UPDATE: JazzBuffalo has announced that through a partnership with Rocco Termini, it will host two special outdoor street jazz events on Ellicott Street in front of Tappo Restaurant in Downtown Buffalo.
According to JazzBuffalo, the events will take place on two dates originally scheduled for the Richardson series:
- Saturday, August 10, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.: The Brass Machine will bring their lively New Orleans second-line energy to Ellicott Street, in a full-blown Bourbon Street-style celebration.
- Sunday, August 31, 12:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.: The 4th Annual Buffalo Jazz Festival returns in a new format, featuring a swing dance-themed celebration, complete with a wooden dance floor set up right on the street for dancers and music lovers alike.
"While this decision by the Richardson-Olmsted Campus is disappointing for many, we’re reminded once again of the incredible resilience and spirit of our community. Our relationship with Rocco Termini goes back over a decade, and we’re excited to create something truly special and unique downtown."
ORIGINAL: Free summer jazz concerts at Buffalo's Richardson Olmsted Campus are ending after developer Douglas Jemal stepped away from the Richardson Hotel project, leaving organizers without a venue for the popular series.
Richardson Olmsted Campus officials said Monday they need to concentrate on the transition and don't have the capacity this summer to accommodate the large crowds that the concerts attract.
WATCH: Popular jazz concert series at Buffalo's Richardson Olmsted Campus halted
Tony Zambito of JazzBuffalo expressed disappointment about the cancellation, noting the special significance of the free jazz concerts.
"There's an emotional impact that I think I should mention. During the pandemic, we actually did about 6…7 weeks in that particular lawn area of the Richardson Olmstead campus and I can tell you during that one summer it was a real true beacon of hope for people because it was the only thing that was basically happening during the pandemic," Zambito said.
The concerts had become a cherished tradition for many Buffalo residents.
"The number one request we always had was to please bring back jazz at Richardson," Zambito said.
Despite the setback, Zambito is actively searching for a new venue to host at least the Jazz Festival scheduled for Labor Day weekend.
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