It’s been 5 years since Syracuse has felt the groove of Jazz Fest, but this year, it’s back! For the first time since 2000, the 3-day festival will be jumping and jiving back to Clinton Square in downtown Syracuse. Here’s the need to know ahead of the 3-day line-up.

What to Expect

Legends like Aretha Franklin, BB King, and Natalie Cole have performed at Jazz Festival in years past. This year, the 3-day event starts on June 23rd and will feature local and regional jazz performances in several downtown Syracuse bars and restaurants.

Following Thursday’s performances in local businesses, Friday and Saturday performances will take the Main Stage in Clinton Square. Headlining artists like Grammy Award winning duo Marylin McCoo and Billy Davis, The Average White Band, and Platinum artist David Sanborn will be filling the streets of Syracuse with classic, contemporary, and funky tunes.

Did we mention it’s all free entertainment?  The Syracuse Jazz Fest is the largest free jazz festival in the Northeast and has been evolving since they first debuted in 1982. Get your dancing shoes ready and get jazzed about what’s to come between the days of June 23 - 26.

2022 Syracuse Jazz Fest schedule

Thursday, June 23

4-6 p.m.

The Instigators - Funk ‘n’ Waffles, The Hot Club of Syracuse - Kitty Hoynes, Avenue J - Kasai

5-7 p.m.

Exit 11 South - Weighlock Lounge, Seth Carper Trio - Mulrooney’s, Mark Nanni Solo - Board & Bar Charcuterie, DiCosimo - Pagan Latin Jazz Ensemble - Wunderbar

6-8 p.m.

Funky Jazz Band - Benjamin’s on Franklin, Carol Bryant Quartet - The Gilded Club, Julie Howard Quartet - The Tasting Room at Epicuse

7-9 p.m. 

Nancy Kelly Trio - Landmark Theatre, John Rohde Trio - Pastabilities, Bob Holz & A Vision Forward - Clinton Street Pub, Mark Hoffmann’s Swing This! - Saltine Warrior, E.S.P. - The Corner Bar

8-10 p.m.

Tamaralee Shutt - Modern Malt, Jeff Stockham’s Jazz Horn Legacy Sextet - Press Room Pub, Michael Houston & Sam Wynn - The Tasting Room at Epicuse

9-11 p.m.

Melissa Gardiner’s Vibe Check - The Fitz, Ronnie Leigh Quartet – Redfield’s, The Jazz Mafia - King of Clubs

Friday, June 24

Clinton Square Main Stage

4 - 5:15 p.m. The Salt City Jazz Collective

5:45 - 7:00 p.m. Sheila Jordan Trio

7:30 - 8:45 p.m. David Sanborn Electric Band

9:15 - 10:30 p.m. Average White Band (50th Anniversary Edition)

Saturday, June 25

Clinton Square Main Stage

4 - 5:15 p.m. Joey DeFrancesco Trio

5:45 - 7 00 p.m. The Urban Knights, featuring Guitarist Henry Johnson

7:30 - 8:45 p.m. Boney James

9:15 - 10:30 p.m. Nathan Williams & The Zydeco Cha Cha's

Music, Events, and More

Ready to plan your summer but struggling with where to start? Festivals and events in June will be happening every weekend in Syracuse, NY. Plan today so you don’t miss out on any of the fun, we can’t wait to see you!