Roc Fest: ‘I Love the 90s Tour’ Brings Iconic Throwback Hits, Local Flavor, and Community Support to Rochester
- Dave McCleary
- Aug 13
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 22
The Rochester Community Sports Complex will turn into a 1990s time machine on Sept. 6 when Roc Fest’s I Love the 90s Tour takes over with a night of high-energy performances, throwback vibes, local food, and a strong commitment to community impact.
The festival, presented in partnership with Everyday People PR and Capital International Productions, blends a blockbuster concert lineup with a food-and-drink festival atmosphere. Rap icon Vanilla Ice, best known for his chart-topping single “Ice Ice Baby,” will headline the show. Joining him are hip-hop legend Rob Base, famed for the party anthem “It Takes Two”; R&B group Color Me Badd, known for hits like “I Adore Mi Amor” and “I Wanna Sex You Up”; Grammy-winning rapper Young MC of “Bust a Move” fame; and C&C Music Factory, the dance pioneers behind “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now).”
“This lineup is full of the classics that shaped my childhood,” said Rashad Smith, chief publicist for Everyday People PR, which is promoting the festival. “We’re bringing high-energy throwbacks and an atmosphere where everyone can relive the best of the ‘90s.”
Festival-goers can also enjoy tacos from local vendor Taco Dero and themed drinks. While tequila nods to the tour’s name, organizers opted to also serve energy drinks to keep the event accessible for a wide audience, including student groups and community partners.
A VIP Experience and Local Focus Smith said organizers are prioritizing Rochester’s own. Local vendors and community booths will showcase the city’s culture, food, and artistry. The VIP package will feature premium seating and exclusive hospitality, giving fans a close-up experience with performers.
Capital International Productions Executive Vice President Lance Cardoza said the tour’s mission goes beyond entertainment — it’s also about building local economic impact. “We want to give local promoters and communities a leg up, to compete with the big boys, and bring incredible throwback lineups that make a difference,” Cardoza said.
Giving Back to the Community The festival has adopted a corporate social responsibility model, pledging to support four Rochester-area nonprofits:
Sunny Mike – a veteran support agency.
Upstate Interiors Academy – a construction trades pre-apprenticeship program focused on Black and brown residents.
ROC National Pan-Hellenic Council – representing historically Black fraternities and sororities in service and leadership.
Center for Youth Services – offering emergency shelter, crisis counseling, and support to youth and families.
Each organization will receive $2,000, a share of ticket-sale proceeds, and 50 complimentary tickets for staff. Leaders from these organizations will be honored on stage during the festival. Elaine Spaull, executive director of the Center for Youth, said the support is about more than money. “It’s about our kids,” she said, noting the organization served 45,000 young people last year. “I want you to stop talking about our kids as ‘at risk’. I want you to start talking about our kids as ‘at Promise’… stop looking at them as risky. They're not. They need our support.”
Economic Boost for Rochester Don Jeffries, president and CEO of Visit Rochester, called the event an “economic driver” similar to the city’s other major festivals. “This is going to be one of the mainstays,” Jeffries said. “It will bring people from across upstate New York, filling our hotels and restaurants”.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025
Location: Rochester Community Sports Complex, 460 Oak St., Rochester, N.Y.
Doors Open: 2 p.m.
Tickets: Available now at RocMusicFest.com. A 40% discount runs until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 20.
Organizers encourage attendees to come ready to dance, sing along, and celebrate a decade that defined a generation — all while supporting Rochester’s community spirit.
