Mayor Evans announces full entertainment lineup including Jeffrey Osborne for the 30th annual Rochester Summer Soul Music Festival

Rochester, New York – The rhythm of Rochester is coming alive once again. Mayor Malik D. Evans, alongside event organizers and community partners, officially unveiled the entertainment lineup for the milestone 30th Annual Rochester Summer Soul Music Festival, set to light up downtown on Saturday, August 9.

The announcement came during a press event at Innovative Field, where Mayor Evans was joined by Varick Baiyina, CEO of Xperience Live Events, and Dan Mason, General Manager of the Rochester Red Wings. The trio shared their enthusiasm for the city’s signature summer celebration of soul, R&B, and community pride.

“The Rochester Summer Soul Music Fest is our very own homegrown soul and R&B music festival, and it’s been going strong for 30 years,” said Mayor Evans. “Varick Baiyina and his team at Xperience Live Events have curated another fantastic lineup – there’s something for everyone. You won’t want to miss it.”

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That lineup is topped by none other than Jeffrey Osborne, the legendary multi-Grammy award-winning vocalist. With timeless hits like “On the Wings of Love,” “Love Power” (his duet with Dionne Warwick), and “Only Human,” Osborne is expected to bring a mix of nostalgia and powerhouse vocals to the stage at Innovative Field.

Joining Osborne on the bill are a variety of performers bringing different flavors of soul and R&B. Fans can look forward to sets from David Hollister, Sunshine Anderson, Sky Whatley, Senoj from the Roc, Erin and Ross, and Negus iRap — a blend of local talent and nationally known voices, ensuring a full day of music and memories.

The festival will run from 2 to 10 p.m., offering not just performances but a shared space for families, music lovers, and the wider Rochester community to gather and celebrate.

To accommodate a range of budgets and preferences, ticket prices are set at multiple levels:

• General Admission: $25
• Premium: $59
• Front Premium: $99
• Single VIP Ticket: $139
• VIP Suites: $2,250

Tickets are on sale now through the official website at www.rocsummersoulfest.com.

Behind the scenes, the festival is powered by Xperience Live Events, a Maryland-based company with local ties. Founder Varick Baiyina, a Rochester native, has been instrumental in shaping the festival’s identity over the years, turning it into a staple of the city’s cultural calendar.

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A promotional video for this year’s festival is also available online, offering a preview of what attendees can expect.

For those looking to mark the end of summer with soulful vibes and unforgettable performances, the 30th Rochester Summer Soul Music Festival is shaping up to be the place to be.