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Something Else! (Image courtesy of the Northwest Lewiston Jazz Festival)
Something Else! (Image courtesy of the Northwest Lewiston Jazz Festival)

Northwest Jazz Festival in Historic Lewiston, NY announces main stage headliners for 2023

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Fri, Mar 24th 2023 09:30 am

Jazz Festival’s main stage to spotlight award-winning international jazz artists and Something Else! supergroup

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 Friday, Aug. 25, and Saturday, Aug. 26. For two days, Grammy winners, nominees, and award-winning jazz artists will entertain the throngs of festivalgoers.

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

A 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 others 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,” Zambito said. “We're excited to have Grammy winners, nominees, and a Juno Award nominee on the main stage this year.

“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.”

Each year, the Northwest 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,” said Carol Calato, chairwoman of the annual Northwest Jazz Festival.

A press release noted, “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 online at www.LewistonJazz.com.”

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


Rhythm in Blue (Image courtesy of the Northwest Lewiston Jazz Festival)

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