Mayor Warren announces Rochester Summer Soul Music Festival

The sound of music filled City Hall on Monday, as Rochester’s Black Heritage Committee held its first-ever “Evening of Soul Music”. As musicians celebrated the musical roots of Rochester, the event gave attendees a sample of the type of music they’ll be able to relish at this year’s Rochester Summer Soul Music Festival.

Mayor Lovely Warren announced the 2020 dates of the festival – Friday and Saturday, August 28 and 29th – which will mark the 25th anniversary of this family-friendly event. In 1995, the festival was called the Rochester Music Festival, but it’s been re-branded with the new name of Rochester Summer Soul Music Festival.

Highlights of the two-day musical event (other than the music itself) include a Tailgate Music Experience (Friday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.) a free Community Block Party, and a Back 2 School Giveaway (the Block Party and School Giveaway are both on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Although the names of musical artists have not yet been released, the promise of award-winning A-list artists is a given.

Tickets for the musical events are on sale at RocSummerSoulfest.com, including prices for Saturday’s “Summer Soul Bundle” ($69 to $129), “Summer Soul Saturday ($59 to $99), and Friday’s “Summer Soul Tailgate” ($15 to $49).