ย [
CALENDAR ] BY JACOB BLISS, DALE EVANS, EMILY FAITH, JESSE HANUS, REBECCA
RAFFERTY, ERIC REZSNYAK, AND NICK STATT
There’s so much to do in Rochester
in the summer. So much, in fact, that just looking at pages and pages of
endless listings can leave you, dear reader, nearly paralyzed by the sheer
number of events that fill nearly every day of the next three months. So let us
do the work for you.
City has played social planner, picking one activity for you
to indulge in every single day of the summer, from the Summer Guide publication
date (June 16) to Labor Day (September 6). Given those limitations it isn’t a
comprehensive listing of everything that’s going on — for that you should pick
up City Newspaper every Wednesday for that week’s events, or visit our online
calendar at rochestercitynewspaper.com — but it’s a good mixture of festivals, special events, concerts, art
exhibits, stage shows, and more that will practically guarantee that you make
the most of the summer.
Wednesday, June 16
RECREATION: There’s no better way to officially start your
summer than a trip to Rochester’s
own amusement park, Seabreeze. Take your local
thrill seeking five stories higher this summer on the new Revolution 360 ride.
A large, 360-degree rotating disk that sweeps across a half-pipe track, the
park’s latest attraction is sure to take your breath away. Once you get it
back, cool off by taking a dip in the Raging Rivers water park. And before you
head home make sure to ride the legendary Jack Rabbit rollercoaster, celebrating
its 90th year in operation. Whether reliving childhood memories or your own, or
creating new ones with your kids, the park’s 70-plus rides and attractions are
not to be missed this summer. Seabreeze is located at
4600 Culver Road. For more
information call 323-1900 or visit seabreeze.com. — EF
Thursday, June 17
SPECIAL EVENT: Spend
an evening getting artsy in the South Wedge with the unveiling of the “urban
folk art” traffic control paintings. This is the latest attempt to beautify
what is emerging to be one of the hippest areas of the city. It also supports
local artists, and shows off the vibrant beauty of graffiti-style art. Not only
will you get a first look at the new functional artworks, but if you show up to
the artist reception at 7 p.m. you can speak with the artists and eat
free food. Stay around until 8 p.m. to hear live acoustic blues from Cashback, a Johnny Cash tribute band. All of it goes down
at StarAlleyPark, next to Lux
Lounge on South Avenue, and is part of the neighborhood’s
summer-long Third Thursdays art and music program.
Visit Savorourflavor.com for more details. – JH
Friday, June 18
THEATER: Get all hot and bothered with the confronting drama “Who’s
Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” tonight at MuCCC (142
Atlantic Ave). The 1962 play by Edward Albee seems
simple on paper: two couples chat it up after a late-night party and end up
unearthing dark secrets about each other’s marriages. But Albee made sure to
layer the plot with enough complexity to make the two-hour play a tour de force
of intense and uncomfortable confrontations; you probably remember the iconic
film version starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Michael Arve directs
the show for the Greater Rochester Repertory Companies; the production runs
June 17-27, tickets cost $12-$20. For more information, a full schedule, and
tickets, visit muccc.org. – NS
Saturday, June 19
MUSIC: Get help scrubbing that awful last season of “American
Idol” out of your memory by checking out one of the show’s most legitimate
successes. Daughtry, the band formed by “AI”
Season 5 favorite Chris Daughtry, plays the Blue
Cross Arena tonight for a 7:30 p.m.
show. Daughtry dominated modern-rock radio for more
than a year after the 2006 release of the group’s self-titled debut disc, which
featured monster hits like “It’s Not Over,” “Home,” and “Over You.” While the
follow-up album, “Leave This Town,” hasn’t made quite the impact, Chris is
still doing a hell of a lot better than most of the “Idol” also-rans (and many
of the winners). Lifehouse and Cavo
share the bill, and tickets cost $26.50-$36.50. For more
information visit bluecrossarena.com.- ER
Sunday, June 20
FESTIVAL: What does an entire festival of fiddlers sound
like? My guess is epic beauty, but you can find out for yourself at the 21st
Annual Old Time Fiddlers’ Gathering at WatkinsGlenState Park
(433 South Franklin St.,
Watkins Glen) on Saturday and Sunday, June 19-20. The fest is included with
regular park admission of $8 per vehicle, which includes swimming; the park
also features camping and dining for additional fees. Headlining fiddlers
include Pat Kane of Finger Lakes Folk, The BossTones,
and LuxBridge.
Free workshops will be available in the jammin’ tent.
Music and dancing begin at 1 p.m.
each afternoon and continue until evening. Visit earts.org for updated artist
information. – RR
Monday, June 21
SPORTS: Even if you’re not a golf buff, there’s something
calming and meditative about attending the annual Wegmans LPGA Championship as a spectator. The greens at Locust Hill Country Club are gorgeous, the sun is
shining (hopefully), and talented golfers will be demonstrating their skills
with true class. The event runs June 21-27 this year, but if you show up today
you can take in the Wegmans pro-am event, in which professional golfers pair up
with amateurs to take the course. Tee times are at 7:30 and 9:20 a.m.,
and noon and 1:20 p.m. Daily spectator tickets cost $35, while passes
to the week-long event cost $95-$135. For more information, go to wegmanslpga.org.
– JB
Tuesday, June 22
SPORTS: It’s just not a summer in Rochester
unless you head out to at least once to see the Rochester Red Wings play
a game of minor-league baseball Frontier Field. The Red Wings experience is worthwhile
no matter how our boys are doing on the field. The stadium is great, the food
is better than your typical ball-park fare, and it’s hard not to get swept up
when the crowd starts cheering. Round up the family, or get together a couple
buddies, and head to HighFalls
today to see the Red Wings face off against the Columbus Clippers. The game
starts at 7:05 p.m., and tickets cost
$6.50-$10.50. For more information, and for a full schedule of the entire 2010
Red Wings season, go to redwingsbaseball.com. – JB
Wednesday, June 23
MUSIC: The state at Boulder Coffee on Alexander
Street is for the casual listener, the spontaneous
performer, and seasoned veterans. It’s the openness, respect, and overall fun
atmosphere of that mixture that makes the chill South Wedge coffeehouse’s
weekly Open Mic Jam event a great time. The
event takes place every Wednesday at 8 p.m.,
is completely free, and anyone can come down and perform, or just grab a drink
and enjoy the show. For more information and a complete list of Boulder’s
summer concerts and events, visit bouldercoffeeco.com. – NS
Thursday, June 24
MUSIC: The HochsteinSchool of Music & Dance puts on
a variety of cool shows all year round, but its Hochstein at High Falls summer series is especially worth checking out. The outdoor shows take place
every Thursday in June and July at GraniteMillsPark
near the Pont de Renns Bridge in HighFalls and feature a number of
talented local musicians performing in a wide variety of musical styles. The
June 24 show will feature Fem Vindar, a woodwind
quintet made up of Hochstein faculty members. The concerts start at 12:15 p.m., and are completely free (Hochstein
suggests bringing blankets or other seating). For more information or for a
full schedule visit Hochstein.org. –
JB
Friday, June 25
FESTIVAL: Head up to Charlotte
today for the annual Harbor & Carousel Festival, which runs through
the weekend at OntarioBeachPark (off Lake
Avenue). While you should certainly pay your
respects to our lovely lakefront, make sure to take a ride on the 105-year-old
carousel that also gives the festival its name. Some fun facts about “the
Duchess”: it is one of only 14 operating antique “menagerie” carousels in the
country, the menagerie term coming from the fact that it features animals other
than horses. Specifically it includes 33 horses, three rabbits, three cats,
three ostriches, three pigs, two mules, and one each of a lion, tiger, goat,
giraffe, and deer. I call dibs on one of the pigs. The festival runs June
24-27, and features live music, family carnival rides, tall ships, fireworks, a
boat parade of lights, and more. Admission is free. For hours and a full
schedule of events check cityofrochester.gov. – ER
Saturday, June 26
MUSIC: Hosted by Rochester’s own Genesee Brewery, the “Rock
the Cans” concert taking place tonight is a chance for people to come out,
enjoy live music, and support the local food bank Foodlink
with donations of canned goods. Performing at the show will be two of alt-rock
giants from the 1990’s, The Gin Blossoms and Soul Asylum, both of whom came out
with their first albums in more than seven years back in 2006. Local band Uncle
Plum opens the show. Genesee Brewery is located at 445 St. Paul St. Tickets cost
$12 and are on sale at all Wegmans stores. Gates open at 3:30 p.m. with the concert starting at 4 p.m. Donations to Foodlink are
not mandatory, but encouraged. For more information visit
foodlinkny.org.- NS
Sunday, June 27
RECREATION: Want to throw a couple in, but don’t have a
license? HamlinBeachState Park is holding a Free
Fishing Day today starting at noon.
