An exceptional level of talent featuring jazz all-stars and rising stars will grace the stage on Friday, Aug. 25, and Saturday, Aug. 26, at the 2023 Northwest Jazz Festival. Headlining performances include the United States Air Force Rhythm in Blue Band, the Benny Benack III Quartet, and, on Saturday, experience the highly anticipated festival appearance of the supergroup SOMETHING ELSE! 

The two-day festival runs from 5-10:30 p.m. Friday, and again from noon to 10:30 p.m. Saturday. Center Street in historic Lewiston will come alive with live music and food/beverage vendors with five stages throughout the festival grounds.

The festival is free to attend (no coolers or carry-ins), with a limited number of tickets available for preferred seating at the main stage. Tickets are $25 each and available online at www.LewistonJazz.com. A limited number of tickets will be available at the festival.

Performances begin with The United States Air Force Heritage of America Band presenting Rhythm in Blue, the unit’s dynamic jazz ensemble, at 6 p.m. Friday. This stellar group presents exciting and uplifting music to inspire.

Friday evening showcases rising star jazz trumpeter and vocalist Benny Benack III, along with the talented pianist Emmet Cohen, who headlined the 2022 festival.

On Saturday, SOMETHING ELSE!, an elite gathering of award-winning jazz stars led by saxophonist Vincent Herring, headlines the main stage shows. These world-class musicians are going to captivate you with their unique tribute to the spirit of soul, jazz, and the 1958 Cannonball Adderley classic album of the same name.

The Northwest Jazz Festival has also partnered with Artpark & Company for special performances on Saturday at the Center Street stage, featuring entertainment between performances.

Local food and beverage vendors will line Center Street, with local favorites including Casa Antica, Brickyard Brewing Company and Viola’s Submarines.

The festival is free to attend, made possible by the support of sponsors. The presenting sponsor is Northwest Bank, with Modern Disposal Services, Sevenson Environment and the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission as stage sponsors. A full sponsor listing is available online.

For additional information, visit www.LewistonJazz.com.

√ Main Stage

6-7:30 p.m., Air Force Rhythm & Blue Jazz Ensemble

8:45-10:15 p.m., Benny Benack III Quartet

√ Center Street Stage

6-7:30 p.m., MMVPT

8:15-9:45 p.m., Encyclopedia of Soul

√ Frontier House

5:30-7 p.m., The Quentet

7:45-9:15 p.m., The Cousins Trio

√ Peace Garden

5:30-5:45 p.m., poet Robert M. Giannetti

7-8 p.m., Lindsey Holland Duo

√ DiCamillo Courtyard

7:30-8:30 p.m., Bob White