Danielle Ponder

Rochester native and soul R&B performer Danielle Ponder will take the Chevy Court Stage at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 28, the day The Fair will shine a spotlight on inspiring women.

As her star rises nationally in the music world, Danielle Ponder is already well known throughout Western New Yok and in the Finger Lakes region. She worked in the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office – first as a public defender, then as a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion officer – for nearly a decade, while performing regularly throughout Rochester’s music scene. While working as a public defender, Danielle also toured Europe, opening for George Clinton. In 2018, she decided to pursue music fulltime, just one week before her 40th birthday.

Danielle stepped into the national spotlight with the release of her debut album, “Some of Us Are Brave” in September 2022 and her unique sound – a blend of pop, R&B, blues, rock and soul. 2023 was a big year for Danielle as well: She made her acting debut on General Hospital in April, performed at Lollapalooza in August, and in the fall, went on tour with the Black Pumas. Currently, she’s working on her second album.

Danielle Ponder’s Women’s Day performance – like all concerts in the Chevrolet Music Series – will be free with admission to the Fair.