Amateur anglers can fish free of charge and without a license. The Town of Hamlin
will be making this a festive occasion, with fishing-related exhibits, games,
and prizes. Hamlin Beach is one of the better beaches in the Rochester area,
and Free Fishing Day should be a great time to check it out, as well as a good
introduction to fishing for those who are less-than-familiar with the sport. HamlinBeachState Park
is located just to the west of Rochester.
For more information on the park, and for a full list of its many summer
events, visit nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/20. – JB
Monday, June 28
MUSIC: The Eastman
School of Music is one of the arts institutions that makesRochester such a unique and vibrant city. While
school may be out, ESM’s summer schedule is
jam-packed with concerts and events, including tonight’s concert by the Dave
Rivello Jazz Ensemble, which will be held at 7:30 p.m. in Kilbourn Hall. Rivello
is a well-regarded jazz composer and conductor, and he’ll his 12-pice ensemble
through some of his original compositions. Admission to the show costs $5-$10. For
a full schedule of ESM summer concerts check esm.rochester.edu. -JH
Tuesday, June 29
RECREATION: I’m always torn, during those unbearably humid
days, whether I should escape the heat indoors or buck up and make the most of
the summer heat while we’ve got it. You can do both at Lamberton Conservatory at Highland Park (171
Reservoir Ave.): bring a book or friends to the
sprawling greenhouse, enjoy the exotic plants, the sun, and the waterfalls.
Benches provide resting spots, and if you get peckish,
picnic among the trees and rolling hills of Highland Park.
Lamberton is open from 10
a.m.-4 p.m. daily, including holidays, and admission is $2-$3. For
more info, call 753-7270. – RR
Wednesday, June 30
MUSIC: Blue Oyster Cult truly exemplifies rock ‘n’
roll. The band’s albums are like artifacts from an exciting fantasy world,
where heroes and villains duke it out amidst blazing guitar solos and
brilliantly clichรฉd protagonists find their way through the stylized vignettes
that B.O.C. specialize in. Girls, girls, girls was rock’s standard subject
matter when B.O.C. rose to prominence. The band precipitated both the punk and
heavy metal musical movements by forgoing songs about love and sex, and opting
instead for tunes about UFOs, Godzilla, and Joan Crawford. There’s a Blue
Oyster Cult gig at Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack in Farmington
tonight at 6:30 p.m., and like all
of casino’s summer concert series, it’s free. Sounds like a plan to me, and the
price is right. For more information on the show or the Finger Lakes
summer concert series visit fingerlakesracetrack.com. – JB
Thursday, July 1
MUSIC: Are you one of Rochester’s
edgy young tastemakers? I know I am, and that’s why I’m so often found at the
Bug Jar’s Thursday Night Shakedown. There’s a
lot of bars on hallowed Monroe Avenue,
and they tend to blur together easily. However, the Bug Jar’s Thursday-night
shindig stands as a genuinely hip institution. Rochester’s
most urbane girls and boys congregate, drink, and bask in each other’s glowing
presences while DJs spin danceable indie jams. I’m totally over the whole
dancing thing, but you can feel free to get down. The Shakedown takes place
every Thursday at 11 p.m., and it’s
free for those over 21. If you’re underage (but still 18+), $8 is the modest
entry fee. The Bug Jar is located at 219 Monroe Ave.
For more information, and for a schedule of all the venue’s many upcoming
concerts, visit bugjar.com. – JB
Friday, July 2
RECREATION: Start making a list of the Top 10 people you love
to hate and invite them to a different sort of party — the kind where you suit
up with goggles and armor and paint-splat all of your pent-up aggression out on
each other. At N’Vasion Paintball on University
Avenue there will be plenty of spills and thrills
as you divide into teams and face off in the 14,000-square-foot padded playing
field. The venue is open for play Fridays-Sundays, but you can make a reservation
anytime 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All the equipment you need is available
for rental. Open play for individuals is also available. For more information
call 473-7529 or visit nvp-proshop.com. — EF
Saturday, July 3
THEATER: Get in the patriotic spirit by taking in “Red,
White, and Tuna” at Bristol Valley Theater in Naples.
The third installment of the so-called “Tuna trilogy” once again turns its gaze
on the small, bizarre town of Tuna,
Texas, which is stocked with zany
characters and even nuttier situations, like beauty-queen rivalries, UFO
sightings, and road-kill sculptures. The show runs June 24-July 4 (today’s
showing is at 8 p.m.), and tickets
run $10-$30. It’s just one of BVT’s summer shows. The
rest of the season includes Cole Porter’s “Let’s Misbehave,” “Dirty Rotten
Scoundrels,” “Boeing Boeing,” Murderers,” and “Treasure
Island.” For more information and a full
schedule visit bvtnaples.org. –ER
Sunday, July 4
SPECIAL EVENT: Celebrate
July 4 a little differently this year by taking a step back in time and
attending Independence Day: A Celebration Across
Time at the GeneseeCountryVillage and Museum in Mumford. From 10 a.m.-5
p.m. you can
partake in some rowdy, really old-fashioned
fun by competing in pie-eating contests, tugs of war, watermelon seed-spitting,
sack races, and egg tosses. Meanwhile you’ll also learn how Americans
celebrated July 4 over the years, specifically in 1826, 1876, and 1926. Admission
to the event costs $12-$15, children under 3 attend
free. For more details on this and GCVM’s other
summer special events visit gcv.org. -JH
Monday, July 5
RECREATION: In addition to all of the elephants, tigers,
penguins, and more that routinely call it home, two gorgeous snow leopards have
taken up residence in the SenecaPark Zoo. They
are part of the zoo’s Species Survival Plan, as a mere 7000 of their kind are
estimated to exist in the wild worldwide. Red-Eye the alligator returns this
summer, along with two more reptilian friends from St.
