

Performances by the high school ensembles from Lackawanna High School, Global Concepts Charter High School, and Pappy Martin Jazz Legacy Collective's Love Supreme School of Music, Buffalo Academy for Visual
and Performing Arts the festival will include a special appearance by the Jay/Sharptet Little Big Band, along with other exciting acts.
Dr. Lonnie Smith, a legendary figure in the jazz world, was born on July 3, 1942, in Lackawanna, NY, just south of Buffalo. He credited his musical upbringing to his mother, a gospel singer who introduced him to both jazz and classical music. As a teenager, Smith developed a profound passion for the Hammond organ, drawing inspiration from greats like Wild Bill Davis, Bill Doggett, and Jimmy Smith. His remarkable talent soon caught the attention of jazz luminaries such as alto saxophonist Lou Donaldson, organist Jack McDuff, and guitarist George Benson, who hired him in 1964.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to jazz, Dr. Smith was honored with the prestigious title of National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master in 2017.