City of Rochester presents RPO Under the Stars Free Outdoor Concert on Friday, July 7 at Parcel 5
A Downtown Definitely Series Event
Rochester, New York, June 22, 2023 – The City of Rochester's RPO Under the Stars is back for the second year in a row as a part of the Downtown Definitely Events series. The free concert is Friday, July 7 on Parcel 5, 285 E Main St, Rochester, featuring the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra led by Principal Pops Conductor, Jeff Tyzik.
The concert is the first in the RPO’s Centennial Summer Season. It will feature symphonic jazz hits and original compositions. RPO trumpeter Herb Smith will star as featured soloist, playing scorching solos on a program with selections from Scott Joplin, Jelly Roll Morton, and Rochester’s own Cab Calloway. No tickets are required.
Bring a blanket and chairs. Grounds open at 5:30 p.m. with food and drinks available for purchase from Dar’s Delights Homemade Ice Cream, Al Dente Mobile Pasta, The Poutine Truck and Tacodero.
Sidewalk astronomy will be set up with telescopes for anyone to use to look up at the night sky courtesy of the Rochester Museum and Science Center.
RPO Under the Stars is presented by the City of Rochester in partnership with Downtown Definitely Events.
The evening of music starts at 6:30 p.m. with Mike Gladstone and Rob Smith of Junkyardfieldtrip.
“I thought, for these concerts, this would be a great way to showcase Rochester’s jazz roots,” notes Maestro Tyzik. “And coming on the tail end of Rochester Jazz Fest, we’re going to keep it going for a while.”
"The RPO Under the Stars concert offers an opportunity for families and neighbors to experience the joy of classical music right in the heart of Downtown,” said Mayor Evans. “I’m proud of the City’s continued partnership with the RPO to provide free, family-friendly outdoor concerts around the city. I’d also like to thank Downtown Definetly Events for their help collaborating on this fantastic event."
Galin Brooks, president and CEO of the Rochester Downtown Development Corporation said, “We are pleased to join forces with the City of Rochester again in inviting music lovers of all ages to one of our City's wonderful open-air spaces for an evening of free music. The RPO's distinguished musicians will showcase a blend of symphonic jazz hits and original compositions offering an opportunity to bring people together from across the region, connecting them with phenomenal cultural resources right in their own backyard.”
The City of Rochester's RPO Under the Stars concert is part of the second annual Downtown Definitely Events series of 15 free downtown Rochester events. All events are free to attend, including Midday Bash, four Movies with a Downtown View, an RPO Under the Stars, and Fall Fest, all of which will take place at Parcel 5. New this year, Play Day on the Riverway, will debut at the Rundel Library North Terrace.
Downtown Definitely Events are produced for RDDC by Rochester’s Bella Events Group.
As part of the planning phase for a potential business improvement district in downtown Rochester – an initiative to help bring more activity, street-level vitality, and energy to the downtown core – staff will be on-site at all Downtown Definitely Events to learn to listen and learn about how we can work together to imagine an even more vibrant Downtown Rochester. Community members can also learn more about the Partnership for Downtown Rochester and place management by visiting: partnershipfordowntown.org.
About the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) has been committed to enriching and inspiring our community through the art of music since its origins in 1922. The RPO presents approximately 150 concerts and broadcasts a year, serving up to 170,000 people through ticketed events, education and community engagement activities, and concerts in schools and community centers throughout the region. Andreas Delfs was named music director in 2020 following notable RPO music directors Erich Leinsdorf, David Zinman, Mark Elder and Conductor Laureate Christopher Seaman. Principal Pops Conductor Jeff Tyzik, now in his 29th season, has earned a national reputation for excellence in pops programming during his tenure with the RPO. The RPO reaches more than 15,000 youth through its specific education programs.
About Mike Gladstone and Rob Smith of Junkyardfieldtrip
Formed at the beginning of 2014, Junkyardfieldtrip was originally put together as a songwriting vehicle for Mike Gladstone and Rob Smith. After adding one of western NY's top rhythm sections (Emmett Ientilucci and Don Torpy), the band started playing acoustic shows around the Rochester, NY area. Eventually the band started writing and playing more electric material. Over the last few years, Junkyardfieldtrip has quickly become one of the region's most in-demand, eclectic bands, being nominated by City Newspaper's Best of Rochester award for best band.
2023 Downtown Definitely Events
Midday Bash
Wednesday, June 21
Wednesday, July 12
Wednesday, July 26
Wednesday, August 9
Wednesday, August 23
Wednesday, September 6
Wednesday, September 20
Parcel 5, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Free!
