The last night of the 2022 International Jazz Festival wrapped up Saturday

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) – Over the last nine days we heard over 1,700 bands. The crowd went wild for Rochester native Danielle Ponder. She was part of the last few acts to wrap up the festival.

We had the chance to speak to the producers of this large event, and they say it exceeded expectations, being the first come back for this festival from the pandemic. Over 200,00 people were downtown this week. From set up, to the talent, the food trucks, and vendors, we’re told all the notes were hit perfectly.

"I can’t tell you how happy and excited we are to have pulled this off, so much love and care, I mean Sheila E. had 10,000 people hugging each other on Parcel Five, what’s better than that after two years of so much sadness and difficulty and now we’re coming out of it, I mean it’s still out there, but this festival is alive and people have celebrated the American art form known as jazz and all its different styles," artistic director and co-producer of festival, John Nugent said.

Nugent also said, they’re already planning for next year’s festival and it will be the 20th anniversary.