The Rochester Music Hall of Fame is proud to announce a landmark celebration of artistic excellence, cultural impact, and community legacy as it welcomes internationally acclaimed actor and singer Taye Diggs and beloved hometown icons The Skycoasters into its Class of 2026. Taye Diggs and The Skycoasters are just the first two of the Class of 2026 inductees to be announced. More inductees will be announced in the coming weeks. The 13th Induction Concert & Ceremony will take place on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at 7 PM in the Eastman Theatre, marking one of the most anticipated arts events in the region.
This year’s ceremony brings together national influence and deep local roots—honoring artists whose work has shaped generations, elevated Rochester’s creative identity, and demonstrated the enduring power of music to inspire, connect, and give back.
Taye Diggs: A Rochester-Raised Artist with Global Impact
Born in Newark, New Jersey and raised in Rochester, Taye Diggs has built a career that seamlessly bridges Broadway, film, television, and recorded music. A graduate of Rochester’s School of the Arts and Syracuse University, Diggs rose to prominence on Broadway with unforgettable performances in Rent, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and Chicago—productions that helped redefine modern musical theater and expand its audience.
Beyond the stage, Diggs has become a cultural force through standout roles in How Stella Got Her Groove Back, The Best Man franchise, Private Practice, and All American. Across every medium, music has remained a defining thread in his work—cementing his legacy as a multifaceted artist whose influence reaches far beyond any single genre.
“Taye Diggs exemplifies the spirit of Rochester’s creative community,” said Tony Gross of the Rochester Music Hall of Fame. “His achievements reflect not only extraordinary talent, but a commitment to artistic excellence, representation, and storytelling that continues to inspire audiences worldwide.”
“I’m incredibly grateful and humbled to be recognized by my hometown,” said Diggs. “Rochester played a huge role in shaping who I am as an artist, and this honor means more to me than I can express.”
The Skycoasters: Inaugural Recipients of the ‘Local Legends’ Induction Category
In a historic first, the Rochester Music Hall of Fame will also present its newly established “Local Legends” Induction Category to The Skycoasters, recognizing more than five decades of musical excellence, community leadership, and philanthropic impact.
Created by the Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors in November 2025, the Local Legends Induction Category honors individuals and groups who demonstrate:
- Artistic excellence
- Deep engagement with the Rochester community
- A strong local and regional fan base
- Longevity, integrity, and sustained cultural impact
For over 50 years, The Skycoasters have been a cornerstone of Rochester’s music scene while raising more than one million dollars for charitable organizations, including Golisano Children’s Hospital and Camp Good Days and Special Times. Their reach has extended far beyond the region, representing Rochester on international stages such as the Olympic Games in Barcelona, as well as iconic events including the NFL Super Bowl, Goodwill Games, and the Indianapolis 500.
They have shared the stage with legendary artists including Chicago, Hall & Oates, and The Beach Boys, earning a reputation as one of the most accomplished and respected musical acts to ever emerge from the region.
“The Skycoasters define what it means to be a Local Legend,” said the Rochester Music Hall of Fame. “Their music, generosity, and unwavering commitment to Rochester make them the perfect first recipients of this honor.”
Early Bird Tickets for A Night Celebrating Legacy, Music, and Community
Early Bird ticket pricing for the 2026 Whirlwind Rochester Music Hall of Fame Induction Concert & Ceremony will be available from January 12th through January 25th for the 7:00 PM event at the Kodak Hall at the Eastman Theatre on Sunday, April 26, 2026. Tickets for the April 26th Induction Concert & Ceremony are on sale now at the Eastman Theatre box office and online at EastmanTheatre.org. The concert & ceremony will feature tributes, live performances, and special presentations honoring inductees who have shaped Rochester’s rich musical heritage across generations. The full list of 2026 inductees will be announced soon.