AugustineAlligatorFarmZoologicalPark
in Florida. There’s lots to see
and do this summer at the zoo, which is open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at 2222 St.
Paul St. Admission costs $6-$9. For more information on the zoo and its many
programs call 336-7200 or visit senecaparkzoo.org. -EF
Tuesday, July 6
THEATER: If you like karaoke, if you like “Sex and the City,”
if you like grabbing your girlfriends and going out for a drunken night on the
town to bitch about the horrible men in your lives, then Geva Theatre has the
summer show for you. “Girls Night: The Musical” is pretty much exactly
what it is: five friends have a night of debauchery and let out their pent-up
frustration over their past, present, and future to the tune of
female-empowering radio staples like “I Will Survive,” “It’s Raining Men,” and
more. Audience participation is highly encouraged. “Girls Night” runs on the
Geva main stage July 6-August 1. Tickets cost $XX. For more information or for
a full schedule of performances call 232-GEVA or visit gevatheatre.org. -ER
Wednesday, July 7
THEATER: “Much AdoAbout Nothing” is a quintessential Shakespearean
comedy. The action is fueled mostly by mistaken identities and
misunderstandings, and some plot twists that make almost no sense to modern
audiences. But it’s all charming, and as always, the language is brilliant. The
Shakespeare Players of Rochester (a wing of the Rochester Community Players)
bring the classic tale of love and hate to the Highland
Bowl (off South Avenue) July 2-17 for the annual Shakespeare in the Park
performance. We recommend bringing lawn chairs, plenty of bug spray, and a
sumptuous feast fit for Don Pedro himself and kicking back for a night of
outdoor entertainment. Best of all: it’s totally free. For a full schedule of
performances and more information on RCP or the Shakespeare Players visit
rochestercommunityplayers.org. -ER
Thursday, July 8
MUSIC: “Young@Heart” is an
endearing, entertaining 2008 documentary about New England’s
Young@Heart Chorus, a group of senior
citizens who have found a second life performing pop songs by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Sonic Youth, The Ramones, and other
out-of-left-field choices. If you liked the movie, here’s your chance to see
the real thing. The chorus is coming to Rochester
for a concert titled “Alive & Well,” full of the talent, daring song
choices, and self-effacing humor featured in the film. Catch Y@H kicking out
the jams at the Auditorium Theatre (885 E Main St)
tonight at 7:30 p.m. as a fundraiser
for Geva Theatre. Ticket prices for the show run $33-$53. For more information
call 232-4382 or visit gevatheatre.org. -JB
Friday, July 9
DANCE: Don’t
know how to dance? It’s OK. Watch the experts strut
their stuff and learn for yourself at Groove Juice Swing’s Dance and Movie
Night. The event begins at 7 p.m. with an introductory swing-dance
lesson and practice session. Once you’re done trying to teach your two left
feet how to swing, be ready to see some even fancier footwork during a
presentation of vintage dance clips once shown on the silver screen. The clips
showcase the talents of legendary swing dancers doing the Lindy Hop at a time
when dance halls could span upwards of two city blocks. Afterward, you’ll
be inspired — and ready — to dance to the sweet and hot rhythms of bands like
Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman. It may not be live, but the DJ spinning them will
keep you dancing all night long. The event runs until 11 p.m. and costs $5. Groove Juice Swing holds
monthly dances at Tango Cafรฉ Dance Studio on Gregory Street. For more
information visit groovejuiceswing.com.
-JH
Saturday, July 10
RECREATION: Spend
an afternoon exploring the great outdoors with your family by checking out “Tales
& Trails” at Ganondagan, starting at 1:30 p.m. The event is part of the “Savor the
Summer” outdoor recreation series that combines
healthy, outdoor activities with Native-American lore. Children and parents
alike will enjoy this adventure, which includes walking Ganondagan’s
easiest trail and hearing tales of our four-legged and winged friends from
interpreter and storyteller Ronnie Reitter. All of
the “Savor the Summer” programming will take place at Ganondagan State Historic Site, 1488 State Route 444, Victor. Costs for non-members are
$5 for individuals or $15 for families. For full program descriptions and to
guarantee your spot by pre-registering, visit ganondagan.org. -JH
Sunday, July 11
FESTIVAL: Small artist movements are springing up all over
the area lately. Arts & crafts trade parties are hosted in people’s homes.
Non-traditional galleries are now new music venues. There’s even a local noodle
shop where you can sample local bands while you eat. Back in 1968, a group of
resident artists hoped to save the historic Corn Hill neighborhood then
threatened by the Urban Renewal Program. These days the Corn Hill Arts
Festival has grown into a massive summertime staple, featuring countless
quality artisans showcasing their work, and even an emerging artists
expo. As you stroll up and down the streets of historic Corn Hill, snacking on
your sack of kettle corn, be sure to marvel in the power of a precious few, and
reflect on how art has made a positive change in the neighborhood. The Corn
Hill festival runs July 10-11, and admission is free. For
more information visit cornhillartsfestival.com.-EF
Monday, July 12
DANCE: A thrilling new weeklong festival will take place at NazarethCollege July 10-17. The inaugural Nazareth
College Arts Center Dance Festival will feature main stage performances in
Callahan Theater from various internationally renowned companies, including
STREB Extreme Action Company and Inlet Dance Theatre. Also included are free performances
from local dance groups on an outdoor stage at Naz’s
beautiful campus, busking (street musician)
performance parades throughout Rochester
and MonroeCounty,
and dance films and exhibitions. On Monday, July 11, featured events include
performances by the Elizabeth Clark Dance Ensemble, Park Avenue Dance Company, Bharata Classical Indian Dance, and Borinquen
Dance Theatre. Show times and ticket prices vary. For more info, call 389-2525
or visit naz.edu/artscenter. -RR
Tuesday, July 13
SPECIAL EVENT: Last summer, my man-friend informed me that OntarioBeachPark
holds free weekly screenings of various films during July and August. I giggled
at the genius of showing “Jaws” as part of its Movies on the Beach series, but while watching, I found myself stealing (foolishly) nervous glances
at the dark waters beyond the screen. At least they didn’t position us watching
with the lake behind us! This year, “Jaws” will be shown July 13 at dusk.
“Here’s to swimmin’ with bowlegged women!” For the
full listing of films screened on the beach and at the Highland Bowl throughout
the summer, visit monroecounty.gov. — RR
Wednesday, July 14
MUSIC: The Invictas were arguably Rochester’s
premier garage rock goons back in the 60’s, and they’re still playing rock ‘n’
roll for adoring fans. The band no longer travels around in a black Cadillac
hearse like it used to, but its members still crank out tunes like their hit
dance song “The Hump.” Yes, ladies and gentlemen, “The Hump.” It’s as great as
it sounds. The Invictas will be performing as part of
the Wegmans Concerts by the Shore series at OntarioBeachPark
in Charlotte, an upbeat musical series
with cheap food and a celebratory atmosphere every Wednesdays through August 25.
The concerts are free and begin at 7 p.m.
For more information or for a complete schedule of this year’s bands, call 256-4951
or visit charlottecca.org. -JB
Thursday, July 15
FESTIVAL: From Wednesday, July 14, to Sunday, July 18, the Monroe
Country Fair will fill the fairgrounds in Henrietta with so many events,
unique foods, shows, and rides that no attendee could possibly run out of
things to do. Just to highlight the variety, consider that there will be
pie-baking and poster-making competitions, school bus battle derbies, carnival
rides, and enough arts and crafts vendors to fulfill the flea-market shopper in
all of us. For a full list of all the events, contest eligibilities,
directions, and ticket pricing, visit mcfair.com. -NS
Friday, July 16
MUSIC: Watkins
and the Rapiers, a local bland that plays Americana and folk music, will be the stars of
this week’s installment of the 14 Fridays series at
the Village Gate, hosted by the Bop Shop. On every Friday this summer get up
and bust a move on the dance floor, or sit back and enjoy the tunes while
eating at one of the Village Gate’s many restaurants with outdoor seating. Be
sure to come early and check out some of the specialty retail shops inside,
which include jewelry stores, antiques, vintage
clothing, collectibles, and art galleries. The concerts run 6-8 p.m. at 274 N. Goodman St. and are always free. For a full
line-up or for more information check bopshop.com. -JH
Saturday, July 17
The air will be thick with glitter and the muscle shirts will
abound as Rochester Pride
2010 brings the local gay community out in full force. At press time
details about the annual celebration of all things LGBT were scant, but the Gay
Alliance is reporting that events will run July 10-18, with major events taking
place July 16-18, like the always-fabulous parade, which brings out every facet
of the gay community, from drag queens to leather daddies to go-go boys to
church and youth groups to politicians, community leaders, and business owners.
European dance-hall diva Amber will be the headliner of this year’s festival.
For more information on Pride check gayalliance.org or pick up a copy of The
Empty Closet. -ER
Sunday, July 18
MUSIC: BoulderFestis
an annual summer music festival sponsored by and held at South Wedge coffee
shop Boulder Coffee. Boulder is an
earthy, welcoming establishment, and BoulderFest
extends that atmosphere to a weekend-long concert setting. This year Ithaca
reggae favorites John Brown’s Body will be performing alongside other upstate
musicians like songwriter Josh Netsky, jam band
perennials The Buddhahood, and eclectic world music
group One World Tribe. Those are just a few of the acts that will be appearing,
with a variety of different genres dotting the schedule. The festival runs
Friday, July 16-Sunday, July 18 at Boulder’s
Alexander Street location.
A complete schedule and other details can be found at
festival.bouldercoffeeco.com. -JB
Monday, July 19
SPECIAL EVENT: You probably think you’re pretty smart, don’t
you? Why don’t you put your knowledge of useless facts to good use at trivia
night at one of the local bars. There are several
well known games about town, including The Old Toad (Mondays at 9:30 p.m. at 277
Alexander St, theoldtoad.com). But I can often be
found at the more low-key affair at 140 Alex Bar & Grill (Mondays at 9 p.m. at 140
Alexander St, 140alex.com), a primarily, but not
exclusively, gay hangout. The trivia games are largely informal – you can play
in teams of one to eight people – and the subjects range from obscure pop-culture
trivia to animal facts to British tourism spots. It’s free to play, and the
winning team gets drink chips or cheap swag from booze companies, and the most
important thing: bragging rights. For more information call 256-1000. –ER
Tuesday, July 20
RANDOM: Summertime is the best time of year to support your
local farms. Many are only a short drive away, and you can pick your own
fruits and veggies. With two locations in both Greece
and Hilton, Green Acre Farms offers a wide variety to choose from. Strawberries,
raspberries, blueberries, apricots, peaches, plums, nectarines, prunes, and 22
varieties of apples are available at various points throughout the summer and
into the fall. When the consumer becomes a part of the harvesting process everyone
benefits from a sweet deal. For more information on Green Acres call 234-0252
or visit greenacreupick.com. –EF
Wednesday, July 21
MUSIC: Plan to
be in downtown Rochester July 17-24 to experience MusicFest‘s
new five-night, multi-venue format, where you can hear live gospel, Motown, and
this Wednesday’s “Sax in the City” smooth jazz show at the Riverside Festival
Site located at Court Street and Exchange Boulevard. Show time is at 7 p.m., and admission is $25-$35. Tickets are
available through Ticketmaster and a limited number are available at Mad
Flavors Clothing, 185 Lyell Ave. There are lots of changes to the MusicFest set-up this year, so for a full schedule and details
head to cityofrochester.gov. -JH
Thursday, July 22
ART: Perhaps you attend the major exhibitions at the Memorial
Art Gallery, but are unfamiliar with the nearly 11,000 works of art in the
permanent collection. This summer, travel through the museum and back in time
with three newly renovated galleries that opened to the public late last year.
On the first floor you’ll encounter the arts of Africa, Oceania,
and the Americas.
Journey upstairs to the Helen H. Berkeley Gallery of Ancient Art, filled with art
objects and artifacts from ancient Egypt,
Greece, and Rome.
“At the Crossroads” showcases works from the ancient Middle East
and the Islamic world, and includes pieces never before on view. And don’t
overlook the loads of Asian, European, and contemporary art, too. The MAG is
located at 500 University Ave. Gallery admission costs $5-$10. Hours are
Wednesday-Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.,
Thursdays until 9 p.m. For more info,
call 276-8900 or visit mag.rochester.edu. — RR
Friday, July 23
MUSIC: In the second half of 2009, The Flaming Lips released
their double album “Embryonic” and remade Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon.”
For a group that will be celebrating its 27th birthday this year, that’s quite
the feat. To further prove that the band is not slowing down anytime soon,
these Oklahoma experimental
rockers are hitting seemingly every spot up and down the United
States this summer, which includes the CMAC
in Canandaigua for a show on July 23, with blues-rock duo the Black Keys as special
guest. Tickets for the 7 p.m. show
run $37. This is just one of the huge concerts taking place at CMAC this
summer; others include Phish (June 29), Weezer (July
11), Willie Nelson (July 29), and Maroon 5 (August 7). For more information and
tickers, visit cmacevents.com. — NS
Saturday, July 24
FESTIVAL: What
do 10 ugly men do when they get together? Throw a festival, apparently. The
10 Ugly Men Festival turns 21 this year and is celebrating, as usual, with
huge party and donating all proceeds to Rochester charities. A general admission ticket
costs $30 in advance and includes an “ugly mug,” unlimited soda, water, and
food, and five tickets for beer and wine. Or, go VIP for $125 and get access to
the VIP tent, unlimited drinks, and a specialty drink, lunch and dinner menu.
While you’re there, prove your manliness by participating in the kickball,
bocce, dodgeball, KanJam,
and volleyball tournaments, or the 5K race. Ages 13-20 can attend for $10, and kids 12 and under are free. The festival takes place
at GeneseeValleyPark. For more
information go to tenuglymen.com.
-JH
Sunday, July 25
FESTIVAL: Canandaigua Lake is one of
the most beautiful sights in upstate New York,
especially in the summer, with cool breezes and beautiful sunshine to be had.
The Waterfront Art Festival is a perfect opportunity to spend some time
on its shores, and to check out some local arts & crafts by approximately
180 exhibitors. The event runs July 24-25 at KershawPark on LakeShore drive, in Canandaigua. For
more information, visit waterfrontartfestival.com.
–JB
Monday, July 26
KIDS: Blow off work today and take the family to the Strong
National Museum of Play, a consistent hit with both young and old Rochester
residents. In between letting the kids run while in the “Sesame Street” exhibit,
the simulated Wegmans experience, and the butterfly conservatory, have some fun
for yourself by touring through the massive number of display cases housing
antique toys, or get into a fierce “Dance Dance
Revolution” battle in the “Fields of Play” room. There’s honestly almost too
much to do in a day, including this summer’s special exhibit, the puzzling “MindbenderMansion.” The National Museum of
Play is open daily, and admission costs $9-$11. For more
information visit museumofplay.org.
–ER
Tuesday, July 27
MUSIC: If you missed the Xerox Rochester International Jazz
Festival earlier this summer, or just want to keep your love of the genre alive
well into the year, the Penfield Amphitheater hosts its Cool Jazz Tuesday
Series for four weeks straight starting July 13. Rochester
native Gap Mangione, just one of four artists in the series, will hit the stage
on July 27 to perform with his New Blues Band quartet. Like all of the Penfield
Amphitheater events, this one is free and open to the public. For more
information on Cool Jazz Tuesdays and a complete list of events at the Penfield
Amphitheater this summer, visit penfield.org. –NS
Wednesday, July 28
MUSIC: Steve
Earle is considered
one of the best roots rock musicians in America, and Hot Tuna has been playing
blues and rock and roll since the 60’s. The two acts converge tonight for a
concert at WaterStreetMusic Hall. This summer the music hall offers
some of the best local, national, and international acts in an eclectic space. Other
acts include Minus the Bear (July 5), Steve Hackett (July 2), Project Pitchfork
(June 22), and Interpol (June 21). The Earle/Hot Tuna show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets cost $30-$35. For more information visit waterstreetmusic.com. -JH
Thursday, July 29
MUSIC: If you only see one show in the 2010 Party in the
Park series, make it this one. Court Yard Hounds – the new band featuring
Emily Robison and Martie Maguire from the Dixie
Chicks – is something of a coup for the local concert series. The band may be
new, but this side project features the gorgeous harmonies and serious musical
chops the sisters perfected in years as members of the Chicks. It should be a
fantastic show. Other notable PitP dates this year
include Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad (July 1), Galactic w/Cyril Neville
(August 5), and Dark Star Orchestra (August 12), although the series puts on a
show every Thursday 5-10 p.m. at the Riverside Festival Site, corner of
Exchange Boulevard and Court Street. All shows free. For more information check
cityofrochester.gov. –ER
Friday, July 30
MUSIC: Following their Grammy-nominated 2008 release “Only by
the Night,” the Kings of Leonare undoubtedly
one of the biggest names in modern rock right now. If you’re a die-hard fan,
you don’t need me to tell you they’re coming to DarienLake on July 30. But if you’ve ever
given them a listen and like their unique mix of Southern rock and pop,
admission is relatively low ($36.50 for general) and they put on a phenomenal
live performance. The show starts at 7:30 p.m.
and the opening acts are Built to Spill and The Still.
It’s just one of the big shows coming to the Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
in DarienCenter
this summer. Other big acts include Tim McGraw w/Lady Antebellum (August 6),
KISS (August 13), Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (August 28), andย John Mayer
(August 10). Visit livenation.com for more details. –NS
Saturday, July 31
SPECIAL EVENT: Is your knowledge of Rochester’s
history and lore lacking? We know all about George Eastman, but who was
Rattlesnake Pete? Bring the family down to the river for the free High Falls
Laser Show. It’s especially important to show your love for this event,
since funding is flagging. The show can be viewed from the Pont De Rennes
pedestrian bridge (off State Street)
in HighFalls10-10:30 p.m., rain or shine, every
Saturday through the summer. Enjoy spectacular laser animation projected on the
gorge wall, fireworks, and music (including a song by local ukulele star Julia Nunes). For more info, call 428-5990 or visit
cityofrochester.gov. –RR
Sunday, August 1
FESTIVAL: This
year marks the Puerto Rican Festival‘s 41st anniversary, making it the
longest-running ethnic festival in MonroeCounty. The event begins Friday, July 30, and
features three days full of live salsa music, amazing food, and cultural
events. Be sure to check out the dance groups, domino tournament, and the
introduction of Miss Puerto Rico of Rochester 2010. The festival is held at the
Frontier Field VIP parking lot and begins at noon each day. General Admission costs $5-$9,
kids aged 5 and under free. More information at prfestival.com.
-JH
Monday, August 2
RECREATION: If sitting still in a kayak is too confining,
rowing a boat too active, and keeping a canoe upright tests
your sense of balance too rigorously, there is another option. Pedal boats are easy to maneuver and they’re not really meant to go anywhere but there and
back – “there” being relative. Actually, I feel they have been named
inaccurately. I call them “paddle floats” as they have paddles underneath that
propel them through the water like a paddle boat, and mostly I just let them
float unless I want to change location, like from sun to shade and visa versa. Some
places to check out are Erie Canal Boat Company in Fairport, Mid Lakes Erie
Macedon Landing in Macedon, or Liberty Boat Tours in Seneca Falls.
Rentals run $15 to $65, depending on the location, day, and length of time. Bring
a picnic and head out against the current. It makes the return trip much
easier. –DE
Tuesday, August 3
RECREATION: Photography, writing, drawing, and painting are
highly encouraged during a visit to the historic LinwoodGardens. Creative
workshops, retreats, and garden tours are also given during the summer months.
These beautiful private gardens are known for their Japanese and American
varieties of peony trees dating back to the early 1900’s. Located 35 miles
south of Rochester in Pavilion,
Linwood is only open to the public on select dates. For 2010 those are Sunday,
June 20; Wednesday, June 30; Thursday, July 8; Sunday, July 18; Saturday, July
24; Sunday, July 25; and Tuesday, August 3, all 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Reservations
are required five days in advance of your visit, along with a $20 preservation
fee. For more information call 584-3919 or visit linwoodgardens.org. –EF
Wednesday, August 4
MUSIC: As summer winds down and lingering thoughts of
responsibility loom on the horizon, it might do a little good to sit back,
relax, and let Mozart do the talking. Tonight nationally renowned conductor Jahja Ling will be at Hochstein Performance Hall with the Rochester
Philharmonic Orchestra to guide you through the Mozart’s overture to “The
Marriage of Figaro” and Piano Concerto No. 17 before ending the night with Dvoลรกk’s Symphony No. 8. Accompanying Ling and the RPO
on piano will be Ling’s wife, Jessie Chang. The concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. For more information and tickets,
and for a full schedule of the RPO’s many summer
shows, go to rpo.org. –NS
Thursday, August 5
THEATER: Things are going to get a little steamier inside Blackfriars Theatre this summer. For its first summer
season in its new East Main Street
digs Blackfriars is staging Hot Summer Nights,
a series of five adult-oriented shows that will play in repertory throughout
the season. Look for local ladies’ improv act EstroFest,
a look back at the Changing Scene Cabaret with Phyl
Contestable and Alan Jones, the two-man baseball comedy “Rounding Third,” and
two bawdy shows, “Things You Shouldn’t Say in Bed” (which closes on August 5),
and “Debbie Does Dallas.” Iย
seriously can’t wait for that last one. Blackfriars
is located at 795 E Main St.
Tickets to all Hot Summer Nights shows cost $20. For more information or a full
schedule call 454-1260 or visit blackfriars.org. -ER
Friday, August 6
SPECIAL EVENT: The Rochester Public Market is one of our fair
city’s more beloved institutions, and for several years has offered up the
Bands on Bricks concert series every summer. This year that’s been expanded
into something even more exciting. Starting on July 9, the Market will host a Night
Market every Friday 5-9 p.m. A
wide variety of vendors will be in attendance, including some new to the
Market. Prepared food, wine, and beer will all be for sale. On top of that, the
Market will be hosting live music each week. There’s several exciting names
lined up, including tonight’s performance by Upstate favorites Donna The Buffalo, with openers The Lawnmowers and Ry Cummings. Between that and the weekly beer garden, the
Public Market should be home to a Friday evening scene that will complement its
typical early-morning bustle. More information can be found at cityofrochester.gov.
-JB
Saturday, August 7
FESTIVAL: It’s a well-known fact that Park Avenue
is one of Rochester’s prime
neighborhoods for art, dining, and entertainment. So when the annual Park
Ave Summer Art Fest kicks off on August 7 this year, more than 10 blocks
will be shut down to allow the thousands of attendees a chance to shop for
independent arts and crafts, pick up food from local dining favorites like Jines and Chester Cab Pizza, and enjoy live music and contests
up and down the neighborhood. The festival runs August 7-8 and is a staple of
the end-of-summer festivities offered in Rochester.
For a complete guide to this year’s Park Ave Fest, visit park-avenue.org. –NS
Sunday, August 8
FESTIVAL: If you’re the type to combine summer fun with
charity, then the Golden Benefit Charity Hot Air Balloon Festival,
taking place August 6-8, is for you. The event includes an arts and crafts
sale, car show, live bands, food, and – of course – hot-air balloons on the
Onondaga Fields at SUNYCollege
at Geneseo on Route 20A. Proceeds from the festival will benefit the Families
of Muscular Disorders Foundation and The Neuromuscular Disease Center at the
University of Rochester Medical Center. For more info,
call 519-1917 or visit goldenbenefit.org. — RR
Monday, August 9
SPORTS: After years of growing in popularity, Rochester’s
Saturn Twilight Criterium bike race has evolved into
the Tour de New York,
a five-day professional cycling stage race that will cover the Greater Rochester
area and sections of the Finger Lakes August 7-11.
Beginning in 2004 with the Criterium, Rochester
cycling has seen exponential turnout and attention, even being placed on the
prestigious International UCI Americas Tour in 2007. After the Criterium was expanded into the three-day Omnium race in 2008, the Tour de New
York was set for 2009, but did not materialize due to
sponsorship issues. Now with its financial backing squared away, the very first
Tour de New York will be held this
year. Head out to today to watch the road-race action. Visit tourdenewyork.com
for a schedule and more information. –NS
Tuesday, August 10
RANDOM: Didn’t get the timeshare in Aruba
this year? Not to worry, just blow off work today and host an impromptu pool
party on a shoestring budget. You’d be surprised at how much pool you can
get for less than $50. Be sure to check the clearance sections of your local
superstore for kiddie or more high-end inflatable
pools. Visit dollar stores for any and all water toys and contraptions. Be sure
you’ve got at least one level spot in the yard and then inflate and throw in
the hose. Then lure all your sweaty friends to come cool off in your watery
oasis. And remember, who needs a swim-up bar when ice cold cans of beer float
on top of the water? –EF
Wednesday, August 11
SPECIAL EVENT: Maybe
you haven’t worn a toga since your crazy college days, so here is another, more
sophisticated, opportunity to break out the bedsheets
in public. Corn Hill Navigation, Pittsford Wines, and Via Girasole
are hosting their 2010 Wine Tasting Cruise series all summer, and tonight’s
theme is “Toga! Toga! Toga!” Hop aboard the Sam Patch,
donning an approximation of the Grecian fashion if you feel so inclined, and sample
some Italian wines. Each cruise in the series features a different
international theme in celebration of the World Canals Conference, coming to Rochester later this year. Cruises occur on
select Wednesday evenings throughout the summer 6-7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $25. Visit samandmary.org for reservations. -JH
Thursday, August 12
EXHIBIT: Food for thought: did you know that a wiggly bowl of
lime Jell-O hooked up to an EEG machine mimics the brainwaves of adult men and
women? Proving yet again you are both literally and figuratively what you eat.
Learn interesting facts like this and more by taking a trip to the Jell-O
Museum and Gallery in LeRoy. Be sure to check out
the gift shop, where you can pick up a brain-shaped Jell-O mold. Don’t forget
the collector Jell-O shot glasses. You’ll be a sure hit at any summer cocktail
party. The museum is open daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
(opens at 1 p.m. Sundays), and
admission is $1.50-$4. For more information on the Jell-OMuseum call 768-7433 or visit jellogallery.org.
-EF
Friday, August 13
FILM: Who doesn’t love the nostalgic feel of watching a
double-feature at the drive-in on a hot summer night? Cuddle up with a popcorn and your sweetheart under starlit skies at Vintage
Drive-In in East Avon. See two first-run films for
the price of one, on one of three large outdoor screens, rain or shine. Now
open weekdays, Vintage has all the charm you remember complete with an arcade,
mini golf course, and expansive snack bar. For more information and showtimes call 226-9290 or visit vintagedrivein.com. — EF
Saturday, August 14
KIDS: This weekend (August 14-15) Rochester Children’s
Theatre will present a musical version of Judith Viorst’s“Alexander & The Terrible, Horrible, No Good,
Very Bad Day.” “Alexander” was one of my favorite books as a kid, probably speaking
to my latent pessimism. Nonetheless, it’s a great children’s book, and the
musical was written by Viorst herself. In addition to
the RCT production there will be a family carnival accompanying the
performance. There will be three shows over the course of the weekend at NazarethCollegeArtsCenter
(4245 East Ave). Tickets cost
$10 ($8 for grandparents). For more information visit
rochesterchildrenstheate.org. –NS
Sunday, August 15
SPECIAL EVENT: Founded in 2000, Bread & Water Theatre’s
self-described mission is to speak to the dramatically changing world by
providing unique contemporary drama and innovative community outreach programs.
One way B&W achieves this is with its Music and Art Fair held
exclusively to support local up-and-coming artists and musicians. The Music and
Art Fair, this year running August 14-15 2-8
p.m., will provide a venue for local musicians to perform, as well
as for local artists to display and sell their work. The event will be held at
New Life Presbyterian Church, 243 Rosedale St.
For more information, volunteer opportunities, or to sign up as an artist or musician, or for info on BWT’s
summer stage shows, including a reprise of this spring’s “Nijinsky’s Last
Dance” in July, visit breadandwatertheatre.org. –NS
Monday, August 16
ART: The impressively multi-tasking GeneseeCenter for the Arts & Education
offers a lot: community outreach, darkrooms, pottery and print studios, classes
and workshops, as well as photo, ceramics, and printmaking exhibitions. The
recently renovated, handicapped-accessible building also houses a yoga studio
and artists in residence who teach at the center. The current artists in
residence, Ezra Stage and Samantha Stumpf, will
exhibit the results of a year of work at the “Artists in Residence Exhibit” in the Firehouse Gallery at Genesee Pottery (713
Monroe Ave.) August 6-17, with a
reception on August 6, 6-9
p.m. For more info, call 244-1730 or visit geneseearts.org.
