Join the fun at first ever Irondequoit Arts & Music Festival

Live music, art and more than two dozen local vendors are a part of the very first Irondequoit Arts and Music Festival happening at I-Square on Saturday.

“We partnered with the House of Guitars and I-Square,“ said Chris Blaine, co-event coordinator for the Irondequoit Arts & Music Festival.

You know its going be a cool-spirited day when you’ve got the “HOG” backing you. Art instructor and Art Center of Rochester owner Chris Blaine can’t wait to see everyone Saturday at the outdoor stage at I-Square.

“We are trying to bring some sort of festival and it blossomed into this arts and music festival that we’re really proud of,” Blaine said. “We have 30+ local artists and vendors. We also have seven bands.”

Craig Foster helped with the live music lineup. He’s had some music fest experience pulling together all kinds of bands for gigs in Peekskill.

“We have an eclectic mix of music,” Foster said. “We have a trio of classical guitar players, a jazz group, a band that’s playing 80s music, a singer-solo songwriter and acoustic guitar player. We also have a blues guy that is actually bringing a harp to his set. We also have a New Orleans-style brass band playing and then our headliner is Ron Rocco. Ron is a Rochester legend. He’s going to be headlining the shows.”

It’s a day of live music and a chance to get creative and see what local artists are up to. Blaine and his wife Kaitlin own the Art Center of Rochester just two blocks from I-Square. Art means the world to them.

“Art for everyone is our motto and art definitely brings a community together,” said Kaitlin Roney-Blaine. “In communities there can be a sense of divide, but we think art is a great way to break down those walls and bring people from different schools and different settings and different neighborhoods together to enjoy music and art. Art is the universal language and I totally agree.”

The Irondequoit Arts & Music Festival is free and open to all ages. It’s Saturday, Sept. 2, 11: a.m. to 8 p.m. at I-Square, 400 Bakers Park.

The Art Center of Rochester has classes and workshops for all ages and abilities.