RELEASE DATE: Saturday, May 23, 2020

Riverside Concerts cancels the 2020 “Down by the Riverside” and “forWARD” concert series in support of City of Rochester's suspension of large-scale events through August 16.

ROCHESTER, MN, - In support of the City of Rochester’s decision to suspend large-scale public events through August 16, Rochester Civic Music/Riverside Concerts announced Saturday the cancellation of the 2020 “Down by the Riverside” and “forWARD” free summer concert series.   "While it is unfortunate that we won't be able to present Down by the Riverside or forWARD this year because we place such a high value on public safety, the department will soon announce plans for new summer programs that will celebrate our special community.  Watch for details on the website and social media channels."  - Steven Schmidt, General Manager   City of Rochester Announces Suspension of Large Public Events through August 16, 2020 Due to Ongoing Safety Effort

About Down by the Riverside: The free series takes place over six Sundays in July and August in one of the most beautiful green spaces in the area, Mayo Park (behind the Mayo Civic Center and Rochester Art Center). This is an open-to-the-public City park, so lawn chairs, blankets, and coolers are welcome. On-site concessions are also available.
It has become a Rochester tradition, that on Sunday nights in the summer, many of the citizens of Rochester and surrounding communities put the finishing touches on their weekend by gathering together in the friendly confines of Mayo Park; to laugh, dance, sing, relax, play, eat, drink, socialize with friends and family, meet new friends, soak in those steamy Minnesota summer nights; all to a soundtrack of "live" music featuring local, national and international artists from a broad range of genres and eras.

Video: Experience the Think Bank Down by the Riverside

About forWARD: The free series of concerts are staged in Rochester's neighborhood parks located in the individual wards of the city. Moving "forWARD" with the City's strategic priority to maintain and increase neighborhood vitality and livability; to emphasize neighborhoods and activities for citizens outside of the downtown area.

About Riverside Concerts: Riverside Concerts has been your City of Rochester Music Department since 1936. Riverside Concerts is a non-profit arts presenter and producer that continues to provide the region with accessible, quality musical events such as the Down by the Riverside free summer concert series; the forWARD neighborhood park concert series, the Riverside Concerts Presents indoor ticketed concert series; the World Music Series which continues to explore musical landscapes from around the globe; and the Artist-In-the-Schools residency program which brings great artists directly to our youth while at school.

SUPPORT LOCAL MUSIC - It has been, and will continue to be, a policy of Riverside Concerts' to showcase regional, state, and local (from the 11 county Southeastern Minnesota region which includes Rochester) artists.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Public Contact:

Riverside Concerts  - General Information
Government Center - City Hall
201 4th St. SE, Suite 170
Rochester, MN 55904
info@riversideconcerts.com
507-328-2200
WEB: http://www.riversideconcerts.com

Media Contact:

Chris Alcott
Assistant General Manager – Riverside Concerts
chris@riversideconcerts.com
507-328-2208