Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Tag: lilac festival

Lilac Festival to host music-related run

Never in its nearly 125-year history has the storied Rochester Lilac Festival had a year like this. With the COVID-19 pandemic shutting down pretty much everything, festival producers have found a way to bring its 5K/10K runs to us, in a musically unique way.

Rochester Events will produce its first-ever virtual run, which also will benefit MusiCares, a nonprofit organization formed by the Recording Academy, best known for producing the Grammy Awards. MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for musicians in times of need.

ROC’n RUN will take place over three days from June 26 through 28 and will consist of a Summer Madness 5K, Lovin’ Summer 10K and Cruel, Cruel Summer Half-Marathon, as well as a Schools Out for Summer two-mile race for kids under 14.

“This pandemic has affected everyone from every background,” said Rochester Events Owner Jeff Springut. “We’ve seen people connect, stay positive and heal through the power of music. Although we’ve probably lost the festival season, we’re giving not only our local community but anyone in the world a chance to tie up the laces and turn up the tunes. The virtual run and walk has a distance for everyone — and can be run anywhere — whether you are an athlete, music fan or both.”

Registered runners will have access to a curated playlist of tunes and a print-at-home bib. Participants can complete their distance all at once or over the course of the three days to receive their perks, which consist of a custom printed ROC’n RUN t-shirt, a medal and a buff that can be worn a variety of ways, including as a face mask, organizers said.

This year, festival producers are encouraging runners to wear their favorite band t-shirt and take photos of music-related landmarks such as music venues, artwork or performance while completing their route.

ROC’n Run sponsors include Abilene, Anthology, Fanatics, House of Guitars, Iron Smoke Whisky, Lovin’ Cup, Princeton Medical Supply, Record Archive and Three Heads Brewing.

[email protected] / 585-653-4021
Follow Velvet Spicer on Twitter: @Velvet_Spicer

Lilac Festival signs 10 headliners

Rochester Lilac Festival organizers this week announced 10 headliners that will perform free shows at the 122nd annual event. The festival takes place from May 8 through May 17 this year.

Blues Traveler
Blues Traveler

Musical acts include: Devil Makes Three; Zac Brown Tribute Band; the New Mastersounds; Giant Panda Gorilla Dub Squad; Blues Traveler; the Record Company; Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears; Blue Sky Brothers: A Tribute to the Allman Brothers Band; Mingo Fishtrap; and the Lizards, Phish Tribute.

The Lilac Festival is known for showcasing musical talent and this year will feature 10 supporting acts.

“It’s going to be another amazing year of live entertainment at the Rochester Lilac Festival with a variety of music everyone will enjoy,” said festival producer Jeff Springut, of the Springut Group Inc.

Festival organizers will again offer the VIP Ultra Lounge, which offers festival-goers an exclusive, up-close viewing experience. VIP upgrades include front stage access, in-tent and outdoor lounge area, full, private cash bar, private restrooms, complimentary chair massages and more.

The Recipe 21 High Spot Party Deck will return for a second time, as another way for guests to enjoy the music, complete with a tented full bar and private, climate-controlled restrooms.

The Rochester Lilac Festival is presented by Five Star Bank and hosted by the county of Monroe, the city of Rochester and Visit Rochester.

[email protected] / 585-653-4021
Follow Velvet Spicer on Twitter: @Velvet_Spicer

Lilac Festival poster revealed

The poster for the 121st Annual Rochester Lilac Festival has been revealed.

This year’s poster was commissioned by local artist Alison Coté, who is an award-winning vintage style graphic designer specializing in poster art.

2019-lilac-poster-image“I took inspiration from the flat graphic shapes of early 1900’s poster design for the Lilac Festival. The usual harsh lines of the style are softened by the sweet Mother & Child imagery and sunny, spring-like color palette,” Cote said in a statement.

The poster reveal signals the final countdown to the popular event, held at Highland Park each year in May. This year’s event will run from May 10 through May 19.

“Highland Park’s lilac collection has fared well through the winter,” said Mark Quinn, superintendent of horticulture for Monroe County Parks. “The shrubs are in excellent condition and with the warming spring temperatures the lilacs are on progress toward blooming. We are looking forward to the lilacs providing a fantastic show of color and fragrance in May.”

