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Per 13 WHAM Website:
A new date and a venue for the Rochester MusicFest failed to bring out the fans.
The one-day event was held Sunday at PAETEC Park. Kool and the Gang and the Roots headlined the festival, which focuses on rhythm and blues, soul, and hip hop.
Former Mayor Bill Johnson started what used to be a multi-day festival 14 years ago in Brown Square Park. At one time, it drew more than 10,000 people. Since then, the festival has gone through a few site changes, and has been scaled back.
Late Sunday afternoon, there were fewer than 500 in the stands. Festival organizers say 1,800 people attended this year's event.
"This year, um, it's draggin' really bad," said Deunda Vest Barber.
Some fans blame the low turnout on the fact the festival was held the day after the Rochester International Jazz Festival wrapped up.
"It seems to be an after thought. The jazz fest seems to be the main focus this year," said Anita Terrell.
The Jazz Fest promoters also handled the MusicFest this year for the first time.
The promoters were busy in July, when the MusicFest has traditionally been held.
Charles Reaves, who heads up recreation for the city, said the changes are part of an effort to improve the festival.
"We knew going forward if we wanted to diversify the music and spread it out and go over more than one day," Reaves said. "We've even talked about having more than one location that these were the guys that were going to help get us there.
The city gave $175,000 to the Musicfest this year and $250,000 to the Jazz Fest.
"Next year, we'll tweak it a little bit more and hopefully we'll have more money to put towards it, and we'll be bigger and better," Reaves said.
