K-Rockathon was an annual music festival held in the Central New York region of New York sponsored by Galaxy Communications-owned radio stations WKLL/WKRL-FM/WKRH. These concerts were held at venues in Vernon, Syracuse, Oswego, Utica, and Weedsport, NY. Local bands are showcased at the event along with nationally-touring rock music acts.[1] K-Rockathon has showcased many subgenres of rock music from alternative rock, to rap rock, to straight metal and drew hundreds of thousands to Central New York over its twenty year run.[2]
History
The inaugural K-Rockathon was held on July 28, 1996, at the Vernon Downs race track in Vernon, NY. This was the same location through 1999, after which the event moved to the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, New York, on July 9, 2000. The event returned to Vernon Downs after which it shifted locations almost annually. As of 2002, it drew approximately 30,000 fans annually.[3] The festival status remains unknown as of 2019.[4]
In 2024, a K-Rockathon Reboot was held during the New York State Fair featuring performers from prior events.[5][6]
References
- ^ "K-Rockathon to take hiatus until 2017". Utica Observer-Dispatch. Retrieved 2021-12-13.
- ^ Herbert, Geoff (2017-03-09). "K-Rockathon history: Which concert rocked the hardest?". Retrieved 2021-12-13.
- ^ Bilodeau, Mike (2002-05-06). "K-Rockathon won't return to Downs". Retrieved 2021-12-13.
- ^ Herbert, Geoff (2019-06-25). "No K-Rockathon this year, radio station confirms". Retrieved 2021-12-13.
- ^ Herbert, Geoff (2024-05-06). "K-Rockathon Reboot: Syracuse radio station bringing back rock festival this summer". syracuse. Retrieved 2024-10-13.
- ^ McCarthy, Patrick (2024-07-28). "K-Rockathon Reboot makes triumphant return with Puddle of Mudd in Syracuse (review, photos)". syracuse. Retrieved 2024-10-13.