HISTORY OF OUR FESTIVAL

In 1996, James “Pappy” Martin collaborated with Councilmember Byron Brown, Darryl Peebles, Council President James Pitts and Steve Porter to implement an innovative community enhancement program entitled Masten Jazz Festival, free to the community. In 2015, upon the passing of Pappy Martin who continued the festival, the name was changed to the Pappy Martin Legacy – Masten Jazz Festival. It is held on the grounds of the Buffalo Museum of Science in Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, the heart and crown jewel of the Masten District. Over the past 28 years, there have been performances by many internationally acclaimed musicians including: Nasar Abadey, Mario Abney, JD Allen, Bootsie Barnes, Gary Bartz, Jean and Marcus Baylor, Lakecia Benjamin, Andy Bey, Junie Booth, Brownman, Ron Carter, Etienne Charles, Theo Croker, George Caldwell, Steve Davis, Wayne Escoffery, Josh Evans, Joe Ford, Giveton Gelin, Tia Fuller, Dodo Greene, Terreon Gully, Craig Handy, Phillip Harper, Winard Harper, Keyon Harrold, Donald Harrison, Eddie Henderson, Freddie Hendrix, JazzCats, Shenel Johns, Mimi Jones, Mike King, Bobby Lavell, Carmen Lundy, Curtis Lundy, Russell Malone, Spider Martin, Johnny O'Neal, Endea Owens, Jeremy Pelt, Nat Reeves, Herlin Riley, Wallace Roney Jr., Wallace Roney Sr., Shamie Royston, Jamison Ross, Vanessa Rubin, Patrice Rushen, Serious Young Musicians, Straight Ahead, Malachi Thompson, Camille Thurman, Al Tinney, Charenee Wade, Mike Wade, Donald Walden, Bobby Watson, Rodney Whitaker, Lenny White, Ben Williams, Buster Williams, Mark Whitfild Jr., Warren Wolf and Brandee Younger, among others. The festival has also presented many locally-based musicians: Bilal Abdullah, Zaid Aleem, Rodney Appleby, Rod Bronner, Sehrea Brown, Tim Clarke, Ben Clyburn, Drea d'Nur, Brian Freeman, Douglas Gaston, Isaiah Gethers, Jaman, Jacob Jay, Nikki Hicks, Will Holton, Danny Jelks, Marcus Lolo, Carol McLaughlin, Nelson “Poppa” Lucas, Bobby Militello, Janice Mitchell, William Murphy, Charles Reedy, Larry Salter, Dalton Sharp, Gregory Treadwell, Darryl Washington, Joyce Wilson-Nixon and Jerry Youngman, to name a few, along with students from the Love Supreme School of Music and, of course, Pappy Martin.

Buffalo is a city with deep roots in the jazz tradition. It once touted numerous venues that showcased jazz performances such as the Blue Note, Bon Ton, Calumet, Colored Musicians' Club, Little Harlem, Pine Grill, Moonglow, Revilot, Royal Arms, Shalimar and many more. The city is home to several jazz giants and has provided mentors, teachers and audiences for hundreds of developing musicians. This festival is dedicated to keeping that tradition alive as it reinforces confidence, in young and old, that Western New York is a place to not only present world-renowned musicians, but also, develop and nurture future musicians. The rich legacy will continue by grooming the next generation of jazz lovers. It helps ensure that this art form will remain a part of our local cultural tapestry. Through exposure, understanding of and appreciation for this music is undeniable.

The Pappy Martin Legacy – Masten Jazz Festival is committed to strengthening jazz as a viable entity while offering a multi-generational, multi-ethnic festival which educates, elevates and celebrates the artistic, historic and cultural significance of jazz. The festival avails the entire community to this very deserving original American art form....jazz. It serves as an outreach to all neighborhoods, especially the underserved, in its mission to make the cultural experience of jazz appreciation accessible to everyone by keeping the festival free and open to the public and presented in the central city. The dedication is boosted by the belief that jazz has the power to cleanse your spirit and refill it with something beautiful. The festival offers a stage from which freedom of expression flows and reflects the democratic philosophy that each individual's unique contribution helps to create a whole that is enhanced by the collaboration. It presents artists who understand that jazz is not mere entertainment but also enriches spiritual, emotional and mental health wellness. It continues to proudly offer an atmosphere within which audience members have the opportunity to elevate their consciousness and love of a culture called jazz.

“EDUCATE YOUR EAR … LISTEN TO JAZZ!”