Music Blog

It’ll be the fragrant flurry of lilacs in the air — air that's made electric by live music. Organizers just announced the headliner lineup for the 2018 Lilac Festival. Annually the festival brings in 500,000 people each year to enjoy the music, food, and vendors. And it’s all free.

This year, organizers have added a VIP Ultra Lounge Experience that offers front of stage access, in-tent and outdoor lounge area, full private cash bar, food for purchase, and air conditioned restrooms, all for $35. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 9, at 10 p.m. For more information go to rochesterevents.com.

This year's artists are:

Friday, May 11: The rootsy and raw trio from Brattleboro, Vermont, The Devil Makes Three.

Saturday, May 12: It's Al Copley tickling the ivories with fellow Roomful of Blues members Doug James and Greg Piccolo. Quinn Sullivan, the teenage guitar phenom  who wowed them here last year, will also play Saturday.

Sunday, May 13: Zac Brown Tribute Band. What can I say — they sound like the original band. Parsonsfield is also scheduled for the day.

Monday, May 14: Texas rock 'n'roll trio, The Record Company.

Tuesday, May 15: 10-time Grammy Award nominee and reggae superstars Third World.

Wednesday, May 16: Starship featuring Mickey Thomas.

Thursday, May 17: Uprooted featuring Michael Glabicki of Rusted Root.

Friday, May 18: Smooth Hound Smith with it's arresting Americana, and The Wood Brothers —  it ain't old time music;  it's all time music.

Saturday, May 19: New Orleans party dog and Rochester favorites, the percussive, the impressive, Mingo Fishtrap.

Sunday, May 20: Driftwood with its blue collar bluegrass. And Big Eyed Phish, this Rochester band sounds a lot  like The Dave Matthews Band.

Editor's Note: This article has been updated to correct dates.