Jazz Community Chooses Its Favorites of 2025
Each year, the JazzBuffalo Poll offers something truly special—not a critic’s list or a panel-selected “best of,” but a genuine reflection of what our jazz community values most. The 11th Annual JazzBuffalo Poll once again brought together audiences, readers, musicians, and fans to recognize their favorites across 36 categories, reaffirming just how engaged, thoughtful, and passionate our jazz community is.
What makes this poll unique—perhaps even rare nationally—is that it’s deeply rooted in community voice. Nominations come directly from the people who attend the shows, follow the artists, and support jazz year-round. The results tell a meaningful story about connection, consistency, mentorship, and the artists, programs, and advocates who help jazz thrive in Greater Buffalo.
Honoring Consistency, Leadership, and Impact
This year, we are especially proud to recognize John Anderson as a repeat winner of the John Hunt Jazz Artist of the Year Award. As a drummer, bandleader, educator, and tireless contributor, John’s impact is felt far beyond the bandstand. His leadership continues to shape the community in profound ways, and it’s no surprise that the Anderson Big Band also repeated as Favorite Big Band, reflecting the ensemble’s growing legacy and strong audience following.
Kathy Carr was named Favorite Jazz Female Vocalist, an honor that speaks not only to her artistry but also to her deep connection with audiences. Her vocal leadership with My Cousin Toné and her long-standing service to the jazz community continue to resonate with listeners across generations. Appropriately, My Cousin Toné once again earned top honors as Favorite Large Jazz Ensemble, reinforcing the group’s role as a cornerstone of Buffalo’s jazz life.
That commitment to consistency and community was also reflected in the recognition of JazzBuffalo’s JazzMondays, which received top honors as Favorite Local Jazz Performance. Now more than a decade strong, JazzMondays has become a summer ritual for many—celebrating the Great American Songbook while fostering connection, accessibility, and a shared sense of place.
Landmark Performances and Places That Matter
Voters also made it clear how much landmark performances and venues matter to Buffalo’s jazz identity. We were especially pleased to see “Over the Rainbow: Celebrating the 120th Birthday of Harold Arlen” recognized as Favorite Major Jazz Performance, with the Emmet Cohen Trio finishing a close second. These results underscore the community’s appreciation for performances that honor legacy, excellence, and artistic storytelling at the highest level.
Equally meaningful was the recognition of Kleinhans Music Hall as Favorite Major Performing Arts Center. Kleinhans continues to stand as a cultural anchor for jazz in Buffalo—providing a world-class home for performances that place our city on the national and international stage.
Rising Voices and Well-Deserved Recognition
We are delighted to recognize Elena Izquierdo as Jazz Rising Star, a reflection of both her growing artistry and the community’s enthusiasm for new voices emerging on the jazz landscape. The Poll continues to be a meaningful platform for introducing and encouraging the next generation of artists—and Elena’s recognition is a wonderful example of that spirit in action.
One of the most gratifying moments in this year’s results was seeing Rocco Termini receive the most ballots for Jazz Crusader of the Year. For decades, Rocco has been a passionate advocate for jazz, artists, and downtown culture. His leadership, vision, and willingness to step forward at a critical moment—partnering with JazzBuffalo to secure a new home for the Buffalo Jazz Festival—made a lasting impact. In 2025, we also celebrated the 10th anniversary of JazzMondays at the Tappo Restaurant Rooftop, a milestone that speaks volumes about what long-term commitment to jazz and community can achieve.
A Poll That Reflects a Living, Breathing Jazz City
The JazzBuffalo Poll continues to affirm something we believe deeply: Buffalo is a unique jazz city. One where artists and audiences are closely connected, where advocacy matters, and where community participation helps shape the cultural landscape.
To everyone who voted, shared feedback, and supported the artists, performances, and venues that make this community special—thank you. Your participation strengthens the bond between musicians and audiences and helps JazzBuffalo continue its mission of celebrating, supporting, and growing jazz throughout our region.
Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees. Your work, dedication, and artistry do not go unnoticed—and our community is better because of you.
The 11th Annual JazzBuffalo Poll Winners
Jazz Tenor Saxophone – Nelson Rivera
Runner-up: Dave Schiavone
Jazz Alto Saxophone – Elliot Scozzaro
Runner up: Mike Teager
Jazz Baritone Saxophone – Laura Anderson
Runner-up: Steve Baczkowski
Jazz Trumpet – Tim Clarke
Runner up: Griffith “Kaz” Kazmierczak
Jazz Trombone – John Hasselback, Jr.
Runner up: Dr. Rick Fleming
Jazz Guitar – Stu Weissman
Runner up: Jared Tinkham
Jazz Piano – Lisa Hasselback
Runner up: George Caldwell
Jazz Organ – Doug “Trigger” Gaston
Runner up: Joe Baudo
Jazz Accompaniment – E.J. Koeppel – Violin
Runner up: Jamie Sunshine – Marimba
Jazz Upright Bass – Ed Croft
Runner up: Paul LaDuca
Jazz Electric Bass – Ed Croft
Runner up: James Bender
Jazz Vibes – Jamie Sunshine
Runner up: Alec Dube
Jazz Drums – John Bacon, Jr.
