ARTS NEWS: Inaugural Rochester Fringe Festival schedule announced

This morning the organizers of the inaugural First Niagara Rochester
Fringe Festival announced the
schedule for the new arts & cultural event, which will feature more than
180 performances of 120 shows in 21 venues in downtown Rochester.
Shows range from theater to music, visual art to comedy, dance to
family-friendly fare, and will take place Wednesday, September 19-Sunday,
September 23.

At this morning’s press conference, Festival Producer Erica Fee touted the
Fringe Festival’s “mind-boggling variety of choices and depth of offerings.”

Joining previously announced headliner Project Bandaloop —
an aerial dance troupe that will perform on the side of One HSBC Plaza in a
free show on Thursday, September 20 — are headlining acts the Harlem
Gospel Choir, with will perform with Rochester’s Campbell
Brothers Friday, September 21, in Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre (8
p.m., $10-$40) and comedy superstar Patton Oswalt, who will be
on the Kodak Hall stage Saturday, September 22 (8 p.m., $15-$55). Additional
headliner announcements may be forthcoming.

But the real heart of this festival will be the more than 100 shows taking
place at a variety of downtown Rochester venues, among them Bernunzio Uptown Music,
Blackfriars Theatre, Gallery r, George Eastman House, Geva Theatre Nextstage,
Java’s, The Little, Memorial Art Gallery, Monage Music
Hall, RAPA’s East End Theatre, RMSC’s Strasenburgh Planetarium, Rochester
Contemporary Art Center, The Hungerford Building, Xerox Auditorium, and Writers
& Books.

These shows are a mix of award-winning traveling acts (such as plays “The
Bicycle Men” and “The Event,” both at Geva), original collaborations (RIT is
combining 3D light displays with local dance troupes), and a variety of homegrown
artists. A full line-up of this year’s shows from the Fringe press release
appears at the bottom of this article.

The festival will feature more than 40 free shows, including street
entertainment that will take place on Gibbs Street
— the festival’s “hub” — which will be closed for traffic September 21-23.

Single tickets for most shows will run $5-$15. A limited number of Fringe
Fanatic passes, which grant admission to all Fringe shows except the Kodak Hall
headliners (similar to the Jazz Festival’s ClubPass) will cost $150. Tickets are
now on sale at the Eastman Theatre Box Office (433 E.
Main St.) and Wegmans’ That’s the Ticket
locations, by phone (877-368-2207), or online at rochesterfringe.com.

City Newspaper will continue to cover the Fringe Festival leading up to its
debut. Check back at rochestercitynewspaper.com for updates.

Fringe Festival 2012 Show Line-Up (via press release)

44 PLAYS FOR 44 PRESIDENTS (theatre)

GevaTheatreCenter Nextstage;
Sat.,

Sept. 22, 8-10pm;
Sun., Sept. 23, 3-5pm;
$15

GevaTheatreCenter presents the Geva Theatre
Conservatory production of 44 Plays for 44 Presidents, in association with
“Rock the Vote.” Written by the Neo-Futurists of Chicago,
this is a smart, hilarious and irreverent look at whom our country chooses as
its President…and why. Each President gets a two-minute play in a surprisingly
informative yet moving view of American History, with a 2012 Presidential vote
by the audience at the end of each performance. Middle school and up

A CAPPELLA HOUR (music)

RAPA’s East End Theatre; Fri., Sept. 21, 5-6pm; $12/$8 students

A Cappella Hour features the University
of Rochester’s all-male Yellow
Jackets and RAPA’s Roc City Singers! The Yellow Jackets
recently competed on Season Three of NBC’s The Sing-Off, and the Roc City
Singers are Rochester’s own “Glee!”
This highly-prestigious regional show choir features the top high school and
college talent in the area. Complimentary wine. All ages

A NIGHT OF LAUGHS (comedy)

RAPA’s East End Theatre; Fri., Sept. 21, 9:30-11:30pm; $12

Free workshop, 17+: Fri., Sept. 21, 6:15-7:15pm; www.rapatheatre.org

Representing NYC, Chicago, LA
and Philly – eight name comedians – all on one stage! Hosted by NYC’s Burlesque
bombshell, Kitty Cockpit, this show features witty composer-lyricist, Mark
Nutter; NYC sketch comedians, Kirsten O’Brien and Evan Zelnick; Philly’s brash
and brazen, Judy Clay; Chicago’s musical comedian Matt Griffo; and character
comedy from LA’s Joe Liss (Curb Your Enthusiasm, Second City) and John Rubano
(According to Jim, Second City). 18+

AL BILES AND GENJAM (music)

The Little Café; Sat., Sept. 22, 1-2pm;
Free

Al Biles and GenJam play jazz, which doesn’t sound all that fringy. Well,
the music may be straight-ahead, but the band is far out. Al (a human
trumpet player) and GenJam (the Genetic Jammer) improvise on tunes ranging from
swing and bop to Latin and pop. Al and GenJam listen and reply to each other,
but since GenJam is computer software that evolves its musical ideas in real
time, it’s spontaneous, responsive, and definitely on the fringe! All
ages

AN EVENING WITH CHRIS WILSON (music)

The Space at Hungerford; Sat., Sept. 22, 8-10pm; $12

Chris Wilson is a unique singer/songwriter whose voice sets him apart from
anyone else in his genre today. Chris burst onto the scene on the MTV
television series, The Cut, where he placed second out of 10,000 hopefuls from
around the country. A modern folk artist with influences ranging from Paul
Simon to Johnny Cash, Chris has entertained audiences all over the world. Now
he brings his intimate storytellers style concert to The Space.14+

ANONYMOUS WILLPOWER (music)

Java’s; Wed., Sept. 19, 7-8pm;
Free

Don Anonymous and Suzi Willpower are a husband-and-wife team of
soul-inspired songwriters and genre-bending interpreters. Willpower’s vocals
have been described as ʺa blast of psycho-sexual seduction and wail.ʺ
The band’s four instrumentalists lay down a variety of hip-shaking grooves. The
result is soul-baring vocals married to jazz, blues and New
Orleans traditions, with a dash of reggae and
punk-rock attitude. There’s a dynamic push and pull within the songs: a poetic
polemic of love. 16+

THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER MEETS MULLA NASRUDIN (music/storytelling)

The Little Café; Sat., Sept. 22, 10pm;
Free

In the spirit of a Gypsy campfire, a Turkish coffee house, a Greek Hash
house and a New Mexican Matachine, Howie Lester tells stories with music.
“The Great Topanga Fire,” “My Father’s Violin,” “Learning a tune from the son
of a slave,” and “The Arkansas Traveler meets Mulla Nasrudin” are just some of
the stories, with songs from Blues, Gypsy, Klezmer, Cajun and Appalachian roots
traditions – sometimes all at the same time. All ages

BATA CON PIES (music)

Java’s; Sat., Sept. 22, 3pm; Free

This African/Caribbean drum and dance company promotes the concepts of
cultural diversity, performing music from Africa, Puerto
Rico, Cuba, Haiti
and Brazil.
The name Bata Con Pies translates to “African drums with feet.” The group
uses bata drums, a family of sacred double-headed drums from the Yoruba culture
in present-day Nigeria.
All ages

ASTRO DANCE (dance)

The Little, Theatre 1; Sat., Sept. 22, 6:00pm; Free

An astrophysics/dance project funded by National Science Foundation, this
RIT collaboration pairs the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID)
with the B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.
RIT/NTID Dance Company performers present an aesthetic, educational experience
representing concepts of gravitational physics interpreted through dance, which
was conceived and choreographed by RIT faculty Thomas Warfield. All
ages

BEE EYE (video installation)

Gallery r; Throughout Fringe; Free

Immerse yourself in the world of the honeybee in BeeEye, a video
installation by Cat Ashworth. Enter the hexagon-shaped structure and be
surrounded by the sights and sounds of the honeybee. The honeybee has been in
the public mind ever since Colony Collapse Disorder threatened their survival.
This artwork takes a unique perspective on the human-honeybee
relationship. All ages

BEFORE DAWN (film)

The Little, Theatre 1; Sat., Sept. 22, 2:45 & 3:45pm; Free

According to filmmaker, Haoran Li, Before Dawn is: “a response to my idea
and understanding of the human perception of the universe…I wanted to create an
underwater experience that is unique and familiar and that parallels the
intuitive experience of being in space. The underwater acts as a barrier
to the world we live in and the world that we don’t know.” Xiaoyo Liu
composed the music. All ages

