A voice that resonates from Iceland to Rochester

Anyone who has tickets to Laufey – the show is sold out – is in for a treat. The Icelandic-Chinese singer-songwriter is expected to enchant audiences at the Rochester International Jazz Festival on Day 6 with her unique blend of cultural heritage and musical influences.

Laufey released her first single while studying at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. “Street by Street” quickly became a hit in Iceland. As a classically trained musician, her songs are modern and speak of her life experiences. Her debut, for example, tells of her desire to reconnect with the city of Boston, which was clouded by memories of a painful breakup.

Laufey (pronounced “lay-vay”) channels her smooth voice into R&B riddims and jazz melodies – winning over an audience that spans generations. Lucky ticket holders: Laufey is playing Kodak Hall.

The Levin brothers, a jazz quartet formed in 2014. Siblings Tony and Pete Levin – both known for their musical prowess – had never worked together in a band before. The quartet focuses on cool jazz of the 50s, a reminiscence of the Levins’ childhood.

Tony Levin, a graduate of the Eastman School of Music, is the bassist and Chapman Stick player for Peter Gabriel and King Crimson. His jazz credits include collaborations with Buddy Rich, Steps Ahead, L’Image, Gary Burton, Chuck Mangione and Herbie Mann.

Pete Levin plays keyboards and has numerous jazz and pop recordings and performances to his credit. He is known as a synthesizer specialist and most recently released “Mobius” with a seven-piece band including Alex Foster, Tony Levin and Lenny White.

The brothers are joined by Jeff “Seige” Seigel, a veteran of the New York jazz scene, and Pat Labarbera, a saxophonist who has performed in groups led by Woody Herman, Louie Bellson and Carlos Santana. The Levin Brothers perform at Montage Music Hall.

Ekep Nkwelle‘s voice is said to convey passion and soul. The 24-year-old Cameroonian-American jazz singer has worked with many greats and performed at legendary venues such as Radio City Music Hall, the Library of Congress, the Kennedy Center and Blues Alley.

Last year, Nkwelle was nominated by Wynton Marsalis for a Juilliard Career Advancement Grant, further fueling her meteoric rise. Nkwelle will play for Rochester at the Max of Eastman Place.

Boston’s Bermuda Search Party is known for its energy and liveliness. With smooth sounds combined with rock, R&B and funk, the band gets the audience on their feet. In 2022, Bermuda Search Party released a self-produced LP titled “Melancholy Flowers”. The album features vocals and songwriting by guitarist Leo Son and bassist Claire Davis, trumpet and trombone by Maclin Tucker and Hoyt Parquet. Bermuda Search Party will perform at the Rochester Regional Big Tent.

Folk music is Little Misty‘s thing. And so is storytelling. The indie progressive folk band from Montreal is led by Kathryn Samman (vocals) and François Jalbert (guitar). They compose stories that weave folk and indie rock together, creating sounds that sweep the listener away. Little Misty plays at the Little Theatre.

GE Smith needs no introduction. His blond ponytail is recognizable – from his time as frontman of the Saturday Night Live Band. As a guitarist, composer, singer and bandleader, Smith has had an illustrious career – he has been courted by artists such as Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Bob Dylan and Roger Waters. Smith will be at the theater at Innovation Square.

For show times and ticket prices, see the full Jazz Fest schedule. Click here to see the Beacon’s coverage of Jazz Fest.

Smriti Jacob is editor-in-chief of the Rochester Beacon. The Beacon welcomes comments and letters from readers who address our Comment policy including the use of their full, real name. Submissions to the Letters Page should be sent to (email protected).

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