Every summer, for one weekend, Cincinnati is the center of the R&B universe as the Macy’s Music Festival (around in one form or another since 1962) brings to town two jam-packed nights of old-school heroes and legends and some like-minded, younger whippersnappers. But the Macy’s Fest has also long been much more than just a music festival — people-watching and mingling are what has made the event such a popular community happening.
So get your hair did and head down to Paul Brown Stadium on Friday to catch relative newcomers like Fantasia (from American Idol), Ohio’s own John Legend and Eric Benet (the former Mr. Halle Berry), along with The Whispers and Charlie Wilson of The Gap Band. Then save your energy for Saturday night’s show, which has the legends Anita Baker (pictured) and The O'Jays plus Jazmine Sullivan, Joe and Robin Thicke (how a man with Alan Thicke’s genes has so much soul is the biggest mystery of the 21st century).
Music starts at 7:30 p.m. both nights. Advanced tickets ($40-$85) are available through Ticketmaster.
Get details, buy tickets and find nearby bars and restaurants here and here.
