Northwest Jazz Festival celebrates Great American Songbook with 'unprecedented' main stage programming

Press Release

The 2024 Northwest Jazz Festival is thrilled to announce a special tribute to the Great American Songbook at this year’s highly anticipated event. The annual festival will take place on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 23-24, in the Village of Lewiston. With five stages throughout the grounds, the highlight of the festival continues to shine on the main stage.
Kicking off the festivities on Friday is renowned New York City jazz pianist Pete Malinverni. A Lewiston native, Malinverni’s performance marks a homecoming celebration not to be missed. Joined by his dynamic trio, Malinverni’s innovative style and captivating stage presence are certain to captivate audiences, echoing the acclaim of his recent tribute album to Leonard Bernstein.

Later in the evening, rising jazz vocalist Anaïs Reno will grace the stage, enchanting listeners with her magnetic interpretations of jazz standards. Reno will be joined by the Pete Malinverni Trio and the esteemed jazz guitarist Peter Bernstein as a special guest. The quintet promises a performance that will resonate long after the final note.
Continuing the celebration on Saturday, the festival presents a creative program by the Jazz at the Ballroom organization, which has presented special programs on the Great American Songbook at the country’s most respected venues such as the Kennedy Center, Skirball Cultural Center, Lobero Theatre, and at New York City’s famed Birdland. Jazz at the Ballroom will feature a lineup of rising stars led by extraordinary jazz pianist Konrad Paszkudzki and featuring bassist Dylan Shamat, vocalist Olivia Chindamo, pianist/vocalist Champian Fulton, vocalist Vanessa Perea, vocalist Wyatt Michael, trombonist Rob Edwards and saxophonist Adrian Cunningham.

Three themed performances titled “Get Out of Town,” “Flying High” and “Accentuate the Positive” will spotlight the timeless classics of the Great American Songbook, offering fresh perspectives and arrangements on beloved jazz standards. The Saturday portion of the festival on the main stage will open with a special performance by UB Zodiaque Dance for the third year in a row, followed by a tribute to George and Ira Gershwin by pianist Elliot Sneider.

Anais Reno (Photo provided by the Northwest Jazz Festival)

Champian Fulton (Photo provided by the Northwest Jazz Festival)

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“We are thrilled to present this celebration of the Great American Songbook at the Northwest Jazz Festival,” Music Director Tony Zambito said. “This unique programming approach will showcase the best of jazz talent, from established artists to emerging stars, and we can’t wait to share the timeless music of the Great American Songbook with our audience.”

Setting a new standard for jazz festival programming, the Northwest Jazz Festival offers a diverse lineup that celebrates the rich tradition of the Great American Songbook. With performances by instrumentalists and vocalists representing the next generation of jazz stars, the festival’s innovative approach promises something for every jazz lover to enjoy.

“We are eagerly anticipating this year’s festival and the exceptional lineup of talent it promises to bring,” added Carol Calato, chairwoman of the Northwest Jazz Festival board of directors. “It’s a testament to the festival’s commitment to bring the best in jazz programming for the excited attendees of the festival.”
Experience front-of-stage seating at the festival with our exclusive main stage seating for the Great American Songbook Celebration at the Northwest Jazz Festival. Enjoy fabulous up-close views of the performances while seated in comfort. Plus, with in and out privileges, you can come and go as you please, ensuring you never miss a moment of the extraordinary jazz performances throughout the entire festival.

Front-of-stage tickets are valid from 6-10:30 p.m. each night. They must be purchased in advance ($40 per ticket, per day presale).

For ticket information, a full musician schedule and festival details, visit www.lewistonjazz.com; or in person at the Upward Niagara Chamber office at 895 Center St., Lewiston (8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays).

Jazz at the Ballroom, “Accentuate the Positive” (Photo provided by the Northwest Jazz Festival)