International Jazz Festival.



As well as having a number of top schools in the area, Rochester is home to a multitude of festivals. The biggest of which being the International Jazz Festival, in June. The event is held at various venues throughout the city and is a must-see for anyone in the Rochester area.

Highlights of this year's festival include:

325+ shows.
Three sold-out headliner shows.
Successful introduction of newest venue, Squeezers at the Inn on Broadway.
Scholarships awarded to two high school students, providing financial assistance so that they can attend the Eastman School of Music in the fall.
39 regional groups or individual artists (not including students) performed at the festival.
More than 75 free shows (including college and high school students) were presented for families and people of all ages to enjoy.
Four shows were recorded live by WXXI for future broadcast on PBS television stations across the U.S.
Jam sessions were packed nightly.
Making Rochester an international destination for music reinforcing its rich cultural arts heritage, resources and reputation.
Generous donations of 21 musical instruments at the festival to Rochester Education Foundation, including violins, a saxophone, clarinet, and more in addition to instruction books, and accessories - all to benefit City school students.
Rochester General Health System gave out 5000 pedometers free to attendees to measure their steps and promote walking for good health.
I Love NY showcased attractions to promote the region's other interesting tourist destinations to people visiting during the festival.

MCC Ensemble

MCC Ensemble

Next year's festival will return to Rochester for another nine days, June 19-27.

Personally, I had the joy of watching selected MCC students perform alongside jazz professor John Nyerges. To a full audience, the band performed well known jazz standards and student composed pieces, all of which widely appreciated. 

Music (jazzy). Friends (aplenty). Corn dogs (nowhere to be found).


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