Great Day in Jazz Buffalo

The photo project was based on the landmark 1958 photograph “A Great Day in Harlem.” Buffalo jazz legend Elvin Shepherd was living and working in Harlem at the time of the photo but was unavailable on the day of the shoot. The photograph is Buffalo’s way of honoring him and featured 100 of the area’s most notable jazz musicians. 

The event took place on Friday, April 20, 2012, at Buffalo legend Ani DiFranco’s Babeville, located at 341 Delaware Avenue, in Buffalo, NY, Performances where by Vinny DeRosa and the Vitamin D Band in the 9th Ward. Followed by a dynamic evening of jazz with two bands, on two stages in a concert swap never before held at Babeville! Sponsored by GEICO Insurance Company, Great Day Jazz 2012 presents-- The SABU Quartet on the Hallwalls stage performing: Cannes Revisited, Sabu Adeyola’s 1981 performance at the Palais des Festivals. 

At the same time Gruvology toke the stage of the 9th Ward for an unforgettable blend of standards and original music from their most popular recordings. 

Pianist Boyd Lee Dunlop and a host of local musicians, performers, preservationists and educators attended. The Great Day in Jazz photo was taken by CEPA Gallery on the stairs of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. Limited Edition prints are available at www.wnymmp.org/greatdayinjazz.

The last great day in Jazz Buffalo event was held in June of 2014 at Pausa Art House at 19 Wadsworth Street in Buffalo, NY.

The Great Day in Jazz Buffalo committee will celebrate the 10th anniversary on the photo in June of 2022 with a music tribute and event.