The Rochester International Jazz Festival will close its 21st edition with the hypnotic groove that is funk. With the original members of the Meters, George Porter Jr. and Leo Nocentelli, the evening pays homage to the group’s iconic album “Rejuvenation.”
The event marks a milestone—it is the 50th anniversary of “Rejuvenation.” Released in 1974, the album has been described as a testament to New Orleans. The Meters’ sound coalesced African, Caribbean, Native American, Creole, French and Mardi Gras traditions.
On Day 9 of the Jazz Fest, the performance is led by New Orleans modern funk ensemble Dumpastaphunk, with Porter on the bass and Nocentelli on guitar. Legends Ian and Ivan Neville also join the party.
Parcel 5 will come alive with funk and soul, melodic grooves, guitar and keyboard riffing, and most of all, rhythm.
Rochester trio CMD—Common. Music. Different.—brings familiar material to the Wilder Room. Pianist Casey Filiaci, bassist Mark Terranova and drummer Dave Cohen put their touches on songs by the Beatles, Joni Mitchell and Neil Young.
“CMD’s intention is not to confuse or impress,” Filiaci told the Beacon earlier this year. “It is only to offer another look. To tell each story in a different but credible way.”
Their music feels like a conversation between the three musicians, as they trade solos and find joy in familiar tunes.
The Doxas Brothers grew up with music, and their father had many music events when the two were growing up. Later in their teens, they started playing live music and eventually established a name for themselves.
With their newfound recognition, they toured the world with famous jazz stars. While it began with the two brothers, they now have two more bandmates. Bassist Adrian Vedady and pianist Marc Copland add their flair to the Doxas Brothers’ music.
The band performs at the Inn on Broadway.
The sextet One For All has New York City roots. Known for its collaborations with many greats, the band has its own sound, which builds on traditions and works of masters. Instrument-rich—trumpet, trombone, saxophone, drums, piano, and bass—One For All has made its mark as a powerful jazz ensemble.
Their performance at the Theater at Innovation Square is bound to get rave reviews.
Louisiana-born blues player Eric Johanson brings his music to the City of Rochester Jazz Street Stage.
Johanson, a self-taught guitarist, found inspiration from bluesmen like Freddie King. Johanson has released five albums, two of which are covered tracks.
While Johanson plays the blues and has gained much inspiration from blues, he maintains that he has “never tried to stay within one box.”
Leading pianist Jorge Luis Pacheco will enthrall audiences at Max of Eastman Place with his signature fiery performance.
His passion makes him an exciting entertainer, and Pacheco’s energy is infectious. With several awards under his belt, the Cuban artist has a flair for creativity, depth and soul—underscored by deep classical training.
For show times and ticket prices, see the full Jazz Fest schedule. For the Beacon’s Jazz Fest coverage, click here.
Smriti Jacob is Rochester Beacon managing editor. Charles Schaff is a Rochester Beacon intern, a rising junior at Ithaca College and a member of the Beacon Oasis Project’s inaugural cohort. The Beacon welcomes comments and letters from readers who adhere to our comment policy including use of their full, real name. Submissions to the Letters page should be sent to [email protected].