Rochester is a jazz lover’s dream come late June during the Rochester International Jazz Fest. But in the last few years the options over the remainder of the year have been getting better and better. This February there is a solid slate of great jazz coming to Rochester, so much so that even narrowing it down to just five was a difficult task. So get out there and support some world-class improvised music this month.
February 1: Joshua Redman Group @ Hochstein Performing Arts
Live! is bringing reedman Joshua Redman and his group, featuring vocalist Gabrielle Cavassa, to beautiful auditorium at the Hochstein School of Music. They’ll be supporting their latest excellent release, where are we. On this night they’ll be in Rochester of course, but the material travels all over the country: Chicago, New Orleans, Baltimore, Manhattan, Alabama… So come get phonically geographical, no better way to start off the month.
Tickets range from $41.46 to $69.85 and the music gets started at 8pm. There will also be a cocktail hour in the chapel from 630-730pm.
February 12: Ethnic Heritage Ensemble @ Lovin Cup
This isn’t the first time this space has recommended Kahil El’ Zabar and his Ethnic Heritage Ensemble and it probably won’t’ be the last. Rochester is lucky that this group makes frequent visits to our town, and you should be taking full advantage. They come celebrating their 50th anniversary and in advance of their new album, Open Me, A Higher Consciousness of Sound and Spirit, out in March. Take a spiritual journey and be deeply moved by music like few artists can provide.
Tickets are $25/$30dos and the show starts at 730pm.
February 23: Mostly Other People Do the Killing @ Bop Shop Records
Another returner to Bop Shop Records, Mostly Other People Do the Killing are another group you can’t pass up anytime they are back. Now a trio, this NYC-based band led by bassist Moppa Elliott are a creative animal of their own making, playing by their own rules. Electronics are infused into a mostly acoustic affair, providing surprises around most turns.
Tickets are $20 and the show starts at 8pm.
February 28: Brass Machine @ Lovin Cup
The Brass Machine, from nearby Buffalo, brings the New Orleans party vibes for a little early Mardi Gras celebration. But this isn’t going to be your ordinary brass band show, this is a special “Busted on Bourbon Street”, two-set all Grateful Dead tribute show. The Dead has been covered every which way, so why not brassed up?
Tickets are $10 and music gets going at 7pm.
February 29: Harold Danko @ Kilbourn Hall
It’s a leap year so we get an extra day in February, might as well fill it up with some more live music. Jazz pianist, composer, and professor emeritus of jazz studies and contemporary media at the Eastman School of Music Harold Danko plays a special leap year show every February 29th, so this is your only chance to see this show for another four years! This is a tradition that has been going for 44 years, but there’s no better time to get involved then now. A great opportunity to witness the world-class talent we have right here in our own backyard.
This show is free and will start at 7:30pm.
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