’s something special about Latin jazz on a summer afternoon. We’ve seen it before whenever Wendell performs. Before long, people are finding themselves inspired to get up and dance!
Join us this Sunday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Ellicott Street for an afternoon of great music, great food, and great company.
Summer of Jazz Presents: Havana Nights featuring the Wendell Rivera Latin Jazz Ensemble
Sunday, August 9 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm Ellicott at Huron – Tappo Restaurant 338 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, United States
Feel the Energy. Experience the Rhythm. Some music makes you listen. Some music makes you smile. And some music makes it nearly impossible to sit still. On Sunday, August 9, Summer of Jazz invites you to experience Latin Rhythms, an afternoon filled with the vibrant sounds, infectious grooves, and joyful spirit of Latin jazz. Featuring…
Great American Songbook Spotlight
“Besame Mucho”
Written in 1940 by Mexican composer Consuelo Velázquez, the song has become one of the most beloved and most-recorded songs in the world. Along the way, it found a natural home in jazz, where artists from Nat King Cole and Ella Fitzgerald to Diana Krall, Andrea Bocelli, and countless instrumentalists have made it their own.
What makes Besame Mucho so enduring is its beautiful melody and timeless message. Even if you’ve never paid attention to the lyrics, chances are you’ve heard it—and remembered it.
Latin rhythms and melodies have become an important part of jazz’s rich history, adding new colors, new energy, and new ways to tell stories through music. That’s one of the things I love most about jazz.
Enjoy this beautiful version by the composer herself!
Community Spotlight
The Lewiston Jazz Festival: A Summer Tradition Worth Experiencing
One of the highlights of every summer is the Lewiston Jazz Festival. For decades, music lovers have gathered in one of Western New York’s most beautiful villages to hear outstanding jazz, discover new artists, enjoy the food and drinks, and spend time with family and friends.
This year’s festival continues that tradition with two remarkable evening performances featuring Paul Marinaro on Friday and Bria Skonberg on Saturday, along with a full weekend of exceptional music throughout the village.
Read more about this year’s featured evening performances:
Two Remarkable Evenings. One Beautiful Connection.
Posted on by Tony Zambito
Paul Marinaro and Bria Skonberg bring the Great American Songbook and contemporary jazz together for a memorable Lewiston Jazz Festival weekend. One of the joys of presenting a jazz festival […]
ArtsBuffalo Spotlight
From time to time, I’d like to share ideas and observations that look beyond individual events to explore how arts and culture help strengthen our community, our downtown, and our future through ArtsBuffalo.
This week’s editorial reflects on MusicalFare’s successful first season downtown and why I believe it’s about much more than a single theater company.
More Than a Successful Season
Posted on by Tony Zambito
MusicalFare’s first season at Shea’s 710 reminds us that downtown revitalization begins when people choose to gather. Congratulations to Randy Kramer, the entire MusicalFare team, Brian Higgins, and everyone at […]
This Week on JazzBuffalo.org
As summer continues, so do the opportunities to experience outstanding jazz throughout our community. This week, we’re sharing why the 5th Annual Buffalo Jazz Festival has become an important part of downtown Buffalo, along with six jazz and Great American Songbook experiences that make August one of the most exciting months of the year.
The Buffalo Jazz Festival To Bring Life To Downtown Buffalo
Posted on by Tony Zambito
A milestone year that continues to bring great music, community, and renewed energy to Ellicott Street. When we first envisioned the Buffalo Jazz Festival five years ago, we hoped it […]
Six Jazz and Great American Songbook Experiences You Won’t Want to Miss This August
Posted on by JazzBuffalo
If there is one month that captures the spirit of what we’re building at JazzBuffalo, it is August. From the vibrant rhythms of Latin jazz and the timeless melodies of […]
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.