BETTY (theatre)

Blackfriars Theatre; Thurs., Sept. 20, 9-10pm; $5

It’s 1963. Betty Parsons, the ʺden motherʺ of abstract
expressionism, is about to lose her famous art gallery to a rival dealer who’s
lured away her ʺgiants of the art world,ʺ which include Jackson
Pollack. Simultaneously, her career as an artist is being reignited. As the
fiery Parsons dreams of her perfect gallery – a royal court with Betty as the
Queen – she must face a world of loss that includes her former lover.
Will Betty reclaim her gallery, or will losses so great destroy her? 18+

BEYOND THE SPHERES (film)

The Little, Theatre 1; Sat., Sept. 22, 2:15 & 3:15pm; Free

Saturn and Jupiter “space voices”, recorded by Cassini and Voyager
satellites, create a backdrop of inspiration in Beyond the Spheres. By
extracting the features of these space audios, controlled properties of
particles create the arresting visuals. Some mathematical equations are used to
control the movements of those particles in their unfolding and changing
sequences throughout the work. By Meghdad Asadi-Lari (MFA graduate
candidate, RIT School of Film and Animation). All ages

THE BICYCLE MEN (theatre, musical comedy)

Geva Theatre Center Nextstage; Wed., Sept. 19, 8:30-9:30pm;Thurs., Sept.
20, 6-7pm; Fri., Sept. 21, 7:30-8:30pm; Sat., Sept. 22, 1:30-2:30pm; $15

The Bicycle Men is a sublimely silly musical comedy about a hapless American
tourist whose bike breaks down in a quaint French village. Mayhem ensues as he
steps into a surreal world of depraved marionettes, creepy bicycle repairmen,
and off-the-wall cabaret performers. “Nothing could possibly lift your spirits
as quickly as ‘The Bicycle Men.” -NY Times; “Absolutely not to be
missed…delicious…intensely funny.” -Chicago Tribune. Award-winning show
features Dave Lewman, Joe Liss, Mark Nutter and John Rubano. Ages 16+

BIG VAUDEVILLE HOOK COMEDY HOUR (comedy)

The Space at Hungerford; Sat., Sept. 22, 10-11pm; $5

The Big Vaudeville Hook Comedy Hour showcases the best improv, stand-up and
sketch comedy in Rochester! Hosted by Anna Hall. 18+

BILL EVANS and COMPANY: Modern Jazz, Modern Tango and Contemporary
Dance (dance)

Kilbourn Hall, Eastman School of Music;
Sat., Sept. 22, 8pm; Sun., Sept. 23, 2pm; $10/$5 student

This exciting, dynamic, emotionally-moving and entertaining choreography by
award-winning dance-maker, Bill Evans, will be performed by nine world-class
dance artists. The 50-minute program includes athletic modern jazz, visually
stunning modern tango, and both humorous and lyrical contemporary dance. This
fast-paced and uplifting event includes a variety of musical styles and is
suitable for all ages.

BREAKDOWN: DANCE/SOUND (dance/music)

Christ Church; Sat., Sept. 22, 4-5pm; $10/6 students

The fusion of orchestral music and contemporary dance has never been more
interactive, surprising, and engaging. Dancers and musicians alike will test
assumptions about the roles of audience and performer, stage and house. This
family-friendly, multi-art experiment invites all to become part of the visual
and aural landscape. Featuring “some of the area’s top modern dancers” (Anna
Reguero, D&C), BIODANCE will playfully premiere new dance works that will
fuse seamlessly with the power of Sound ExChange’s 30-member orchestra.
All ages

BROKEN IMAGES (theatre)

TheatreROCS at Xerox; Sun., Sept. 23, 8-9 pm; $15, $10 seniors

Presented by Indo American Community Theater Group, KALIDAS, Girish Karnad’s
play is about a regional short story writer who becomes a literary phenomenon
overnight when she decides to write a novel in English. Although the
novel explores the complex relationship between the writer and her invalid
sister, her own ‘image’ explores the ‘real story.’ A psychological
thriller that keeps the audience guessing till the end. 18+

CANARY IN A COAL MINE: A Sketch Show (theatre)

The Space at Hungerford; Fri., Sept. 21, 8:30pm-9:30pm; $5

Experience a night of dark, irreverent, all-original sketch comedy with
Rochester’s very own Canary In A Coal Mine, featuring the talents of BJ
Scanlon, Jeff Andrews, Kirk Stevens and Angela Prodrick. They may make you
laugh, they may make you cry, they may make you sick, but most importantly –
they’ll make you feel. 16+

CASEY JONES COSTELLO Sings the Great American Songbook (music)

Java’s; Fri., Sept. 21, 5-6pm; Sat., Sept. 22, 7-8pm; Free

Prepare to be wowed. Young crooner, Casey Jones Costello, takes you on a
time trip through the early and mid Twentieth Century songbook. Along
with veteran Broadway musician and conductor, Craig T. Raisner, Costello croons
out the classics and forgotten gems, taking you on a sentimental journey in
song. His silky-smooth vocals cushion you like a cat’s pillow. Close your
eyes and you’ll see Bing Crosby. All ages

CHARLIE BETHEL’S GILGAMESH (theatre)

Geva Theatre Center Nextstage; Sat., Sept. 22, 3pm & Sun., Sept. 23,
8pm; $15

Friendship and enmity. Joy and lament. Sex and violence. Gods and Men. Life
and death. Huge antitheticals of the human experience come together in this
3,000-year-old tale from ancient Mesopotamia. Cross into the underworld with
the king who did not want to die and learn the Big Secret of the Gods. 13+

CIAS ALUMNI AT THE LITTLE CAFÉ (visual art)

The Little Café; Throughout Fringe; Free

Recent fine arts, illustrations and photography of RIT alumni from the
College of Imaging Arts & Sciences are on view at the Little Theatre Café,
September 15-29. Check out the artwork while attending RIT performances, poetry
readings or other scheduled events at this familiar venue. All ages

CLUB RIT: Poetry Readings Sponsored by Signatures Magazine (poetry)

The Little Café; Sat., Sept. 22, 2:30pm; Sun., Sept. 23, 12:00pm; Free

Poetry in a variety of modes by RIT students, staff and faculty. All
ages

COMMUNITY MOVES KIDS SHOW (children’s/dance)

RAPA’s East End Theatre; Sat., Sept. 22, 12:30-1:30pm; Free

From the sibling rivalry in “Perpetual” to the working cogs of a “Machine”
to the feather brains in “South for the Winter,” Core Project Chicago’s
Community Moves Kids Show will appeal to a child’s senses of adventure, humor
and excitement. All ages

CULTURE CLASH JAZZ QUARTET (music)

The Little Café; Sat., Sept. 22, 5:30pm; Free

Playing improvisational music, influenced by a range of world cultures and
the music known as “jazz,” Cultural Clash Jazz Quartet is led by noted
saxophonist and composer, Carl Atkins, who’s also professor of fine arts and
director of the music program at RIT. All ages

DANGEROUS SIGNS (poetry/multidisciplinary)

The Little; Fri., Sept. 21, 6PM, Café; Sat., Sept. 22, noon, Theater 1;
Free

Dangerous Signs is an exploration of African-American, Deaf and original
poetry presented by RIT’s Masquerer’s Drama Club. A fusion ASL (American Sign
Language)/poetry performance using music, dance, mime and spoken word, this
performance is accessible to Deaf and Hearing audiences. 6+

DAY OF DANCE, SATURDAY (dance)

RAPA’s East End Theatre; Sat., Sept. 22, 12:15-3:15pm; Suggested
donation: $5

12:15pm: Next Best Thing is a collective of energetic choreographers
celebrating their quirkiness through dance.
1pm: Pokerfaced cat fights, raw female prowess and absurd infatuation
with food illustrate Kristi Faulkner Dance’s intimate, unapologetic
performance.
1:45: I am Cooper explores the battles and successes of former slaves of
America settling in their homeland, Africa.
2:30 – Geomantics Dance Theater premieres “Twisted Surveillance,” a satire on
spying eyes, ears and pelvises of our times.