Highland Park features more than 150 acres of gardens with a variety of flowers, trees and plants, like sweet magnolias, azaleas and pansies. The lilacs consume some 22 acres at the park.

This year’s Lilac Festival will feature more than 80 musical acts, including Julian Marley and the BB King Blues Band featuring Michael Lee, and festival producers expect more than 500,000 visitors.

“We are very pleased to serve as presenting sponsor for the Rochester Lilac Festival for the third consecutive year,” said Five Star Bank President and CEO Marty Birmingham. “This is a premier event, showcasing the beauty, history and vibrancy of our city. By supporting the Lilac Festival, an event that is free to attend and accessible to all, we are investing in our community by enriching the lives of its residents.”

[email protected] / 585-653-4021
Follow Velvet Spicer on Twitter: @Velvet_Spicer

Lilac Festival headliners announced

Rochester Lilac Festival organizers have announced 19 headliners and special guests to perform free shows at the 121st annual event this May.

lilacfest_logo_8-003

“The Rochester Lilac Festival is known for bringing talented performers to Rochester right before, and in some cases right as, they’re stepping into the big-leagues,” festival Producer Jeff Springut said Tuesday. “Visitors come from all over to see their favorites and to experience up-and-comers at the festival, because you just can’t beat a free outdoor show surrounded by Rochester’s treasured and fragrant lilac collection.”

This year’s headlining acts include:
• Yonder Mountain String Band – May 10
• The New Mastersounds – May 11
• Big Something – May 12
• BB King Blues Band, featuring Michael Lee of NBC’s The Voice – May 13
• Julian Marley – May 14
• Lee Rocker of The Stray Cats– May 15
• Maceo Parker – May 16
• Classic Albums Live I Led Zeppelin II – May 17
• Zac Brown Tribute Band – May 18
• The Lizards – Phish Tribute Band – May 19
• Big Eyed Phish – The Dave Matthews Tribute Band – May 19
• Special Guest ARTHUR (PBS Kids, sponsored by WXXI) – May 13 and 14

Supporting talent includes:
• Willie Nile – May 11
• Kat Wright – May 12
• Danielle Ponder and the Tomorrow People – May 13
• Eli “Paperboy” Reed – May 15
• Cory Wong from Vulfpeck – May 16
• Alyssa Trahan – May 19
• The Blind Owl Band – May 19

Festival officials said there will be 70 group performances at this year’s event, which takes place from May 10 through May 19. Some 500,000 people are expected to be entertained by musicians this year. It is the largest festival of its kind nationwide.

A limited number of tickets are available per day for the Recipe 21 VIP Ultra Lounge and the new Party Deck, another way for guests to enjoy the music, complete with a tented full bar and private restrooms. Tickets go on sale March 7 at 10 a.m.

[email protected] / 585-653-4021
Follow Velvet Spicer on Twitter: @Velvet_Spicer

Lilac Festival to return for 121st season

explore-lilac-emailRochesterians have something to look forward to as they brace for another Rochester winter right around the corner. Officials have announced the dates for the 121st annual Rochester Lilac Festival.

The region’s largest free festival will take place from May 10 through May 19, 2019, Lilac Festival producers announced Tuesday.

Presented by Five Star Bank, the Lilac Festival has been named one of the Weather Channel’s Top 10 places to visit in May. The festival also has been named one of Sunshine Artist’s Top 200 craft shows in the country.

“We have so many exciting things planned for next year’s Lilac Festival,” festival producer Jeff Springut said in a statement. “This great community asset continues to grow and draw support from all walks of life, and we’re looking forward to welcoming even more sponsors for 2019 to help keep the festival free and fun for everyone.”

Of the 31 sponsors of the 2018 Lilac Festival, 19 were new to supporting the event. Under Springut Group’s production, the festival has seen a dramatic overall increase in community support the last six years.

“Five Star Bank is thrilled to continue our relationship with the Rochester Lilac Festival as the presenting sponsor for a third year,” said Five Star Bank CEO Martin Birmingham. “We’re proud to support this time-honored tradition because the festival represents the true essence of this great city and the most important value of all – community.”

Held each year at Highland Park, the festival annually hosts 500,000 visitors who make an estimated $3 million impact on Rochester’s economy. The park features more than 150 acres of gardens with a variety of flowers, trees and plants.

