Two nights of memorable music - Jazz Festival in Lewiston, NY

The largest outdoor jazz festival in Western New York returns to Center Street in Lewiston, NY on Friday, August 23, 2024 and Saturday, August 24 as the 2024 Northwest Jazz Festival. Get ready for an unprecedented celebration of the Great American Songbook on the Main Stage during the two days of the festival.  On Friday evening, the celebration kicks-off with the Pete Malinverni Trio and emerging star jazz vocalist Anaïs Reno and special guest renowned jazz guitarist Peter Bernstein.  On Saturday, Jazz at the Ballroom, one of the nation’s foremost organizations sustaining the legacy of the Great American Songbook, will feature an all-star ensemble presenting three meticulously curated programs: “Get Out of Town,” “Flying High,” and “Accentuate the Positive.” This uniquely special and one-of-a-kind celebration is a presentation you won’t find at any other festival this year!

The two-day festival begins at 5pm on Friday, August 23^rd through 10:30pm, and again on Saturday, August 24^th from Noon – 10:30pm.  The historic village will come alive with live music, food/beverage vendors, jewelry tent and more with five stages throughout the festival grounds.   The festival is free to attend (no coolers or carry-ins) with a limited number of tickets available for preferred seating at the Main Stage, for up-close viewing, beginning at 6pm. Tickets are $25 each and available online at www.lewistonJazz.com or at the festival (limited, cash only).   Patrons are encouraged to support the vendors, with seating throughout the festival grounds. Patrons can bring their own lawn chair.

Carol Calato, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors looks forward to the crowd of jazz enthusiasts.  "We invite you to enjoy the talented musicians, great food, cold beverages and the authentic charm of this beautiful village.  The annual jazz festival is a highlight for many!  We are honored to host over 100 musicians on five stages for your entertainment.  The festival has an over two-decade tradition of bringing free music to the community.  Please support the vendors, and consider donating or becoming a sponsor to ensure the future of the festival.”

In addition to the Main Stage, the festival highlights musicians from Western New York and throughout the country. Swing Buffalo will present Friday Night Dance with the Anderson Big Band at the Center Street Friday night. Local vocal group, Harmonia Vocal Ensemble will perform Saturday as well as local favorite Janice Mitchell and Jim Beishline Trio.  Tony Zambito, Music Director for the festival, states “We are thrilled to bring to the festival this one-of-a-kind celebration of the Great American Songbook that will offer an experience you won’t find at any other festival.  In addition, we are equally excited to showcase exceptional local and regional talent that highlights the vibrant and diverse jazz community that thrives in our region.” 

Harmonia Vocal Jazz Ensemble

The Main Stage will feature hometown favorite, Pete Malinverni. Since leaving his hometown of Lewiston, NY, Pete has become a prominent figure in New York City’s jazz community since the early 1980s. He has consistently honed his craft, exploring the rich repertoire of the Great American Songbook, including compositions by Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, and Leonard Bernstein, alongside his original works. Alongside selections from the Great American Songbook, Malinverni also draws inspiration from a variety of sources, offering a sincere reflection of his identity as both an artist and an advocate of spreading joy through music. Join us for an evening of welcoming home Pete Malinverni and enjoying Pete's incredibly entertaining jazz.

Saturday evening will continue with a creative program by the Jazz at the Ballroom organization, which has presented special programs on the Great American Songbook at the country’s most respected venues such as the Kennedy Center, Skirball Cultural Center, Lobero Theatre, and at New York City’s famed Birdland. Jazz at the Ballroom will feature a lineup of rising stars led by the extraordinary jazz pianist Konrad Paszkudzki and rising star pianist/vocalist Champian Fulton.  The ensemble will also  feature bassist Dylan Shamat, vocalist Olivia Chindamo, vocalist Vanessa Perea, vocalist Wyatt Michael, trombonist Rob Edwards, saxophonist Adrian Cunningham, and more.

…Champian Fulton certainly proved to be as fine an accompanist as she is a world-class singer-pianist… - Nite Life Exchange

Champian Fulton

…Flying High…with distinctive voices and excellent vocal control, each singer was a treat to watch throughout the night, unique in their own way but alike in pure, raw talent… - Broadway World

The festival’s Great American Songbook Celebration will end with a Grand Finale presented by the Jazz at the Ballroom all-star ensemble on Saturday, August 24th at 8:30 pm.  Look for the silver lining, walk on the sunny side of the street, and dance cheek to cheek with a swinging lineup Inspired by Bing Crosby’s 1944 hit “Accentuate the Positive.”  The Grand Finale will be a night of memorable music that kept people company through the ups and downs of the 1920s to 1940s. These timeless classics will live on forever.

The festival is free to attend, made possible by the support of sponsors and donors. The presenting sponsor is Northwest Bank with Modern Disposal Services, Sevenson Environment and the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission as stage sponsors.  A full sponsor listing is available online.

For additional information, visit www.LewistonJazz.com

Friday, August 23, 2024

Saturday, August 24, 2024

**Main Stage seating available for purchase.