Lilac Festival festival announces more details on music lineup

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Organizers of the 126th annual Lilac Festival have announced 14 more bands will take the stage in Highland Park this spring.

The 10-day Lilac Festival will begin on Friday, May 10 and run through Sunday, May 19. Earlier, organizers announced that Rochester-native vocalist Danielle Ponder and other nationally-touring artists would headline the festival. Now, organizers have announced that local groups including Bellwether Breaks, Roc Star Academy, and AKOMA Choir will also perform.

The festival typically draws over half a million people to enjoy the largest collection of lilacs in the northeast. Here is what we know about the lineup so far:

Friday, May 10:

• Rayland Baxter (headliner). Americana bliss that blends country, roots, and vintage pop. For fans of Fleet Foxes, The Lumineers and Jack Johnson. Supported by Left-Handed 2nd Baseman
• Bellwether Breaks at 4 p.m.

Saturday, May 11:

• Butcher Brown (headliner). A genre-bending feast that blends jazz, hip-hop, and funk into an eclectic fusion. For fans of The Roots, Sly and the Family Stone, A Tribe Called Quest. Supported by Zahyia.
• Girls Rock! Rochester at 12 p.m.
• Sage Bava at 2:30 p.m.
• Aaron Rizzo Band at 4 p.m.

Sunday, May 12:

• Ghost-Note (headliner). A fresh blend of afrobeat, and funk, led by Snarky Puppy’s percussion duo. For Fans of James Brown, Soulive and Thundercat. Supported by Grace Serene and the Super Clean.
• Roc Star Academy at 12 p.m.
• Fall Creek Brass Band at 2:30 p.m.
• Head to the Roots at 4 p.m.

Monday, May 13:

• Pachyman (headliner). A breezy, dub and reggae-infused experience where the artist’s Puerto Rican roots shine bright. For fans of Bob Marley, King Tubb, and Fela Kuti. Supported by The Medicinals.
• Nuyorican Project at 4 p.m.

Tuesday, May 14:

• Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (headliner). Masters of high-energy swing, BBVD has been integral in revitalizing swing music for over 30 years. For fans of Louis Prima, Duke Ellington and Brian Setzer Orchestra. Supported by Horacio & La Fama Salsa Band.
• Ellen Pieroni & The Encylopedia of Soul at 4 p.m.

Wednesday, May 15:

• The Skycoasters (headliner). A Rochester Institution! This nationally recognized, lively 9-piece cover band has been the life of the party for over 40 years. For Fans of Classic Rock, Funk and Pop. Supported by Teagan & the Tweeds.
• Adrianna Noone at 4 p.m.

Thursday, May 16:

• An Evening of Soul Curated by Danielle Ponder (headliner). Rochester native and nationally touring artist brings masterful songwriting, bold vocals, and soulful storytelling to the stage. Supported by Chi TheRealist & Natalia Ekua.
• EKUA featuring ZWENA at 4 p.m.

Friday, May 17:

• Hypnotic Brass Ensemble (headliner). An electrifying eight-piece band performance blending brass, funk, and hip-hop. For Fans of Trombone Shorty, Vulfpeck and Earth, Wind & Fire. Supported by Claude Bennington’s Fever Dream.
• The Sideways at 4 p.m.

Saturday, May 18:

• Dopapod (headliner). More than just a jam band, they deliver a mind-bending blend of funk, jazz fusion, and progressive rock. For fans of STS9, Disco Biscuits and Yes. Supported by Eli Flynn & The Everymen.
• Submarine School of Music at 12 p.m.
• Judah at 2:30 p.m.
• The Pete Griffith Grouo at 4 p.m.

Sunday, May 19:

• Trousdale (headliner). This powerful female band brings melodic and heartfelt harmonies that spread a message of self-acceptance and love. For fans of The Chicks, Kacey Musgraves and HAIM. Supported by Claudia Hoyser.
• AKOMA Choir at 12 p.m.
• Meg Williams and Travis Bowlin at 2:30 p.m.
• The Honey Smugglers at 4 p.m.