Lewiston Jazz Festival – 2026

The 2026 Lewiston Jazz Festival in Lewiston, NY, takes place Friday, August 28th, and Saturday, August 29th!

Featuring Bria Skonberg and Paul Marinaro

The Lewiston Jazz Festival, presented by Northwest Bank, will once again transform the picturesque village of Lewiston, New York, into a vibrant destination for jazz when the region’s largest free jazz festival returns Friday, August 28, and Saturday, August 29, 2026. Recognized as one of the region’s most beloved summer music traditions, the festival brings together internationally celebrated artists, outstanding regional performers, and rising stars across five stages of live music throughout the village.

The 2026 Main Stage lineup reflects the festival’s mission of presenting exceptional artists who celebrate both the tradition and the evolving artistry of jazz.

Friday Night Main Stage

The festival will open on Friday evening, August 28, with the dynamic Ladies First Jazz Big Band, a Western New York staple for more than two decades. Known for their energetic performances and exceptional musicianship, the ensemble sets the tone for an exciting festival weekend.

Following them will be acclaimed Chicago jazz vocalist Paul Marinaro, widely regarded as one of the most compelling interpreters of the Great American Songbook performing today. In a much-anticipated and triumphant return to his hometown of Buffalo and Western New York, Marinaro will make a special appearance at the Lewiston Jazz Festival. He has earned international recognition for his rich baritone voice, deeply expressive storytelling, and sophisticated interpretations of classic repertoire—drawing comparisons to the great traditional vocalists while bringing a fresh, contemporary perspective.

Saturday Main Stage

Saturday’s Main Stage programming will open with a special performance by the renowned Zodiaque Dance Company, continuing a beloved festival tradition that brings together music and dance.

The Saturday lineup then features:

Sally Terrell – Vocalist, pianist, and songwriter from Connecticut known for her warm tone and elegant interpretations of jazz standards, returning to her roots in Lewiston-Youngstown for a special appearance.

Laura Dubin – Rochester-based jazz pianist whose internationally acclaimed lyrical touch and refined swing highlight the Great American Songbook.

Gabrielle Stravelli – New York City-based internationally acclaimed vocalist celebrated for emotional depth and stylistic versatility in her interpretations of jazz standards.

The 2026 Main Stage will culminate with a performance by internationally celebrated trumpeter and vocalist Bria Skonberg, widely recognized as one of the brightest stars in contemporary jazz. A JUNO Award winner and multiple JUNO nominee, Skonberg has dazzled audiences around the globe with her fiery trumpet virtuosity, charismatic vocals, and ability to bridge classic jazz traditions with modern sensibilities seamlessly. Her presence at the Lewiston Jazz Festival promises a thrilling conclusion to the Main Stage experience, highlighting her signature energy, musicality, and love for the Great American Songbook.

Five Stages of Jazz Throughout the Village

Beyond the Main Stage, the Lewiston Jazz Festival will feature four additional stages showcasing a diverse lineup of artists from the region and beyond.

Friday Night Across the Festival

Friday evening performances will include:

• Back Room Jazz Band – Spirited traditional jazz with infectious energy
• Gregory Street Vagabonds (Rochester, NY) – Swinging vintage jazz delivered with flair and fun.  In special collaboration with SwingBuffalo for the festival’s third year of Friday Night Swing.
• Paul Todaro and the Standards – Celebrating the timeless repertoire of the Great American Songbook
• Donny Frauenhofer – Pianist blending swing, blues, and jazz
• Matt’s Music Vocal Performance Team – Award-winning youth ensemble known for polished and lively performances – a cherished festival tradition

Saturday Festival Performances

Saturday Center Street Stage features:

• Cheryl Ferris Quartet – Jazz vocalist with a warm, expressive voice
• Vanessa Vacanti Quartet – Rising jazz vocalist and one of the region’s most promising talents
• Wendell Rivera Latin Jazz Ensemble – High-energy Latin jazz with infectious rhythms

Special guests on the Center Street Stage include award-winning members of the Temple University Jazz Band, under the guidance of internationally respected trumpeter Terell Stafford, who are making a special trip to Lewiston to perform as the Temple University Parliament Sextet. The Sextet will feature trombonist Richard LaRouech from East Aurora.

Frontier House Stage

• Paul Hage & Mirage – Mediterranean jazz grooves with contemporary sophistication
• Dominic Missana and Friends – Eclectic ensemble blending modern sound with vibrant jazz fusion led by one of the region’s most gifted jazz artists
• Dave Hill Group – West Coast jazz with dynamic ensemble interplay
• MASTI World Music Ensemble – Globally inspired rhythms and jazz fusion

Peace Garden Stage

• Ann Mitchell Jazz Duo (Rochester, NY) – Rochester-based jazz vocalist connecting deeply with audiences and jazz standards.
• The Beard and the Bird (Rochester, NY) – Nationally touring innovative jazz/folk storytelling with fresh sounds
• Elena Izquierdo – Rising star jazz vocalist offering heartfelt modern jazz interpretations

DiCamillo Courtyard Stage

• Kathy Carr – Intimate and swinging jazz vocals full of warmth and charm
• Becky Davis and Tony Cesarano – Dynamic duo blending lush vocals and masterful instrumental support
• Susan Friedman with Ken Kauffman – Captivating vocal-piano collaboration with high artistic quality

A Vision for the Festival

“As Artistic Director, my goal each year is to present a dynamic lineup that honors the rich traditions of jazz while embracing the voices shaping its future,” said Tony Zambito, Artistic Director of the festival. “The Lewiston Jazz Festival has long been about bringing extraordinary music to the community while celebrating the beauty and spirit of Lewiston. We are proud to present artists of this caliber and to offer audiences a festival experience that reflects the full spectrum of jazz. This year, we’re especially excited to welcome 14 artists making their festival debut, while expanding our regional representation with outstanding talent from Rochester and Pennsylvania.”

With its five stages, acclaimed artists, and beautified village setting, the Lewiston Jazz Festival continues to stand alongside the nation’s premier summer jazz gatherings. From internationally celebrated performers to rising regional stars, the festival offers a memorable experience for both seasoned jazz enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Join us in Lewiston on August 28–29, 2026, to celebrate the music, the community, the array of food and drink vendors, and the timeless spirit of jazz.

Mark your calendars now and be part of another exciting weekend of jazz.