City of Rochester
News Release
(May 7, 2009) - Mayor Robert J. Duffy today announced the 2009 headliners and schedule for the City’s dynamic FREE Party in the Park concert series to be held Thursdays, June 11 through August 6 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The festival returns for the second year to the larger-capacity Riverside Festival Site, Court Street and Exchange Boulevard (across from the Blue Cross Arena).
For the past 13 years, Party in the Park! has kicked off our summer event season in an exciting fashion. All told, more than 140,000 Party!-goers have come downtown just to enjoy this series. In fact, 43,000 in 2008 alone —the largest attendance figure since the series began in 1997!
“This is undoubtedly the most exciting summer season ever for the city of Rochester. First, we have our amazing 175th Anniversary to tout,” Mayor Duffy said. “Then along come all of the talented folks who live right here in Rochester to fill our city and our hearts and minds with music and art from nearly every neighborhood on nearly every day of the summer! We are truly a city that sings!”
Party producer Jeff Springut, with The Springut Group, named the Party! headliners. The City hopes to entice outstanding local talent as opening acts to Party in the Park! headliners.
Springut said, “We have initiated a new effort to nurture the local emerging music scene. For the past month, we have issued a call to new local bands who want to open for the season’s national acts. To date, we have received over 45 responses and more bands will be announced soon.”
For further information about this aspect of Party! visit www.brotherwease.com.
The season opens with popular headliner Dickey Betts and Great Southern on June 11. In 2008, his performance attracted more than 6,500 spectators, the largest crowd ever to Party! Betts, a founding member of the Allman Brothers Band, has one of the most distinctive voices in music today. His road-seasoned vocals reflect his grit and hard-earned respect as a nationally-known performer. One of the most influential guitar players of all time, he has mastered a seamless style of lyrical melody and rhythm -- marrying country, jazz, blues and rock into one unparalleled sound.
CRACKER, whose pop punk power has garnered eight albums including one platinum and three gold, hits the stage on June 18; then MEDESKI, MARTIN & WOOD, a trio from D.U.M.B.O. (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), arrives to create hypnotic sounds brimming with improvisation and harmony on June 25.
Average White Band, one of the best soul and funk bands in the history of music, promises to win over the crowd on July 9. Best known for their mega-hit “Pick up the Pieces,” the band’s strength actually resides in their consistently accomplished song-writing. Their talents are stretched across several gold-selling albums and multi-Grammy nominations for the legendary Atlantic Records. The band’s latest release, “Soul and the City,” showcases the breadth and depth of the Band’s material.
On July 16, Michael Franti & Spearhead at the height of their artistic powers, are certain to bring a powerful and passionate approach to their performance. Michael Franti has conveyed deeply felt music for over 20 years, whether it be punk rock, rap or modern soul. Recently his latest release entered the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart and hit #4 on the Top Independent Album Chart.
Gov’t Mule, concluding the series on August 6, will balance evocative songs and expressive improvisation during the evening. Founded in 1994 as a power-trio, Gov’t Mule has, over the course of eight studio albums, several more live projects, and over 1,300 concert performances, built both an extensive, evolving body of work and a devoted fan base. In addition, the band has sold 1.5 million downloads on its Web site mule.net, sold over one million albums and received a Grammy nomination.
July 2, 23 and 30 headliners are to be announced at a later date.
A wider selection of food will be offered this year to include: wraps, Cajun, bar-b-que, Abbott’s Frozen Custard and Zweigle’s hots!
In order to keep these events free, food and drink will be available for purchase at the festival site, and patrons may not bring food or beverages (with the exception of one sealed bottle of water) into the concerts. For the comfort and safety of everyone, patrons are also asked to leave their bicycles, skateboards, in-line skates and pets at home. The City will again issue a "No Chairs" policy for the safety of patrons. Bleachers will be provided. Ample on-street parking is available and at nearby parking garages including the Court St. Garage at the corner of South Ave. and Court St., Crossroads Garage at 69 Andrews St. and at the Sister Cities Garage, 28 S. Fitzhugh St.
This outstanding line-up of entertainment is sponsored by the City of Rochester with corporate support from Clear Channel (all seven stations: 95.1 The FOX; 106.7 KISS–FM; 102.3 SUNNY FM; 100.5 The Drive; WHAM 1180; Sports Radio 1280; COUNTRY 107.3), Democrat and Chronicle, Heineken, Newcastle Ale, Twisted Tea and the New York State Council on the Arts.
For further information on sponsorships and VIP party opportunities, contact Jeff at 474-4482.
For further information about the city’s summer event season, including Party in the Park!, call 311 (outside the city limits, call 428-5990) or visit www.cityofrochester.gov. In the event of an unlikely cancellation, announcements will be made on 95.1 The Fox or patrons may call 311.
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News media: For more information, contact Gary Walker, 428-7405.