The 20th Edition Starts Today!
The World of Jazz Comes to Rochester
Pat Metheny Headlines
9 Days, 19 Venues, 300 Shows, 100 Free Shows!
Rochester, NY –June 23, 2023–The 20th Anniversary Edition of the CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival, one of the world’s leading jazz festivals, starts today. The nine-day event produced by Marc Iacona and John Nugent, will be held through July 1 at 19 diverse venues in Downtown Rochester, NY,
More than 1750 artists will play in 300 shows, including 100 free performances, nightly jam sessions, and jazz workshops. Musicians will travel from 14 countries outside the U.S. The festival draws more than 210,000 people annually.
Pat Metheny Side-Eye Headlines Tonight at Eastman Theatre
8 PM
Pat Metheny makes his debut performance at RIJF. He burst onto the international jazz scene in 1974. With the release of his first album, Bright Size Life, he reinvented the traditional "jazz guitar" sound for a new generation of players. The 20X Grammy winner has continued to redefine the genre by utilizing new technology and constantly working to evolve the improvisational and sonic potential of his instrument. Metheny's versatility is nearly without peer on any instrument.
Read more | Buy Tickets Online | Doors open at 7:15 PM
Before You Go
Don't forget your Club Pass or Tickets
Review Patron Policies for what you may and may not bring
Download the free Festival App powered by Harris Beach PLLC
Check parking & street closings on Event Info
Bring a playable musical instrument to donate at the M&T Bank Rochester Education Foundation Booth on Gibbs St. 5 - 8 PM
Bring your appetite! Get food and/or beverages at Max, Hyatt Regency Ballroom & Jams, Rochester Regional Health Big Tent, Montage, Wilder Room, The Little, & Innovation Theater, and at food trucks and vendors on Jazz Street (Gibbs), and E. Main St.
When You Arrive
Pick up a free brochure at the Ticket Shop (100 East Ave) or venues.
Official RIJF gear is available in the Merchandise Tent on Gibbs St. 4- 11 PM daily.
Exchange Club Pass Tickets for Club Passes at the Ticket Shop or before you attend any shows.
Help create original artwork on a paint-by-number mural outside the Rochester Regional Health Big Tent June 23 - 25
Share your feedback! Take our quick audience survey during the fest
1911 Cider Tasting - Merchandise Tent on Gibbs St.
All bags are subject to search
First Aid Tent - staffed by Rochester Regional Health, get giveaways and basic first aid needs. Daily 5-9 PM Jazz Street (Gibbs)
M&T Bank ATMs available in multiple locations around the fest
Producers Picks
From Marc Iacona and John Nugent
More Highlights
Matthew Whitaker grew up surrounded by music. His love for playing music first began at the young age of 3 after his grandfather gave him a small Yamaha keyboard. 6 & 9 PM Kilbourn Hall, Eastman School of Music, $35 at the door or Club Pass. Read more
Gabrielle Cavassa is a New Orleans-based, California-born vocalist-composer of Italian descent who continues to garner attention for her distinctive voice and intimate expression. 6:15 & 10 PM, Max of Eastman Place, Club Pass, or $30/door. Read more
Eldorado Slim Featuring Scott Sharrard of Little Feat
Where Bill Graham’s Fillmore East meets Detroit’s Club Mozambique, NYC’s newest band, led by Little Feat guitarist Scott Sharrard. Free! 7 & 9:30 PM on the City of Rochester Jazz Street Stage presented by the Community Foundation. Read more
Steve Smith & Vital Information Drummer Steve Smith has been touring and recording with his all-star group Vital Information featuring virtuoso musicians with vast experience since 1983, making 2023 the group's 40th Anniversary. ) 7 & 9:15 PM, Temple Theater, Club Pass or $30/door Read more
Squeezers Jam Session with Mike Cottone at the Hyatt Regency Rochester Astor on Main, 10:30 PM until. You never know who will show up. No cover charge. Food and beverages available. Read more
Come out and support the next generation of artists in 20+ high school jazz bands from area schools. Free! On the City of Rochester Jazz Street stage presented by the Community Foundation.
Quick Links & Downloads
Full Schedule | Event Info | Venues | Club Pass | Ticket Info | In the News | Festival Photos
Friday, June 23, 2023
4:30 PM
CSE Music School Band - Free
City of Rochester Jazz Street Stage presented by the Community Foundation
5:15 PM
Honeoye Falls Lima High School Jazz Band - Free
City of Rochester Jazz Street Stage presented by the Community Foundation
5:45 PM
Deanna Witkowski Plays Mary Lou Williams
Club Pass or $30/door
Hatch Recital Hall, Eastman School of Music
6:00 PM
Club Pass or $30/door
Club Pass or $35/door
Kilbourn Hall, Eastman School of Music
Eastman Youth Jazz Orchestra With Herb Smith
Free
City of Rochester Jazz Street Stage presented by the Community Foundation
All in Brass Band - Free
Rochester Regional Health Big Tent
Club Pass or $30/door
6:15 PM
Club Pass or $30/door
6:30 PM
Club Pass or $30/door
7:00 PM
iGNiTE Reggae Band - Free
Club Pass or $30/door
The Little Theatre - Roots & Americana Series
Steve Smith & Vital Information
Club Pass or $30/door
7:30 PM
Club Pass or $30/door
Christ Church - Global Jazz Now
Eldorado Slim Featuring Scott Sharrard of Little Feat - Free
City of Rochester Jazz Street Stage presented by the Community Foundation
7:45 PM
Deanna Witkowski Plays Mary Lou Williams
Club Pass or $30/door
Hatch Recital Hall, Eastman School of Music
8:00 PM
$83/$73/$63/$43 + $7 service charges
8:30 PM
Club Pass or $30/door
Rochester Regional Health Big Tent
Club Pass or $30/door
9:00 PM
Club Pass or $35/door
Kilbourn Hall, Eastman School of Music
iGNiTE Reggae Band - Free
9:15 PM
Club Pass or $30/door
The Little Theatre - Roots & Americana Series
Steve Smith & Vital Information
Club Pass or $30/door
9:30 PM
Club Pass or $30/door
Christ Church - Global Jazz Now
9:30 PM
Eldorado Slim Featuring Scott Sharrard of Little Feat - Free
City of Rochester Jazz Street Stage presented by the Community Foundation
10:00 PM
Club Pass or $30/door
Club Pass or $30/door
Club Pass or $30/door
Rochester Regional Health Big Tent
Club Pass or $30/door
Jam Session with Mike Cottone - Free
Hyatt Regency Rochester Astor on Main - Squeezers Jam Sessions
Visit the Merchandise Tent on Jazz Street!
Open 4-11 PM Daily
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ABOUT THE CGI ROCHESTER INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL
The CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival is one of the world’s leading jazz festivals. Held annually in Rochester, NY, more than 210,000 music fans attend the nine-day festival, which presents 300 shows at 19 venues with more than 1750 artists from around the world. The Festival was founded in 2002 and is produced by RIJF, LLC, a privately held company owned by John Nugent and Marc Iacona. 2023 marks the festival's 20th Edition. The 2020 and 2021 Festivals could not be held due to the coronavirus pandemic.