The CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival is one of the nation’s most popular and most respected music festivals. The nine-day festival is held in the East End cultural district of downtown Rochester. We will highlight and review shows during the Jazz Fest. This page will be updated each time the Beacon posts new content.
20th Edition (2023)
Jazz Fest ends on a bright note
By JESS WILLIAMS | July 2, 2023
The crowds remained undeterred in their celebration of music in downtown Rochester. Read the story.
Magical moments on Day 8
By JESS WILLIAMS | July 1, 2023
A piano duo, a jazz trio and an orchestra added flair to a hazy Friday evening. Read the story.
Harnessing vocal power
By JESS WILLIAMS | June 30, 2023
On Day 7 of the Jazz Fest, vocalists mesmerized audiences with cadence, harmony and feeling. Read the story.
Captivating sounds fill downtown
By JESS WILLIAMS | June 29, 2023
Catherine Russell’s performance added joy, while Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers packed Parcel 5. Read the story.
A night of emotion and celebration
By JESS WILLIAMS | June 28, 2023
Energetic performances kept audiences on their feet on RIJF’s fifth day. Read the story.
On Day 4, excitement keeps buzzing
By JESS WILLIAMS | June 27, 2023
From the NYChillharmonic to American Patchwork Quartet, musicians, groups kept audiences enthralled. Read the story.
Taking flight with harmonious mastery
By JESS WILLIAMS | June 26, 2023
Day 3 at the Jazz Fest was a musical feast with piano, saxophone, bluegrass and folk. Read the story.
Bringing heart and soul to the stage
By JESS WILLIAMS | June 25, 2023
Artists won audiences over with hypnotic and joyful performances. Read the story.
An exhilarating first day at the Jazz Fest
By JESS WILLIAMS | June 24, 2023
Jazz fans across generations came together to celebrate music. Read the story.
Jazz Fest marks a milestone
By JESS WILLIAMS | June 19, 2023
The CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival begins its 20th edition this week. The Rochester Beacon has a list of must-see artists. Read the story.
19th Edition (2022)
Bringing down the house
By FRANK DE BLASE and JESS WILLIAMS | June 26, 2022
In the final two days of the CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival, the highs got even higher. Read the story.
Surprising sounds on Day 8
By JESS WILLIAMS | June 25, 2022
Friday’s performances featured steel drum, ukulele and moody jams. Read the story.
Day 7 brings new favorites
By FRANK DE BLASE and JESS WILLIAMS | June 24, 2022
New York City’s Big Lazy and Booker T Jones produced ragged and raucous sounds. Read the story.
Hot, humid, and healing music
By JESS WILLIAMS and FRANK DE BLASE | June 23, 2022
Day 6 highlights included piano trios led by Connie Han and Joonas Haavisto, and the Queen of Percussion. Read the story.
Hitting new highs on Day 5
By JESS WILLIAMS | June 22, 2022
From smaller venues like Kilbourn Hall to the expanse of Parcel 5, the Jazz Fest crowds were the biggest so far. Read the story.
On Day 4, no loss of momentum
By FRANK DE BLASE and JESS WILLIAMS | June 21, 2022
Dan Wilson played a smooth set at Max of Eastman Place, while Spyro Gyra packed Parcel 5. Read the story.
Day 3 brings on the cool
By JESS WILLIAMS and FRANK DE BLASE | June 20, 2022
Sunday brought solo acoustic guitar, classic jazz and meditative, otherworldly Dutch sounds. Read the story.
Parcel 5 comes alive
By FRANK DE BLASE and JESS WILLIAMS | June 19, 2022
A crowd in the thousands reveled in the righteous sounds of Day 2. Read the story.
An electric first day at the Jazz Fest
By JESS WILLIAMS and FRANK DE BLASE | June 18, 2022
The streets were full, people were socializing, friends were reconnecting, and everyone was celebrating music together. Read the story.
Artists to watch at the Jazz Fest
By FRANK DE BLASE and JESS WILLIAMS | June 13, 2022
The CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival begins its 19th edition this week. The Rochester Beacon has a list of must-see artists. Read the story.
Bringing home the Bacon Brothers
By FRANK DE BLASE | June 10, 2022
Michael and Kevin Bacon have been performing together since 1995. The duo will perform at the Jazz Fest on June 24. Read the story.