ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The streets have been buzzing with music as the CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival wrapped up its second night in downtown Rochester. More than 1,500 musicians from across the globe are playing at the Jazz Fest, drawing an expected crowd of more than 200,000 people this year — in the official shows. Unaffiliated musicians also are taking this opportunity to perform on the streets and in restaurants.

If you’ve never been to the Jazz Festival, you may expect jazz music to be the only thing you hear. Far from it: The sounds of Ireland brought a special charm to many out on East Avenue Saturday night.

“We play Irish music together, and have for years in all configurations with different musicians around town,” Adrienne Maher said. Busking along East Avenue with her bandmates, Maher says she always feels welcome at the festival.

Fiddler Bill Henrie says their spontaneous street concert was not planned.

“Technically I knew there was a jazz fest or something, but that didn’t really occur to me as we were heading downtown,” Henie said.

It’s the kind of spontaneity that the Jazz Festival is known for — and one reason Kenn Burke says he came all the way from Brooklyn again to experience it all.

“Rochester does a really good job of bringing the community together and others showing up. And I have always enjoyed the mix. It feels like a good mingle,” Burke said.

The spontaneous performances add an extra layer of excitement to the already vibrant atmosphere of the festival. Music lovers can explore the streets and venues, discovering new talents and enjoying unexpected musical delights. As the festival continues, more and more musicians are expected to join in, creating an unforgettable experience for both performers and audience members alike.

“I tell people all the time, it’s not just jazz,” Dee Kazuba said. “It’s not just sleepy piano. It’s blues. It’s jazz. It’s rock.”

It’s a festival where all music is welcome, from saxophone to fiddle.

The music kicks off again at 3:45 p.m. Sunday. The Aquaducks will perform in the Big Tent at 8:30 and 10 p.m., while Colombian harpist Edmar Castaneda will play Kilbourn Hall at 6 and 9 p.m. Other performers Sunday include the Francksmsallem trio, The Brain Cloud, Andrea Brachfeld and Insight, Harold Danko, East Axi, Bill Tiberio Band, Cold Chocolate, Kaisa’s Machine, Locke/Keezer/Smith, Groover Quartet, and the New Horizons Jazz Ensemble. For a list of times and venues, and ticket info, go here. There also will be a jam session at the Hyatt Regency, each night of the festival.

News10NBC’s Bret Vetter talked with guitarist Benny Juice — one of the musicians not officially affiliated with the festival who are playing downtown during the fest — at 6 p.m. outside Stromboli’s. See their conversation below: