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Rochester, NY – June 29, 2025 – The 22nd Edition Rochester International Jazz Festival, in partnership with Rochester Regional Health, wrapped up last night, delivering nine unforgettable days of world-class music, big smiles, and a downtown Rochester shining bright.
The annual reunion for jazz musicians and fans filled 18 venues with over 285 concerts featuring outstanding music from familiar favorites and new discoveries. Attendance this year surpassed 210,000.
The festival's 23rd Edition will be presented from June 19 to 27, 2026.
Producer and Executive Director Marc Iacona said, "I am absolutely thrilled and excited about the tremendous success of this year’s 2025 Rochester International Jazz Festival and our partnership with Rochester Regional Health! It has been truly humbling to experience the warm reception from our community and the fantastic support from our sponsors.
"A big thank you to all our sponsors and our major sponsors, Rochester Regional Health, the City of Rochester, Monroe County, New York State, the University of Rochester, M&T Bank, and the Wegman family—we appreciate them all very much!
"The weather was phenomenal this year, allowing us to witness the incredible talent of young students, emerging artists, and established musicians alike at our world-renowned jazz festival. The energy and enthusiasm of our community, along with the heartfelt welcome we extend to artists from around the globe, make our festival truly unique.
We’re already looking forward to 2026, where we have some exciting surprises in store! Both John Nugent and I can’t wait to see everyone on Jazz Street!
Producer and Artistic Director John Nugent said, "We are overwhelmed with joy by the outstanding turnout at our festival for the 22nd edition!
"The artistry we all experienced across our 18 venues was on an extremely high level. As producers, there is nothing more joyous and satisfying than seeing smiling faces enjoying creative improvised music in all its many styles and genres. We’re already getting ready to see everyone on Jazz Street next year for our 23rd Edition, June 19-27, 2026.
22nd Edition Highlights
- Five nights of free outdoor headliner shows on the Wegmans Stage at Parcel 5 and the East and Alexander Stage, presented by the City of Rochester and Gianinny Brothers, drew huge crowds.
- Two of the five ticketed Headliner Series shows at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, presented by M&T Bank, sold out: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra featuring Wynton Marsalis and Thundercat.
- Five free Jazz Workshops sponsored by Wegmans were held at the Eastman School of Music.
- More than 110 free shows were presented on multiple stages, including the City of Rochester Jazz Street Stage, presented by The Community Foundation, Wegmans Stage at Parcel 5, East and Alexander Stage presented by the City of Rochester and Gianinny Brothers, Rochester Regional Health Big Tent, the Wegmans Pavilion, the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, making high-quality music accessible to all.
- The festival's 45th scholarship to the prestigious Eastman School of Music was presented to Ethan Hart, a saxophonist from Williamsville, New York, who will attend Eastman in the fall.
- 33 high school jazz bands and youth ensembles played on the City of Rochester Jazz Street Stage, presented by The Community Foundation.
- Squeezers Jam Sessions, sponsored by the DiMarco Group, moved to a larger location in the Hyatt Regency Rochester to accommodate more patrons and posted a record attendance
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