Best of Fest

Enjoy the best performances from the past four years of the Jazz Fest.

Best of Fest is just that. The “best of” performances captured over the previous four seasons of the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival. Artists include Kenny Barron, Regina Carter, Grace Kelly, and Curtis Stigers.

Since 2006 WXXI has been capturing the sights and sounds of this annual nine-day festival that has grown to more than 300 concerts in 19 venues. Over the last six years, more than three million viewers across the country have watched the series on 569 PBS stations. It has aired in 49 states, including major markets like New York, Boston, San Francisco, Minneapolis, and Chicago.

Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival invites viewers into the beautiful, historic Kilbourn Hall to witness an intimate concert with each of the five artists. Weaved in with the concert footage are interviews with the musicians, which offer a glimpse into their musical lives and their love of jazz. A sixth episode, Best of Fest, includes past festival performers Kenny Barron, Regina Carter, Curtis Stigers, Grace Kelly, and John Nugent with Strings.

Founded in 2002 by John Nugent and Marc Iacona, the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival is held every June in Rochester, New York – home of the Eastman School of Music, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Garth Fagan Dance and the George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film. From legendary performers and familiar favorites – to rising stars and new discoveries – the festival navigates all genres of creative improvised music from all corners of the world.

The Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival Series is produced by WXXI Public Broadcasting and distributed nationally by American Public Television. The series is underwritten by The Louis S. and Molly B. Wolk Foundation and Rowe Photo, Video, and Audio. 

To see the complete line-up of artists and the airdates, visit: WXXI.org/jazz.