Runner up: Abdul-Rahman Qadir
Jazz Percussion – Wendell Rivera
Runner up: Jamie Sunshine
Jazz Female Vocalist – Kathy Carr
Runner up: Vanessa Vacanti
Jazz Male Vocalist – Zach Carr
Runner up: Jack Civiletto
Jazz Classic Standard Group – My Cousin Toné
Runner up: John Bacon Quartet
Jazz World – Hot Club of Buffalo
Runner up: The French ConeXion
Jazz Trad/NOLA/Swing – Fredtown Stompers
Runner up: Back Room Jazz Band
Jazz Fusion – Damone Jackson Outcome
Runner up: Adam Bronstein Trio
Latin Jazz – Wendell Rivera Latin Jazz Ensemble
Runner up: Sol Y Sambra
Jazz Big Band – The Anderson Big Band
Runner up: Easy Street Big Band
Jazz Large Ensemble – My Cousin Toné
Runner up: Buffalo Jazz Collective
Jazz Soul/Funk/Contemporary – Ellen Pieroni’s “Encyclopedia of Soul”
Runner up: Paradigm Shift
Jazz Pop and Retro – Dozo My Lady featuring Carolyn Lansom
Runner up: Carina and the Six String Preacher
Jazz Venue – Pausa Art House
Runner up: Sportsmen Tavern
Jazz Major Performing Arts Center – Kleinhans Music Hall – Mary Seaton Room
Runner up: Kleinhans Music Hall – Main Hall
Most Memorable Jazz Performance – My Cousin Toné Celebrates Great American Songbook – JazzMondays – Tappo Rooftop
Runner up: Fredtown Stompers – Northwest Jazz Festival in Lewiston, NY
Most Memorable International Jazz Performance – Over the Rainbow: Celebrating Harold Arlen’s 125th Birthday (Pete Malinverni, Anaïs Reno, Julie Kurtzman)
Runner up: Emmet Cohen Trio
Jazz CD/EP Release – Ian Liedke – “IDL Quartet”
Runner up: Andrew Nixon and James Bender – “Rough Edges”
Middle School/High School Educator – Laura Anderson
Runner up: John Hasselback, Jr.
College/University Educator – Dr. Rick Fleming
Runner up: John Bacon, Jr.
Jazz Rising Star – Elena Izquierdo
Runner up: Vanessa Vacanti
Jazz Ex-Pat – John Hasselback, III
Runner up: Carmen Intorre, Jr.
Jazz Crusader – Rocco Termini – Ellicott Street/Tappo JazzMondays/Buffalo Jazz Festival
Runner up: Jack Zuff – Jack Zuff – Photographer / JazzBuffalo Contributor
John Hunt Jazz Artist of the Year – John Anderson
Runner up: Elliot Scozzaro
Comments From The JazzBuffalo Community
Each year, our wonderful jazz community shares heartfelt comments about the individuals they voted for in the JazzBuffalo Poll. Here’s a compilation of some of these warm messages:
John Anderson – John Hunt Jazz Artist of the Year
John Anderson: preeminent drummer, bandleader, community builder, and educator
We frequently see John Anderson playing with either the Back Room Jazz Band or the Anderson Big Band. He’s always outstanding and just fun to watch!!
John Anderson not only plays as an artist, but also affords so many other musicians the opportunity to play, and he recommends so many to others as well.
John’s a solid technical and creative drummer with a long track record of solid performance.
I am voting for John Anderson, an exceptional musician who has a deep and comprehensive understanding of the history of jazz. As co-leader of the Anderson Big Band, John carefully selects music that pays tribute to the greats of the genre while keeping the tradition vibrant and relevant. His musical knowledge, artistic integrity, and commitment to honoring jazz history make him a truly deserving candidate for Jazz Artist of the Year.
Other Comments
Laura Anderson – educator – she brings a passion and love of music to all students regardless of their abilities.
Vanessa Vacanti not only was her vocals so incredible but her ability to connect with the audience so beautifully thru her storytelling made for a delightful evening. She is incredibly talented. Ian Liedke on keys killed it. He was crazy good.
Vanessa Vacanti Always a captivating performance.
We love My Cousin Tony! The rooftop introduced us to jazz and we love going every summer!
I have worked with and listened to Cheryl Ferris for years. She has worked diligently at her craft and is very deserving of this recognition.
George Caldwell brings so much love and energy to the bandstand that is so easily obtainable by his bandmates and the audience alike
I love how Elena Izquierdo interprets and sings
Elena Izquierdo is incredibly talented and truly deserves this award. Beautiful soulful voice.
Elena Izquierdo has a beautiful voice
Nate Kalnitz! Superb musician and has definitely had an important effect on the Buffalo scene.
An Elliot Scozzaro show never disappoints. He loves to uncover pieces that may have been neglected for years, or puts a spin on an old standard. I love how he talks about each piece’s history and gives the composer their due.
Ian Liedke is so talented! Always mesmerized by his ability
Carolyn Lansom has an incredible voice combined with the ability to truly express the emotion that the music is trying to convey.
I see John Troy in a lot of different jazz environments and he’s always exciting. Great chops and also tasteful.
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