Well, we’ve made it to the last night of the Rochester International Jazz Festival (and I managed to publish all of these “Picks” posts before the first notes are played, which is unusual). The last night presents me with a dilemma. I can go all NOLA and hear two artists I heard last year other choice is all jazz vocalists and I’m not sure that’s how I want to close out the last night (readers from past years may remember that singers are not always my first choice). And then there is a headliner big band with a 90-year history. Frankly, I don’t know how my night’s going to work out, I may hit some or none of these artists, but I’m just going to list these below and continue to let you do you do. Remember, the headings are links to their RIJF page so that you can check them out yourself.
Doreen Ketchens New Orleans Jazz Quartet
As I wrote last year, born and bred in the Tremé neighborhood of New Orleans, Doreen J. Ketchens, who has been dubbed “Lady Louis” (as in Satchmo) and “Queen Clarinet,” has been a fixture of traditional jazz in NOLA for more than 30 years. She was great last year. And while I don’t see a second line working well at Innovation Square, who knows …?
Venue: Theater at Innovation Square
Time: 6:30 pm & 8:45 pm
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
Another possible choice on Saturday also hails from New Orleans. While he goes by “Trombone,” this consummate showman and musician also has some chops on trumpet and vocals as I recall. He always brings a killer band and will have everyone funky before the night is over. I caught part of his set last year with north of 10,000 of my fellow Rochesterians and others at Parcel 5 (that’s my image above). Trombone Shorty has appeared at the festival 10 times, starting in 2011. If you haven’t been to one of his shows, you may want to check this out, and if you already know…..
Venue: Wegmans Stage at Parcel 5
Time: 9:00 pm
The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra
What can I say, the Basie band has been bringing it for more than 40 years after the Count’s passing. Not just a “tribute band,” this group of consummate players. directed by Scotty Barnhart, is still bringing it. The band received a 2026 Grammy nomination for Best Large Jazz Ensemble for their album Basie Rocks, following a 2024 Grammy win for Best Large Jazz Ensemble for All About Basie. And what other band appeared in Mel Brooks’ Blazing Saddles? This is a “Headliner” ticketed event and there are still plenty of tickets.
Venue: Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre
Time: 8:00 pm
Holly Cole
Canadian jazz vocalist Holly Cole has released 13 albums since 1989 and earned two Juno awards and eight nominations (Canada’s Grammys). Her latest album, Dark Moon, reworks jazz, pop, and country standards. Cole is an RIJF Producer’s Pick.
Venue: Kilbourn Hall
Time: 6:00 pm & 9:00 pm
Sasha Dobson
Born in Santa Cruz, California, guitarist and vocalist Sasha Dobson was the daughter of two renowned Bay Area jazz musicians, pianist Smith Dobson and vocalist Gail Dobson. In 2008, she joined Norah Jones (another person who has graced the stage at Max’s) and Catherine Popper to form the alt-country group Puss ‘N Boots. Dobson says her most recent album, 2021’s Girl Talk, brought her back to her “heart and soul” as a jazz singer and improviser and included Jones guesting on the title track. Sasha Dobson is an RIJF Producer’s Pick.
Venue: Max of Eastman Place
Time: 6:15 pm & 10:00 pm
A Closing Note …
I hope that my Picks this year have helped you to discover some great music. I don’t really write much during the festival itself, which starts a few hours after I finish writing and posting this final Picks post. This is not a job; I am not a working journalist. I prefer to focus on listening to great music, seeing my “jazz fest friends” and just having a good time. I’ll be sharing on the socials (Facebook, X and maybe even Reddit this year). Whatever you ended up hearing during the 2026 RIJF, please come back during the other 356 days of the year to find out who’s playing around Rochester.
Now, to get ready to hit Jazz Street …!
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