News

Rochester is known for many things—lilacs in the spring, world-class education, and its legacy as a birthplace of American industry. However, one of the city’s most enduring legacies its strong musical tradition. This began with George Eastman, founder of the Kodak empire. Eastman was also a prominent supporter of the arts, especially music. In 1921 he founded the Eastman school of Music, which is now ranked consistently among the top music conservatories in the world. Graduates have gone on to win Grammy Awards and hold major positions in orchestras, opera houses, and universities.

Such strong musical training spills out of the school walls into the city, creating a hub for amazing music. Whether you’re into classical, jazz, Broadway tours, or local singer-songwriters, there is something for everyone. Here we’ll talk about some of the more well-known places to enjoy music, and then how you can learn to make your own!

Festivals

Rochester locals love their festivals, especially in the spring and summer when everyone is eager to be outside! The first of the year is the Rochester Lilac Festival, which celebrates the hundreds of lilac varieties blooming in Highland Park. While centered on flowers, the festival also features a large concert stage with national and regional acts performing for all nine days. This is a great chance for residents to brush off the dust of winter and enjoy the first breath of spring!

In June, the Rochester International Jazz Festival takes over downtown Rochester. With dozens of venues and hundreds of performances over nine days, it brings internationally acclaimed artists alongside emerging talent. Streets fill with people moving between clubs, eating from food trucks, and standing at the countless outdoor stages.

Finally, as summer fades into September, the Rochester Fringe Festival takes over theaters and performance spaces across the city. As one of the city’s most dynamic events, it incorporates a wide variety of shows from theater, comedy, visual arts, and live music. Some larger musical performances play in the outdoor areas downtown, and more intimate acts can be found in small venues around the city.

Concerts and Performances

Outside the big festivals, Rochester hosts a wide variety of performance spaces, ranging from decorated opera halls to your local coffee shop. At the heart of the classical scene is Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre- this historic venue hosts Eastman student ensembles, faculty performances, and world-renowned guest artists. Many performances are open to the public, and some are free for students, making it easy to enjoy top quality music.

Other performing spaces include the Kodak Center for Performing Arts, and the West Herr Auditorium Theatre. Both are known for a mix of shows- from musicals like Wicked and The Lion King, to bands featuring the music of Niel Diamond and the Beatles. A bit further out of the city, in Victor and Canandaigua, you’ll find some larger outdoor performance venues where world-class acts like Hozier and Taylor Swift stop on their tours.

Finally, to find live music you often don’t need to go further than around the corner. Local bars and coffee shops host local bands to play their songs, making it easy to find a new favorite artist within the community. Some of the best-known places for local live music are The Bug Jar, Lux Lounge, and Boulder Coffee.

Where to Learn

Inspired to play yourself? Rochester is a great place to pick up a musical hobby! The Eastman school of music often hosts community programs, and some Eastman students are happy to provide lessons as a side hustle. Rochester also boasts a wide variety of music stores where you can pick up your new instrument, including the House of Guitars, a local landmark that holds the title as the largest guitar shop in the world! Once you feel ready to perform, look no further than your local bar or coffee shop- open mics at places like Boulder Coffee and the Lovin’ Cup allow you to practice performing in a friendly space.

Rochester may be known for its strong academic and industrial traditions, but it’s also steeped in a tradition of incredible music. Whether you’re a casual music enjoyer, or a refined classical-music aficionado—Rochester has the spot for you!