Summer of Jazz Series
After drawing hundreds last summer, JazzBuffalo expands its downtown street concerts into the new Summer of Jazz Series on Ellicott Street, leading up to the 5th annual Buffalo Jazz Festival.
Last summer, something special happened on Ellicott Street in Downtown Buffalo.
Hundreds of people gathered outdoors, filling the block in front of Tappo Restaurant for two truly memorable gatherings celebrating jazz, community, and the vibrancy of downtown Buffalo. The Buffalo Jazz Festival Prelude and 4th Annual Buffalo Jazz Festival events, produced by JazzBuffalo, transformed the street into a lively gathering place — with music, conversation, and the unmistakable energy that happens when people come together around great jazz.
Building on the success of those big hits, JazzBuffalo is proud to announce the launch of the Summer of Jazz Series. A new outdoor concert series that will once again bring the spirit of a European-style outdoor jazz café to downtown Buffalo.
Held in partnership with Tappo Restaurant and a growing group of downtown organizations, the Summer of Jazz Series will take place on July 12, July 26, August 9, August 16, and August 23, as Ellicott Street is transformed into an open-air jazz club filled with tables, café seating, and the sounds of some of the region’s most exciting jazz ensembles.
The series reflects a broader mission shared by many in the community: making downtown Buffalo a consistent destination throughout the summer — a place where residents and visitors alike can gather, enjoy exceptional music, and experience the city’s welcoming spirit.
Each date will run from 4 pm to 7 pm and feature a different ensemble representing the diversity and vitality of jazz:
- Anderson Big Band – July 12
- Hot Club of Buffalo – July 26
- Wendell Rivera Latin Jazz Ensemble – August 9
- Voci d’Amore featuring Jay Dref and Carolyn Lansom – August 16
- Fredtown Stompers – August 23
Notably, each ensemble was voted a JazzBuffalo Poll winner this year, representing standout categories including Big Band, World (Gypsy) Jazz, Latin Jazz, and Traditional New Orleans Jazz—and, more importantly, reflecting the favorites of the community that participated in the poll.
Ellicott Street will once again come alive with its distinctive “outdoor jazz café and club” atmosphere — an inviting streetscape where the music flows into the evening air and the block takes on a vibrant European flair.
The Summer of Jazz Series will culminate with the 5th Annual Buffalo Jazz Festival, during Labor Day weekend, on Sunday, September 6, headlined by Brazilian-style jazz ensemble Três Mais, featuring five-time Grammy-nominated vocalist Karrin Allyson.
Support for this downtown summer destination initiative is made possible through the generous support of ArtsBuffalo, Tappo Restaurant, Signature Development, Absolut Vodka, Try-It Distributing, Big Ditch Brewing Company, Visit Buffalo, the City of Buffalo, Iroquois Bar, Buffalo Rising, and additional partners and donors who share a commitment to making downtown Buffalo a vibrant gathering place through the power of music.
With the return of this unique street experience, Ellicott Street will once again become a place where Buffalo gathers — for music, community, and a summer filled with jazz, community, and a summer filled with jazz.
(Photos by Jack Zuff)
