National SE MN Star Cori Kennedy Returns to Rochester Stage

If you missed your chance to see her this past weekend here in our neck of the woods, Cori Kennedy will be playing another show here in Rochester to help kick off the summer travel season!

Cori Kennedy is the singer-songwriter from right here in our southeast Minnesota who made a big splash on the national stage on The Voice last year. We'd heard last week that she's set to be the headliner on the opening night of the 2026 FORWARD Concert Series here in Rochester.

Cori Kennedy to Headline FORWARD Concert Series in Rochester

As a release from Rochester Public Music noted, the FORWARD Concert Series kicks off with an appearance by Cori Kennedy, the West Concord native and Kasson-Mantorville graduate who appeared on Season 28 of The Voice. She'll perform on June 3rd, during the FORWARD Concert Series event at Mayo Park.

Cori's no stranger to playing shows in her home state, either. This past weekend, she played a show at Beaver Bottoms Saloon, located in Fountain, Minnesota. And now she's set to play a special show at Rochester International Airport (RST) this June as well.

Cori Kennedy to Debut New Song at RST Parking Lot Party

According to a release from RST, Cori will be playing a special acoustic show during the Parking Lot Party at RST from 6 pm to 8:30 pm on June 1, 2026. RST says the event will also feature the Minnesota debut of a brand new song from Cori, as well. (We can confirm-- we spoke to Cori last week and she mentioned that she'll be performing a brand new tune!)

RST says the event will take place rain or shine, and that you're encouraged to bring your own chair. Here is the schedule of events for RST's Parking Lot Party:

• 6 pm: Food trucks, games, and activities.
• 7 pm: Cori Kennedy performs a custom song and acoustic set.
• 8 pm: Drawing for a free flight. (Must be present to win.)

Then, later this summer, Cori will take the stage with country star Randy Houser on August 21 at the Steele County Free Fair, as well! Keep scrolling to see Cori's amazing performance during the Blind Auditions on The Voice last year.

Rochester Airport Event Delayed Chicago Flight Service Update

Speaking of RST, they were originally going to kick off a new daily service to Chicago this spring. As I wrote about last year, RST announced last fall that a daily United Airlines service from Rochester to Chicago's O'Hare Airport was set to start in late April. Then, the route was delayed until June 1st.

However, due to continuing FAA restrictions limiting the number of flights that can operate at Chicago O’Hare, those flights aren't scheduled to start until October 25, 2026.