City of RochesterNews Release
(Monday, April 18, 2022) - Mayor Malik D. Evans was joined today by CEO Varick Baiyina and President Amir Baiyina of Xperience Live Events, and Dan Mason, General Manager of the Rochester Red Wings to announce the two-day lineup of entertainers and activities scheduled for the 26th Anniversary Celebration of the Rochester Summer Soul Music Festival, which will take place Friday and Saturday, Aug. 26 and 27 at Frontier Field.
“The Rochester Summer Soul Music Fest is one of the premier soul and R&B music festivals in the Northeast and the perfect conclusion to the events season here in Rochester,” said Mayor Evans. “Varick Baiyina and his team at Xperience Live Events have curated another fantastic weekend with elements the whole family can enjoy. This year’s Summer Soul Music Fest is going to be an event you won't want to miss.”
The festival will kick off at 5 p.m., Friday, August 26, with the ROC Summer Soul Tailgate in the Frontier Field VIP parking lot. The evening will feature some of the area’s best talent, food, drink vendors, and family fun. Tickets are required for entry.
The festival will continue with the free ROC Summer Soul Community Block Party on Saturday, August 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Frontier Field VIP parking lot. The day will included family fun, food, drink, merchandise vendors, giveaways, and presentations by local talent.
Saturday’s ticketed headliner will be multi-Grammy award winning platinum artist Babyface, known for hits like Every Time I Close My Eyes, When Can I See You, and Wonderful Tonight.
Ticket prices for the 26th Rochester Summer Soul Music Festival are as follows:
• Premium 100 Level seating:
o Both days - $159
o Friday - $55
o Saturday - $139
• Premium 200 Level seating:
o Both days - $119
o Friday - $35
o Saturday - $99
• General Admission
o Both days - $79
o Friday - $25
o Saturday - $69
• Friday’s ROC Summer Soul Tailgate - $15
• Saturday’s Community Block Party is free
Tickets can be purchased at
www.rocsummersoulfest.com or in person at the Frontier Field Box Office, 1 Morrie Silver Way.
Xperience Live Events, LLC is a Maryland-based events planning company founded by Rochester native Varick Baiyina.
“As a native son of Rochester, I'm honored to continue such a proud tradition in my hometown,” said Baiyina. “Since 1995, the City of Rochester has produced its heritage Rochester Music Festival as a family-friendly concert experience designed to offer authentic grassroots community engagement. Building on that legacy, 2022 will be even more momentous and garner even more regional excitement.”
For more information and updates on the Rochester Summer Soul Music Festival, visit
www.rocsummersoulfest.com.###