8th Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival Underway in Rochester NY
Peter H. Scrooby
June 16, 2009
The Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival is underway in Rochester,NY.This festival boasts 800 plus Artists and 15 venues in 9 days.With headliners like Smokey Robinson,Taj Mahal,The Marshall Tucker Band and other great musicians,this is shaping up to be another great year for Jazz in Rochester.
Located in a cultural and arts district of Rochester,NY.Lined with Shops,Clubs and other local eateries.A blue collar town in Western NY that is in transition to a tech city,jazz has invaded Rochester on a large scale.
I received my press credentials Monday the 15th and was able to attend the 4th day of the 2009 8th annual Xerox Rochester international Jazz Festival that runs from June 12th to the 20th.
The air was just right on this Monday night as the sun set on the city of Rochester.I was accompanied by my daughter Saige and a good friend Nikolas Albert,along with few thousand other jazz fans.Sounds of jazz music can be heard permeating through the air as we made our way towards the festival site.
For this one week out of the year Gibbs street is renamed Jazz Street.A narrow side street that cuts over between East Avenue and East Main Street in Rochester,NY.The "Jazz Street Stage" located at one end,merchandise and vendors mixed with quaint shops that do business here the other 51 weeks a year.At the other end is the Club Pass big tent.Along this stretch of street The Fans mingle in the shadows of the beautiful architecture of Kilbourn Hall and the Eastman Theatre whom are also hosting The Festivals many Jazz musicians from around the World.
As we walked the streets amongst all the other fans,my daughter glaring at me like "Really Dad a jazz fest!I am tired and have a final exam at noon tomorrow."I had been up the night before trying to secure my credentials and thanks to Jean Dalmath of Dalmath Associates,Inc this was achieved with her help and the prompt service she provided.
Nick on the other hand had a more excited and upbeat attitude.He grew up in Miami,FL and loved to frequent a Local Jazz club while he lived there.The festival to him was a great opportunity to hear some great jazz music once again.
We made our way inside the Club Pass Big Tent and don't let the word "Tent" fool you this is far from the visual in your mind.This is a modern hi-tech air conditioned spectacular example of modern festival tents.Hardwood floors,ATM's inside the door.Walk straight and there is the bar,two double doors on either side and a well established flow of people.
Show your credentials or pay twenty dollars and your on your way into an the area of tables that looks to be the size of a football field.A stage well positioned for all to view and another bar for drinks and such.
Couples and friends sit and enjoy the wine while others dance as the sounds of Stephane Wrembel and The Djando Experiment play away.The bands music with a depth of sound the hits you deep,a tempo that flutters and crashes.Highs and Lows ,fast and slow ranges from points of relaxation to moments that seem at any second they could lose total control of what they are creating on this stage and but pull it back all together nicely as only a true musicians can.The fans love it.
The applause equal to the rhythm of the music.At one point when I thought that the applause and whistles could not get louder it did.
A full out,on there feet standing ovation.The show ends with the bands members being announced and receiving there independent recognition and applause that is due after such a great set.Stephane Wrembel promises to be back in 35 minutes for the ten o'clock show.
As We make our way out of the tent and cross East Main on to Gibbs St more sounds of music can be heard from the "Jazz Street Stage" on the far end.Past the vendors and past the various shops is were we find "The Greater Rochester Jazz Orchestra on the jazz street stage performing a smoking set,people sit at the tables and stand were they can.This is one of the many free shows that is part of this festival and showcases some of the local talent of this area.
A lone couple cuts it up dancing as the band wales and plays away to this crowd.People sit and chat,taking in all that is to offer from this barrage of audible and visual stimulation.
In a time when the world seems such a volatile place,Afghanistan,Iraq,North Korea,China,Pirates,The DOW,The Dollar and The Yen and other such worldly events currently stirring.When people are losing there Jobs,homes and cars are being repossessed this is a feel good festival that is going as strong as ever.
A well coordinated event The Xerox Rochester International Jazz fest is a place to forget the days headlines as you stroll along and take in the mind relaxing tones of Jazz,the good vibes and friendly faces.
The fans sit twenty deep along the sides of stages and or anywhere they can get a view of the artists.It does not matter everywhere that you walk you can hear it and see it there is no shortage of good music.Jazz moves in the shuffle of every foot through this small section of the city on a universal and international level transcending age,gender and ethnicity.Travelers have come as far away as Europe and Japan to take in this years festival.People are happy, and you can see it in there eyes.
My evening was only cut short on the behalf of my Daughters plea and beckoning that she was tired and needed sleep,she did confided that if for not those reasons she would love to have stayed and seen more of this venue.No fret I will be covering this event till Saturday.
In these two short hours or so I was able to witness a well executed event and vast assembly of musical talents and there are 4 days left still.
The event schedule is a full one for you to choose from as an attendee.
The days events start weekly at 4:30 p.m. and go on well into the night.
There are exceptions,free shows at noon on given days and the impromptu jam
sessions that spring up at a local pub or hotel lobby.
Events are hosted at The Eastman Theatre,Kilbourn Hall,The Xerox Auditorium ,The Club Big Tent and a plethora of other local clubs,restaurants and staged sites.
The festival has a variety of forms of access from free to the Prestigious "Club Pass".
The club pass at $135 secures your way into all the venues for the day on a first come first served basis,the early bird truly does get the worm with this gem of a deal.
Or you can pick or choose your venues and artist with the Individual club pass starting at $20
Ether way you look at it there is something for everyone,no matter if you would like to get out with the kids for and evening or want just catch a quick show for twenty bucks or make a day out of it with the club pass it is here for the enjoyment.
