On International Women’s Day, the Great New York State Fair has exciting news to share. They’ve added another talented artist to their Women’s Day Line-Up for this summer. Danielle Ponder, a soul R&B performer from Rochester, will grace the Chevy Court Stage at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 28th, the day dedicated to celebrating inspiring women.
Danielle Ponder is well-known in Western New York and the Finger Lakes region. Before pursuing music full-time, she worked for nearly ten years in the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office, first as a public defender and later as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion officer. Even while working in law, she regularly performed in Rochester’s music scene. In 2018, she decided to focus on music, and her career has been on the rise ever since.
Her debut album, “Some of Us Are Brave,” released in September 2022, introduced her unique sound—a fusion of pop, R&B, blues, rock, and soul. In 2023, Danielle gained national recognition with notable achievements like making her acting debut on General Hospital, performing at Lollapalooza, and touring with the Black Pumas. She’s currently working on her second album.
Beyond her music, Danielle is passionate about social activism. Inspired by her brother’s unjust sentence under a “three strikes” law, she pursued a career in law and has been an influential figure in the Black Lives Matter movement in Rochester. Her music often reflects her values and experiences, and her debut album’s title track, “Some of Us Are Brave,” was inspired by a book she read in law school.
Julie LaFave, Interim Fair Director, expressed excitement about having Danielle perform on Women’s Day, highlighting her unifying and empowering message. As a Rochester native with a powerful voice and a career dedicated to helping people, Danielle is expected to be a fantastic addition to the Fair’s lineup.
Danielle Ponder’s performance on Women’s Day will be free with admission to the Fair, as part of the Chevrolet Music Series. The series features daily performances at Chevy Court and Suburban Park, with acts like Chubby Checker, Joan Jett and The Blackhearts, TLC, and more.
The Great New York State Fair runs from Wednesday, August 21st, to Labor Day, Monday, September 2nd. Admission tickets will go on sale later this year, with free admission for kids under 12 and adults over 65.
The Fair, established in 1841, showcases New York agriculture, offers top-quality entertainment, and contributes to the state’s CNY Rising strategy for economic growth through tourism. The fairgrounds operate all year, offering various events and activities for visitors. To stay updated on the Great New York State Fair, you can visit their website or follow them on social media.
