Rochester’s Downtown
Independent Music Festival

October 4, 2008
Water Street Music Hall
204 N. Water Street, Rochester, NY 14604

Rochester, NY – SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, October 4, 2008 will be the first Rochester Independent Music Festival (RiF) at Water Street Music Hall (204 N. Water St.) from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets are $10 and are available at all Ticketmaster locations, www.ticketmaster.com or 585-232-1900. For more information, please visit www.rochesterindiefest.com.

“The first Rochester Indie Fest is just a taste of what this event can become in the next few years,” says co-founder and Executive Producer Ned Corman, who was a major catalyst in the launch of the Rochester International Jazz Festival. “We’re modeling this on Austin (TX)’s famous South by Southwest fest, and Rochester fits the criteria: potential audience numbers, venues within walking distance and a strong pop/rock/indie musician base.”

New York State Senator James Alesi is Honorary Chair of RiF 2008, and Corman’s partners are Producer George Daddis, a local entrepreneur who founded and managed two successful high-tech firms (AllWorx Corp and InSciTek Microsystems) and Rochester native, Director Steven Gates, a veteran music business manager and producer who has been Vice President at both BMG and Columbia Artists Management. Preferred Care is the presenting sponsor along with strong sponsorships from Dick Ide Pontiac-Honda, Constanza Enterprises, Canfield & Tack, and Kastner Food Services among others in process.

“We are packing a complete festival into one night at one venue. We’ll have two stages featuring six acts in six hours,” explains Gates. “That’s a great bargain for $10!”

The lineup includes three singer/songwriters: Gregory Paul (Rochester), Jodi Shaw (NYC) and Rochester’s own Julia Nunes, who has become a YouTube phenom. Three bands will also perform: Mint Jam (Rochester), Veluxe (Rochester) and The Wicked Felinas (NYC and S. Carolina).

Another focus of the fest is to engage and retain the young professionals and leaders of tomorrow by showcasing Rochester as a community that appeals to this age group.

“As an employer, I realize how important it is to stop the so-called ‘brain drain’ in this area,” says Daddis. “RiF can be an important part of promoting Rochester to our next generation of professionals and leaders.”

Media please note: High-resolution photos and press kits are available, and interviews and photo/footage opportunities may also be arranged.