The Jazz Festival Might Be Moving To RIT This Year

Organizers for the Rochester International Jazz Festival have decided they can better meet COVID-19 guidelines this year by pushing back to date and relocating the 9-day festival to RIT.

This news comes as a shock to local businesses in Rochester’s East end, many who have closed their doors until the outdoor festival season begins.

In addition to the bars in the area losing business, the City of Rochester may not provide funding for the event if it isn’t held in the city itself. In the past, the festival has used the city funding for security, as well as huge public shows.

Justin Raj, the City of Rochester’s Communications Director gave a statement, saying:

Today’s announcement should remind us all of the need to fight the COVID pandemic so life can return to normal. The City was unaware of the organizers’ decision until this morning. However, we look forward to working with them to return the Jazz Festival to our downtown next year.”

Source:
RochesterFirst.com