Lewiston Jazz Festival: Community celebrates 24 years of jazz with one of WNY's premier free music festivals

Submitted by the Lewiston Jazz Festival Foundation

The 24th annual Lewiston Jazz Festival, presented by Northwest Bank, returns to the historic Village of Lewiston on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 28-29, continuing a tradition that has brought world-class jazz, local talent, food, and thousands of visitors to the community for more than two decades.

Since its beginning, the Lewiston Jazz Festival has remained committed to its founding mission: making jazz accessible to as many people as possible while showcasing both internationally recognized artists and the incredible musicians found throughout Western New York. The festival remains free to attend, with performances taking place across five stages throughout the village.

“We are proud of what this festival has become and the role it continues to play in the Lewiston community,” said Bill Savino, chairman of the Jazz Festival Foundation board. “Every year brings an opportunity to build on what we have created while continuing to introduce audiences to exceptional jazz. Our board and volunteers work throughout the year to make this weekend possible, and we are excited to welcome everyone back to Lewiston for our 24th festival.”

This year’s festival features more than two-dozen performances across five stages, with a lineup that spans traditional jazz, contemporary sounds, “big band,” vocals and more.

Paul Marinaro, "Mood Ellington" (Image provided by Céline Peterson Productions)

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Friday night’s Main Stage headliner is Buffalo native Paul Marinaro and his Chicago quintet, while internationally acclaimed trumpeter and vocalist Bria Skonberg headlines Saturday night. The weekend also features performances from Gabrielle Stravelli, Laura Dubin Trio, Sally Terrell Trio, Ladies First Big Band, UB Zodiaque Dance Company, and many other talented artists.

“What excites me about this year’s Lewiston Jazz Festival is the extraordinary range of artistry we’re bringing together,” said Tony Zambito, artistic director of the Lewiston Jazz Festival. “From Paul Marinaro and his remarkable way with the Great American Songbook to Bria Skonberg’s unique blend of trumpet and vocals, and jazz artists like Gabrielle Stravelli, Laura Dubin and Sally Terrell, each brings something distinctive. My hope as artistic director is that people don’t simply come to hear great jazz – they discover an artist who they won’t forget.”

In addition to the music, the festival will feature more than 40 food and beverage vendors throughout the village, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to enjoy local restaurants, specialty food vendors, beverages, and the businesses that make Lewiston a popular destination.

New this year, festival attendees will also have the opportunity to win a one-year lease on a 2026 Ford Maverick, generously donated by Basil Ford of Niagara Falls. The truck will be parked on Center Street throughout the festival, where visitors can see the vehicle and purchase raffle tickets. The winning ticket will be drawn live on Saturday evening, Aug. 29. Official raffle rules and additional information are available at www.lewistonjazz.com.

Another new addition to the festival weekend will be the newly redrafted 716 Alley, located at South Fifth and Center streets. The area will feature multiple vendors offering a variety of favorite 716-themed merchandise and products, giving visitors another place to shop while enjoying the festival.

Image courtesy of the Lewiston Jazz Festival.

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The success of the Lewiston Jazz Festival would not be possible without the generous support of its sponsors. The festival extends its appreciation to Presenting Sponsor Northwest Bank; Stage Sponsors Sevenson Environmental Services, Modern Disposal Services, and the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission; and sponsors Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP, JB2 Partners, and Basil Ford of Niagara Falls. The festival also thanks the Town and Village of Lewiston for their continued municipal support.

“The Lewiston Jazz Festival is a tremendous opportunity for our local businesses,” said Amanda Haseley, president of the Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce, which manages the festival. “Thousands of visitors come to Lewiston for the music, but they also shop, dine, stay overnight, and explore everything our village has to offer. The partnership between the festival, our businesses, sponsors, and the community is what makes this weekend such an important event for Lewiston.”

The festival would not be possible without the dedication of the Jazz Festival Foundation board, volunteers, sponsors, performers, vendors, and the many businesses throughout Lewiston that welcome visitors throughout the weekend.

Admission to the festival and all outdoor performances is free. Reserved seating and Jazz Club tickets for the Main Stage headliners are available for purchase. For the complete performance schedule, ticket information, raffle rules and festival details, visit www.lewistonjazz.com.