DAY OF DANCE, SUNDAY (dance/music)

RAPA’s East End Theatre; Sunday, September 23rd 12pm-3pm; Suggested
donation: $5

Noon-12:45pm: Juxtapose, by Juliana Utz and Nicole Kaplan, demonstrates the
complexities of concert dance in a presentation of technique, artistry and
strength;12:45-1:30pm: Rochester’s four-piece GrooveDogs deliver ‘cool’ jazz
animated by the dauntless dynamic tap dance artistry of Cheryl Johnson.
1:30-2:15pm: Percussive dance specialists, Brouhaha, led by Janet Schroeder,
raises a rhythmic ruckus in the show “Tap and…”
2:15-3pm: NYC’s modern dance company, Areadance, premiers Britney Falcon’s
newest work. Join them for a highly visceral, engaging experience!

DEAR DEXTER (music)

Java’s; Thurs., Sept. 20, 9:30pm; Sat., Sept. 22, 5 pm; Free

Dear Dexter plays acoustic rock ‘n’ roll, meshing acoustic guitar styles
with classic rock for a unique sound. We shoot for melodic and simple
with driving progressions. The show will be mostly original material with
reformatted covers to suit our style. We’re excited to be a part of this
festival and know we’ll give you a good show. 13+

DEATH OF (AN) ARTIST (theatre/multidisciplinary)

RAPA’s East End Theatre; Fri., Sept. 21, 8-9pm; Sun., Sept. 23, 8-9pm;
$12/$10 students. Free workshop, 12+: Fri., Sept. 21, 9:15-10pm;
www.rapatheatre.org

In this multi-disciplinary drama written and directed by classical cellist
Esther Rogers, actors, musicians and dancers participate as equal performers,
asking: “Who killed Artist?” With a strong element of traditional theater
script, the real energy of the play comes from the improvisatory language
shared between performers from different disciplines. Surprising, simple and
honest, this show will be unique and thought-provoking. 12+

DIVINE MILIEU: The Last Confession of Teilhard de Chardin
(theatre)

TheatreROCS at Xerox Auditorium; Fri., Sept. 21, 4:30-5:30pm; Sat.,
Sept. 22, 11:30am-12:30pm; $10

Reverand Edward Heidt delivers a compelling performance as twentieth-century
philosopher, theologian, paleontologist and priest, Teilhard de Chardin, in L.
John Cieslinksi’s Divine Milieu. Discouraged and frustrated by the Vatican’s
efforts to silence him for his views on evolution and his order’s
heavy-handedness in dealing with him, Teilhard confides his feelings to a
sympathetic friend. Fighting with his frustrations and his unwillingness to
leave the Jesuit Order, he only wishes to show the Church that it has nothing
to fear from science. 14+

DOUG WATERMAN’S FUN WITH FAIRY TALES (children’s)

Writers & Books; Sat., September 22, 10-10:40am; Sun., Sept.23,
1-1:40pm; $7

Doug Waterman puts you and your family into some of your favorite stories,
using music, laughter and lots of participation. You’ll howl with the Big Bad
Wolf, fall under a Wizard’s spell, and end up dancing in the Deep Dark
Wood. The show is based on Doug’s CD, Truly Hairy Fairy Tales, which won
WRUR’s Open Tunings’ 2006 Listeners’ Poll for best local release in any genre.
The CD will be available at the performances. All ages

DRAG 101 (theatre)

Sproull Atrium, Miller Center, Eastman School of Music (next to Max of Eastman Place); Fri., Sept. 21, 11pm-12:30am; Sat., Sept. 22,
12-1:30am; $8

DeeDee Dubois hosts Drag101, a unique blend of Rochester’s best drag
entertainers! A different show each night, featuring seasoned and fresh drag
performers. Big heels, bright colors, spectacular costumes, lots of laughs,
amazing illusion and fabulous impersonations. This high-energy show is
guaranteed to leave you wanting more and wondering, “How’d they do that?” Don’t
forget your cameras! 16+

DRAGON’S LAIR (3D projection)

Christ Church; Thurs., Sept. 20, 9pm; Free

Crazy graphics and a fairy tale projected onto the exterior of Christ Church
created by 3D Digital Design students at RIT, Professor Marla Schweppe and
others. Perhaps the first projection-mapping experience in Rochester!
Step inside the church afterwards to see more mapping, but this time on the
organ. All ages

THE DUST (multidisciplinary)

RAPA’s East End Theatre; Sun. Sept. 23, 5-6pm; $10/$8 students. Free
workshop, 14+: Fri., Sept. 21, 7:45-8:30pm; www.rapatheatre.org

A multi-media exploration of contemporary myth and belief, Core Project
Chicago’s The Dust explores the archetypes of Death, Fate, Memory and Man
through dance, poetry, experimental music and visual art. The Dust takes
audiences into the collaborative creative mind, as the artists of CPC debate,
reminisce, narrate, philosophize, make fun of, dance around and dive headlong
into the BIG questions of life and death. All ages

EIGHT BEAT MEASURE: Live A Cappella (music)

The Little Café; Sun., Sept. 23, 1-1:30pm; Free

Now in their 24th year of existence, Eight Beat Measure is RIT’s original a
cappella group. Begun as a faculty-led extension of RIT’s choir, they quickly
expanded their horizons and branched into the world of contemporary a cappella,
where they’re constantly taking risks and exploring new territory to make sure
you get the best show possible! Make sure you pick up their latest album, “No
Safety Nets,” available on iTunes. 16+

ENCORE A CAPPELLA (music)

The Little Café, Sun., Sept. 23, 1:30-2pm; Free

Started in 1996, Encore A cappella is RIT’s original, all-female a cappella
group, consisting of a selected number of talented singers! Encore loves to
entertain both on campus and off, and performs a diverse assortment of music
from many different genres – all without accompaniment! All ages

THE EVENT (theatre)

Geva Theatre Center Nextstage; Wed., Sept. 19, 7- 8:05pm; Fri., Sept.
21, 6- 7:05pm; $15

A man stands in a pool of light and attempts the ultimate magic trick:
disappearing while remaining in plain sight. John Clancy’s “extraordinary tour
de force” (Scotsman), comes to Rochester via Amsterdam, Australia, Belfast,
Berlin, Edinburgh, London and New York. “Performed with a conjurer’s
élan” (Guardian, London) by Edinburgh & Adelaide Fringe Best Actor Winner,
David Calvitto, “one of the funniest and cleverest performers around” (Herald,
Scotland), “a single performer gifted enough to rivet any audience” (London
Times) 14+

FACES OF MADNESS: Classic Tales of the Insane Mind
(theatre)

RAPA’s East End Theatre; Sat., Sept. 22, 5.30-6.30pm; $12/$10 students.
Free workshop, 14+: Sat., Sept. 22, 6:45-7:30pm

Experience a glimpse into madness as four actors recount tales of insanity
by such classic authors as H.P. Lovecraft, Edgar Allan Poe, Lord Dunsany, Clark
Ashton Smith and Charlotte Perkins Gilman. Through dramatic, horrifying
monologues and haunting physicality, MCC’s On the Edge Drama Troupe will
transport audiences to the depths of madness and present the circumstances that
drove such minds into lunacy. 12+

FLOWER CITY VAUDEVILLE (variety)

RAPA’s East End Theatre; Sat., Sept. 22, 2pm; Sun., Sept. 23, 12:30pm;
$10/$5 kids. Free workshops, all ages, following each show! www.rapatheatre.org

What do you get when you combine fantastic feats, family fun, and a variety
show with a flair for the fabulous? The answer is: a multi-talented
troupe of top Rochester performers skilled in juggling, music, clowning, circus
arts and comedy whose name is FLOWER CITY VAUDEVILLE! There’ll be club
and knife throwing, plate spinning, washboard playing, unicycle riding, tale
telling, rope walking, and a big wheel that keeps on turning! All ages

FOOTBALL [and other things theatrical] (theatre)

RAPA’s East End Theatre; Fri., Sept. 21, 6.30 -7.30 pm; Sat., Sept. 22,
4-5pm; $7

The brainchild of several young actors from Brighton High School, Football
[and other things theatrical] features two one-act plays by highly-acclaimed
playwright, Christopher Durang: For Whom the Southern Belle Tolls and A
Business Lunch at the Russian Tea Room. These hilarious plays satirize the more
famous Glass Menagerie and skewer the film industry. And then…there’s a
football. Directed by Judy Shomper. 13+

GALLERY r SHOWCASES CIAS (visual art)

