Rochester Jazz Fest still on, for now. Here are the free shows for 2020 – Democrat & Chronicle


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The CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival — if it happens — will include free performances by Taj Mahal, Kool and the Gang and the Allman Betts Band, as well as a first-ever Eastman Theatre performance by perennial favorite Trombone Shorty.

The festival is scheduled for June 19-27, three months away. In a video message, organizers Marc Iacona and John Nugent acknowledged the possibility that the coronavirus epidemic could still be a factor then, but said they’re planning to go forward in the meantime.

“Our entire jazz festival team is hopeful that COVID-19 will have run its course and that we can safely be together in late June for some unforgettable musical performances,” they said.

The festival has not announced a refund policy in the event of a partial or complete cancellation due to the coronavirus. There will be another update in early May.

Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue were the final addition to the paid headliner series. They will perform on the final Thursday, June 26.

Other previously announced headliners include Norah Jones’ trio Puss N Boots; Wynonna and the Big Noise; Spyro Gyra; Nile Rodgers and Chic; and Garth Fagan Dance with Monty Alexander.

Bethel Christian Fellowship is a new venue, replacing Christ Church as the site of the Made in the UK series. Christ Church is being renovated.

The Little Theatre and The Auditorium and Broad and Chestnut streets are both returning as club pass venues as well.

Familiar club pass artists include Tessa Souter; Davila and the Vagabonds; the Matt Savage Trio; and Danilo Perez, playing with Kurt Elling.

Club passes and headliner tickets are available now, with the exception of the Trombone Shorty concert. That goes on sale at 10 a.m. March 20 at www.rochesterjazz.com.

Contact staff writer Justin Murphy at jmurphy7@gannett.com. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. Sign up today for a digital subscription.

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