The CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival producers Marc Iacona and John Nugent today announced at a press conference the lineup for the RIJF's nine-day 20th Anniversary Edition, coming June 23 to July 1 in 19 venues in downtown Rochester.
This year's RIJF will have more than 100 free shows and events presented on nine free stages including:
-
49 shows on the City of Rochester Jazz Street Stage presented by the Community Foundation
-
16 free shows in the new Wegmans Pavilion on East at Chestnut
-
Nightly free 6:00 pm shows in the Rochester Regional Health Tent
-
8 shows on the Wegmans Stage at Parcel 5
-
5 Jazz Workshops for music students sponsored by Wegmans and led by artists performing at the Festival and a scholarship concert at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre celebrating Chick Corea with the Eastman School of Music Jazz Ensemble, which is free and will be held at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre. The scholarship program has awarded almost $500,000 since 2002.
-
Squeezers Nightly Jam Sessions presented by the DiMarco Group at the Hyatt Regency Rochester
-
2 shows on the City of Rochester Stage at East & Chestnut
-
5 Noon concerts in the Rochester Monroe County Central Library
There are 4 ticketed shows, returning this year to Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre this year, including Pat Metheny Side-Eye, on June 23rd at 8:00 pm, June 24th with Keb' Mo' at 8:00 pm, June 25th with Cuban singer Omara Portuondo of Buena Vista Social Club fame with her “VIDA” The Farewell Tour at 4:00 pm, and June 27th with Bonnie Raitt: Just Like That... Tour, at 8:00 pm. Tickets are on sale or will go on sale soon for all but Bonnie Raitt, who has already sold out her show.
Thanks to an increased level of sponsorship from sponsor Wegmans, the RIJF present four nights, with two free headliner shows on the Wegmans Stage @ Parcel 5. Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue will close out the Festival, marking their eighth appearance at RIJF. And, back again this year, on the City of Rochester Stage at East Ave and Chestnut, there will be two featured shows on June 24th. The Festival's signature Club Pass Series will present 192 shows in 11 venues.
New this year, 3-Day Student Club Passes will be offered for students ages 25 and under at $174 + $6 service charge – 31% off the price of a regular 3-Day Pass. They will be available for purchase in person only starting June 19 at the Ticket Shop. Student ID required. See Club Pass Info for details. Venues include Hatch Recital Hall, Hyatt Ballroom, Kilbourn Hall, Glory House International, the Little Theatre, Max of Eastman Place, Montage Music Hall, Rochester Regional Health Big Tent, Temple Building Theater, Theater at Innovation Square, and the Wilder Room in the Rochester Club.
Additional highlights include:
-
The double-decker McCarthy Merchandise Tent moves back to Jazz Street (Gibbs St.) from Parcel 5.
-
The free 2023 RIJF Official Festival App powered by Harris Beach PLLC, will be available for download in early May.
-
The Save Time in Line numbering system returns to save people time from waiting in lines for early shows at Kilbourn Hall and Max of Eastman Place.
-
The RIJF Official Ticket / Information Shop Opens Monday, June 12 at 100 East Avenue at the corner of Gibbs Street in Rochester, New York. See dates and hours at Rochesterjazz.com.
Find more information about the RIJF, the free concerts, artists appearing at Club Pass venues, and to buy tickets for the headliners and Club passes at the RIJF website. I will start publishing my picks and other coverage closer to June.
