The second annual Geneva Jazz Festival returns April 4-7, featuring 20 performances at nine venues over four days.
The Geneva Jazz Festival is held in Geneva, known for innovation and forward-thinking businesses. It is the gateway to the Finger Lakes, providing access to historical landmarks, natural beauties, wineries, breweries, food, shopping, and more.
The festival honors the late Scott LaFaro, who grew up in Geneva. At 18, he started learning to play the double bass. In 1961 he was killed in a car accident at age 25. He became the most influential jazz bassist ever after his performance with Stan Getz at the Newport Jazz Festival and subsequent recordings with the Bill Evans Trio, which still impacts jazz today.
The nine headline concerts are hosted at the historic Club 86, featuring a high-fidelity sound system by George’s Pro Audio for an immersive jazz experience. These performances represent some of the finest jazz musicians working and creating in New York State. Evening concerts on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – plus matinee shows on Saturday and Sunday.
Schedule
On the opening night on April 4, the festival celebrates women in jazz at the historic Club 86. Trombonist and vocalist Melissa Gardiner brings her organ trio MG3 (8 PM), with singer Vanessa Vacanti & Jazz Mafia (6 PM) and saxophonist Ellen Pieroni & Encyclopedia of Soul (4 PM) performing. There also is a free concert at Ventosa Vineyards with Annie Wells Trio featuring Mike Kaupa (5 PM) and the free FLIMA Open Jazz Jam at 10 p.m.
On Friday, April 5, The Ryan Johnson Project performs at 2 p.m. It has become a known name in the music industry, featuring informed, professional, outgoing attitudes, and beautifully written pieces of music that have caught the ears of many worldwide. Ryan and his group have played with, opened for, and collaborated with artists such as Cabo Frio, Chuck Mangione, Maynard Ferguson, Soulive, Sharon Jones, Gary Clark Jr., and Robert Randolph.
At 4:30 p.m., The Mellow Warblers perform playful renditions of jazz standards and deviations – setting the perfect mood with an ever-mellow attitude. At 5, The Craig Snyder Trio plays a wide variety of jazz-rock material steeped in groove, ensemble unity, and melodic soloing. The Rochester band is fronted by veteran guitarist, teacher, and composer Craig S Snyder. Others include Tony Hiler + Giancarlo, A Tribute to Sam Venuti, Mike Melito Quartet, and the free FLIMA Open Jazz Jam.
On Saturday, April 6, the Greg Lofaro Quartet begins the day at 1 p.m., with the Mike Titlebaum Quartet preceding. Mike directs the jazz studies program at the Ithaca College School of Music, teaching jazz saxophone, arranging, improvisation, and theory. Before teaching, he lived in New York City where he played at the Blue Note, Smalls, Augies, Fez/Time Café, and the legendary CBGB’s. He has performed with dozens of internationally recognized artists and groups including John Hollenbeck, Gary Versace, Branford Marsalis, Jason Robert Brown, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra, and more.
At 3 p.m., the Banjo Juice Jazz band performs an eclectic blend of vintage blues, jazz, and swing. Founded by bandleader, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Tyler Westcott in 2017, the group features musicians from many notable bands. At 4:30, the Swordfish Trio brings a soulful, blues-infused, and high-energy improv experience that takes you on a journey from tight riffs and funky Afrobeat grooves to soulful jazz and subtle bass virtuosity.
At 8, the Bill Tiberio Sextet performs. In his 40th year as a music educator, he has been a band director at Fairport (NY) High School for 36 years, directing two concert bands and three jazz ensembles, and is also an adjunct faculty member at the Eastman Community Music School – directing the Educator Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble and a high school wind ensemble camp. He is an active saxophonist and clarinetist in the Rochester music scene and has recorded four albums with his contemporary jazz quintet, the Bill Tiberio Band.
The final day begins early at 11 a.m. with the Evan Dobbins Quartet feat. Bill Dobbins. At noon, the Dave Solazzo Duo plays modern interpretations of jazz standards and original compositions in the spirit of Oscar Peterson, Keith Jarrett, and Brad Mehldau. Dave Solazzo has been a mainstay of Central New York’s music scene for over two decades, working with artists from a wide mix of genres – jazz, fusion, R&B, and beyond.
At 2 p.m., Dennis Winge + John Viavattine perform, with the Nancy Kelly Quartet following. Over her 40-plus-year career, Nancy Kelly has perfected her signature swing/bop take in front of audiences all over the U.S.A. and abroad. She performs regularly in New York City, including at The Blue Note and Birdland, The Rainbow Room, and Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Lincoln Center. Finally, at 6 p.m., The Pickle Mafia, a dynamic trio from New York, performs their unique brand of Arena Jazz Fusion. The visual appeal the band brings to audiences across the globe is an important element that adds to their musical artistry.
To purchase tickets for the many performances at the Geneva Jazz Festival, visit here.
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