(July) One of the oldest festivals in the United States, Macy’s Music Festival features some of the finest performers of jazz, R&B and soul, performing during two jam-packed days at Paul Brown Stadium (home of the Cincinnati Bengals). The festival began in 1962 at the Carthage Fairgrounds and only showcased straight ahead jazz performers. Notable names who performed at the festival in its early years include Al Jarreau, Marvin Gaye, George Benson, Stevie Wonder, and Grover Washington, Jr.
As its popularity grew, the festival included acts more in line with the sea change in popular music tastes. The festival became a phenomenon and turned into a multi-city event with stadium shows in Atlanta, New Orleans and Milwaukee.
Over the years, the festival has switched to a predominantly R&B focus with headlining acts ranging from seasoned performers playing their hit songs to the newest and brightest up-and-coming jazz and blues stars. There is a wide range of ticket prices and seating options and the festival generally partners with local hotels for a more affordable weekend of great music.
- Public Transportation: Good (a short walk from TANK buses 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, and 23 at West 3rd Street/Race Street; and a 4-minute walk from Metro bus 85 at Mehring Way/Elm Street)
- Handicapped Accessibility: Good
- Performances: 10-12 performances over two days
- Ticket Prices: $50–$160.