Gallery r; Throughout the Fringe; Free

Visit Gallery r’s metro showcase and learning laboratory, where global
thinking and creative solutions are the results of investigations by
RIT’s undergraduate and graduate programs in the College of Imaging Arts &
Sciences. Appreciate the convergence of art and technology, interpreted
through an impressive range of techniques and processes. Many of the works
exhibited are interactive and encourage audience participation. All ages

GARDEN FRESH (music)

Bernunzio Uptown Music;
Fri., Sept. 21, 9.30-10.30pm; Sat., Sept. 22, 9.30-10.30pm; $5

Garden Fresh began in 2010 when Chris Coon and Pete Johnson set out to
create hip-hop alter egos who could espouse the polar opposite of the genre’s
stereotypical content while still reveling in its music and machismo. Dubbing
themselves Professor Fizizizt (read: physicist) and Tha Dome, Garden Fresh
eschews praising money, intoxication and misogyny, and instead pens clever odes
to thrift, water and politeness to a fault. The result is a jovial, all-ages
performance full of catchy choruses and witty wordplay. All ages

THE GAY FIANCÉE (theatre)

Writers & Books; Fri., Sept. 21, 10-11pm; Sat., Sept. 22, 8-9pm; $15

In The Gay Fiancée, we meet blushing groom-to-be, Harvey, when he locks
himself in the tux shop dressing room to soothe his cold feet. In this
fantastical tale of love and mystery, Harvey must come to terms with the past
before he walks down the aisle for his ninth life with the perfect guy, The Man
in the Moon. From Method Machine, the company that brought you ʺThe
Lipstick Massacreʺ and ʺAngels in America.ʺ 13+

GCI’s ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE (comedy improv)

Geva Theatre Center Nextstage; Sat., Sept. 22, 10:30pm-12:00am; $10

Geva Comedy Improv’s live-action, improvised Zombie gore-fest returns with
even more rotten flesh, grisly dismemberment and hilarious, undead
ultra-violence. Pack up your chainsaw, gas up the flamethrower, and rummage
through your purse for shotgun shells. GCI is waking the dead and we want you
there – for bait! **Strong language, violence and adult content – viewer
discretion is advised** 18+

GENESEO BHANGRA (dance)

RAPA’s East End Theatre; Sat., Sept. 22, 4:30-4:45pm; Free

Since 2005, SUNY Geneseo’s Geneseo Bhangra has been traveling throughout the
Northeast, performing high-energy Punjabi dance in competitions and shows. The
dance team performs for numerous fundraisers in addition to participating in
local community service. Now, Geneseo Bhangra brings its wild, entertaining fun
to the Rochester Fringe Festival. Watch this
exciting routine and become immersed in the awe-inspiring world of Punjabi
dance! All ages

GEVA COMEDY IMPROV PRESENTS FACE-OFF! (comedy improv)

Geva Theatre Center Nextstage; Thurs., Sept. 20, 10:30pm-12:00am; Fri.,
Sept. 21, 10:30pm-12:00am; $10

A nail-biting comedic competition based upon suggestions from the audience.
Two teams of improvisers go head-to-head in a contest of quick thinking, bold
action, and wanton humiliation. It’s hilarious improvised theatre featuring
songs, scenes and an unforgettable evening of custom made, on-the-spot
entertainment. 18+

GOOD MORNING (film)

The Little, Theatre 1; Sun., Sept. 23, noon-3 pm; Free

RIT student, Jieting Chen, tells the compelling story of a girl’s morning
using hand-drawn animation. 13+

THE GREAT CHERNESKY (variety)

Java’s; Fri., Sept. 21, 8pm; Free

The Great Chernesky is a folk performer hailing from Auburn NY, who has
mastered the art of ʺvagrant vaudeville,ʺ which is a performance
style incorporating folk songs, joke telling, skits and stunts. Always a
high-energy, entertaining act that engages the audience, The Great Chernesky is
the greatest performer east of the Mississippi…and west of that don’t matter!
16+

GRR! (music)

Max of Eastman Place/Sproull Atrium, Eastman School of Music;
Sat., Sept. 22, 8-9pm; $10

The GRR! trio will take you on a genre-bending musical journey. Expect
original compositions and select cover tunes ranging from fun and quirky to
dark and haunting, always with carefully-crafted arrangements and provocative
twists and turns along the way. The brainchild of guitarist Geoff Tesch,
bassist Ron Broida and vocalist Robin Whiteman, GRR! will travel from stark,
riveting Blues, to Folk, Jazz, Funk, and beyond. All ages

HANDS ON (Even If They’re Sticky!) (children’s)

TheatreROCS at Xerox Auditorium; Sun., Sept. 23, 11am to noon; $7

Watching a live theatre show is fun and exciting – so much so that lots of
kids wish they could jump out of their seats and come right up on stage to be a
part of the action. Here’s their chance to get HANDS ON with live children’s
theater! TYKEs (Theatre Young Kids Enjoy) brings little volunteers from the
audience up on stage to help create a little show – right before your eyes! 5+

HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH (theatre)

TheatreROCS at Xerox Auditorium; Fri., Sept. 21, 10:30pm-12am; $10

This rock musical, written by John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask,
follows a post-botched-op transsexual East German singer on her journey to find
her other half. Also a Sundance award-winning film, Echo Productions’
cast features local actors Carl Del Buono and Sammi Cohen, along with a live
band, The Angry Inch. Through beautifully-crafted music and clever
anecdotes, this one-night-only performance about the ʺinternationally-ignored
song stylistʺ is bound to captivate and entertain. Directed by Wayne
Alan Dunbar. 17+

HIDE THE MOON: BASED ON SALOME (theatre)

RAPA’s East End Theatre; Wed., Sept. 19, 8:30-9:30pm; Sat., Sept. 22,
10:30-11:30pm; Free

Infatuation. Loathing. Fear. Lust. Hide the Moon: based on Salome
leaves no emotion undiscovered. In this reinvention of Oscar Wilde’s scandalous
1891 play, Eastman School of Music students
combine drama, music and movement in what promises to be a wild and fresh
theatrical event. Featuring a live instrumental ensemble and original
arrangements of music by artists like Fiona Apple, Björk, and the Dresden
Dolls, Hide the Moon is one Fringe Festival production you simply won’t want to
miss. 16+

HOWARD & EMILY (theatre)

Writers & Books; Fri., Sept. 21, 8-9 pm; Sat., Sept. 22, 4-5 pm; $10

In this theatrical/literary/psycho-musical mashup, (ghosts of) Emily
Dickinson and Howard Phillips (H. P.) Lovecraft share the stage, unaware of
each other’s existence, speaking in quotes from their writings and letters.
Between them sits Doktor Bronisław Kielbasa-Funk, a Polish acolyte of
Sigmund Freud, who has fallen into ill repute. Emily and Howard find each other
and fall in mad love; Doktor Kielbasa-Funk analyzes the proceedings and is
forever changed by what he sees. Period music serves as accompaniment. 15+

I REMEMBER YOU: A Coffee Cabaret (music/cabaret)

Java’s; Fri., Sept. 21, 6-6:40pm; Sat., Sept. 22, 8-8:40pm; Free

This caffeinated cabaret is the journey of five people discovering who they
are through past experiences, relationships, and cherished friendships.
Throughout the evening, they sort through this hectic, but beautiful, cup of
life. This cabaret of classic and contemporary musical theatre features
talented Nazareth College students Scott Charles, Erin Hassett, Katie LeSuer,
Jennifer Menter and Brian Ziemann, with Don Kot at the piano. All ages

I WRITE…TO DISCOVER… (theatre)

Writers & Books; Wed., Sept. 19, 8-9pm; Sun., Sept. 23, 5-6pm; $10

Process Productions presents a monolog of opinions, biography and excerpts
from the works of mid-twentieth-century American Southern writer, Flannery
O’Connor. Her darkly coming fiction has entertained and challenged readers for
60 years. Gretchen Woodworth portrays the author in the twilight of her short
life, but at the height of her career. Joan D. VanNess directs this award-winning
production by Ed Scutt. High school+

THE ISLE OF DOGS (theatre)

Writers & Books; Thurs., Sept. 20, 9-10pm; Sun., Sept. 23, 7-8pm; $8

The Isle of Dogs, presented by Spanner Theatre Company and Method Machine,
is Kimberly Niles’s original, dark, British comedy written in the style of
Magical Realism and Dadaism. The unlawful use of veterinarian- grade
pharmaceuticals and victimless misdemeanors are considered charmingly normal at
this holiday destination. Visitors to The Isle of Dogs have been described as
narcissistic, glue-sniffing sex pests-in-training, but they can’t stay that way
forever – someone always raises the stakes. Mind the gap. Mature
audiences

THE LIFE OF LEO WOOL (theatre)

Writers & Books; Sat., Sept. 22, 6-7pm; Sun., Sept.23, 11am- noon;
$10

Literature is dying. And so is Leo Wool, the last American superstar
literary critic. When visited in his home by a feminist colleague, an outraged
writer, and an adoring co-ed, Leo must confront the real life he has led and
what he may have sacrificed in search of the sublime. 13+

THE LIGHT COLLECTOR (film)

The Little, Theatre 1; Sat., Sept. 22, 2:30 & 3:30pm; Free

A collaboration by Jim Downer (Animator, RIT Alumnus) and Billy
Vazquez (Graduate student, Astrophysics, RIT), The Light Collector is an
experimental, stop-motion animation and a portrait of an astronomer.
Downer was inspired by Vazquez’ extensive space photographs and telescope
research, and the astronomer’s attempt to create an understanding of the
universe around us. All ages

LIGHTER TONES (dance)

RAPA’s East End Theatre; Sat., Sept. 22, 3:30-4:30pm, $10

Collections Dance Company and Company Mariko Yamada share the stage in this
Fringe show. Collections Dance Company premieres Other Homes, which examines
the close relationship between environment and identity by exploring the
shifting dynamics between two separate realities. Company Mariko Yamada
presents Lime is the sweet name I call. Witty, poetic and musical, this delightful
collection of satisfying images is an experience of moments of beauty created
by an exquisite balance between perfection and imperfection. All ages

LOST IN THE FUNHOUSE: REVOLUTION (multidisciplinary)

RMSC’s Strasenburgh Planetarium; Thurs., Sept. 20, 6-7pm; Sat., Sept.
22, 8-9pm; Sun., Sept. 23, 6-7 pm; $12

Lost in the Funhouse: Revolution is a one-hour presentation of one
revolution of the earth around the sun. Using live computer music, field
recordings, spoken text and projected planetarium star maps and videos,
Revolution will depict both the science (physics) and psychology (emotions) of
the passage of seasons, solar/lunar cycles, celestial mechanics and harmony of
the spheres. 5+

LOVE AT FIRST WALTZ: Biodance & Resonanz (dance/music)

RAPA’s East End Theatre; Sun., Sept. 23, 6:30-7:30pm; $12/$8 students

Close harmonies, creative dance and cabaret mix when BIODANCE and RESONANZ
celebrate love in the time-honored traditions of the American Songbook and
romantic Austria. Two polished ensembles perform music of Gershwin, Porter,
Rodgers & Hammerstein and Johannes Brahms in an intimate cabaret setting.
Featuring original choreography by Missy Pfohl Smith and musical direction by
Eric Townell. All ages

MANSFIELD AVENUE BAND (music)

Sproull Atrium, Miller Center, Eastman School of Music (next to Max of Eastman Place); Thurs., Sept. 20, 10pm-1am; $8

Whether you enjoy your live music served up at center stage or prefer to
chill with friends just tapping your toes, this foursome will keep you moving.
Mansfield Ave delivers a high-caliber, modern, acoustic-rock sound, and covers
music from the 90’s to now. Between the fluid, jam-band grooves of DMB, and pop
gems revived from a time before Bono put on the orange shades, this group
delivers. 21+

MARIAH MALONEY DANCE (dance)

George Eastman House Terrace Garden; Sat., Sept. 22, 1-2pm; Free

International choreographer, Mariah Maloney, is a former member of the
world-renowned Trisha Brown Dance Company. Celebrate the Terrace Garden’s
elegant floral setting as you take in choreography inspired by Baroque choral
compositions and set on a 14-member ensemble; a solo infused with traditional
Irish Music by Lad Lane; and an edgy,
empowering female sextet dancing to music ranging from Brazilian Girls to Carl
Orff. All ages

MARY’S WEDDING (theatre)

TheatreROCS at Xerox; Thurs., Sept. 20, 5:30-7pm; Sat., Sept. 22,
2:30-4pm; $15

Bristol Valley Theatre presents Stephen Massicotte’s haunting, dreamlike
romance set at the outset of the First World War. Charlie and Mary duck in to a
barn to escape a summer storm, only to find each other. But the world is at war
and duty calls Charlie. Will their love pay the price? Directed by NYC’s
Innovative Theater Best Director Award Winner, Suzi Takahashi, this is a heart-stirring
tribute to those who serve their country and those who wait for them. 12+ and
up

MATT GRIFFO (comedy/music)

Geva Theatre Center Nextstage; Thurs., Sept. 20, 9-10 pm; Fri., Sept.
21, 9-10pm; $15

Matt Griffo is a Chicago musical comedian, combining serious piano and
ukulele chops with hilarious lyrics. The composer of the smash Chicago
production, Jersey Shore: The Musical, Matt
has opened for Reggie Watts; plays regularly at the Laugh Factory; and has
performed for Chicago Sketchfest, LA Comedy Festival, Black Box Comedy Festival
Atlanta, Big Little Comedy Festival Michigan, and the Milwaukee Comedy
Festival. 16+

MELIA with STARLIGHT CITIES (music)

Montage Music Hall;
Thurs., Sept. 20, 8-11pm; $5

Rochester’s Melia won three awards at 2012’s Indie Music
Channel Awards in Hollywood: Best Female Rock Artist, Best Rock Song and
Song of the Year. Melia and her band will start off the night at
9pm, followed by Rochester pop/rock band, Starlight Cities, for an
unforgettable night of great, high-energy, pop-radio-friendly music. 16+

MICHAEL VADALA TRIO (music)

George Eastman House Terrace Garden; Sat., Sept. 22, 2-3pm; Free

The Michael Vadala Trio features writer/pianist Michael Vadala, along with
drummer Jamie Greene and bassist Robert Ferguson. MVT began as an engineering
project at Finger Lakes Community College, but after finishing its first full
album in May of 2011, the trio’s looking to create a reputation as a young jazz
trio with a great upside. MVT is looking to bring a new, fun dance-ability to
the jazz scene. All ages

MY PLASTIC SUN (music)

Bernunzio Uptown Music;
Fri., Sept. 21, 8- 9pm & Sat., Sept. 22, 8-9pm; $5

Although a relatively new band, My Plastic Sun has already received a
tremendous amount of positive press from major indie music blogs who have been
comparing them to Radiohead, Coldplay and the Beatles. Two-time Emmy
award-winning cinematographers, the Olson Brothers, have just completed My
Plastic Sun’s first music video and their live shows have been drawing rave
reviews. Come and see what the buzz is all about! All ages

NUTS AND BOLTS COMEDY IMPROV (comedy improv)

TheatreROCS at Xerox; Fri., Sept. 21, 7:30 pm; $10

Around since 2000, Nuts and Bolts Comedy Improv is Rochester’s
longest-running improvisational comedy show. Enjoyed by audiences across
the country, Nuts and Bolts is a comedic, short-form improv show that will have
you rolling on the floor with laughter. Come see why they’ve been around so
long! 13+

OLIVER BROWN AND HIS EXTRAORDINARY UKULELES (music)

Bernunzio Uptown Music;
Fri., Sept. 21, 7-8pm; $5

Described by the Santa Cruz Good Times as the ukulele’s answer to Jonathan
Richman, Oliver Brown performs Shakespearean tales about milk runs, girls with
cotton-candy hair, and master-servant deli situations. During his 25-year
career, he has delighted audiences in nightclubs, living rooms and parking
garages from New York to San Francisco (where he once got heckled by Jello
Biafra). Featured in the documentary, Rock that Uke, Oliver also has a song on
Sesame Street. All ages

ON TAP: ORIGINAL MUSIC with DANCE (music/dance)

Sproull Atrium, Miller Center, Eastman School of Music (next to Max of Eastman Place); Fri., Sept. 21, 7pm; $10

Live contemporary jazz and classical music – composed by Eastman School of Music
and Nazareth College students and alumni – meets local professional dancers.
Featured composers Jennifer Bellor, Matt Evans, Josh Forgét, Colin Gordon and
Aaron Staebell collaborate with featured dancers and choreographers, including
Hannah Beach Chisholm, Alex Dugdale, Rebecca McArthur, Missy Pfohl Smith and
Courtney World. All ages

ONE WORLD: Hamlet and the Rest of Us (theatre)

Blackfriars Theatre; Sat., Sept. 22, 2:30-3:30pm; $10

Monarch Players is an inspirational troupe of actors with and without
disabilities. They make Shakespeare’s Hamlet accessible to all with text, music
and dance, and the play comes alive with the raw emotions only available to
actors with developmental disabilities. You will never see the world the same
way again after you watch the Monarch Players perform Hamlet! All ages

OPERATION SUPERPOWER (children’s)

RAPA’s East End Theatre; Sat., Sept. 22, 11am-12pm; Sun., Sept 23,
2-3pm; $10/$5 students

Every child has an inner gift – a superpower! Whether its singing, sports,
kindness or friendship – Operation Superpower is here to take children on an
inspirational musical journey to help them discover their superpowers and
become real-life superheroes. Juilliard graduates Armand Ranjbaran, Tobias
Greenhalgh and John Brancy combine their superpowers of composing and operatic
singing to create an action-packed show filled with original music and audience
participation. All ages

PEACH PRESERVES (music)

Kilbourn Hall, Eastman School of Music;
Sat., Sept. 22; 5-6pm; $5

Peach Preserves is the inspired music child of Adrian DiMatteo, several
rhythm players from Eastman School of Music,
and a night of jamming. The jazz, rock, funk fusion with uniquely smooth
melodies was too good to confine to just one jam session, and so Peach
Preserves was born. Peach Preserves has released its first, self-titled album
graced with the artwork of young Rochester artist, Khari Thompson. All
ages

PERFORMING PUBLIC SPACE w/ Rochester Contemporary Dance Collective
(dance/multidisciplinary)

RoCo (Rochester Contemporary Art Center); Sat., Sept. 22, 3-6pm; Free

How are dancers, artists and activists redefining public space today? As
part of the exhibition, ʺState of the City 2012: Whose Space? Our
Space!ʺ, RoCo and The Memorial Art Gallery present: Performing Public
Space with Rochester Contemporary Dance Collective. The performers included in
this original program will challenge us to think differently about the public
spaces we all inhabit. The exhibition takes its title from the popular protest
chant: ʺWhose Streets? Our Streets!ʺ All ages

PICK LOVE (theatre)

RAPA’s East End Theatre; Thurs., Sept. 20, 9-10:30pm; Sat., Sept. 22, 7-
8:30pm: $15. Free workshop, 14+: Fri., Sept. 21, 7:15-8pm

Join Partridge Place Productions and a cast of romantic yet zany characters
for a humorous and heartfelt look at the different stages of love:
Passion, Intimacy and Commitment! Michael Radi returns to his native
Rochester as Composer/Librettist and Musical
Director for this Fringe performance of PICk Love, with direction by David E.
Shane and an all-star cast directly from NYC! Come and experience this premier
new musical and decide for yourself: would you PICk Love? High
school and up

THE PIPES ARE CALLING: An Elegy to Dan Higgins, Sr. (theatre)

TheatreROCS at Xerox; Sat., Sept. 22, 1-2pm; Sun., Sept. 23,
6:30-7:30pm; $10

Dan Higgins laid bricks, served the Buffalo Common Council and raised five
children. His grandson, Matt Crehan Higgins, could not relate. But when his
grandfather’s memory begins to fade, he is overcome with a desire to make up
for lost time. As Dan’s ability to relate in the present tense is lost, family
roles change, decisions are made, unfiltered feelings surface and Matt sees
clearly how the man his grandfather was shaped the one he has become. All
ages

PREDICTIONS (magic)

Max of Eastman Place/Sproull Atrium, Eastman School of Music;
Sat., Sept. 22, 4-5pm; $8

Magic, mind reading and mentalism by Nickle. A high-energy show
crammed with humor and mind-numbing magic that will tickle your funny bone and
fry your brain. Ages 10+

PROOF OF PURCHASE (music)

The Little Café; Sun., Sept. 23, 4pm; Free

RIT’s newest and only co-ed a cappella group, Proof of Purchase, just
finished recording its first CD, Yay!, and is ready to take on the world. PoP
does it all – sing, dance, create original songs, and cover a variety of
different genres. But above all else, they just have a blast singing
together! All ages

PUSH Physical Theatre (physical theatre)

TheatreROCS at Xerox Auditorium; Fri., Sept. 21, 6-7pm; Sat., Sept. 22,
10:30-11:30pm; $15

This talented group of performers inspires awe with physical illusions and
gravity-defying, dance-infused, acrobatic high-jinx. Masters of physical
storytelling, PUSH Physical Theatre grab hold of audiences’ emotions and “push”
the boundaries of traditional theatre. Award-winning PUSH will perform two new
pieces: “The Evolution of Aviation” (world premiere) and “The Natural World”
(Rochester premiere) – and begin their show on You Tube before the Fringe even
opens! All ages

RADIO RONNIE’S AMAZING FINGER LAKES JUICY SECRET! (children’s)

Black Radish Studio; Sun., Sept. 23, 2 – 2:45pm; $5/$3 children

Are you ready to hear the coolest story since the last Ice Age about planet
Earth and the unique Finger Lakes region? Radio Ronnie is lively and engaging,
and he knows how to connect with young audience members and their accompanying
adults. Colorful visuals, interesting sounds and props make this fresh, family
entertainment. When you hear about the EarLectrics, the GrapeHeads &
Their Bunch, and the Amazing Finger People, you’ll know why this story has to
be kept a juicy secret! Ages 7-10/family

RENAISSANCE REMIX: 16th-century Art, Music,
and Dance for All Ages (multidisciplinary/children’s)

Memorial Art Gallery; Sat., Sept.22, Noon-4pm; Free with gallery
admission

This multi-faceted event celebrates the Memorial Art Gallery’s new Gill
Discovery Center exhibit, Renaissance Remix: Art & Imagination in
16th-century Europe. Designed especially for families, the afternoon features
performances and mini dance lessons with the Rochester City Ballet, interactive
organ demonstrations and concerts by Eastman School of Music
faculty and students on the antique Italian Baroque Organ, and guided tours of
the Gill Discovery Center and other Renaissance artworks. All ages, especially
10-13

RICHARD III, by William Shakespeare (theatre)

TheatreROCS at Xerox Auditorium; Fri., Sept. 21, 9-10pm; Sun., Sept. 23,
2-3pm; $15/$10 seniors/$5 under age 25

The Shakespeare Players program of the Rochester Community Players presents
Richard III, Shakespeare’s historic tragedy of a wickedly ruthless king.
Period costumes, sizzling battle scenes, murder and mayhem all abound in
Shakespeare’s incomparable original text. Originally staged at the Highland
Park Bowl in July, 2012, this specially-edited, hour-long presentation has been
recreated exclusively for the Fringe. 12+

RIT JAZZ COMBO (music)

The Little Café; Sat., Sept. 22, 4-5pm; Free

The RIT Jazz Combo, directed by John Kruger, consists of trumpets,
trombones, saxes, piano, drums, bass and guitar. Repertoire typically includes
traditional big band music of Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Woody Herman, as
well as more contemporary music from groups such as Spyro Gyra. The
ensemble also performs musib by local composers, including Matt Harris.
All ages

RIT’s SURROUND SOUND (music)

The Little Café; Sun., Sept. 23, 2-3pm; Free

An a cappella group, RIT’s Surround Sound specializes in Comedy and
Barbershop.

ROCHESTER PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA (music)

Hatch Recital Hall, Eastman School of Music

TBA

RUDDY WELL BAND (music)

Java’s; Fri., Sept. 21, 7-8pm; Free

The Ruddy Well Band is a contemporary folk/rock band, driven by the
harmonies of guitarist and banjo player, Andrew Ruddy, violin and accordion
player, Monique Ritter, and guitarist, Ryan Burdick. “So the musical chemistry
began…Ruddy and Ritter, of Pulaski, and Burdick, of Baldwinsville, are cutting
into a huge slice of American pie as the Ruddy Well Band.” – Mark Bialczak of
the Post Standard. All ages

RULES AND REGULATIONS (multidisciplinary)

Writers & Books; Fri., Sept. 21: 6-7 pm, Sat., Sept. 22: 2-3 pm; $10

Detroit-based writer Caedra Scott-Flaherty, New York City-based
choreographer Lauren Hale Biniaris, and Rochester-based composer rachMiel each
use their respective mediums – language, movement, and sound – to explore the
nature of rules: how they are made, how they are obeyed, how they interact, and
how they are broken. And most importantly: how they can be used to enhance,
rather than limit, personal and group freedom. 13+

RUN FOR THE ROSES: a Tribute to the Grateful Dead (music)

Montage Music Hall;
Sat., Sept. 22, 9pm-2am; $6

This a MUST SEE show for any music fan! A magical night of sound and
lights as the band RUN FOR THE ROSES pays tribute to The Grateful Dead and
their music – note for note. Come see the band’s over-two-hour set, as they
represent one of music’s best jam bands. Doors are at 9pm. 16 +

SAVOR: PORTRAITS OF EATING (visual art)

Max of Eastman Place/Sproull Atrium, Eastman School of Music;
Wed., Sept. 19 – Sat., Sept. 22; Free

Savor is a series of portraits by Sara Basher, a recent MFA graduate of RIT
who appreciates people and the way in which food and drink bring people
together, time and time again. The series was inspired by friends and coworkers
from Sara’s serving job at Questa Lasagna. It should be said here that
coworkers are friends, especially if one works in a restaurant. All ages

SEARCH ENGINE IMPROV (comedy improv)

The Space at Hungerford; Wed., Sept. 19, 7:30-8:30pm & 8:45-9:45pm;
Thurs., Sept. 20, 9-10pm; Fri., Sept. 21, 7:30-8:30pm & 9:30-11:00pm & 11:30pm-12:30am;
Sat., Sept. 22, 11:30pm-12:30am; $7

Three-man comedy team, Search Engine Improv (SEI), combines the best of
Chicago and New York City styles of long-form improvised comedy performance.
SEI creates award-winning, uniquely styled live comedy shows, each an exciting
exploration of compelling characters and hilarious scenarios and all created on
the spot, in the moment, as you see it happening. SEI is Cal Keefe-Perry, Law
Tarello and John Forrest Thompson. 13+

SETH FAERGOLZIA & THE 23 PSAEGZ (music)

Bernunzio Uptown Music;
Wed., Sept. 19, 10-11pm; Thurs., Sept. 20, 10-11pm; $8

Seth & the Psaegz concoct music which remains outside the scope of
particular genre-labels or classification. With their harmonic subtlety,
poetically-experimental lyricism, quirked-out energy and -of course –
Seth’s soaring, roaring, gurgling, whip-crack-acrobatic vocals, each Psaegz
performance lovingly unweaves time, revealing moments honest and organic in
their exploration of possibility. 18+

SHIMMY SHAKE DOWN (dance)

Max of Eastman Place/Sproull Atrium, Eastman School of Music;
Thurs., Sept. 20, 9-10pm; $10

Tribal Goddess Collective presents a breathtaking display of Middle
Eastern-inspired dance featuring a dozen Rochester dancers showcasing swords,
veils and more. Trained by world-renowned belly dance professionals,
Shimmy Shake Down is a celebration of the feminine power in all women – young
or vintage, thin or curvy. You will not want to miss this one-of-a- kind
extravaganza! All ages

SIGNAL (film)

The Little, Theatre 1;Sat., Sept. 22, 2 & 3pm; Free

In Signal, visual compositions of Sun images interwoven with animated
sequences respond to the perceived chaos on the Sun. Following a musical
trajectory that features sharp contrasts of dynamics, register, timbre and
texture, Signal is “a dramatic revelation…of chaos that is pleasing to
see.” A collaborative work by Prof. Stephanie Maxwell (RIT School of Film
and Animation), Peter Byrne (Associate Prof., RIT School of Design), David
Saroff (RIT PhD student, Astrophysics), and composer Elizabeth Kelly (PhD
candidate, Eastman School of Music). All
ages

THE SILVER THREADS (music)

Writers & Books; Sat., Sept. 22, noon; $8

The Silver Threads are an original, roots-Americana band, with a literate
take on classic musical forms birthed by our fair nation. Harmonies, red-hot
banjos, sad songs played fast, and happy songs played slowly will all appear.
All ages

SKOOBA & COMPANY (music/multidisciplinary)

Black Radish Studio; Sat., Sept. 22, 8-11pm; $5

Progressive, ambient, upbeat. Moving through different realms to sculpt
soundscapes of imagination, sKoOba (Steven Bertolone) takes his audience into
an alternate universe outside the everyday perception. Inspired by new ideas
and old video games, he strives to remind society that the imagination and the
self are endless. sKoOba’s musical performance will also feature visual art by
John Bertolone and a beautiful flowing hoop dance by Libby Miga. 16+

SMITH (theatre)

TheatreROCS at Xerox Auditorium; Sat., Sept. 22, 6pm; $8

Smith tells the true story of Zach Smith, an infectiously positive young man
who followed his dreams of becoming a US Marine. Four days into his first
mission and six months into his marriage, he was killed in Afghanistan –
changing his hometown of Hornell, NY forever. This play, derived from a series
of interviews with his family, friends, and members of the community, calls
attention to the sacrifices being made by young men, women, and their families
every day. Ages 13+

SOLITUDE OF SELF: The Journey of Elizabeth Cady Stanton (theatre)

Blackfriars Theatre; Sat., Sept. 22, 5-6pm; $10

Recipe for a women’s revolution: take one brilliant housewife stranded
in Seneca Falls, NY, c.1848; fold in 7 children and a healthy pinch of outrage;
mix with humor and passion. Let simmer. Solitude of Self is the story of
Elizabeth Cady Stanton, friend and partner of Susan B. Anthony and the force
behind the Women’s Rights Convention of 1848. Written and performed by well
known local actress, Patricia Lewis. 12+

SOLO PERCUSSION & MULTIMEDIA: Peter Ferry (music)

Hatch Recital Hall, Eastman School of Music;
Thurs., Sept. 20, 6-7pm; Sat., Sept.22, 1-2pm; $5

Peter Ferry is an enthusiastic performer of new works written for
percussion, using multimedia technology to create an unforgettable experience
for all audiences. This Fringe performance will include the Nostalgia
Project, a collaboration exploring personal memories created with composer Matt
Evans, students and faculty from RIT (artists, designers, computer scientists),
and YOU! Become a part of the project by visiting
http://nostalgia.cias.rit.edu/ to upload an image which evokes a feeling of
nostalgia for you. All ages

SONGS BY DAVID TEMPERLEY (music)

Max of Eastman Place/Sproull Atrium, Eastman School of Music;
Sat., Sept. 22, 6-7pm; $10

David Temperley is a professor of music theory at the Eastman School of Music,
but in his spare time, he’s written more than 100 songs. The style is a unique
blend of rock, classical and cabaret, with engaging melodies, witty and
touching lyrics, and intricate piano accompaniments. Two talented Eastman
graduates, Noelle McMurtry and Carli Miller, will sing, accompanied by
Temperley at the piano. All ages

SPECTION – INTRO/RETRO (dance)

Geva Theatre Center Nextstage; Sat., Sept. 22, 4:30-5:30pm; Sun., Sept.
23, 6-7pm; $15

Spection – Intro/Retro is a presentation of choreography by Rochester’s
Heather Roffe. Set to a range of music from Aretha Franklin to Tango to
Meredith Monk, the dance works are inspired by observations of humanity.
Celebrating irony, vulnerability, and topics of gender, technology, love and
loss, the works span the past five years. A new piece will be premiered: ʺHier,ʺ
an abstract reflection on the societal constructs that divide and distance us
from others and ourselves. All ages

SPIRITS WITHIN (multidisciplinary)

Christ Church; Thurs., Sept. 20, 9:30pm; Fri., Sept. 21, 8 & 9pm;
Sat., Sept. 22, 8 & 9pm; $10

Eastman School of Music’s Stephen Kennedy
will improvise on the amazing scientifically-restored 1790 Christ Church organ
while dancers from FuturPointe improvise in movement, and RIT Professor Marla
Schweppe and her 3D Digital Design students improvise graphics projected on the
organ and dancers. Improvisation times three! Every performance will be
different. Thanks to Geva for projection support. All ages

STUART LITTLE (children’s)

TheatreROCS at Xerox Auditorium; Sat., Sept. 22, 10-11am; Sun. Sept. 23;
3:30-4:30pm; $10

