In theaters, bars, parks and cafes will be the sounds of jazz, rock, folk, afrobeat and everything in between. This May is packed to the gills with incredible music in Rochester, and with the weather finally turning the corner, there really is no excuse to get out there and enjoy it.
Here’s a handful of recommendations to get you started this May in Rochester.
May 4: Branford Marsalis at Hochstein Performing Arts Center
A member of the modern era’s family of jazz brings his quartet to town hot on the heels of their new album, Belonging, Marsalis’ first in 6 years. Joining Branford Marsalis are his longstanding bandmates Joey Calderazzo on piano, Eric Revis on bass, and Justin Faulkner on drums. If you’re in the mood for top-notch straight ahead bop, you won’t do any better.
Show starts at 8pm and tickets start at $38.
May 6: Bruce Hornsby and yMusic at Temple Theater
Bruce Hornsby returns to town after his stunning free show on Parcel 5 at the 2023 Rochester International Jazz Festival. Just down the street from that spot, at the Temple Theater, Hornsby comes with chamber group yMusic for a combined show that will showcase a melding of both unique and creative groups. Should be a unique and exhilarating offering to delight your live music senses.
Tickets start at $72 and the music starts at 7:30pm.
May 15: Sean Kuti and Egypt 80 at Lilac Festival
May gets the festival season started in Rochester with the beloved Lilac Festival, and boy do they have another solid lineup of musical delights for us this year. One headliner in particular is someone not to be missed, Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti’s youngest song Seun carries the family’s flame into Highland Park for a free show right here in Rochester. Kind of hard to pass up this opportunity. But while you’re there smelling the flowers might we also suggest stopping by for sets by Sir Woman, Katie Pruitt, The Aces, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and Beach Weather not to mention every single one of the abundant local talent on tap.
All the music is free and check the Lilac Festival website for the full schedule.
May 16: Sam Moss at Bookeater
If an intimate folk show is more your speed, pull up a chair at this cozy neighborhood coffee shop/bookstore to be wowed by the songwriting and playing of Virginia’s Sam Moss. He will be stopping by on his album release tour, for his excellent new record Swimming. The bill is rounded out by local faves Cammy Enaharo and Katie Morey who will be bill backed by a full band.
Admission is $10 at the door and the music gets going at 7pm.
May 27: Allumé at Abilene
Miss Tess has been a frequent visitor to Rochester and she is returning at the end of the month with a new band, a cajun-country supergroup of sorts with Thomas Bryan Eaton, K.C. Jones and Trey Boudreaux. Expect a mix of fresh originals and timeless covers, plus highlights from Cher Rêve, the newly released album by Miss Tess. Should be a stomping good time at the old saloon.
Tickets are $15/$20 day of show and the music starts at 7:30pm.
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