News Release - 2010 Rochester MusicFest starts July 17, and Features New 5-Day, Multi-venue Format

(Wednesday, July 14, 2010) – The 2010 Rochester MusicFest, western New York’s R&B soul spectacular, will feature a new five-night format that spans multiple venues and a wide variety of genres for all ages. The concert series begins July 17 and extends through July 24.

“I am truly excited about this new format that will expand the reach of MusicFest to an even larger audience,” said Mayor Robert J. Duffy. “Along with the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival, Party in the Park and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra’s summer concert series, MusicFest is helping Rochester become Western New York’s premier summer destination for music fans.”
Music producer Ed Strickland of NSUC Entertainment, said: “It is truly a pleasure to once again work with Mayor Duffy and the City Council as we move forward with expanding the Annual Rochester Music Festival to encompass several music genres. Our goal for this year’s festival is to offer quality, wholesome entertainment without compromise. With nationally recognized names, this diverse group of talent is sure to provide an entertainment experience for everyone.”

This year’s events include:

• Saturday, July 17: Free Gospel Concert at the Riverside Festival Site, corner of Exchange Boulevard and Court Street. Acts include the Canton Spirituals, Rochester’s own Divine Nature. Gates open at 2 p.m. and the show starts at 4 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 21: “Sax in the City” smooth jazz at the Riverside Festival Site. Acts include saxophonist Najee, trumpetist Tom Browne and vibraphonist Roy Ayers. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Admission is $25 before July 20 and $35 on the day of show. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster locations, ticketmaster.com and a limited amount of tickets will be available at Mad Flavors Clothing, 185 Lyell Ave.
• Thursday, July 22: Club Night in the St. Paul Quarter. Howard Hewett will headline at the Water Street Music Hall, 204 N. Water St. and various clubs in the St. Paul Quarter will offer free shows. Doors to the Music Hall open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30. Admission is $20 at the door and $15 in advance. 

Tickets go on sale June 1 and are available at the Music Hall and a limited supply will be available at Mad Flavors Clothing.

• Friday, July 23: 50th Anniversary of Motown Celebration at the Riverside Festival Site. Acts include Dennis Edwards and the Temptation Review and the Four Tops. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Admission is $35 on the day of the show and $25 in advance at all Ticketmaster locations or ticketmaster.com. A limited number of tickets are available at Mad Flavors Clothing.
• Saturday, July 24: Evening of Neo-Soul at the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial, 1 Memorial Square. Acts include Anthony Hamilton, Jaheim, Dru Hill, Mario and other special guests. Doors open 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $30 to $60. A VIP package including a champagne reception with the artists is available for $75.
For all outdoor Rochester MusicFest events, special ground rules will apply. No food, beverages, or coolers allowed. For everyone’s safety, no bicycles, skateboards, in-line skates or pets are allowed. Concert-goers may bring in lawn chairs but not chaise lounges. No beach umbrellas will be allowed.
Food and beverages will be available for purchase at each concert site.
Parking for Riverside Festival Site events is available at nearby parking garages including the Court Street Garage at the corner of South Avenue and Court Street; the Sister Cities Garage, 28 S. Fitzhugh St.; and all the usual parking places for Blue Cross Arena events.
The Rochester MusicFest is presented by the City of Rochester and sponsored in part by WDKX-103.9; WJZR-105.9; 95.1 The Fox with Brother Wease; WGMC-90.1; the Upper Falls Plaza McDonalds; Rochester Plaza Hotel and Conference Center and Mad Flavors Clothing.

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News media: For more information, contact Shonda Jessie-Wheeler of NSUC Entertainment at (585) 287-3482; email at SWheeler_NSUC@live.com or visit www.nsucentertainment.com.

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