Midday Bash is the perfect option for those looking for a quick and delicious meal during the week in downtown Rochester. Foodies can enjoy a variety of local food trucks, while also indulging relaxing in massage chairs, musical entertainment, games, giveaways and more. This year, Downtown Definitely has introduced a promotional partnership program aimed at featuring a rotation of local businesses at each Midday Bash event. Learn more by visiting: rochesterdowntown.com/event/midday-bash
Movies With a Downtown View
Friday, July 21 – The Goonies
Friday, August 25 – Disney-Pixar's Soul
Friday, September 8 – Top Gun: Maverick
Parcel 5
Events at 7 p.m., movie at dusk
Free!
Downtown Definitely is bringing back this popular summer event for four nights this summer. All screenings are free and family-friendly. You'll be able to grab a bite from local food trucks and enjoy classic movie concession items. Learn more by visiting: rochesterdowntown.com/event/movies-with-a-downtown-view
RPO Under the Stars
Friday, July 7
Parcel 5, 5:30 to 10 p.m.
Free!
Co-produced with the City of Rochester, RPO Under the Stars is a memorable night of music under the open skies with the full Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. RPO Under the Stars is a free outdoor concert. Learn more by visiting: rochesterdowntown.com/event/rpo-under-the-stars
Play Day on the Riverway – New!
Saturday, August 5
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Rundel Memorial Library North Terrace
Free!
This new free event takes place outdoors from the Rundel Memorial Library to the ROC City Skatepark and the Rundel Library North Terrace, overlooking the Genesee River. It is part of ROC the Riverway, and will feature a variety of family-friendly activities including a scavenger hunt, walking tour, storytelling, live music and food from local food trucks. Learn more by visiting: rochesterdowntown.com/event/play-day-on-the-riverway
Fall Fest
Saturday, October 14
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Parcel 5
Free!
Co-produced with the City of Rochester, Fall Fest is a destination for free Autumn festivities including pumpkin painting, games and inflatables, crafts for kids, giveaways and more seasonal activities to be announced closer to the event. Fall Fest will also feature the City of Rochester’s popular program “Little Kids and Big Rigs,” where kids can explore police cars, fire trucks, SWAT vehicles, an ambulance, dump trucks, garbage trucks, construction equipment, and much more. On this day, an annular solar eclipse will be visible and Fall Fest will incorporate an eclipse viewing experience. Fall Fest is proudly presented by MVP Heath Care. Learn more by visiting: rochesterdowntown.com/event/fall-fest
The 2023 Downtown Definitely Events series is sponsored by RG&E, Buckingham Properties, Gallina Development, VIDA and SWBR. Two of the events, RPO Under the Stars and Fall Fest are co-produced with the City of Rochester.
Sponsorship packages are now available. For more information visit rochesterdowntown.com or contact John Connors by emailing: jconnors@rddc.org.
For More Information
For the latest on Downtown Definitely Events, visit downtowndefinitely.com
Sign up for the free Downtown Definitely e-newsletter at downtowndefinitely.com
Email us at info@downtowndefinitely.com
By phone (585) 546-6920
About Downtown Definitely Events
Downtown Definitely Events is a series of free events and activities founded in 2022 and produced by the Rochester Downtown Development Corporation (RDDC). Downtown Definitely Events take place in downtown Rochester from June through October 2023 and include food, festivals, music, movies, and more shining the light on downtown to create great new experiences and help bring the community together again. Downtown Definitely is a joint initiative of NYS Empire State Development, ROC2025 and Greater ROC, Rochester Downtown Development Corporation, Partnership for Downtown Rochester, and the City of Rochester. Their shared mission is to grow economic vitality in downtown Rochester by bringing the community together and improving its street-level and riverfront experience.
About Rochester Downtown Development Corporation (RDDC)
RDDC is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization founded in 1977 whose mission is to drive economic vitality in Downtown Rochester. RDDC accelerates downtown development by positioning and marketing the assets that attract businesses and investment, and it catalyzes innovative ideas that make downtown a more vibrant and inclusive community. In 2020, RDDC built The Commissary, the region’s first and only food business incubator and shared kitchen.
About the Partnership for Downtown Rochester (PDR)
Established in 2021, the Partnership for Downtown Rochester (PDR) is a public-private partnership between Empire State Development, the City of Rochester, RDDC, and ROC2025. The Partnership was created to facilitate placemaking efforts, coordinate marketing and programming, and lead the promotion of activities throughout downtown Rochester and along the Genesee Riverway.
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