–RR
Tuesday, August 17
RECREATION: Biking in Rochester
can be trying – and tiring – navigating the traffic, pedestrians, and potholes.
And although downtown is relatively flat, getting there and back usually
involves coasting down a hill that later becomes an upward climb. Taking a bike
ride on the canal path leaves all those concerns behind so you can easily
let your mind drift to enjoying the picturesque path. If you do come across
another soul it’s polite to stay to the right, and a “Behind you!” will avoid
sneaking up and startling someone. Taking the path from Clover
Street to Schoen Place
for lunch is especially nice. If you don’t have a bike, fortify yourself first
and then rent one at Towpath. For a bike map of Rochester
visit gtcmpo.org. –DE
Wednesday, August 18
LIT: If you’ve got a story to tell, whether quirky, profound,
funny, or whatever comes to mind when you get on stage, Writers & Books
(740 University Ave) has an event for you. The Monthly Story Slam is
meant to bring out the Jack Kerouac in all of us…well, at least for the five
minutes you can get up in front of the crowd. Emphasizing authentic storytelling
and the sharing of life experiences, this event is free and open to the public.
It runs7-9 p.m. and signup starts at 6:30 p.m.
You can also signup by sending host Carol Roberts an email at
crobert8@rochester.rr.com with “Monthly Sign Up” in the subject line. –NS
Thursday, August 19
MUSIC: Steel drums just sound like the summer. Their bright
pinging and rolling notes recall the tropics, and make everything seem a little
more laid-back. That makes the selection of the Alfred St. John’s Trinidad
Tobago Steelband a no-brainer for tonight’s concert
in the annual Garden Vibes series at the George Eastman House. Hang out
in the Eastman House’s remarkable gardens and take in some great music from
artists in a variety of genres, and engage in some excellent people watching.
Concerts take place 6-8 p.m.
every-other Thursday throughout July and August and cost $5-$10; check
eastmanhouse.org for a full schedule. While you’re there make sure to check out
the museum’s summer show, the very seasonally appropriate “Colorama.”
— ER
Friday, August 20
KIDS: The human brain is a fascinating thing: an “organic
computer” that controls every motion, emotion, and thought in the body. At the RochesterMuseum and ScienceCenter, “BRAIN: The World Inside
Your Head” is a full-scale interactive exhibit designed to help kids fully
understand that notion. With spectacularly immersive displays, from replicating
Phantom Limb Syndrome to simulating the excising of a tumor, “BRAIN” should be
able to teach even grown-ups something new. The exhibit continues through
September 6. The RMSC is located at 657 East Ave,
and is open Mondays-Saturdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m.,
Sundays starting at 11 a.m. Admission
costs $10-$12. For more information, including a list of special events for the
summer, visit rmsc.org. — NS
Saturday, August 21
SPORTS: Even if you’re not a soccer fan,
chances are you’re aware of the 2010 World Cup being held in South Africa this summer. Chances are also good that you, like many of
us in the States, don’t have the time or resources to fly to Johannesburg
and catch one of the big matches live. So between watching the clash of the
titans go down on your television, you can enjoy a live game of professional
soccer right here in town. The Rochester Rhinos, whose home field on Oak
Street is now called Marina Dodge Stadium, are still
heavy contenders in minor-league soccer and have a summer packed with match-ups,
including tonight’s game against Miami FC. Tickets cost $20 or less. For more
information, a full schedule, and directions visit rhinossoccer.com. –NS
Sunday, August 22
RECREATION: Feeling the need for speed this summer? Cruise
the gang down to CountryLine Raceway on Route 31 in
Macedon and go go-karting. It’s worth the trip
to WayneCounty
for $5 rides. Feel the wind in your hair as you speed around the oval slick
track. Double-seater go-karts are available for
parents to take little tykes around either of the two tracks. You can also find
skee ball, arcade games, snacks, and ice cream
inside. For more information call 315-986-5876 or visit countylinegokarts.com. –EF
Monday, August 23
RANDOM: Rochester
is a long time in coming in catching up to the gelato trend. But our town
is beginning to keep pace and now there is a smattering of places to get the
creamy Italian dessert, including Roman Holiday on Park
Avenue, Gusto on Alexander, the George Eastman House Cafรฉ, and
Royal Gelato Cafรฉ in Fairport. What’s the difference between gelato and ice
cream, you ask? Gelato has a lower content of sugar, butterfat, and air, which
makes it more condensed and creamy. Plus it’s made in way more flavors. Another
important difference is the way it is served. Instead of the measly practice of
one scoop/one flavor, with gelato you are invited to “marry” your scoops. Even
a “small” serving can have a variety of flavors. Ask your server for suggestions
about complementary flavors. — DE
Tuesday, August 24
ART: Glass is one of the most important and fascinating
scientific productions in history, and is used to do everything from keep us
safe while driving to illuminating the screens of our cell phones. But glass is
hardly ever thought of in such grand terms, which is why the Corning Museum
of Glass is dedicated to exploring the substance’s unique history. This
summer the museum hosts the rotating exhibit “Medieval Glass for Popes,
Princes, and Peasants” (through January 2011) in addition to its regular show
pieces and hands-on glass making/designing activities. It’s a good place to
take kids too, with the weekly Little Gather series, which uses storytelling
and magic shows to present the museum to children 3 and up, and children 19 and
under get in free. The museum is open daily 9
a.m.-8 p.m. For a full list of events, admission prices, and hours,
visit cmog.org. — NS
Wednesday, August 25
MUSIC: Following a string of classical music concerts in more
expected settings, the Canandaigua LakeMusic Fest offers a chance for younger and more casual listeners to enjoy the genre in a
relaxed environment, and even sit down to a barbecue dinner with the musicians.
The second of the two so-called “Blue Jeans” events of this
year’s festival takes place August 25 and features the family of RPO violinist
Juliana Athayde. With her parents and three
siblings, all accomplished jazz and classical musicians, Athayde
will perform at Steamboat Landing in Canandaigua at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $40 for
adults and $15 for students, and include a barbecue dinner. The festival as a
whole runs August 18-29. For more information, tickets, and a full list of LakeMusic Fest events, visit lakemusicfestival.org. — NS
Thursday, August 26
MUSIC: The Big Pay Back Series from ACT: LIVE, a local
voice primarily for hip-hop artists, goes down at the
Dub Land Underground every last Thursday of the month from June until October.
The series brings up-and-coming hip-hop artists to Rochester
and gives them a chance to promote themselves by opening for nationally
recognized artists. Bronx artist InfinitEvol is just one of the acts involved in this summer
series, and you can check him out at 9 p.m.
tonight at DubLand
on Alexander Street in the East
End. For more information on InfinitEvol and details on the Big Pay Back Series, visit
actlivemusic.com. — NS
Friday, August 27
ART: Artistic expression collides with historical perspective
inside the 60,000-square-feet of ARTISANworks. Pack a lunch and expect
to spend the entire day if you want to see it all, as there is plenty to
experience. Ideal to visit during the summer months are the rooftop sculpture
garden and the courtyard. Working artists themselves are sometimes nestled
within the halls, ready to chat you up on their
favorite pieces. The venue has countless little nooks and crannies, with each
room devoted to a different artistic theme or movement. Great place for a date,
too. ARTISANworks is located at 565 Blossom Road.
