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Live Music Events in March in Downtown Rochester

Live Music Heats Up Downtown Rochester This March

March in Downtown Rochester is bringing the rhythm, energy and soul with an incredible lineup of live music events. Whether you love the lively sounds of brass bands, alternative rock, classical masterpieces, or an all-out music festival (hint, hint Thaw!), there's something for everyone to enjoy. Check out these five must-attend events happening throughout the month. 

The Sound of Gospel Music Presented by the NAACP

February 28, 7-9:30pm
Mayo Civic Center

$17.65 tickets 

The day before March, The Sound of Gospel© Music, presented by the Rochester, Minnesota branch of the NAACP, takes the audience on an expansive historical musical journey featuring praise and worship (devotions and hymns), work and freedom songs, ring shouts, Negro spirituals, choirs and quartets, up to today’s contemporary and urban gospel. Elements of drama and joy resonate throughout the show.

The production celebrates and honors Black History Month. The show is produced by playwright, producer, and director William Pierce of 2nd Chance Outreach; it’s directed by Academy Award-nominated actress, playwright and vocalist Jevetta Steele; with musical direction by the Grammy Award-winning Billy Steele – both of the renowned family The Steeles.

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Loud Mouth Brass Presents Mardi Gras & National Marching Band Day Party

March 4, 7-9:30pm
Historic Chateau Theatre

Free Admission

Kicking off the month with a high-energy celebration, Loud Mouth Brass is throwing a Mardi Gras and National Marching Band Day party to commemorate the release of their new record, Lost Time.

The John Marshall High School Jazz Band will open the night with their take on the classic New Orleans jazz sound before joining Loud Mouth Brass for a collaborative performance. Expect brassy, bold music, family-friendly vibes, and an electrifying live show.

Enjoy delicious eats and drinks from Old Abe and Dry Run Mocktails while soaking up the atmosphere of the Historic Chateau Theatre. Thanks to the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council, this event is completely free and open to the public!

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FÉNIX DION + TEETH

March 8, 8pm show, doors open at 7:30pm 
Treedome Vinyl + Vintage

$10 Cover (all ages)

For fans of alternative and blues rock, this show at Treedome is one you won’t want to miss! Minneapolis-based band FÉNIX DION is making waves in the Twin Cities with their expansive, electrifying rock sound reminiscent of legends like Lenny Kravitz, Beck, and Prince.

Joining them is Rochester’s own blues-rock powerhouse, TEETH, promising a night of gritty, soulful, and high-energy performances. With Treedome’s intimate setting, you’ll get up close and personal with some of the best up-and-coming artists in the Midwest music scene.

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The Last Romantics - Rochester Symphony

March 15, 7:30-9:30pm 
Mayo Civic Center

Prepare to be swept away by the powerful, emotional sounds of Russian Romantic composers. Featuring masterpieces by Glinka, Borodin, and Rimsky-Korsakov, this program is a feast for classical music lovers.

Pianist Andrew Staupe returns to perform Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2, a breathtaking piece filled with passion, drama, and intensity. Whether you're a longtime classical fan or new to orchestral music, this performance is sure to leave you in awe.

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Rochester Thaw Music Festival

March 22 - Music starts at 2:30pm, all-day event 
Various Venues in Downtown Rochester

All ages, multiple stages, 30+ performances 

The highly anticipated Rochester Thaw Music Festival is back! This all-day music celebration will feature performances across six different stages in Downtown Rochester, offering an eclectic mix of genres and artists.

Hotel discounts with Code TMF:

Thaw Music Festival - Hilton Rochester

Thaw Music Festival - Hilton Garden Inn

Presented by My Town My Music, Thaw Fest has been a game-changer for the local music scene and a three-time recipient of the Rochester Downtown Alliance's Start-Up Event Grant.

Are you an aspiring event planner with a vision for the next great community event? Learn more about the RDA Start-Up Grant and apply to bring your idea to life! 

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Experience the Best of Live Music in Downtown Rochester

Looking for more live music? Many restaurants around Downtown offer live music on a regular basis. A few of these restaurants include: 

1. 1928 Cocktail Lounge - Live jazz on Fridays and Saturdays, located in the upper level of Bebap

2. Palmetto Room - Live music on Thursdays, located in the lower level of Our Paladar

3. Redwood Room - Live music most evenings, located in the lower level of 300 1st Ave

4. Kathy's Pub - Live music, located at 307 Broadway Ave S 

March is shaping up to be an exciting month for music lovers in Rochester. Whether you’re dancing to a brass band, rocking out at Treedome, embracing the beauty of classical music, or exploring a festival filled with diverse artists, these events are sure to bring the city to life.

Mark your calendars, invite your friends, and get ready to enjoy a month filled with live music magic in Downtown Rochester. Don’t forget to share your experiences and spread the love and support the incredible live music scene in Downtown Rochester.

Thank you to our Downtown partners!