City of Rochester Presents RPO Under the Stars Free Outdoor Concert on Friday, July 8 at Parcel 5

A Downtown Definitely Series Event

Rochester, New York, June 28, 2022 – RPO Under the Stars is the next big event in the new Downtown Definitely series. The free concert is Friday, July 8 on Parcel 5, 285 E Main St, Rochester, featuring the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra led by Principal Pops Conductor, Jeff Tyzik. No tickets are required. Bring a blanket and chairs. Grounds open at 5:30 p.m. with food and drinks available for purchase. 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, a new series of free events and activities produced by the Rochester Downtown Development Corporation (RDDC) to bring the community together and shine the light on downtown with great new experiences.

This performance will be the first time since 2018 that the full Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra has performed in downtown Rochester for a free outdoor concert.

The evening of music starts at 6:30 p.m. with Rochester singer-songwriter Cammy Enaharo.

The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra plays from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. with Tyzik leading an exciting program featuring John Williams’ scores of some of the most iconic films of the 20th century, including Jurassic Park, Jaws, and Star Wars, whose pieces have transported listeners beyond their imagination and to new worlds through heart-pounding adventures.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase from The Poutine Truck, Rob’s Al Dente, Dainty Donut Factory, J. Mills Treats, Rohrbach Brewing Co. and Living Roots Wine & Co. Tables and limited seating will be available.

“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 unique, family-friendly outdoor concerts around the city. I’d also like to thank Downtown Definitely Events for their help coordinating this fantastic new event.”

Curt Long, president and CEO of the Rochester Philharmonic said, “We always look forward to our free July performances with the City of Rochester. It’s a great chance for Rochester audiences to hear the talented musicians of the RPO performing fun and diverting programs in our parks and in our neighborhoods. Thank you to the City of Rochester for this continuing partnership that brings the sounds of the RPO out into the community. We are eagerly anticipating Principal Pops Conductor Jeff Tyzik leading the RPO in our inaugural free concert at Parcel 5 on July 8!”

Galin Brooks, president and CEO of the Rochester Downtown Development Corporation said, “We’re thrilled to partner with the City of Rochester in welcoming music fans of all ages to the heart of downtown for a night of free music. The RPO’s world-renowned musicians will perform hits from fan-favorite films, such as Jaws and Star Wars. Programs like these are a wonderful way to connect residents and workers from across the region with the fabulous cultural assets right in their backyard.”

Food and Drinks

The Poutine Truck – Hand-cut French fries, cheese curds, and in-house-made gravy make up the traditional French Canadian comfort food made to order, ensuring fresh, hot food every time.
Rob’s Kabobs – Rochester-based food truck serving gourmet kabobs and small plates fusing Puerto Rican, Italian, and American cuisine.
Dainty Donut Factory – Handcrafted mini donuts that are prepared hot and fresh and topped with your favorite treats while you wait.
J. Mills Treats – Handcrafted ice cream made the old-fashioned way in flavors such as Don’t Hurt’em Nana (banana pudding), Get Caramel Brownie Wasted, and more.
Rohrbach Brewing Co. – Rochester-based brewery serving craft beer
Living Roots Wine & Co. – Rochester’s only urban winery serving wines made from grapes sourced in the Finger Lakes region of and the regions surrounding Adelaide, South Australia.

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. Music Director Andreas Delfs joins the ranks of former notable RPO music directors, including Erich Leinsdorf, David Zinman, Mark Elder, and Conductor Laureate Christopher Seaman. Principal Pops Conductor Jeff Tyzik, now in his 28th 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 Cammy Enaharo
Singer-songwriter Cammy Enaharo released her latest record “Hard To Look At” earlier this year. Her strong yet cradling vocal style combined with transparent and vulnerable stories of growth, hardship, and love reveal her hopeful spirit. Cammy’s sound pulls from the stylings of folk, pop, and soul music to create something that is uniquely hers.

RPO Under the Stars is proud to partner with WXXI and CITY News as the official media partners of this event.

About Downtown Definitely Events

Downtown Definitely Events is a new series of free events and activities produced by the Rochester Downtown Development Corporation (RDDC) taking place in downtown Rochester from June through December 2022 and includes food, festivals, shopping, 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, Rochester Downtown Development Corporation, Rochester Downtown Partnership, 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 sole 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. RDDC also built and operates The Commissary (opened in October 2020), the region’s first and only food business incubator and shared kitchen. The public-private Rochester Downtown Partnership entity was created jointly in 2021 by RDDC, Finger Lakes Empire State Development, City of Rochester, and ROC2025 to jumpstart a new, collaborative way of managing downtown and core ROC the Riverway sites.

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