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Rochester Public Music is a department of the City of Rochester. Our programs are supported through a combination of City investment, sponsorships, grants, partnerships, and public contributions.
Support from individuals, businesses, funders, and community partners helps keep public music free, welcoming, and accessible across Rochester.
This page includes ways to support, partner with, or participate in Rochester Public Music programs.
Support Public Music
There are several ways to support Rochester Public Music, from making a contribution to sponsoring a concert or serving on the Music Board.
Financial contributions help keep Rochester Public Music programs free and accessible. Contributions support artists, accessibility services, event improvements, and public music experiences throughout the year.
You can make a contribution online or call 507-328-2200 to contribute by phone.
Online contributions are processed securely through PayPal. A PayPal account is not required.
Sponsorship helps Rochester Public Music present free concerts, artist residencies, and community programs throughout the year.
Sponsorship opportunities may include Riverside Music Series, FORWARD Park Concerts, Passport Sessions, Sound School, or other Public Music initiatives.
To start a conversation about sponsorship, contact Rochester Public Music at publicmusic@rochestermn.gov.
The Rochester Music Board advises Rochester Public Music and supports the department’s mission to make music public.
If you are interested in serving, visit the City's Boards, Commissions & Committees page to learn more about current openings and application requirements.
Get Involved
Looking to perform, vend food or drinks, volunteer, or partner with Rochester Public Music? Use the sections below to find the right opportunity or contact point.
Opportunities vary by program, season, space, staffing, and event needs.
Rochester Public Music presents concerts, residencies, and community programs featuring local, regional, national, and international artists.
Artist opportunities vary by program and season. Musicians interested in being considered for future opportunities may submit information through our artist opportunity form when available.
When submitting materials, please include links to music, recent performance history, contact information, and any relevant booking details.
If there is not currently an open artist opportunity form, contact publicmusic@rochestermn.gov for general inquiries.
Rochester Public Music works with partners to coordinate food and beverage vending at select events.
Vendor opportunities vary by program, location, event needs, permits, and available space. Participation is limited and not guaranteed.
For Riverside Music Series, food and beverage vending is coordinated through the Mayo Civic Center’s vendor process.
Vendor applications for summer 2026 are now closed.
Future opportunities will be posted here as they become available.
To learn more or ask a question, email us at publicmusic@rochestermn.gov.
Community Partner Participation
Rochester Public Music welcomes collaboration with community partners whose work aligns with the purpose of a specific program or event.
Partner participation is selective and based on event needs, available space, staffing, and fit. Strong partner activities are usually free, welcoming, and easy for the public to join.
Examples may include:
Public Music events do not typically include information tables, promotional booths, or tabling that is primarily focused on outreach, marketing, or solicitation.
To start a conversation, contact publicmusic@rochestermn.gov
Volunteers help support Rochester Public Music events and programs throughout the year.
Volunteer opportunities may include greeting guests, supporting check-in or wayfinding, helping with family activities, or assisting with event needs.
Opportunities vary by program and season. To learn about current volunteer opportunities, contact publicmusic@rochestermn.gov.
Supporters & Partners
Rochester Public Music is grateful to the funders, sponsors, and partners who help make these programs possible and keep music public in Rochester.
The partners listed below support Rochester Public Music programs through funding, sponsorship, in-kind support, venue partnership, school partnership, media partnership, or community collaboration.
Operating Support
Rochester Public Music receives foundational operating support from the Minnesota State Arts Board, made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Grant Funding
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Riverside Music Series Partners
Riverside Music Series is made possible through City investment, sponsorship, grant support, and community partnerships.
Title Sponsor since 2008
Media Partner
Media Partner
Media Partner
FORWARD Partners
FORWARD Park Concerts are supported by partners who help bring music, creative activities, and community connection to parks across Rochester.
Grant Support
Media Partner
Passport Sessions Partners
Passport Sessions is supported by partners who help bring artist residencies, cultural exchange, and public performances to Rochester.
Public Concert Venue Partner
Youth Concert Venue Partner
Sound School Partner
Sound School is presented in partnership with Rochester Public Schools. Rochester Public Music works with school partners to connect students with live performance, artist interaction, and music education experiences.
School Partner
We are especially grateful to partners who support multiple Rochester Public Music programs throughout the year.
Contact Us
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