The 2019 festival will feature more than 120 bands and musical acts, 180 juried arts and craft vendors and the largest collection of lilacs in the Northeast. The Rochester Lilac Festival is hosted by Monroe County, the City of Rochester and Visit Rochester and produced by the Springut Group.

[email protected] / 585-653-4021
Follow Velvet Spicer on Twitter: @Velvet_Spicer

Just ended Lilac Festival raised $15,000 for charities

explore-lilac-emailThe 2018 Rochester Lilac Festival, which concluded its 10-day run on Sunday, raised nearly $15,000 for local charities.

Beneficiaries included Honor Flight Rochester Inc., which received more than $10,000 in proceeds from the USA Flag Garden, and Willow Domestic Violence Center, which received $2,350 in proceeds from the Lilac 5K, 10K and Dunkin Donuts Dash.

WHAM-TV Channel 13 was the First Place winner of the Garden Battles, which netted its charity, Donate for Life $1,000. As the Second Place winner, the Democrat and Chronicle received $500 for its charity, Healthy Baby Network.

Flower City Habitat for Humanity received more than $800 in proceeds from the Orny Adams comedy show.

The annual festival, sponsored by Five Star Bank, kicked off May 11 with a special tribute to Rochester’s veterans, active military and service men and women. Highland Park features more than 150 acres of gardens with a variety of flowers, trees and plants.

The festival annually hosts 500,000 visitors who make an estimated $3 million impact on Rochester’s economy. This year’s festival featured more than 80 musical acts during the popular event.

[email protected] / 585-653-4021
Follow Velvet Spicer on Twitter: @Velvet_Spicer

Drumbeat sounds for 120th Lilac Festival

2018 is the 120th anniversary of the Rochester Lilac Festival.
2018 is the 120th anniversary of the Rochester Lilac Festival.

The 2018 Rochester Lilac Festival has unveiled its 120th anniversary poster. The poster was created by local artist Katheryn Bevier, who drew upon her personal experiences at the festival and her appreciation for the natural landscape of Highland Park to create the picturesque scene.

The annual festival, sponsored by Five Star Bank, will kick off with a special tribute to Rochester’s veterans, active military and service men and women. During a press conference Tuesday, festival organizers shared an open invitation to join the opening ceremony on Friday, May 11.

During the ceremony a USA Flag Garden will be revealed, where the community can plant a flag for a donation. The garden will be open for the duration of the Lilac Festival, which runs from May 11 through May 20.

Mark Quinn, Monroe County Parks superintendent of horticulture, said that despite the recent ice storm, the lilac outlook is good.

“The lilac buds hadn’t started to bloom when the recent ice storm hit, protecting them from freezing,” Quinn said. “Now that we’re looking forward to warmer temperatures we can certainly expect flowering during the festival.”

Highland Park features more than 150 acres of gardens with a variety of flowers, trees and plants, making it a “park for all seasons and all reasons,” said festival producer Jeff Springut.

For the second year, Five Star Bank will be giving away a $5,000 cash prize at the Lilac Festival.

“We are proud to continue our relationship with the Rochester Lilac Festival as the presenting sponsor for its 120th anniversary,” Five Star Bank President and CEO Martin Birmingham said. “As the largest locally headquartered community bank, we are committed to investing in and supporting the communities we serve.”

The sponsorship provides the bank with an opportunity to make an investment in an event that continues to signal the economic vitality and resilience of the community, Birmingham added.

The festival annually hosts 500,000 visitors who make an estimated $3 million impact on Rochester’s economy. This year’s festival will feature more than 80 musical acts during the 10-day event. On May 16, stand-up comedian Orny Adams will perform, while local celebrities will bartend during happy hour as a fundraiser for Flower City Habitat for Humanity. A portion of the door proceeds will benefit the charity.

May 12 will feature a wine tasting expo, while those who prefer their beverages with hops can attend a craft beer expo on May 19. More than 40 food and drink vendors will be on hand and the festival will feature a special Mother’s Day Sunday-Funday with Bloody Marys from Rochester area bars and restaurants.

“The annual Lilac Festival showcases our spectacular historic Highland Park, as well as incredible talent and family fun. This world-class event attracts thousands of visitors into the city, boosting tourism and creating more jobs and vibrant neighborhoods,” Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren said.

[email protected] / 585-653-4021
Follow Velvet Spicer on Twitter: @Velvet_Spicer