Joe Santangelo, the festival’s producer, said the final day of Cincinnati Music Festival drew the largest Saturday crowd to Paul Brown Stadium in the event’s history.
After a two-year hiatus, the Cincinnati Music Festival returned in a big way this past weekend.
With performances by Janet Jackson, Charlie Wilson, The O’Jays, After 7, Ari Lennox and more, the event saw a total attendance of 78,000 people Friday and Saturday, according to a press release.
Joe Santangelo, the festival’s producer, said the final day of Cincinnati Music Festival drew the largest Saturday crowd to Paul Brown Stadium in the event’s history.
It’s the third and final day of the Cincinnati Music Festival and concertgoers say they are not disappointed.
“The city has made sure that there is something there for everyone,” said Sister Keli, a radio host with WGRI.
Saturday’s festivities began with the Black Walk of Fame honoring music icons Hi-Tek, Penny Ford and more.
Crowds then funneled to Fountain Square for the Cincy Soul Fest showcasing Black culture with food trucks and local shopping vendors. A plus for local businesses since the festival’s two-year hiatus.
“Not only did it bring the city down, it affected the economy, it affected the people. We need this. This is like a recharge on a computer or a reboot,” said Sister Keli.
Out-of-towners like Senalda Grady made this festival her first outside appearance since the beginning of the pandemic.
“I enjoy being with my friends and celebrating again with a large group of people after two years of being inside. This is great,” said Grady.
A true sign that the Cincinnati Music Festival is the region’s biggest. Everyone is here to see one person, “I love everyone but I’m looking forward to Janet,” said Grady.
Also excited is Cincinnati native Speed Walton who is opening up for the icon as the first hip-hop act for the festival.
“When I got the call like yo we want you to be the first hip-hop act ever at the Jazz Festival. I mean that in itself is amazing,” said Walton.
Not only is this a come-up for Walton as an artist but a win for the whole city,” he said.
“As a Cincinnati-born and raised artist and seeing it come full circle and coming from where I come from playing hole in the walls like Mad Frog to Paul Brown Stadium is actually a dream come true. This is what dreams are, some people would say a miracle.
Check Out Photos From The 2022 Cincinnati Music Festival
