The Rochester International Jazz Festival, now in its sixth year, announced on Wednesday this year’s lineup, its largest and most eclectic yet. Presented by Heluva Good Quality Foods, the nine-day festival-running from June 8 to 16-will host over 600 artists from 13 countries performing in over 200 concerts at 18 venues.
Some festivals claim diversity but fail to deliver, but this one has it all: pianist extraordinaire Dave Brubeck, Wynton Marsalis & the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra performing “Congo Square,” Trio Beyond (John Scofield/Jack DeJohnette/Larry Goldings), fusion violinist Jean-Luc Ponty, rock ‘n’ roll pioneer Jerry Lee Lewis, critically acclaimed chanteuse Madeleine Peyroux (pictured), “Texican” blues merchants Los Lonely Boys, R&B master Solomon Burke, funk maestro Maceo Parker, reggae ensemble Toots and the Maytals and even alt-rock favorites like Cowboy Mouth and Rusted Root. Not enough jazz, you say? James Moody, Geri Allen, Randy Brecker, Bill Frisell, Fred Hersch, John Fedchock, Olu Dara, Christian Scott and Omar Sosa will all be there.
Even countries like Madagascar, Lithuania, Hungary and Scotland will be represented. If you’ve ever wondered what the Madagascar jazz scene was like, now’s your chance to check it out!
“This year marks the most extensive and by far the most diverse lineup we have ever presented,” said John Nugent, founder, co-producer and Artistic Director, in the official press release. “Each year as we expand our event, our main goal is to present a multifaceted artistic celebration of all forms of American music in a smorgasbord of musical tastes. We always work hard to leave no ears behind!”
Tickets go on sale Friday morning at 10 a.m. and can be purchased online at www.rochesterjazz.com (where you can view the complete schedule) and www.ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticket Express at (585) 222-5000 or Ticketmaster at (585) 232-1900.
Originally Published