Northern Kentucky’s top business and community leaders are trading boardrooms for the spotlight this fall as SUITS THAT ROCK returns Sept. 19 with an all-new “Suits Night Live” performance – an electrifying concert inspired by 50 years of legendary Saturday Night Live musical moments. The annual fundraiser supports The Carnegie’s youth arts education programs.
Inspired by more than 50 years of legendary musical performances on Saturday Night Live, this year’s theme, “Suits Night Live,” will feature a packed lineup of crowd-pleasing hits.
The concert features almost 40 local business and community leaders who share a passion for music and extensive performance experience. Many have performed in bands, toured professionally or have remained active musicians throughout their careers. They spend months rehearsing together to create a one-night-only benefit concert supporting The Carnegie’s youth arts education programs.
“Getting out of the office and onto the stage is always a thrill, but knowing it’s all for local students makes every note count,” said John Domaschko, co-founder and executive committee member of SUITS THAT ROCK. “We began planning for this year’s show the moment we stepped off stage last year. Every year we challenge ourselves to top the previous show, and this year’s “Suits Night Live” theme gave us endless inspiration. Attendees can expect incredible music and a night that celebrates both rock and the power of arts education.”
Joining the roster of returning performers this year are several “Guest SUITS,” including:
• Michael Cain, Liske & Brunner CPAs (saxophone)
• Ed Clark, Optotech USA (bass guitar)
• Brent Cooper, NKY Chamber of Commerce (drums)
• Jill Fitzpatrick, LPL Financial (vocals)
• Randy Marksberry, Second Element CFO & Advisory (bass guitar & mandolin)
• Rachel Strunk, First National Bank of Williamson / Grain Design (vocals)
• John Vitucci, retired GE Aircraft Engine Group (trumpet)
Since its founding, SUITS THAT ROCK has raised over $2 million, helping provide over 100,000 hours of arts education annually for thousands of local children. Through performances, workshops and immersive classroom experiences, The Carnegie connects students across the region with music, theater and visual arts – many for the very first time.
New this year, The Carnegie will celebrate a $25,000 grant from The Joel Foundation, established by legendary musician Billy Joel and Alexis Joel, to expand music education initiatives. The grant, which was secured with support from SUITS THAT ROCK, will be recognized during the evening with special event elements celebrating the partnership.
“Arts education gives young people confidence and a creative outlet that can transform their lives,” said Alissa Paasch, education director at The Carnegie. Thanks to the incredible support behind SUITS THAT ROCK and the generosity of The Joel Foundation we can continue bringing transformative arts experiences to thousands of local students every year.”
EVENT & TICKET INFORMATION
When: Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026 | Doors open at 6:30 p.m. | Concert starts at 7:30 p.m.
Where: MegaCorp Pavilion at Ovation, 101 W. 4th St., Newport, KY 41071
Tickets: Premium seats are $80, value seats are $60, and lawn seats are $30. Reserved tickets include a dedicated seat for the outdoor event. If the concert is held indoors due to weather, holders of value tickets will be relocated to standing-room-only and lawn tickets will be refunded. Chairs are not permitted in the lawn area, but blankets are welcome.
Purchasing: Tickets are on sale now. Tickets and event information are available through The Carnegie Box Office by calling (859) 957-1940 (Tues.-Fri., noon to 5 p.m.) or visiting thecarnegie.com.
2026 Suits That Rock Lineup
Returning SUITS: Mauricio Acosta, Olivia Amlung, Sheila Baker, Tom Bosse, Amy Brunner, Steve Brunner, Dan Cahill, Sarah Cameron, Kevin Canafax, John Caulfield, Rick Dews, Elaine Diehl, Jan Diehl, John Domaschko, Chrissy Dunn Dutton, David Ellis, Gregg Fusaro, Matt Godsted, Nancy Grayson, Ed Hughes, Louis Kelly, Adam Leisring, Melissa Lutz, Rick Marksberry, Bob Mitchell, Susan Morgan, Graeme Murray, Steve Robbins, Tim Schigel, Greg Shumate, Gary Wright.
2026 SUITS THAT ROCK Sponsors
Title: Lisa and Normand Desmarais
Presenting: The Mitchell Daughters Foundation, St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Qual IT Resources
Premium: Champlin Studios, CVG International Airport, Grain Design Flooring
Media Sponsor: LINK nky, CityBeat
Gold: altafiber, CIG Communities, Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc., Event Enterprises, Fidelity Investments, First National Bank of Williamson, FBT Gibbons, HSD Metrics, MegaCorp Pavilion, Graeme Murray & Vicki Herche Charitable Foundation, PNC Bank, Scooter Media, Ladislas & Vilma Segoe Family Foundation, Strauss Troy Attorneys at Law, UBS Financial Services
Silver: AAA Club Alliance, Rich & Lisa Boehne, Central Bank, C-Forward, Dinsmore, Duke Energy, Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Horizon Community Foundation of Northern Kentucky, The INTERalliance of Cincinnati, Manning Contracting, Mariner Wealth Advisors, MSA Design, NorseMedia, Rumpke, Victory Wholesale Group, Western & Southern Financial, WipFli
Bronze: Adams Law, BHMK Law, Chris & Valerie Bopp, Clover Security, Forever Fitness, Gerard Heating & Air, Louis & Beth Guttman, Heritage Bank, Houchens Insurance Group, Midland Atlantic Properties, NAVI Associates, Rudler, PSC, The Summit Hotel, Jan & Tim Timmel, Truist, Union Home Mortgage, WesBanco
Host: Advantage Roofing, Baird Wealth Management, Sara & Richard Behrman, T.J. Burton, Delish Dish, Erigo Employer Solutions, FRAYT, The Hughes Group, Liske & Brunner, Jason Payne, John & Jan Steinman, Taft Law, Ward Family Foundation
