2023 Headliner Performances Announced!

Northwest Jazz Festival in Historic Lewiston, NY Announces Main Stage Headliners for 2023
Jazz Festival Main Stage To Spotlight Award-Winning International Jazz Artists And SOMETHING ELSE! Supergroup


Lewiston, NY - The 2023 Northwest Jazz Festival in Historic Lewiston, NY main stage headliners will truly be SOMETHING ELSE! An illustrious gathering of some of the biggest names in jazz will take place on Friday, August 25th, and Saturday, August 26th. For two days, Grammy® winners, nominees, and award-winning jazz artists will entertain the throngs of festival-goers.

The Jazz Festival will present top international and North American jazz artists including Benny Benack, III, Vincent Herring, James Carter, Randy Brecker, Janet Evra, Greg Abate, Bill O'Connell, Harvie S, Paul Bollenback, Jonathan Blake, Dave Kikoski, and more!

The lineup, curated by Music Director Tony Zambito, will welcome a cavalcade of all-stars to the main stage with two special projects highlighted each day. The festival's main stage will open with the United States Air Force Rhythm in Blue Jazz Ensemble and will close with the supergroup SOMETHING ELSE! performing a powerhouse Soul Jazz Revue.  The supergroup will perform classic soul jazz and hard bop songs by Cannonball Adderley, Horace Silver, Herbie Hancock, and more by an all-star septet ensemble.

“I could not be more excited for the people who make it this year to see and hear the great jazz stars who will take the stage. We're excited to have Grammy® Winners, Nominees, and a Juno Award nominee on the Main Stage this year,” states Tony Zambito.  “We kick things off with the popular United States Air Force Rhythm in Blue Jazz Ensemble. The highly entertaining rising star Benny Benack, III headlines our Friday night main stage concert. On Saturday, we are honored to welcome one of the greats, Randy Brecker, to the stage. Not once but twice! Plus, a great quartet will hit the stage led by alto saxophonist Greg Abate, a direct lineage to Phil Woods. And having a septet of all-star jazz musicians performing the classic soul jazz songs we love is one heck of a special treat. It is going to be an exciting time for both the musicians joining us and for the audience.”

The Main Stage lineup for 2023 is as follows:

Friday, August 25th

The United States Air Force Rhythm in Blue Jazz Ensemble 

Trumpeter and Jazz Vocalist Benny Benack III, and his Quartet

Saturday, August 27th

International Jazz Bassist/Vocalist Janet Evra and Her Quartet Featuring Randy Brecker

The Greg Abate Quartet with Award-Winning Bill O'Connell, Harvie S, and Jason Tiemann

The SOMETHING ELSE! Supergroup featuring Vincent Herring, James Carter, and Randy Brecker

Each year, the jazz festival depends on sponsors and fundraising to remain the largest free jazz festival in the region. “We thank all who have sponsored us in the past and continue to do so now and in the future., especially Northwest Bank who has helped us move the festival into a new direction.  The support from our sponsors make it possible to bring tremendous jazz musicians to the festival” says Carol Calato, Chairwoman of the annual Jazz Festival.  The festival is free but relies on the support of sponsors to ensure a world class event.  A limited number of tickets are available in front of the Main Stage for $25.00 online at www.LewistonJazz.com 

Save the dates of Friday, August 25th, and Saturday, August 26th for what is shaping up to be a star-powered Main Stage that will truly be SOMETHING ELSE!

For more information about the festival, sponsorship, fundraiser or to sign up for alerts on the jazz festival news, please visit the festival’s website www.LewistonJazz.com