30+ years running! Featuring must-see national acts and standout local opening artists, these free, un-ticketed outdoor music events are held on five consecutive Sunday evenings in downtown Rochester, Minnesota along the Zumbro River.
Stellar music, gorgeous green space, plus local food vendors and giveaways. These shows are for everyone, and we hope to see you in the park!
Save the dates - we'll see you next year! 2025 dates:
July 13, 2025
July 20, 2025
July 27, 2025
August 3, 2025
August 10, 2025
Caravan du Nord: Carnage the Executioner, Carolyne Naomi, and Colin Bracewell
Colin Bracewell(7:30 p.m.) - Colin Bracewell, a 21-year-old indie pop artist from Minneapolis, MN is paving his own, fresh path within the Midwest music scene. Originally hailing from Windsor, Ontario, Canada, Colin blends inspiration from the likes of Justin Vernon and John Mayer, though his music holds a raw and unabashed post-Frank Ocean R&B quality. His instrumentation sets Bracewell apart from other singer-songwriters of the same genre, often adding gentle synths, a killer trumpet solo or a moody saxophone riff to bring a jazzier feel that offsets lyrics of heartbreak (or amplifies them, depending on the listener). Colin is also a full-time student at the University of Minnesota majoring in Vocal Performance and Marketing. Bracewell currently holds the #1 spot on The Current's Chart Show with his song "Making Me Crazy".- https://colinbracewell.com/
Carolyne Naomi(8:30 p.m.) - Drawing heavily from the music of her youth growing up in Nigeria, Carolyne Naomi creates a unique blend of afro-pop, reggae and soul, heavily influenced by the gospel and R&B music that she grew up listening to. Carolyne’s take on this modern-day afro-fusion reflects today’s multicultural world and the everyday challenges it holds. By weaving phrases of the everyday Nigerian Pidgin English (NPE) spoken by the youths of Nigeria in homes across the globe into her narrative, she strikes a familiar chord in the ears of the greater African diaspora. - https://carolynenaomi.com/ Carnage the Executioner(9:30 p.m.) - Whether he’s rapping, producing, performing, teaching kids to beatbox, or working his former job as a youth counselor, it’s clear the man most commonly known as Carnage The Executioner was born to do two things: instruct and entertain. Musicians, dancers, DJs, poets, and television hosts who have worked with Carnage recognize his dedication to his craft and would confirm that he doesn’t disappoint. Ask emcees about Carnage’s skill level, and you’ll find out that the phrase, “he’s your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper,” actually fits.
A music fan since childhood, Carnage has filled his memory bank with thousands of references from all genres to draw from for his work. Carnage’s start as a human beatboxer has taken on a life of its own. He now uses technology like looping and effects pedals commonly used by guitarists. He enhances the experience of a live hip-hop show by allowing his audiences to hear original Carnage material and unique improvisations and spot-on recreations of popular songs. Carnage uses this same musical knowledge and technology to create custom, studio human beatbox tracks. His audio vision via mouth music can be heard on albums by hip-hop heavyweights Aesop Rock and R.A. The Rugged Man.
Carnage is a self-trained songwriter who’s skilled enough to compose a heart-felt story as easily as he can craft an intricate battle rap. Carnage gained national fame from his past guest appearances with Eyedea & Abilities. However, it’s his original songs that allow his fans to connect with him the most. Songs like "Addict", "Save My People", and "The MTW Story" give fans a glimpse into the real-life experiences of Carnage, the human being. - https://carnagetheexecutioner.com/
Part of Rochester Civic Music's Theatre Season, an indoor ticketed concert series providing world-class artists from a broad range of genres at moderate ticket prices. This series is presented in the intimate setting of the 300 seat main hall at the Rochester Civic Theatre on the Mayo Civic Center campus. These indoor concerts will provide a more engaging, up close and personal experience, allowing attendees to delve deeper into the creative process and soak in the finer details of the artistry involved.
Tickets available at Rochester Civic Music in City Hall (walk-in or by phone, no handling fees), the Mayo Civic Center Box Office (walk-in, no handling fees), and Ticketmaster (online). Order by phone at 507-328-2200 or 800-657-3980 or in person at 201 4th St. SE, Suite 170 (City Hall). Group rates available. More information at rochestermn.gov/civicmusic.
