The African American Cultural Center of Buffalo Celebrates the 37th Annual Pine Grill Jazz Reunion with Two Sundays of Free Music, Culture, and Community

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The African American Cultural Center (AACC) proudly announces the 37th Annual Pine Grill Jazz Reunion, returning for two unforgettable Sundays, August 2 and August 9, 2026 at Martin Luther King Jr. Park on Buffalo's historic East Side. This free community festival continues one of Western New York's longest-running and most treasured celebrations of African American music, culture, and heritage.

Drawing more than 2,000 attendees over two weekends, the Pine Grill Jazz Reunion honors the legacy of Buffalo's legendary Pine Grill nightclub while bringing generations together through world-class performances in jazz, blues, soul, and R&B. Festival programming will take place from 2:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. each Sunday near the tennis courts at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. The event is free and open to the public. Many festival attendees continue a decades-long tradition of bringing lawn chairs, blankets, family tents, and picnic gatherings to Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, creating one of Buffalo's signature summertime community celebrations.

This year's festival features nationally recognized contemporary jazz artists: Sunday, August 2 – Headliner David P. Stevens Sunday, August 9 – Headliner Pamela "The Saxtress" Williams

Originally inspired by the iconic Pine Grill nightclub on Jefferson Avenue, the Pine Grill Jazz Reunion was established in the early 1990s by the African American Cultural Center of Buffalo to preserve and celebrate one of Buffalo's most important cultural landmarks. Once considered one of the city's premier entertainment venues, the original Pine Grill welcomed legendary musicians and served as a gathering place where music, community, and culture flourished during an important chapter of Buffalo's Black history. For nearly four decades, the Pine Grill Jazz Reunion has continued that tradition by showcasing nationally acclaimed artists alongside local musicians, creating opportunities for emerging talent while preserving the stories, sounds, and spirit that shaped Buffalo's East Side.

The 37th anniversary represents more than another year of performances; it reflects the resilience of a community that continues to celebrate its history while investing in its future. As Buffalo experiences renewed interest in preserving its cultural heritage, the Pine Grill Jazz Reunion remains a powerful reminder that music is both a bridge between generations and a catalyst for community pride.

"This festival is about far more than great music," said Dr. Leah Daniel, Executive Director of the African American Cultural Center. For 37 years, the Pine Grill Jazz Reunion has created a space where families reconnect, neighbors celebrate together, and visitors experience the richness of Buffalo's Black cultural legacy. Every performance honors those who came before us while inspiring the next generation of artists and cultural leaders. We are proud to continue preserving this tradition and ensuring that the legacy of the Pine Grill lives on for many years to come."

In addition to live performances, this year's festival will feature several new and returning community experiences designed to enhance the weekend celebration. Festival attendees can participate in the Artist Meet & Greets on Saturday, August 1st and Saturday, August 8th, at the African American Cultural Center, where guests can meet the festival headliners and featured local artists before they take the stage.

Guests will also enjoy the popular "WE" in Wellness activation, offering wellness-focused experiences throughout the park; a new "Mr. & Mrs. Pine Grill" contest; along with food vendors, community organizations, merchandise, and opportunities to purchase commemorative Pine Grill apparel, including personalized festival T-shirts available through advance preorder.

For more information, please visit the AACC website at www.aaccbuffalo.org or contact us via email at pinegrill@aaccbuffalo.org.

For media interviews and credential requests, please email pinegrill@aaccbuffalo.org or contact via phone at (716) 884-2013.

Event Information

37th Annual Pine Grill Jazz Reunion

Dates Sunday, August 2, 2026 Sunday, August 9, 2026

Time 2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Location Martin Luther King, Jr. Park (Near the Tennis Courts) Buffalo, New York

Admission

FREE and open to the public.

About the African American Cultural Center

The African American Cultural Center is dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and advancing the history, arts, and culture of African Americans throughout Western New York. Through educational programming, exhibitions, performances, and community events, the Center serves as a cultural anchor that inspires learning, creativity, and civic engagement while preserving Buffalo's rich African American heritage for future generations.