ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Major changes are ahead for the CGI Rochester International Jazz Fest as organizers announce venue and date changes.

The Jazz Fest is now scheduled for July 30 through August 7 on the campus of RIT.

Festival organizers say the change in venue from downtown Rochester to RIT's campus will allow for a more flexible space and give people more time to be vaccinated.

Last year's festival was canceled because of the pandemic.

Jazz Fest officials say it chose RIT because of its venue options and for its state-of-the-art air purification system.

More details on the artists and the venue will be released as plans are finalized.

Rochester's Communications Director Justin Roj released a statement on Thursday on the announcement:

“Today’s announcement should remind us all of the need to fight the COVID pandemic so life can return to normal. The City was unaware until this morning of the decision. However, we look forward to working with organizers of the Jazz Festival to return this important event to our downtown next year.”