E.B. White’s classic tale of a tiny mouse with a giant yearning for adventure
comes to life in Rochester Children’s Theatre’s production of Stuart Little.
Whether it’s ice skating in Central Park on paper clips, racing boats at
Sailboat Pond, rescuing his friend Maragala from the family cat, or posing as a
substitute teacher – one things is clear: Stuart never lacks for fun and
excitement. Join Stuart and his friends as they search for what is important in
their lives: family, loyalty, friendship and – of course – adventure! 5+

THERE’S ALWAYS TIME FOR A COCKTAIL (theatre)

TheatreROCS at Xerox Auditorium; Thurs., Sept. 20, 10pm; Sat., Sept 22,
9pm; Sun., Sept 23, 5pm; $15

Kasha Davis knows fringe…and she looks fabulous in it! The story of little
Eddie Popil’s transformation from a young boy in Scranton, PA, to
“International Celebrity Housewife, Mrs. Kasha Davis,” the star of Big Wigs,
makes its world premiere at the Fringe. Join the ultimate hostess for an
evening of music, stories and party games with a heartfelt story of love,
acceptance and finding your own path. 13+

THREADING (theatre)

Writers & Books; Sat., Sept. 22, 10-11pm; Sun., Sept. 23, 3-4pm;
Free

Theading is a modern retelling of the Greek myth of the three Fates, the
legendary figures charged with spinning, measuring and cutting the thread of
life. It follows three co-workers cooped up in a corporate office, accompanied
by their otherworldly supervisor, Moros. Life outside of the office is a child,
a husband and a lover, all of whom seem to slip further away each evening.
Farcical reality meets melodrama as fate entangles with self-fulfilling
prophecy. Wine will be spilled. 12+

TRAVELING WITH A BROKEN COMPASS (theatre)

Geva Theatre Center Nextstage; Sat., Sept. 22, 6:30-7:30pm; Sun., Sept.
23, 1:30-2:30pm; $15

It’s 2012 – the year it’s all supposed to change. The world’s a mess, we all
seem to have lost our way, and the maps they gave us are out of date. So, we
had better pay attention to the road signs. Traveling With a Broken Compass is
a ʺhow toʺ for navigating this new world. With humor, political
satire, memoir and a dose of performance art, Linda Starkweather offers some
crazy ideas for finding a path out of the madness. 16+

UNLEASHED! IMPROV PRESENTS: You Never Know, featuring
Puppetrov, The Musical
(comedy/musical)

TheatreROCS at Xerox Auditorium; Thurs., Sept. 20, 8:30 -9:30 pm; Sat.,
Sept. 22, 7:30-8:30pm; $10

Unleased! has performed at the Toronto Improv Festival, the Baltimore Improv
Festival and the prestigious North Carolina Comedy Arts Festival, but this is
their newest challenge: a complete musical, improvised, with puppets! The
brainchild (well, brainpuppet, really) of three of the silliest and most
sincere founding members of Unleashed!, and one newer (but equally silly and,
frankly, more talented improviser), this is by far the craziest show they’ve
ever attempted – don’t miss it! 12+

THE UNSEEN (theatre)

RAPA’s East End Theatre; Wed., Sept 19, 7-8pm; Sun., Sept 23,
3:30-4:30pm; $10

From the producer and writer of TV’s Lost, Six Feet Under, Brothers &
Sisters and Dirty, Sexy Money, comes The Unseen: a contemporary drama
that explores the boundaries between faith and intellect, religion and science.
Two men are imprisoned in an unknown place, in an unknown time, interrogated
about an unknown crime. Their conversations and word games reflect upon the
personal prisons in which human beings often find themselves entrapped.
Adults

UR AFTER HOURS A CAPPELLA (music)

Bernunzio Uptown Music;
Sat., Sept. 22, 6-7pm; $8

After Hours, the University of Rochester’s co-ed a cappella group, began in
1998 as a vocal jazz group, and was originally called Charivari, after the Old
French term for ʺrough music.ʺ Two years later, the group dynamic
changed from vocal jazz to rock and pop, making way for the UR’s newest a
cappella ensemble, After Hours. All ages

VANESSA MANGIONE QUARTET (music)

Kilbourn Hall, Eastman School of Music;
Fri., Sept. 21, 7-8pm; $5

The Vanessa Mangione Quartet is a young-blood jazz/R&B group with its
own take on standards and contemporary hits. With original arrangements of
repertoire from Cole Porter to The Beatles to Amy Winehouse, VMQ offers
performances that blur the lines between jazz and pop; old and new. Vanessa’s
scintillating vocals compliment the rhythm section of Adrian DiMatteo on
guitar, Chris Potter on drums and Kyle Vock on bass – all graduates of the
Eastman School of Music. All ages

VERITAS (dance)

Kilbourn Hall, Eastman School of Music;
Thurs. Sept. 20, 6:45-7:30pm; $7

Present Tense Dance Company examines the bluntness of truth in this compelling
new work, Veritas, by choreographer Anne Harris Wilcox. Additional highlights
in the concert will be Wilcox’s comical work, Magnum Opus; the upbeat and
swinging Reunion; and Wild Swans at Coole, a collaboration with Eddie Murphy of
Drumcliffe Irish Arts. Wilcox delivers work that engages your eyes, your
mind and your heart. 10+

VIRTUE: THE CAT PLAY (theatre)

Writers & Books; Wed., Sept. 19, 6pm; Fri., Sept. 21, 4 pm; $5

Do you like cats? How about sad people? Well, this has both. Come see a man
drink, smoke and chat his way to victory over depression through the use of
drugs and cats. “It’ll be a blast. I promise,” says author/actor Andrew
Jones. 15+

VOCAL ACCENT (music)

The Little Café; Sun., Sept. 23, 3-4pm; Free

RIT’s Vocal Accent is an all-female a cappella group re-created in 2009 at
RIT. Using only their voices to create a magnificent sound, the lovely ladies
of Vocal Accent have proven that they are a force to be reckoned with. Vocal
Accent’s repertoire spans from crowd-pleasers, to pop, to rock/alternative and
even the occasional modern hip-hop piece. Come check us out!

WE WERE THERE (theatre)

Geva Theatre Center Nextstage; Fri., Sept. 21, 4-5pm & Sat., Sept.
22, 11:30am-12:30pm; $15

We Were There, an original work by Rochester’s Geriactors, dramatizes true
stories from personal and ancestral experiences of company members during the
Napoleonic wars to WWII. These are not war stories per se, but stories of what
happens to ordinary people in extraordinary times: a Jewish merchant following
Napoleon’s armies, a Polish youth after WWI, an American second lieutenant in
North Africa and more. The stories are light — you will laugh — and
complemented with appropriate song. All ages

WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY SHOW (tech fashion)

The Little, Theatre 1; Fri., Sept. 20, 6-7:30pm; Free

See the latest not-so-serious fashions that incorporate technology. What do
flying birds, fireflies, invisibility and blinking lights have to do with
clothing? Come and find out! RIT student creators will explain the
technology and answer any questions. All ages

THE WORLD IN TIME (theatre)

The Little, Theatre 1; Sat., Sept. 22, 4pm; Sun., Sept. 23, 3:30pm; Free

This series of short, one-act plays, written by RIT students for the annual
Spring 24-Hour Show, features a theme of time and different cultures. The
24-Hour Shows, put on each fall and spring by the RIT Players, are auditioned
on a Friday night, written and cast overnight, then rehearsed and performed on
Saturday night! Works include: “Time’s Up” (Shawn Gray), “A King’s Lament”
(Allie Trimboli), “A Long History of Time” (Reginald D. Pierce), and “Time
Highway” (Robert Paul Hoops). 10+

YUM! (music/multidisciplinary)

Writers & Books; Wed., Sept. 19, 4-5pm;
$10

Life is short – eat dessert first! YUM! is a delicious mix of original and
traditional food stories, songs and poems. Win a serving of Love Cake. Witness
a live whipped-cream demo. Help make pomegranate jam. Entertainer, Home
Ec teacher, knitter and composer Beth Ely Sleboda will use voice, mountain
dulcimer, guitar, ArtScarves and a variety of percussion instruments to cook up
interactive musical fun! Songs include ʺGimme Another One of Them
Creme-Filled Donutsʺ and ʺShortnin’ Bread.” All ages

This article appears in Jul 18-24, 2012.