All that Jazz

So while some people are dreaming of spending $200 million for a downtown canal and $174 million for huge new theaters, the organizers of the Rochester International JazzFest are just getting the job done for the area by creating an event that grows in popularity. I would venture a guess that drawing 80,000 people downtown, from a range of states, is incredibly valuable for the economy. This is an asset not to be taken for granted, however, judging from this comment from founder John Nugent:

“High level creativity and in-depth artistry in music is what I live for," Nugent added. "Marc Iacona and I will continue working tirelessly for this community if the economics are in place to progress. And we look forward to being here as long as the support for our growth is in place.”

Nugent leaves himself no time to rest. He went from Rochester to Sweden to produce the Stockholm Jazz Festival from July 18-22.