About CMAC

The History of CMAC

1983: In 1983 the Finger Lakes Performing Arts Center was founded and in 1983 it opened on the Finger Lakes Community College campus by Marvin Sands, founder of Canandaigua Wine Company, and other community leaders. Marvin founded CMAC (Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center) because he realized the important role that arts and culture play in the quality of the community.

2005: In early 2005 a group of community leaders met with Richard Sands, Executive Vice Chairman of Constellation Brands, and Rob Sands, Executive Chairman of Constellation Brands, to discuss how their leadership, along with others in the community might pull together in continuing Marvin’s dream and ensuring that the center would not ‘go dark.’

First-Class Venue

2006: In 2006, this $13.5 million facility is the result of a privately-funded undertaking through the sale of 54 VIP boxes. Constellation Brands secured the naming rights. This state-of-the-art facility nurtures the arts for our community and provides the ultimate venue for music and entertainment. CMAC features 5,000 covered seats and lawn seating for up to 10,000 guests.

Top Notch Performers

In recent years, CMAC has attracted sold out shows and top-notch musical performers such as: Dave Matthews, Kenny Chesney, Sugarland, Lady Antebellum, Bob Dylan, Mumford & Sons, Kid Rock, Snoop Dogg, The Allman Brothers, Tom Petty and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Rock On Responsibly

Planet Reimagined Partnership

CMAC is proud to partner with Planet Reimagined to promote new solutions to climate challenges, including commitments to making sure that concerts at CMAC do not add excess carbon emissions to the environment.

Planet Reimagined is a non-profit social venture founded by bassist Adam Met of the multi-platinum band AJR. Planet Reimagined champions sustainability through the powerful tool of culture and entertainment to reach large audiences.

For each ticket sold in the 2022 season, CMAC will donate $1 to Planet Reimagined. With this partnership, CMAC joins the Show Goes On campaign, which highlights how bands, venues, and fans can consider their climate impacts at every step, from transportation to get to the show all the way through to composting after the show.

Planet Reimagined works globally and locally to bring communities together to campaign for people and the planet. One Planet Reimagined initiative this summer is a fellowship for students from around the world to do research about how the music industry can contribute to a healthier, cleaner planet.

Zero Waste Solutions

CMAC works closely with locally-based companies Natural UpcyclingJanus Services, Inc., Empire Recycling, and Waste Harmonics to sort and divert waste in real-time at the venue. At the end of each show, Janus Services, Inc. sorts through every bag of garbage from the venue making sure items go into the proper containers for recycling, compost, returnables, or landfill. Natural Upcycling collects our compost waste, including a large variety of items other than food, like silverware and food containers. Empire Recycling provides CMAC with a covered container large enough to accommodate multiple shows and then hauls compost from the venue. We also work closely with Waste Harmonics to haul our landfill and recycling dumpsters. They provide education on understanding what the landfill will accept/reject and how to keep our recycling clean and free of contaminates.

Designated Drivers

CMAC encourages our patrons to enjoy the show and rock on responsibly. Guests may bring one empty, sealed water bottle and utilize our water-filling station located near the main restrooms.

Tip Donations

Volunteers staff the wine and beer tents located on the main concession plaza each season and donate the dollars raised from tips to local not for profits. Over the past five years, over $50,000 has been donated to Thompson Health and the Canandaigua YMCA youth programs.