ROCHESTER LILAC FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES HEADLINERS
& DIRECT SUPPORT PERFORMERS
Music Line-up Set to be Largest Variety of Talent in Festival History
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – March 4, 2024 – Monroe County, the City of Rochester, Visit Rochester and festival producers proudly announce the headlining and direct support performances for the 2024 Rochester Lilac Festival headlining artists and the performers . Nine of the ten headliners are national touring acts, including Rochester native Danielle Ponder. All ten direct support performers acts have been intentionally selected to showcase a diverse array of genres and talent from both well-known and emerging Rochester artists.
Photos of headliners and direct support can be found HERE. A full schedule of musical performances for the entire 10-day festival will be released later this month.
Friday, May 10 – Rayland Baxter
Americana bliss that blends country, roots, and vintage pop.
(For fans of Fleet Foxes, The Lumineers, and Jack Johnson)
Supported by Left-Handed 2nd Baseman
Saturday, May 11 – Butcher Brown
A genre-bending feast that blends jazz, hip-hop, and funk into an eclectic fusion.
(For fans of The Roots, Sly and the Family Stone, A Tribe Called Quest)
Supported by Zahyia
Sunday, May 12 – Ghost-Note
A fresh blend of afrobeat, and funk, led by Snarky Puppy’s percussion duo.
(For Fans of James Brown, Soulive, and Thundercat)
Supported by Grace Serene and the Super Clean
Monday, May 13 – Pachyman
A breezy, dub and reggae-infused experience where the artists Puerto Rican roots shine bright.
(For fans of Bob Marley, King Tubby, and Fela Kuti)
Supported by THE MEDS (formally known as The Medicinals)
Tuesday, May 14 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Masters of high-energy swing, BBVD has been integral in revitalizing swing music for over 30 years.
(For fans of Louis Prima, Duke Ellington, and Brian Setzer Orchestra)
Supported by Horacio & La Fama Salsa Band
Wednesday, May 15 – The Skycoasters
A Rochester Institution! This nationally recognized, lively 9-piece cover band has been the life of the party for over 40 years. (For Fans of Classic Rock, Funk, and Pop)
Supported by Teagan & the Tweeds
-more-
Thursday, May 16 – An Evening of Soul Curated by Danielle Ponder
Rochester native and nationally touring artist brings masterful songwriting, bold vocals, and soulful storytelling to the stage. (For fans of Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Black Pumas, and Aretha Franklin) Supported by Chi TheRealist & Natalia Ekua
Friday, May 17 – Hypnotic Brass Ensemble
An electrifying eight-piece band performance blending brass, funk, and hip-hop.
(For Fans of Trombone Shorty, Vulfpeck, and Earth, Wind & Fire)
Supported by Claude Bennington’s Fever Dream
Saturday, May 18 – Dopapod
More than just a jam band, they deliver a mind-bending blend of funk, jazz fusion, and progressive rock.
(For fans of STS9, Disco Biscuits, and Yes)
Supported by Eli Flynn & The Everymen.
Sunday, May 19 – Trousdale
This powerful female band brings melodic and heartfelt harmonies that spread a message of self-acceptance and love. (For fans of The Chicks, Kacey Musgraves, and HAIM)
Supported by Claudia Hoyser
“The Rochester Lilac Festival celebrates the return of spring, the cultural richness of Monroe County and the unparalleled beauty of Highland Park,” said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. “This year’s selection of artists showcases the diverse array of talent within our community and nationally, and underscores our ongoing commitment to bringing people together through the universal language of music. As we gather among the lilacs this year, let’s embrace the arts, the blooms and the connections that make our region truly remarkable.”
“The Rochester Lilac Festival is one of our greatest community assets and is an essential component of our identity as the Flower City,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “The Festival showcases the spectacular beauty of historic Highland Park and provides residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy free, family-friendly, world-class talent. On behalf of the City of Rochester, I would like to thank the Lilac Festival Committee, organizers, sponsors, and partners for the energy they bring to producing this year’s Lilac Festival.”
“Live music and free entertainment are some of the major draws for visitors to the Rochester Lilac Festival,” said Don Jeffries, president and CEO, Visit Rochester. “We look forward to the sounds of a diverse range of music over the course of the festival this coming May. The Rochester Lilac Festival is a time-honored tradition marking the start of spring and the festival season.”
SPONSOR AND VENDOR OPPORTUNITIES
When local businesses partner with and support the festival, they’re helping this great community asset thrive –– in turn, the festival’s more than 500,000 annual visitors support them, which makes it possible for those businesses to give back to our community. It’s a cycle of giving that the Rochester Lilac Festival is proud to champion. Contact the sponsor team at info@roclilacfest.com to learn about custom partnership opportunities.
2024 Rochester Lilac Festival Sponsors
Bully Hill Vineyards, Wilkins RV, Pepsi, MVP Health Care, Community Bank, United Health Care, Zweigle’s and House of Guitars.
About the Rochester Lilac Festival
The Rochester Lilac Festival is an award-winning, time-honored tradition celebrated every spring since 1898, in accordance with the blooming of the most extensive collection of lilacs in the Northeast. On average, more than 500,000 visitors from across Western and Upstate NY, the tri-state area, and Canada attend the 10-day free festival each year.
In 2024, the festival will return with 80+ musical performances, 80+ juried arts and craft vendors, kids’ activities, and the star of the show – the fragrant lilac blossoms. The annual event is hosted by the Lilac Festival Board, which includes Monroe County, the City of Rochester and Visit Rochester.
For more information about this year’s event, visit www.roclilacfest.com or on social media at https://www.facebook.com/RochesterLilacFestival/ and @rochesterlilacfestival.
Media Contact: Jamie@roclilacfest.com
High-Resolution Logo Files: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/190Mtn1RSeotBbUEH_hfSsdgxEBiOSJk_
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