Jazz Festival has new venues, club-pass changes 

It’s only October, and there’s already big news in local jazz. The CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival  announced major changes this morning for its 2019 event, including two new venues – Parcel 5 and Geva – and a more user-friendly club pass policy.

The festival, which will run from June 21 to 29, will stage an extensive lineup of events on Parcel 5: 21 club- pass concerts in a large tent named the M&T Bank Pavilion. And Geva Theatre Center will have two club pass shows nightly.

Anthology and Harro East Ballroom will not be returning as venues in 2019. And the Little Theatre, which is continuing its renovations, also won't be a festival site. Festival officials say they don't know whether Xerox Auditorium will return as a venue because the building is for sale.

Another big change: Due to feedback from patrons, photos won't be required on either 3- or 9-day club passes. And the passes can be shareable among multiple patrons.

Club Passes are now on sale, at rochesterjazz.com or 454-2060, at early-bird rates through December 31: $154 for a three-day pass, $194 for a nine-day pass, plus service charges.