By Raquella Hess

When you think of Upstate New York, you might be surprised to find out that for decades now, Rochester has been a major attraction for jazz lovers and musicians alike. As home to the Mangione Brothers, Chuck and Gap – and former stomping ground of performers from Dizzy Gillespie to Louis Armstrong – Rochester's Eastman Theater, Auditorium Theater, and the now defunct Ridgecrest Inn served as a meeting place for famous musicians to jam throughout the 1950's, 60's and 70's.

Today we can see the groove lives on, whether on a weekly basis at one of several venues known for its smooth sounds, or during our annual Jazz Fest, which draws some 120,000 people from across the country. Whatever your style, you're sure to find something interesting if you look closely enough; and in this case it's not who you already know, but who you haven't heard of that might make your night.

The Strathallan
550 East Avenue, Rochester 14607
461-5010
www.strathallan.com
Live music Thursdays - Saturdays
In addition to being one of the most established and beautiful hotels in Rochester, the Grill at Strathallan serves as a swanky venue for local musicians. With a regular rotation of talented performers, early evenings can be spent listening to solo piano or duets, while on Friday and Saturday night visitors can sit back in the warm, hardwood paneled room and take in the Bob Sneider or Bill Dobbins/Mike Kaupa Quartets. Sample fine cuisine from the comfort of your table or take a seat at the bar to enjoy a Champagne Bellini as you absorb the sounds of the Strath.

Horizons Lounge at Woodcliff Hotel
199 Woodcliff Drive, Fairport 14450
381-4000
www.woodclifflodge.com
Live music Fridays & Saturdays, plus Sunday Brunch
Like the Strathallan, Woodcliff offers only the finest to its guests – Gap Mangione New Blues Band is featured on an almost weekly basis, in addition to Special Blend and the Bobby Dibaudo Trio. The Lounge has similar attributes to any upscale restaurant, but boasts a spectacular view and of course, a spa to retire to the morning after a late night of fine wine "flights" in which guests are invited to sample 3 distinct selections. Whether you're visiting from out of town or live around the corner, the combination of ambiance and incredible music will make you understand why their slogan is "Minutes Away, Worlds Apart."

The Little Theatre Café
240 East Avenue, Rochester 14604
232-3906
www.thelittle.org
Live music nightly
It comes as no surprise that Rochester's hippest theatre is host to some of the sweetest treats in town – to be enjoyed aurally, that is. "People are always surprised to find our hidden treasure in the Café," says Kathy Mangione, Director of Marketing. Some guests stop in before or after a movie while others come to see a particular musician, but everyone who finds themselves standing in this warm, cozy café can appreciate all it has to offer. Sample the sounds not only of jazz musicians, but also of acoustic, blues, and world music along with your next latte or glass of wine, or stop in for weekly game nights (held Tuesdays) and try your luck at Battleship.

International Jazz Festival
Throughout Downtown Rochester
www.rochesterjazz.com
June 13 - 21
Now in its seventh year, the Rochester International Jazz Festival is hands down one of the most attractions the modern jazz scene has to offer. Featuring performances in the past by Toots & the Maytals, Maceo Parker and Wynton Marsalis, the draw is enormous and often has fans come from halfway across the country. This year, don't miss your chance to see greats like Frank Sinatra Jr. and his Orchestra, the Gap Mangione Quintet and the Nate Rawls Band. Or, catch local favorites, The Buddhahood, as eclectic hints of jazz and funk, plus some good old fashioned soul, mix together throughout Rochester's Cultural District.

Bistro 135
135 W. Commercial Street, East Rochester 14445
662-5555
www.bistro135.net
Live music Wednesday - Saturday
An impressive lineup of musicians performing Wednesdays through Saturdays means this intimate lounge and restaurant doesn't have to depend on its menu to draw crowds, but the added bonus of rich delicacies offered by Bistro 135 makes it all the more enticing. Surprisingly affordable, you can stop by late night to enjoy a relaxing atmosphere, some tunes and a glass of fine wine, or munch on the Kobe beef sliders and other appetizers until midnight on the weekends.

Tasteology
3400 Monroe Avenue, Pittsford 14534
385-0580
www.tasteology.net
Open Monday - Saturday
This progressive, "green" themed restaurant offers much more than incredible eco-friendly wines and exotic dishes bursting with flavor. Weekly performances by the most talented of Rochester's performers prove that being environmentally conscious can simply mean surrounding yourself with the most organic of sounds. Featuring music ranging from Funk-Reggae to Big Brass and with sultry vocalists a-plenty, Tasteology combines traditional refinement with a contemporary and quite progressive mindset that delights all five of your senses.

Clarissa's
293 Clarissa Street, Rochester14608
232-3430
clarissasjazz.com
Live music Thursday - Sunday
Formerly known as Sheps' Paradise and The Clarissa Room, this venue served as a gathering place for talented musicians for more than 30 years before taking on its current name. Monikers aside, the ambiance of this venue located in the Corn Hill District still conjures images of crisp suits and Cadillacs with tail fins. A variety of events appear weekly on their schedule, but Friday and Saturday nights typically feature guest performers, with an occasional appearance on Sunday.

Whether you're a longtime fan or simply happen to stumble upon it, jazz is a genre that transcends most tastes and will forever hold its own in the music world. Next time you can't find anything to do, don't sit at home, and even forgo your next trip to the movies. This weekend, put on your dancing shoes and your best slacks– after all, like bassist Victor Wooten said: "You can't hold no groove if you ain't got no pocket!"

Raquella Hess is a former staff Writer for Rochester Woman Magazine.