Playing from 11:00 - 12:30 at the Gazebo

Steve Grills has long been regarded as one of Rochester's finest guitarists through his deep love and respect for the Blues genre.

Steve has performed at music venues from San Francisco to NYC and festivals in the US and Canada, most notably the Chicago Blues Festival with Ernest Lane. Steve has also played alongside many top legends of the blues such as Joe Beard, Robert Lockwood, Bill Doggett, Benny Turner, Carey Bell and Johnny Rawls among others. Audiences can always expect to enjoy a high energy and passionate performance of great Blues from Steve Grills and the Roadmasters.

Steve's CD release After Hours charted at #39 on the national Roots Music Report Top 100 Blues Albums of the year. 

Steve recently recorded with Benny Turner on Benny's much acclaimed release Nola Blue Records release BT.

Playing from 2:00 - 3:30 at the Gazebo.

Mike & The Motivators has become one of Rochester’s most established popular bands. Their line-up consists of Mike D’Aurizio on lead vocals and harmonica; Carmen Verzillo, guitar; Tom Petrus, guitar, slide guitar, keyboard and backing vocals; Kirk Stamp, saxophone and percussion; Phil Supernault, 

bass guitar and backing vocals; and John Chaffer, drums. Their music is best described as American roots music and performances are a rousing evening of blues, swing, and soul with a dose of rock and roll. You’ll find many well-known favorites by legendary artists and, as well, original songs that meld well with their choice of cover material. Fans consider them passionate, and intensely engaged with their music; members of the Rochester Swing Dance Network, especially, are enthusiastic fans. 

Big Mike’s entire song book is dedicated to engaging their audience, to get them out of their seats and moving. The dance floor is a busy place at a Big Mike & The Motivators show. Prepare to be MOTIVATED.

Check them out on Facebook or YouTube.

Playing from 4:00  6:30 at Birdhouse Brewing Company.

Sam Nitsch is a songwriter and performer known for blending diverse musical styles into a sound that feels entirely his own. After beginning his career as a classical violinist, he expanded his artistry through the use of multiple instruments and live-looping technology—layering violin, bass, drums, vocals, and both electric and acoustic ukuleles in real time.

Emerging from the Rochester music scene in 2015, Sam has performed at over 100 venues across the Northeast, playing more than 200 shows in 2025 alone.

As the festival day winds down, the music continues at Birdhouse Brewing Company from 4:00–6:30 PM, where Sam returns with his layered, looped sets—spanning originals and covers from decades past—and a style that’s become a favorite among regulars.