For more information call 288-7170 or visit artisanworks.net. -EF
Saturday, August 28
FESTIVAL: It’s a bit of a haul, but you’d be remiss to not
head to Syracuse for a day at the Great
New York State Fair. Nothing compares to the magnitude of the State Fair.
Massive exhibit buildings, huge midways, hundreds of food vendors, all manner
of agriculture shows, and entertainment by A-list music acts are only some of
the draws. This year’s edition runs August 26-September 6. If you head over
today, expect big lines. It’s a weekend, and R&B mega-star Rihanna will take the grandstand at 7:30 p.m. (tickets $45-$55; other acts performing
throughout this year’s fair include Aerosmith on August 26, Tim McGraw on
September 3, and Justin Bieber on August 29). The
fairgrounds are located off Route 690 outside of Syracuse.
For more information visit nysfair.org. — ER
Sunday, August 29
SPECIAL EVENT: Grab
your Epi-Pen and head out to the CummingNatureCenterHoney Harvest, where attendees
can learn about the wonders of honeybees and the art of beekeeping. The event
runs 1-4 p.m.,
and at 2 p.m.
you can witness the process of extracting honey from the hives, which sounds
both fascinating and terrifying. While you’re there, explore Cumming Nature
Center, a 900-acre preserve run by the Rochester Museum & Science Center
located off Gulick Road in Naples. The center
features groomed trails for hiking through woods and wetlands year-round,
and many special events throughout the summer months. Admission to Honey
Harvest is free for RMSC members and $3 for non-members. For
more information visit rmsc.org. -JH
Monday, August 30
RECREATION: Since the state budget crisis closed the gates of
several New York State parks this summer, make it a point to visit summer of
our county-run wilderness areas this year, especially the largest in the
county, MendonPondsPark. You can experience
the wonders of the SensoryGarden,
hike trails formed by glaciers of the past, hold out your seed-filled hands for
a tiny chickadee to hop into for a little snack along the swamplands of Bird
Song Trail, or just settle on the banks of the many ponds and lookout points.
Experience this peaceful place and its inhabitants, which are indeed a local
treasure. MendonPondsPark is located on Douglas
Road in HoneoyeFalls. For more information on the
park call 753-PARK or visit monroecounty.gov/parks-mendonponds.php. – EF
Tuesday, August 31
RECREATION: We don’t live close enough to the ocean to spend
our summer days seaside, but you can experience the next
the best thing near BristolMountain
in Canandaigua. Roseland Water Park features a 27,000-sq.-ft. ocean
simulator. Six different wave patterns crash five feet high. If waves aren’t
your thing you can cool down in the Splash Factory, race down the Speed Slides,
or float down the AdventureRiver.
Beachside volleyball is also available at the marina free of charge. To
celebrate its 10th season the park is hosting 80 free special events this
summer, including a Young and Fit Forever demonstration, WOWEE Animal exhibit,
and a family-friendly Renaissance Day. For more information on Roseland,
including hours, admission, and directions, call 396-2000 or visit
roselandwaterpark.com. — ER
Wednesday, September 1
ART: RochesterContemporaryArtCenter’s
annual “State of the City” exhibit returns this year, running August
6-September 9. This edition will feature innovative drawings by Trevor Flynn,
teetering urban paintings of Amy Casey, and sculpture and documentation of
recent work by the Spectres of Liberty project.
Parking Day, the global transformation of metered parking spots to mini-parks,
will be held on September 17, making a good complement to this show, which
raises questions about the reality of urban life. During the exhibit, British
artist and educator Flynn will lead several public workshops; check rochestercontemporary.org
for a full schedule or more details. Rochester Contemporary is located at 137
East Ave., and has open gallery hours
Wednesdays-Sundays 1-5 p.m. — RR
Thursday, September 2
SPECIAL EVENT: Summer is winding down, so now’s a good time
to get a last taste of some of the season’s natural bounty at the South
Wedge Farmers Market, which runs every Thursday 4-8 p.m. June through
October in the parking lot behind Boulder Coffee o Alexander Street. It’s a great resource for locally grown,
healthy, organic food, perfect for making a dinner to impress that certain
someone or giving your family a nutritious meal. Swfarmersmarket.org has a
complete listing of vendors and entertainment. – JN
Friday, September 3
SPECIAL EVENT: The Drum Corps Associates will be holding the 2010
DCA World Championships right here in the FlowerCity, running all weekend September
3-5. Rochester is a drum-corps
hotspot, and this event will no doubt highlight that fact in spectacular
fashion. A number of visiting drum and bugle corps will descend on downtown,
with Friday-night performances held at the RochesterRiversideConvention Center
and the nearby Radisson Hotel, not to mention a drum-corps block party outside,
which sounds like a very loud, rather ridiculous good time. Later in the
weekend the field performances take place at Rochester Rhinos Stadium. Ticket
prices vary; all information can be found at dcacorps.org. -JB
Saturday, September 4
SPECIAL EVENT: Spend
the night star-gazing in style by going to the Strasenburgh
Planetarium next door to the RochesterMuseum and ScienceCenter (657 East Ave) for the free weekly Saturday-night
telescope viewing. With a telescope lens that’s 12.5″ in diameter you’re
bound to find the Rochester skies to be beautiful. You do have to work for it a little by
climbing 60 steps up to the top of the tower, but you’re sure to get a better
view than you would stretched out on your front lawn. The telescope is operated
by volunteers from the astronomy section of the Rochester Academy of Science.
Viewing starts when the sun goes down and runs until about 10 p.m.Call the
planetarium box office after 7:30 p.m. at 697-1945 to confirm that the
telescope is open (it’s weater dependent). -JH
Sunday, September 5
DANCE: Summer’s just about over; time for one last hurrah.
The night before Labor Day is generally celebrated in the club world with The
Black Party, signifying the end of the season where it’s appropriate to
wear white, and basically just another reason to shake your ass in the club
before the frost starts to hit. Tilt Nightclub (444 Central
Ave) throws a hell of a Black Party bash every
year, typically with popular local DJ Jon Herbert at the board and a drag queen
or two handling emcee duties. Head out and bid the summer a farewell by being
just a little more debauched than usual. Wear black, of course, and don’t
bother showing up before 11 p.m. For
more information on Tilt and its various special events call 232-8440. — ER
Monday, September 6
RANDOM: Brace yourself: it’s all over. Labor Day signifies
the end of summer as we know it, and the cold weather is just around the
corner. But if you’ve taken even half the suggestions on this list to heart you
should have had a hell of a season. After you’ve slept in and gotten over your
hangover from the Black Party, take the holiday to plan out your fall.
There’s so much that goes on in this town from September through December that
you won’t have a chance to miss the sun and the heat. From a few major festivals
– notably the Memorial Art Gallery’s Clothesline Festival and the Mendon
Station Festival (both September 11-12) and the City of Rochester’s River
Romance Weekend (October 8-10) – to dozens of arts and cultural organizations
launching their new seasons, Rochester’s just as busy when the mercury drops.
— ER
This article appears in Jun 9-15, 2010.
