BUFFALO, N.Y. — Music, food and fun was the order of the day at the 10th annual University United Festival on the University at Buffalo campus on Bailey in Buffalo.
The group Silk performed, followed by Musiq Soulchild. The headliner was singer Robin Thicke.
Thicke spoke with 2 On Your Side's Claudine Ewing about coming to Buffalo and performing in a city and before an audience that has experienced tragedy.
"Well, you know, that's what music is all about. It brings us together, my music especially," Thicke said. "It's gotten me through the toughest times in my life. It's nice to be able to see some of the songs I've heard tonight and help unite everybody and that's our spirit. So it's all about hope and love and community coming together."
Thicke had the crowd rocking as he sang his hits like "Blurred Lines" and "Lost Without You."
Festival chairwoman Taisha St. Jean Card said "bringing Robin Thicke, I knew in my heart it was going to bring a lot of people here and I was right. I love being able to see different generations of the individuals coming together really being united and loving on each other. It's called University United Festival, 'united' is the main point. We really wanted to bring someone with a big name and every year we bring some awesome people, but we wanted to really hit it off.
The event ended with fireworks.
There was a special recognition for Roseann Scibilia and her behind-the-scenes assistance.
St. Jean Card said last year there were about 20,000 people in attendance.
"When you look at the city of Buffalo and you look at east side, we didn't really have as many events. So 10 years ago, a group of block club leaders and local council members sat together and said, let's bring a festival here, but let's do it right. Bring some big acts and I'm grateful that the sponsors and all different elected officials pitched in to make this reality," she said.