The 2020 Northwest Jazz Festival has been cancelled - will resume in 2021

Lewiston, NY - The Northwest Jazz Festival of Historic Lewiston, NY announced today that this year’s Festival has been cancelled.  The Board of Director Chairman George Osborne stated “It is with much regret that we have been forced to make the decision to cancel the Festival in the best interests of the health and safety of the musicians, the staff, the thousands of attendees and the entire Village of Lewiston. This event is among the highlight of Festivals each summer in Western New York and I am certain that many of you will share my disappointment, but with the uncertainty if mass gatherings of over 10,000 will even be allowed in New York State by the end of September and with the long term future of the Festival at stake, the Board of Directors had no choice but to make this decision now.”

Speaking on behalf of Northwest Bank, the Festival’s naming Sponsor, Richard Hamister, Western New York President, said “All of us at Northwest look forward to the Jazz Festival in Historic Lewiston and the opportunity to enjoy performances from talented jazz musicians from around the world. Ultimately, though, the safety of our families, friends and neighbors is what’s most important.  We wish everyone a healthy summer as we count down the days until the 2021 event.”

The many patrons and sponsors who have already paid for their support of the 2020 Festival will be offered the opportunity to convert the payment to a contribution, move their payment to the 2021 Festival, or request a refund.  Information on how to follow up on these options will be forthcoming from the Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce who manages the Festival.

Plans will continue to evolve for the 2021 festival in accordance with guidance going forward for large events. Upcoming events and fundraising opportunities can be found online at www.LewistonJazz.com.
 

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The Northwest Jazz Festival, Lewiston, NY is a 501(c3) organization under the name of Lewiston Jazz Festival, Inc. The Village of Lewiston is host to the region’s most popular two-day free music jazz festival featuring nonstop performances on five stages and an abundance of culinary delights with Niagara region wineries.