The Rochester Civic Music Box Office hours are 9 AM - 4 PM (M-F). We are open through the noon hour. Cash, Check, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover are accepted.
About Caravan du Nord: The Caravan du Nord is a traveling showcase of Minnesota music, bringing top regional acts, emerging bands and music industry professionals to towns across Greater Minnesota for a weekend of workshops, networking and performances. The Caravan du Nord is an ongoing project of the Minnesota Music Coalition. - https://www.mnmusiccoalition.org/caravan-du-nord/
About Minnesota Music Coalition: The Minnesota Music Coalition is a statewide network for independent musicians who care about creating and sustaining a vibrant popular music community. Through education, communication, and advocacy, we create access to resources and professional development services. - https://www.mnmusiccoalition.org/
Caravan du Nord 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.
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.
CART captioning will be available here or via QR code in the park. Please bring a data-connected digital device (phone, tablet, laptop) to access this streaming service.
Assistance with CART will be available at the Public Music tent. Please contact Public Music for questions about additional accessibility accommodations.
Where
All concerts take place in Mayo Park, located in downtown Rochester behind the Mayo Civic Center. Concertgoers are encouraged to walk, bike, or roll to the shows if possible.
when
Save the dates - we'll see you next year! 2025 dates:
July 13, 2025
July 20, 2025
July 27, 2025
August 3, 2025
August 10, 2025
Music will begin at 7 p.m. and conclude between 9:30 and 10 p.m.
Food vendors will be onsite at 6 p.m. Come early to get food from local vendors and choose your spot in the park!
cost
Concerts are free and open to the public!
Meet & Greets
Interested in meeting the headliners? We partner with local radio stations to give away FREE backstage passes. Check here for information about how to win a pass.
Giveaways
On opening night, stop by the Think Bank tent to receive a FREE, limited edition Riverside Music Series t-shirt! Shirts are available in limited quantity - arrive early to be sure to get one!
And at each concert, Think Bank gives away a FREE electric guitar autographed by the headliner. Enter the giveaway by completing a survey by 7:45 p.m. on show day. Surveys can be completed at the Think Bank tent, by visiting the survey webpage, or by scanning a QR code at the event. Must be present to win.
Directions & parking
Mayo Park is directly accessible from nearby walking paths and bike trails, and concertgoers are encouraged to walk, bike, or roll to the shows if possible.
Ample free parking is available nearby, with public ramps, on-street meters, and City-owned surface lots all free to use on weekends and evenings. Accessible parking is available in all public parking ramps, and several designated accessible parking spaces are available on Civic Center Drive. Additional information about parking is available on the Mayo Civic Center website.
Seating
Space in the park is available on a first come, first served basis. Come early to choose your spot! We do not allow the use of ropes or stakes to reserve space.
We encourage you to bring lawn chairs or blankets to the events; seats are not provided.
items to bring
Coolers, food, drink, lawn chairs, blankets, and other items to make your experience more comfortable are welcome and encouraged. Please leave grills and pets, with the exception of service animals, at home.
concessions
Local food and beverage vendors will have a variety of options for sale. Vendors will be onsite at 5 p.m.
Smoking
Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is strictly prohibited in Mayo Park.
Restrooms
Restrooms inside the Mayo Civic Center will be available for use. Entrances to the indoor restrooms are on either side of the stage through doors marked 16 and 19.
Additional portable toilets are located in the park near the food vendors.
Weather Policy
Concerts will take place outdoors rain or shine. Ponchos are preferred over umbrellas to keep sightlines unobstructed. In the case of threatening weather, the concert may be delayed, postponed, or, as a last resort, cancelled.
For weather related updates the day of the event, please check our event updates page or social media accounts.
Soliciting
In order to make our events enjoyable for all, we respectfully request that public and private parties refrain from campaigning or soliciting at the Riverside events. We appreciate your consideration.
Down by the Riverside has been sponsored by Think Bank since 2008.
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.