Jun 29, 2024
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — After a late start, Saturday marked the end of the 21st edition of the Rochester International Jazz Festival. Thousands of musicians turning Gibbs Street into Jazz Street. The wet weather has resulted in some schedule changes for the last day of the Rochester International Jazz Festival. It was a later start as organizers watched the weather and made necessary changes and cancellations to the scheduled acts set to play. But those who traveled up to listen to some music still plan on making the most of it. Nine days of jazz took over Jazz Street in Rochester. From Grammy award winning artists from Samara Joy, to Shelia E, to groups originating here at home — there was something for everyone. Saturday, the Brubeck Brothers quickly moved into a venue with a capacity of 200, to 900 people due to flooding at the original venue. And with this change — not a seat was empty. "We see people from all over the country. Yesterday we had people as far as Quebec, Canada, Ohio, from all around Western New York," Capri Wine Bar and Restaurant Co-Owner Tatyana Qadiri said. "Definitely sunny days bring in more traffic, but the rain also helps because everybody wants to be inside! These changes not affecting the excitement music lovers are maintaining. Joe and Jennie Cali travel up from Buffalo each year for the festival. Even with the weather making some last-minute changes to their itinerary, they say they’re making the most of the later start. “We’re just doing it. You know. We were wondering if we should even come down here, but we decided to, and make the best of it” And they have some acts — top of mind to catch. “Definitely The Meters, and hopefully the Brubett Brothers,” Joe said. Those who helped put this nine day stretch of music together. Here’s what they had to say about this year’s turnout and who brought the biggest crowd. "The vibrancy and the energy of our community, and people coming from outside of our community to find out what Rochester is really like," Executive Director Mark Iacona said. "The music during these nine days is really what brings people together." "Laufey on Wednesday night, the young TikTok star was completely sold out in 15 minutes in December — with 5,000 people on the waitlist. She's a young superstar. We didn't know when we booked her, but there you go. Rochester came out, and it's great," Co-Producer John Nugent said. Organizers note what the festival also brings to the city is business for nearby restaurants. Capri Wine Bar and Restaurant lives on the strip that saw hundreds of thousands walk to the fest. Owners say the week of the Jazz Fest keeps them busy. Small businesses also had their chance to flourish. Christina Baker with Neens McQueens says selling at the Jazz Festival this weekend was an opportunity she'll never forget. "The inclusivity that is here has been amazing for the City is amazing," Baker said. "For vendors such as me who's a new one to the festival, to be able to come here and make these connections, to meet new people, and to see old friends. The music has brought everyone together." Organizers say they are wasting no time and are already talking about next year’s festival. No official names announced just yet — a little too early for that. But they say plans have already begun. The countdown begins...
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