Pianist Aaron Diehl is one of today’s most sought after jazz virtuosos, consistently playing with what The New York Times describes as “melodic precision, harmonic erudition, and elegant restraint.” A featured soloist with the New York Philharmonic, Diehl’s meticulously thought-out performances, collaborations, and compositions are a leading force in today’s generation of jazz contemporaries, spearheading a distinct union of traditional and fresh artistry. In "Paradoxes in Performance," Diehl interprets classical works and brings a new twist to jazz favorites. Location: Beston Hall in the…

National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Kenny Barron (piano) and Dave Holland (bass) come together for a special performance as the Smith Opera House gears up for its 125th Anniversary. Each frequently dubbed as this generation’s best jazz musicians on their respective instruments, Barron and Holland form a duet that can often be described as seamless, or like two people who know each other so well they finish each other’s sentences. Their 2014 album, “The Art of Conversation,” proved…

Eastman School of Music brings Billy Harper, saxophonist, in concert with the Eastman Jazz Lab Band on Friday, April 12, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. in Kilbourn Hall. Billy will be here for a short residency and is available for interviews. The Eastman Jazz Lab Band is a full 17-piece jazz ensemble consisting of both undergraduate and graduate students, directed by Associate Professor Rich Thompson. The ensemble performs a full range of big band repertoire, as well as arrangements by known…

Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes first achieved prominence in the mid-1970s, emerging from the same New Jersey Shore music scene as his now legendary contemporary and friend Bruce Springsteen.  Southside’s first three albums, I Don’t Want To Go Home, This Time It’s for Real, and Hearts of Stone, were produced by band co-founder Steven Van Zandt (E Street Band, The Sopranos), and largely featured songs written by Van Zandt and/or Springsteen. The Van Zandt-written “I Don’t Want To Go Home” became Southside’s signature…

Stephane Wrembel is quite simply one of the finest guitar players in the world.  The breadth and range of his playing and compositions are unmatched. To say that Wrembel— who learned his craft among the Gypsies at campsites in the French countryside— has already had a remarkable career would be an under-statement. This prolific, virtuoso guitarist from France has been releasing a steady stream of music since 2006 and has truly made his mark as one of the most original guitar…

Four-time GRAMMY Award nominee and multi-platinum musician Boney James will stop in Buffalo for his Honestly Tour Spring 2019. Having already played over seventy dates since the record's release, the dynamic saxophonist is adding an additional twenty dates for April 2019 and the Performing Arts Center is one of the lucky shows! The genre-blurring artist continues to ride the waves made by his latest album, Honestly. Do not wait to get your tickets!

Iconic trumpeter and legendary Tonight Show bandleader, Doc Severinsen will return to Rochester Wednesday, April 17 performing with the new, Sonic Era Jazz Orchestra, conducted by Jeff Tyzik. The concert, produced by Sonic Era and Jazz90.1 WGMC-FM will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the Greece Central Performing Arts Center. It is presented by Simcona Electronics Corporation Tickets Tickets are $24.25, $34.25, $44.25, $54.25 and $64.25 plus service charges and go on sale Thursday February 28 at 10 a.m. Buy online at SonicEra.com, Call (866) 967-8167.  Proceeds of the concert…