Cori Kennedy Returns Home for Big Rochester Show

She's from right here in our neck of the woods in southeast Minnesota and made a big splash on the national stage on The Voice last year. Now, singer-songwriter Cori Kennedy is kicking off this year's 2026 FORWARD Concert Series here in Rochester!

Living here in southeast Minnesota, we're lucky to have some incredible opportunities to see some amazing talent on stage right here in our own backyard-- for free! Thanks to the hard-working crew at Rochester Public Music, music lovers in the Med City have been able to enjoy free concerts all around our fair city, from the Riverside Music Series, and more recently with the FORWARD Concert Series.

What Is the FORWARD Concert Series in Rochester?

According to a release from Rochester Public Music, the FORWARD Concert Series is a free summer series that brings live music to neighborhood parks across Rochester. The 2026 FORWARD Concert Series returns on select Wednesday evenings in June and August, with performances rotating through parks in different parts of the city.

ALSO INTERESTING: Rochester's Little Thistle Brewing Wins Major Award

And this year, the FORWARD Concert Series kicks off with an appearance by Cori Kennedy, the West Concord native and Kasson-Mantorville graduate who appeared on Season 28 of The Voice! She'll perform on June 3rd, during the FORWARD Concert Series event at Mayo Park.

Get our free mobile app

When and Where to See Cori Kennedy in Rochester

The 2026 FORWARD Concert Series lineup includes: 

• June 3 – Cori Kennedy with Clayton Ryan at Mayo Park

• June 10 – Davina & the Vagabonds with Mississippi Hot Club at Cascade Lake Park

• June 17 – Sleeping Jesus with Mike Munson & Mikkel Beckmen at Allendale Park

• August 12 – Jeremy Messersmith with Teeth at John Withers Sports Complex

• August 19 – Raynes with JoJo Green at White Oaks Park

• August 26 – Me Like Bees with Scorched Waves at Cook Park

The FORWARD Concert Series isn't just about music, of course. The release noted that 'Attendees can purchase food from local vendors, explore the Rochester Public Library Bookmobile, take part in activities at the Parks & Recreation Mobile Rec Trailer, and visit The Art Stop, a free, hands-on creative experience led by local artists and open to all ages,' it said.

Where to See More of Cori Kennedy in Minnesota This Year

If you want to see more of Cori, she'll also be performing a special solo acoustic appearance at the Rochester International Airport on June 1st, as part of RST’s Parking Lot Party that celebrates United Airlines’ inaugural service launch, the release said.

Then, later this summer, Cori will take the stage with country star Randy Houser on August 21 at the Steele County Free Fair, as well! Keep scrolling to see Cori's amazing performance during the Blind Auditions on The Voice last year.