There were a lot of people speculating that the “special guest” promised for the show featuring Steve Gadd at the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival would be James Taylor. And it turned out, they were right.
Friday night's concert at Kodak Hall at the Eastman Theatre saw a lot of cheering and clapping for Gadd, a world-renowned drummer who still has relatives in Irondequoit. The show was also billed as a way to celebrate Gadd’s birthday earlier this year. He turned 70.
After several songs, James Taylor came out, playing “ Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight,” and “Country Road.” He also was on stage again for the last encore, “Steamroller.”
The jazz fest wraps up Saturday night. It was also announced on Friday that Xerox has renewed its lead sponsorship for three more years, through 2018.
