Guide to the Fest

CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival 18th Edition  Starts in 4 Weeks!

Here's our Annual Guide to Getting Around the Fest

The 18th Edition of the CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival starts in just four weeks on Friday June 21. As one of the world's top jazz festivals, this year's Festival will present more than 320 shows in 20 diverse venues all within walking distance over nine days.

From legendary performers and familiar favorites to rising stars and new discoveries, the Festival navigates all genres of creative improvised music from all corners of the world. More than 208,000 people attended the 2018 Festival.

To help you make the most of your festival experience here's our annual guide to getting around the fest.

When is the 2019 Festival?

• The 9-day festival will be held Friday, June 21 through Saturday, June 29.
• First shows start at 3:45 p.m. and continue through 11 p.m.

Who is Playing

1500+ artists from around the world
320+ shows
Including a record 100+ free shows
Presented in three Series: Free Shows. Headliner Shows & Club Pass Series

Ticketed Headliner Shows – All shows at 8 PM. Get tickets at rochesterjazz.com
Steve Gadd Band (June 21)
Patti LaBelle (June 22)
Marc Cohn and the Blind Boys of Alabama (June 25)
Jeff Goldblum & the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra (June 26)
George Benson (June 27)
Steve Miller Band + Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives (June 28)

Free Headliner Shows – No tickets required. All shows rain or shine.
The Legendary Downchild Blues Band 50th Anniversary Tour featuring Dan Aykroyd (June 21)
Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes (June 22)
The Allman Betts Band (June 28)
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, returning to the Festival for their seventh appearance (June 29)

Club Pass Series Shows
The Club Pass Series presents 220+ shows at 12 indoor Club Pass venues presenting legendary artists and rising stars from all over the world.
Club Pass Series lineup

100+ Free Shows!
Venues and schedules are listed below.

Two International Series – Made in the UK and Nordic & Euro Jazz Now
Part of the Club Pass Series showcasing leading artists from England, Scotland, Sweden, France, Finland, Norway, Germany, and Netherlands.
Made in the UK is now in its 12th year and Nordic & Euro Jazz Now is in its 13th year at the Festival.

Official Nightly Jam Sessions
Jazz never sleeps! Nightly Official Jams at the Hyatt Regency Rochester start at 10:30 p.m. and are led by Bob Sneider and Karl Stabnau. You never know who will show up to play!
Food and beverages available.
Free, no cover charge.
Free parking in the South Avenue Garage from 10:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. courtesy of the City of Rochester. Tickets validated at the jams.

Where is the Festival?

• City of Rochester Jazz Sreet Stage Presented by the Community Foundation (June 21 to 29), Shows from 3:45 to 9 PM daily. Varies by day, See schedule.
• City of Rochester Chestnut St. Stage Presented by Wegmans (June 21). Shows at 7 & 9 PM. Schedule
• City of Rochester Chestnut St. Stage Presented by Rochester Regional Health (June 22). Shows at 7 & 9 PM. Schedule
• City of Rochester Midtown Stage (Parcel 5) Presented by Rochester Regional Health (June 28, June 29). Shows at 7 & 9 PM Schedule
• Avangrid / RGE / Barclay Damon Fusion Stage (June 23 to 29). Shows at 7 & 9 PM. Schedule
• Central Library of Monroe and Rochester (June 24 to 28). Shows at 12 noon. Schedule

• All ticketed headliner shows are held at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, 26 Gibbs St., Rochester, NY.
• Box Office & Will Call open at 7 PM
• Doors open at 7:15 PM.
• See Schedule

• Christ Church – 2 shows a night, 9 nights, 6:45 & 8:45 PM
• Geva Wilson Stage – 2 shows a night, 9 nights, 5:30 & 7:30 PM (Save Time in Line wristbands for both shows)
• Geva Fielding Stage – 2 shows a night, 9 nights, 6:30 & 8:30 PM (Save Time in Line wristbands for both shows)
• Hatch Recital Hall, Eastman East Wing – 2 shows a night, 9 nights
• Kilbourn Hall, Eastman School of Music – 2 shows a night, 9 nights (Save Time in Line wristbands for the early show)
• M&T Bank Pavilion Squeezer's Stage (tent on Parcel 5) – 3 shows a night, 7 nights (4:30 PM show free)
• Max of Eastman Place – 2 shows a night, 9 nights (Save Time in Line wristbands for the early show)
• Montage Music Hall – 2 shows a night, 9 nights
• Lutheran Church of the Reformation – 2 shows a night, 9 nights
• Rochester Regional Health Big Tent – (6 PM show free) 8:30/10:30 shows – 3 shows a night, 9 nights
• Temple Building Theater – 2 shows a night, 8 nights (excluding Sunday, June 23, 2019)
• The Wilder Room – 2 shows a night, 9 nights

Information

• Web site
• Schedule by Artist
• Schedule by Date
• Jazz Fest Ticket Shop is located at 100 East Avenue and opens Monday June 3. Hours are 12 Noon to 5 p.m. now through June 20 and from 10 AM to 11 PM June 21 to 29. during the festival. Call (585) 454-2060
• Download the official free App for iPhone or Android
• Pick up a free brochure and Program Guide at any venue during the festival or at the Ticket Shop during the Festival. 
• Download the Festival Map
• Shuttle Stop Map
• Sign up for email news 
• Follow us on Facebook and Twitter and Instagram

Tickets

• Redeem your ticket for your Club Pass & lanyard at the Jazz Festival Ticket Shop at 100 East Ave. at the corner of East and Gibbs starting Monday June 17, noon to 5 p.m. and during the Festival from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Or exchange at the McCarthy Merchandise Tent on Jazz Street June 21, 22, & 23 from 4 to 10 p.m.
• No photos or names are on any Passes.
• Write your name and cell number on your Club Pass so that in then event it is lost, you can be notified.
• Pick up a Program Guide and Brochure with your Pass.

• Buy online at RochesterJazz.com. Prices vary.
• Buy on the RIJF App.
• Order by phone at 585-454-2060.
• Buy at the Ticket Shop, 100 East Ave. June 3 to June 20 from 12 noon to 5 p.m. (M - F); June 21 - 29 (10 a.m. to 11 p.m.).
• Buy at the door if still available. Box Office at Eastman Theater opens at 7:00 p.m. on concert nights.