Buttonwood's 35th annual Jazz Fest brought five world-class musical artists to Waynesboro
By The Daily Boro Staff
On a sultry Saturday evening, Buttonwood Nature Center’s 35th annual Jazz Fest provided dynamic sound and splendid outdoor scenery to a captivated Waynesboro audience. Five incredible jazz musicians shared a stage at The Wharf, as a three-decade tradition was celebrated once again.
The concert featured an All-Star lineup of acclaimed musicians who have entertained worldwide audiences. Their Grammy Awards and nominations, along with past collaborations and recordings, served as a musical score for their individual talents.
Continuing his customary performance, Guitarist Paul Bollenback returned to BJF in 2026. He has appeared at 28 of the 35 Jazz Fests, demonstrating his versatility and serving as a steady anchor for the concert’s ever-changing lineup. In addition to his skillful guitar playing, Bollenback has performed with a wide range of jazz luminaries. During the concert, he shared engaging stories about the inspiration behind his music.
Ingrid Jensen, hailed as one of the most gifted trumpeters of her generation, shared the stage. The Canadian-born artist is in demand as a soloist and collaborator, whom the New York Times called “as versatile as she is vigorous.” Jensen enjoyed playing with her fellow Jazz Fest musicians. She often bobbed her head to the music and encouraged the audience to applaud after a solo.
Troy Roberts is New York-based but a native Australian, and the three-time Grammy-nominated saxophonist wowed the crowd with his stylistic play. The expressive Roberts is a prolific jazz performer, and with 16 releases to date, he is becoming one of the most widely recorded artists in his genre.
Lucques Curtis performed on bass during the concert. His modest stage presence belied his impressive achievements in the jazz arena. Curtis won a 2025 Grammy for Best Latin Jazz Album. He co-owns a record label with his brother, Zaccai, and the duo has five releases as the Curtis Brothers.
Drummer Tommy Campbell is a Philadelphia native who grew up influenced by his father and uncle, Jimmy Smith, a well-known Hammond B-3 virtuoso. Once schooled in music, Campbell began a long association with jazz great Dizzy Gillespie. During the Waynesboro concert, Campbell displayed his musical and entertainment talents. He infused a playful mood into the night’s performance, which included a humorous skit using animal squeaky toys as percussion props. Campbell also struck expressive poses for the audience.
During the concert, these five accomplished musicians collaborated and performed solos. They seemed to enjoy playing together just as much as the audience appreciated their formation for this special concert. The story behind their pairing begins with Andrew Sussman.
For over three decades, Sussman has curated the musical talent for Buttonwood’s Jazz Fest. Andrew’s background prepared him for that worthwhile assignment. Sussman earned a music degree from the Philadelphia University of the Arts, wrote songs performed and recorded by nationally acclaimed singers, and served as the Executive Director of the Cumberland Valley School of Music for two decades.
Sussman recalled the formation of Jazz Fest in 1992. “When we first came up with the idea for a jazz festival at the Renfrew Institute 35 years ago, it seemed far-fetched—but with the support of the board and a lot of passion, we decided to give it a try. A lucky encounter with guitarist Paul Bollenback helped launch a tradition that has brought an extraordinary array of jazz greats to Waynesboro.”
From the beginning, Sussman and the Buttonwood team had specific goals for Jazz Fest. “We intentionally kept the festival free, outdoors, and open to everyone, with the hope of introducing our community—and especially young people—to music and musicians they might not otherwise have an opportunity to hear,” Sussman recalled. “Celebrating the 35th year by putting Paul in the spotlight with his own music and an extraordinary band felt like the perfect way to honor how it all began.”
Sussman’s musical advocacy has been influential within the local arts community. He is the founder of the Arts Alliance of Greater Waynesboro and Destination Arts, which includes the Music Makers venue. But organizing the Jazz Fest remains a signature achievement. “Curating this festival has been one of the great honors of my life. I’m deeply grateful to Buttonwood, the musicians, and our enthusiastic audiences for keeping it going all these years.”
Buttonwood’s Executive Director, Tracy Holliday, praised Sussman’s contributions. “Andrew’s passion for jazz and his joy in bringing it into the lives of others has been the basis of this amazing 35-year tradition,” Holliday said. “We salute Andrew with tremendous gratitude.”
Buttonwood Nature Center’s sponsorship of the Jazz Fest diverges from its traditional mission of environmental stewardship and education programs for children and adults. However, this musical program reinforces its goal of providing cultural exposure and enjoyment to Cumberland Valley residents.
“The annual Jazz Fest reunited old friends both on the stage and in the audience as an All-Star ensemble returned to perform together for this remarkable milestone concert,” Holliday said. “The crowd of music lovers enjoyed a diverse selection of original compositions as well as some remastered classics. The musical conversations ranged from pensive and ethereal to high energy to downright playful. We’re honored to continue this decades-long tradition that brings live world-class jazz to an appreciative community.”
A fitting collaborator with the organizers and musicians is the Jazz Fest’s venue. It is unknown why the Mace family property is called “The Wharf” (one theory suggests it was named for a railroad stop), but the 20-acre property is a perfect setting for an outdoor concert.
The house and barn were built sometime around 1875. The rustic red barn serves as a backdrop for Jazz Fest’s performance stage, with a vintage tractor parked nearby as a fitting prop for the agrarian scene. A gentle slope rises to the west, which creates a natural amphitheater for enjoying the sound and scenery. Several trees dot the hillside, offering cooling shade during August evenings.
Buttonwood’s Jazz Fest is one of the area’s premier musical traditions. The event is a prime example of how non-profits can bring unique experiences (with the generous support of individuals and businesses) to the communities they serve.
For over 35 years, jazz greats have strayed from big-city venues and journeyed to Waynesboro. They come here because people like Andrew Sussman and organizations like Buttonwood have developed relationships that resonate in any setting. Their dedication is a priceless gift to a thankful community.
