Rochester International Jazz Festival Launches New RIJF Innovation Jazz Series

Rochester, N.Y. - The Rochester Regional Health Rochester International Jazz Festival presented by M&T Bank today announced the launch of the RIJF Innovation Jazz Series, a new seven-concert series that brings the energy, artistry, and excitement of the annual June Festival to Rochester audiences throughout the year.

“We’re excited to expand the Rochester International Jazz Festival experience beyond our nine days in June and bring exceptional live jazz to Rochester audiences throughout the year,” said Marc Iacona, Festival Producer and Executive Director. “The new RIJF Innovation Jazz Series gives us another opportunity to present world-class artists, support live music and build on the strong connection we’ve developed with our audiences over the past 23 years. We look forward to welcoming jazz fans to The Theater at Innovation Square for what we believe will be a very special inaugural season.”

The inaugural 2026–27 series will feature seven acclaimed artists and ensembles: New York Voices (Farewell Tour), The Groover Quartet, CONNECTED featuring Richie Goods and Chien Chien Lu, John Pizzarelli Trio, Bria Skonberg, The Sergio Mendes Band, and Ulysses Owens Jr. and Generation Y.

Presented one Thursday each month from October 15, 2026, through May 6, 2027, the series extends the Festival experience into the fall, winter, and spring, giving audiences more opportunities to experience exceptional live jazz in an intimate setting.

All seven concerts will take place at The Theater at Innovation Square, 131 Chestnut Street in downtown Rochester, a popular Rochester International Jazz Festival venue.

Shows begin at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase in the lobby before each performance. Seating is general admission. All sets are 90 minutes.

Series Passes On Sale Now — Save 40%

Series Passes for all seven concerts are $182.43, including all fees, a savings of 40% compared with purchasing tickets to the seven concerts individually. Season ticket holders may choose their seats and keep them for the entire season. Passes are available online now only at RochesterJazz.com/tickets.

Individual show tickets are $47.63, including all fees, and go on sale October 1st at RochesterJazz.com/tickets.

See full series information at https://rochesterjazz.com/innovation-jazz-series/