Cover Story
Now will we act?
Once again, gunfire disrupts a Rochester neighborhood. This time, three young men are dead. More outrage, more vigils, more calls to “do something.” Will we finally follow through?
Frankel unveils anti-violence plan
Democratic county executive candidate Sandy Frankel’s proposals include a joint city-county anti-violence task force.
Anti-testing movement is only the beginning
New York State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia is trying to clarify her position on testing. After some tough words directed at the anti-testing movement a few weeks ago, Elia now says that parents can choose not to have their children tested, but that she hopes to persuade them otherwise. The softer tone is certainly better…
WEEK AHEAD: Events for the week of Monday, August 31
School opens on Wednesday, September 2, for all Rochester city school students, prekindergarten through grade 12. The Northeast Neighborhood Community Council will hold a candidates night public forum for the Northeast City Council seat and Monroe County Legislature’s 29th district at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 2. The event will be held at Franklin High…
I Scene It: John Hammond at Geva Theatre Center
So this Son House “festivus for the rest of us” had the whole town invigorated. It ain’t a secret this is a blues town; our winters are cold and our women are warm. But this four day affair was something else. I went and saw John Hammond play Thursday night. I’ve always dug this cat…
Pressure is on for UR to fix East
When the State Education Department released the results of the English language arts and math tests for grades 3-8 a couple of weeks ago, many of us looked for some sign that Superintendent Bolgen Vargas’s strategies – implementing universal prekindergarten, expanding learning time, and reducing summer learning loss — are working. But Rochester’s students showed…
REVIEW: ‘Revival: The Resurrection of Son House’
As I walked through the Geva Theatre Center lobby past the photograph exhibition of bluesman Son House, taken from the archives of his tour manager Dick Waterman, I was struck by the images of House performing. I couldn’t get over the look on his face, his eyes transfixed in an otherworldly mixture of ecstasy and…
Mass shooting suspect in custody
A suspect has been arrested in the mass shooting that took place outside the Rochester Boys & Girls Club on Genesee Street last week. Three young men were killed in the shooting, and four other people were injured. Police have not identified the suspect. In a brief press conference moments ago, Rochester Police Chief Mike…
Contests to kick-start downtown retail
Two separate-but-similar competitions are pitting entrepreneurs against each other with the goal of bringing retail to downtown Rochester. The reward in both cases is one year of rent-free space downtown. Downtown Rochester is experiencing a housing boom, but retail has been slow to follow; residents often complain that there’s no quick or easy way to…
Decline in shale gas production expected
Gas production from domestic shale formations is expected to decline in September, says a new report from the US Energy Information Administration. The drop would come just a few months after gas output peaked in May. The explanation for the decline is fairly straightforward: older wells aren’t producing as before, and the new wells aren’t…
I Scene It: “Revival” on stage at Geva Theatre Center
The problem with cinematic or on-stage adaptations of literary works is that they destroy the mind’s eye. They tend to obliterate the sights and sounds you create when you read. But not always. Even though it was on stage before a packed house, the reading of “Revival: The Resurrection of Son House” was a wonderful…
A cautious Vargas says that the district is improving
Rochester schools Superintendent Bolgen Vargas said in a presentation last night that the district is beginning to show signs of improvement. Though much of his presentation was familiar – some of it intentionally designed to serve as a benchmark from when he first took office – the district has made progress in some key areas.…
I Scene It: Barrence Whitfield and the Savages at Abilene
It’s gratifying to hear rock ‘n’ roll fans say my article on an artist swayed them to go to the show. So I was pleased to the max my words managed to get a few lonely souls off the couch and onto the Abilene dance floor where Barrence Whitfield fans beat on it like a…
ROCK | Alberto Alaska
Alberto Alaska put its money where its music is when the band spent the past year and a half recording its debut album, “Possession,” at GCR Audio. The local quintet’s decision to record in Buffalo was based on guitarist Jacob Cavinee’s internship at the studio, which is owned by Goo Goo Dolls bassist Robby Takac.…
ALBUM REVIEW: “Sugar3”
McFadden’s Parachute “Sugar3” PeterFonda Records facebook.com/mcfaddensparachute McFadden’s parachute is the psychedelic brain child of one Darren Brennessel whose catalogue in 1960’s psych is downright epic. Equally impressive is his understanding and reverent interpretation of the genre. There are two ways to look at this music. One: as a sonic interpretation of a solid trip; or…
CLASSICAL | Mozart’s “The Impresario”
If you’ve been wondering how the former First Church of Christ, Scientist building at East Avenue and Prince Street will work out as an opera house, Rochester Lyric Opera is offering you your chance to find out this Friday — and the chance to hear some choice operatic Mozart as well. Following a gala opening…
ALBUM REVIEW: “Zenkar”
Pseudo Youth “Zenkar” Self-released facebook.com/psuedoyouthband Rochester’s Pseudo Youth rock like a band out of time and out of dimension. If the century never turned and the 1990’s kept going, I suspect this band would have popped up around 199013. Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Jesse Sprinkle at his Bluebrick studios, “Zenkar” (named after a die-hard PY fan)…
ROOTS ROCK | JD McPherson
It’s not the drummer’s fault: Local boy, Jason Smay, does good as the drummer in JD McPherson’s band. And we all wanna cheer him on. But that’s not the only reason for McPherson’s third trip to town — and he’s graduated to playing the Harro East Ballroom. It’s because the band is that goddamn good.…
VOTE NOW: Best of Rochester 2015 Primary Ballot
Primary balloting is now closed. Check back on Wednesday, September 23, for our final four poll.
