Share My Life
Thursday, July 25
(Andrew J. Brady Music Center)
MC Lyte
EPMD
KRS-One
Black Sheep
DJ Vader
Friday, July 26
(Paycor Stadium)
Maxwell
Ne-Yo
Fantasia
October London
Saturday, July 27
(Paycor Stadium)
New Edition
Kem
Stokley
En Vogue
Coco Jones
Tickets are on sale via available Ticketmaster.com.
The Cincinnati Music Festival (CMF) returns to Paycor Stadium on Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27, featuring Maxwell, SWV, Fantasia, New Edition, KEM and more at the event. A Thursday night concert kicks off the weekend with a celebration of Hip Hop Music at The Andrew J. Brady Center.
First held in 1962, the dazzling three-day event features top artists in R&B, jazz, soul, and hip-hop, along with up-and-coming performers.
CMF has established a tradition of presenting the best performers from each generation over the years, including Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, and Janet Jackson. This year the annual festival includes performances from Grammy-winning artists such as NE-YO and Fantasia.
Though Cincinnati is home for the star-studded event, many concert-goers hail from other cities, including Atlanta, Detroit, and Nashville. CMF brings generations of families together every year to join the fun.
The multi-generational aspect among attendees is a unique and special tradition for the festival. With attendees of all ages, CMF has prioritized including music that can be enjoyed by all.
The family feel of the event starts at the top, with The Santangelo Group. Joe Santangelo, the longtime promoter of CMF, works closer wiht his daughter, Fran Santangelo DiBattista, for CMF.
“Family business – We sure are!” says Fran. “My dad serves as the promoter, working with booking groups, managing ticket sales, etc. I’m the daughter and my job is production manager, along with managing sponsorships, media and PR. Then we have my cousin Mark who is the echnical director, taking care of all things sound, stage, lights!” says Santangelo DiBattista.
“My oldest son Dominic – going into seventh grade – is evn answering the phones this year,” say continues. (It’s) never too early to start them!”
#FeelsLikeCMF – CMF Weekend Events
CMF Outdoor Museum
Washington Park with Friday Flow
The fifth annual CMF Outdoor Museum features works from 10 local visual artists, all drawing inspiration from the culture and music of the Cincinnati Music Festival and coincides with the Friday Flow concert, presented by P&G featuring Ruff Endz.
The Rickey Smiley Show
July 25 & 26, Live from Fountain Square
The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, a nationally syndicated radio program hosted by comedian and actor Rickey Smiley, will broadcast live from 5-9 a.m.
Visit Cincy’s Vibe Marketplace
Fountain Square, July 25–28
A variety of local and minority-owned shops, vendors, and artisans will exhibit on Fountain Square.
Cincy Soul, the Black Taste,
Fountain Square, July 27–28
Get a taste of Black Cincinnati through art, food, free concerts, and more in the heart of downtown.
Queen City 5K
The Banks, July 27, 8 a.m.
Take in the sights of the Ohio Riverfront and run (or walk) for a cause. Proceeds from the race contribute to scholarship funds and opportunities for local youth of diverse backgrounds.
Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame Dedication Saturday, July 27, noon
This free event includes the one-year birthday celebration of the Walk of Fame and features a live performance by 2024 inductees Roger Troutman & Zapp. Additional inductees include Shirley Murdock, Randy Crawford and Donald Lawrence.
The Black Man Think Tank
Saturday, July 27, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., The Banks
A collaborative and immersive experience championing dialogue around the mental, physical, and financial well-being of Black men.
Big3 Basketball League
Sunday, July 28, 1 p.m., Heritage Bank Center
The 3-on-3 pro basketball league, founded by rapper and actor Ice Cube, features former NBA players, All-Stars and international professionals.