Further updates will be issued on this event also go
to http://www.rochesterjazz.com/ for tickets and other info related to this event.
8th Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival Underway
Located in a cultural and arts district of Rochester,NY.Lined with Shops,Clubs and other local eateries.A blue collar town in Western NY that is in transition to a tech city,jazz has invaded Rochester on a large scale.
I received my press credentials Monday the 15th and was able to attend the 4th day of the 2009 8th annual Xerox Rochester international Jazz Festival that runs from June 12th to the 20th.
The air was just right on this Monday night as the sun set on the city of Rochester.I was accompanied by my daughter Saige and a good friend Nikolas Albert,along with few thousand other jazz fans.Sounds of jazz music can be heard permeating through the air as we made our way towards the festival site.
For this one week out of the year Gibbs street is renamed Jazz Street.A narrow side street that cuts over between East Avenue and East Main Street in Rochester,NY.The "Jazz Street Stage" located at one end,merchandise and vendors mixed with quaint shops that do business here the other 51 weeks a year.At the other end is the Club Pass big tent.Along this stretch of street The Fans mingle in the shadows of the beautiful architecture of Kilbourn Hall and the Eastman Theatre whom are also hosting The Festivals many Jazz musicians from around the World.
As we walked the streets amongst all the other fans,my daughter glaring at me like "Really Dad a jazz fest!I am tired and have a final exam at noon tomorrow."I had been up the night before trying to secure my credentials and thanks to Jean Dalmath of Dalmath Associates,Inc this was achieved with her help and the prompt service she provided.
Nick on the other hand had a more excited and upbeat attitude.He grew up in Miami,FL and loved to frequent a Local Jazz club while he lived there.The festival to him was a great opportunity to hear some great jazz music once again.
We made our way inside the Club Pass Big Tent and don't let the word "Tent" fool you this is far from the visual in your mind.This is a modern hi-tech air conditioned spectacular example of modern festival tents.Hardwood floors,ATM's inside the door.Walk straight and there is the bar,two double doors on either side and a well established flow of people.
Show your credentials or pay twenty dollars and your on your way into an the area of tables that looks to be the size of a football field.A stage well positioned for all to view and another bar for drinks and such.
Couples and friends sit and enjoy the wine while others dance as the sounds of Stephane Wrembel and The Djando Experiment play away.The bands music with a depth of sound the hits you deep,a tempo that flutters and crashes.Highs and Lows ,fast and slow ranges from points of relaxation to moments that seem at any second they could lose total control of what they are creating on this stage and but pull it back all together nicely as only a true musicians can.The fans love it.
The applause equal to the rhythm of the music.At one point when I thought that the applause and whistles could not get louder it did.
A full out,on there feet standing ovation.The show ends with the bands members being announced and receiving there independent recognition and applause that is due after such a great set.Stephane Wrembel promises to be back in 35 minutes for the ten o'clock show.
As We make our way out of the tent and cross East Main on to Gibbs St more sounds of music can be heard from the "Jazz Street Stage" on the far end.Past the vendors and past the various shops is were we find "The Greater Rochester Jazz Orchestra on the jazz street stage performing a smoking set,people sit at the tables and stand were they can.This is one of the many free shows that is part of this festival and showcases some of the local talent of this area.
A lone couple cuts it up dancing as the band wales and plays away to this crowd.People sit and chat,taking in all that is to offer from this barrage of audible and visual stimulation.
In a time when the world seems such a volatile place,Afghanistan,Iraq,North Korea,China,Pirates,The DOW,The Dollar and The Yen and other such worldly events currently stirring.When people are losing there Jobs,homes and cars are being repossessed this is a feel good festival that is going as strong as ever.
A well coordinated event The Xerox Rochester International Jazz fest is a place to forget the days headlines as you stroll along and take in the mind relaxing tones of Jazz,the good vibes and friendly faces.
The fans sit twenty deep along the sides of stages and or anywhere they can get a view of the artists.It does not matter everywhere that you walk you can hear it and see it there is no shortage of good music.Jazz moves in the shuffle of every foot through this small section of the city on a universal and international level transcending age,gender and ethnicity.Travelers have come as far away as Europe and Japan to take in this years festival.People are happy, and you can see it in there eyes.
My evening was only cut short on the behalf of my Daughters plea and beckoning that she was tired and needed sleep,she did confided that if for not those reasons she would love to have stayed and seen more of this venue.No fret I will be covering this event till Saturday.
In these two short hours or so I was able to witness a well executed event and vast assembly of musical talents and there are 4 days left still.
The event schedule is a full one for you to choose from as an attendee.
The days events start weekly at 4:30 p.m. and go on well into the night.
There are exceptions,free shows at noon on given days and the impromptu jam
sessions that spring up at a local pub or hotel lobby.
Events are hosted at The Eastman Theatre,Kilbourn Hall,The Xerox Auditorium ,The Club Big Tent and a plethora of other local clubs,restaurants and staged sites.
The festival has a variety of forms of access from free to the Prestigious "Club Pass".
The club pass at $135 secures your way into all the venues for the day on a first come first served basis,the early bird truly does get the worm with this gem of a deal.
Or you can pick or choose your venues and artist with the Individual club pass starting at $20
Ether way you look at it there is something for everyone,no matter if you would like to get out with the kids for and evening or want just catch a quick show for twenty bucks or make a day out of it with the club pass it is here for the enjoyment.
Further updates will be issued on this event also go
to http://www.rochesterjazz.com/ for tickets and other info related to this event.
8th Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival Underway
Print
Email
