George Eastman Museum’s Garden Vibes concert series celebrates New York’s vibrant music scene

The George Eastman Museum is thrilled to announce the return of the beloved Garden Vibes Concert Series this summer, celebrating New York’s vibrant music scene with performances by bands from across the state. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Museum’s Schuyler C. Townson Terrace Garden and the historic mansion, this outdoor series invites music lovers to the East Lawn to enjoy three unforgettable Wednesday evenings for the whole family: July 1, July 15, and August 19. 

Garden Vibes 2026 lineup
 
Wednesday, July 1: Kahlil Kwame Bell
Kahlil Kwame Bell, a Grammy-affiliated percussionist, composer, arranger, and producer, has left an indelible mark on the global music industry. His artistry spans jazz, rock, hip hop, European classical, world music, spirituals, and spoken word. Known for his distinctive layering of sounds, instruments, and rhythms, Bell embodies the unity of cultures through music. His compositions and collaborations can be heard daily on jazz and world music radio programs worldwide. Celebrated as a pioneer, Bell is coined for mastering the slapaphone and incorporating it into jazz, blending traditional percussion with innovation to expand the sonic possibilities of the genre.

Wednesday, July 15: Mosaic Foundation
Blending the grounding sounds of classic roots with messages for modern times, Mosaic Foundation is forward thinking, internationally influenced reggae. Based in the Finger Lakes Region of New York with members hailing from Ghana, Hong Kong, and Jamaica, the band’s diverse lineup speaks truth to the fact that “Unity is Strength." The band's newest album heavily features lyrics in the native tongue (Ewe) of lead singer Yao Foli.

Wednesday, August 19: Guabaza
Guabaza is a high-energy Buffalo-based ensemble that brings a vibrant sound to every performance. The group crafts a rich musical experience by blending the rhythms of Caribbean music with the sophisticated harmonies of Latin, jazz, and the soulful grit of blues. Whether they are reimagining classics or exploring original grooves, Guabaza’s music is a celebration of global traditions. Featuring a powerhouse lineup of local favorites—including Harrison Graser on keys, vocalists Alex McArthur and Michael DeLano, and a driving rhythm section led by drummer Damone Jackson, bassist Brian de Jesus, and percussionist Michael Ruopoli—their performances are a rhythmic journey that invites audiences to move, listen, and connect.

All three concerts take place from 6 to 8 p.m., with gates opening at 5 p.m. Concertgoers may bring a picnic or purchase food on-site from the museum’s eatery, Open Face, as well as local food trucks, including Fairport Hots and Effortlessly Healthy. A cash bar will be available. Lawn games and toys will also be available, to the delight of some of our youngest attendees.

Admission
Tickets for all Garden Vibes concerts are $15 general admission, $12 museum members, and free to children ages 12 and under with paid adult admission. Tickets may be purchased at the gate by the front of the house, or inside at the museum’s admissions desk on the day of the event. No refunds; no rain dates.

Garden Vibes is generously sponsored by the George Eastman Museum Council. In-kind support by Strathallan Hotel & Spa. Media sponsor City magazine.

About the George Eastman Museum
Founded in 1947, the George Eastman Museum is the world’s oldest photography museum and one of the largest film archives in the United States, located on the historic Rochester estate of entrepreneur and philanthropist George Eastman, the pioneer of popular photography. Its holdings comprise more than 400,000 photographs, 31,000 motion picture films, the world’s preeminent collection of photographic and cinematographic technology, one of the leading libraries of books related to photography and cinema, and extensive holdings of documents and other objects related to George Eastman. As a research and teaching institution, the Eastman Museum has an active publishing program, and its L. Jeffrey Selznick School of Film Preservation’s graduate program (a collaboration with the University of Rochester) makes critical contributions to film preservation. For more information, visit eastman.org.