A Midsummer Night's Dream
Hot entertainment comes to Canandaigua’s CMAC
by Lynn Freida Constellation Brands - Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC) is the premier venue for summer entertainment in the Finger Lakes. CMAC is known for hosting a diverse line-up of top touring acts and their expansive food and beverage offering, including selections of Constellation Brands wines. Since its inception, CMAC has become the place to be on a summer night in the Finger Lakes.
Marvin Sands, founder of Canandaigua Wine Company, realized the important role that the arts and culture play in the quality of a community. In 1983, he, along with other community leaders, founded the Finger Lakes Performing Arts Center, located on the Finger Lakes Community College Campus.
In early 2005, a group of community leaders met with Richard Sands, Chairman of Constellation Brands, and Rob Sands, President and CEO of Constellation Brands, to discuss how their leadership, along with others in the community, might pull together in continuing Marvin’s dream and ensuring that the center would not “go dark.”
 It was then that Constellation took a leadership role in forming the Friends of CMAC, a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization. This group worked together to keep the center’s “lights on.” The Friends of CMAC are local companies, organizations, individuals and public officials who have invested their time, talent and expertise in keeping the music alive in our region.
Newly renovated in 2006, this $13.5 million facility is the result of a privately-funded undertaking through the sale of 54 VIP boxes. Constellation Brands secured the naming rights. This state-of-the-art facility nurtures the arts for the community and provides the ultimate venue for music and entertainment. CMAC features 5,000 covered seats and lawn seating for up to 10,000 guests.
Located off of Canandaigua Lake, CMAC’s setting, hospitality offerings and top-tier talent makes for a one-of-a-kind experience. Offerings include VIP tents and packages, wine sold by the bottle, craft beers and a variety of foods by local vendors that all meet the community’s needs and budgets. The venue is operated by SMG and the shows are booked through industry renowned promoter, The Bowery Presents.
In recent years, CMAC has attracted sold-out shows and top-notch musical performers such as: Dave Matthews, Kenny Chesney, Sugarland, Lady Antebellum, Bob Dylan, Mumford & Sons, Kid Rock, Snoop Dogg, The Allman Brothers and Lynyrd Skynyrd. CMAC also hosts community events and fundraisers, graduations, musical theatre, dance, ballet and children’s activities in addition to being the summer home of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.
CMAC is looking forward to another bright season in 2013 as they celebrate their 30th anniversary under the stars.
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