VOCAL | Idina Menzel
This lovely lady, with the equally lovely voice, first came to prominence with her Tony Award-winning role as Maureen in “Rent.” She’s since gone on to record several pop albums, do a little TV work, and align herself with Disney superstardom with her work in “Frozen.” Like I said, a lovely voice, but the gal…
In with the new
The reinstallation of three galleries at the Memorial Art Gallery, a process started in January, is now complete and is changing the way visitors will experience the museum’s collections. The Forman Gallery, situated immediately behind the glass doors past the admissions desk, is now full of sculpted and painted portraits — including some new acquisitions…
Primary endorsements
Both Democrats and Republicans in Monroe County have offices on the ballot in the September primary elections – which are on a Thursday this year, because of the Jewish holiday. But the vast majority are in the Democratic Party, for elected positions affecting residents of the City of Rochester. In New York, voters have to…
DINING | Nikko Pop-Up at Apogee
Pop-up restaurants — eateries with intentionally short runs, often emphasizing seasonality while showing off a chef’s creativity — are popping up everywhere. But if you haven’t caught one yet, your next chance is just around the corner. Apogee Wine Bar is hosting a “pop-up resurrection” of Nikko, a sushi bar with a new-American bent that…
JAZZ | Rick Holland Little Big Band
Before starting his own ensemble, flugelhorn player Rick Holland paid his dues with the Louie Bellson Big Band, Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, and Buddy DeFranco’s and Terry Gibbs’ bands. Now his own Little Big Band specializes in arrangements reminiscent of Gil Evans’ “Birth of the Cool” session, including pieces by contemporary arrangers like Brent Wallarab and…
FESTIVAL | Turkish Arts and Folk Festival
The Rochester Turkish Arts and Folk Festival will mark its 20th anniversary this weekend with three days of dance, traditional music, arts, and authentic food. Hosted by the Turkish Society of Rochester, the festival is expected to draw more than 4,000 attendees from around the region. The performance lineup will include Collage Dance Ensemble, a…
BLUES | Chris Thomas King
Geva Theatre Center’s fours-day homage to influential bluesman Eddie “Son” House will come to a close in style when Chris Thomas King headlines the festival’s last day on Saturday, August 29. A Grammy Award-winning artist who is also known for his role as Tommy Johnson in the 2000 Coen Brothers film “O Brother, Where Art…
FESTIVAL | ForestFest 100th Anniversary
On Saturday, August 29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., join a celebration of all things sylvan at the 100th anniversary of Forest Fest. The event will take place at Genesee County Park and Forest (11095 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany), and will feature live birds of prey, lumberjack sports, crafts, demos, games, guided hikes,…
ROCK | StarBenders
Frontwoman Kimi Shelter dubs her band, StarBenders, “blasphemous candy-coated bubblegum punk,” and there’s definitely some saccharine hooks — mainly in the earworm guitar lines and choruses. But popping out front are the grungy pumping guitars and Shelter’s voice spitting teen pop punk. The band is a jean-clad four-piece from Atlanta signed to Institution Records and…
SPECIAL EVENT | The Happiest Hour
Reminding adults that they still need to take a break and play some games every once in a while, The Strong National Museum of Play will host an adult after-hours event, The Happiest Hour, on Wednesday, August 26. At 5:30 p.m., the museum will turn into a 21 and older venue so that adults can…
Comment period extended for school code of conduct survey
You now have until September 19 to comment on a proposed new Code of Conduct policy for city schools. The deadline, which was originally set for the end of August, has been extended because the response from parents has been poor. The Rochester Community Task Force on School Climate released a draft of the new…
SPECIAL EVENT | Raq City Belly Dance Showcase
For those interested in belly dancing, but not quite sure where to start, the Raq City Belly Dance Showcase is an exhibition of dancing, fashion, and exotic goods that makes it easy to see what the art holds. The showcase will feature performances by Kadri and Soraiyah Sireen, both from Buffalo, and Rochester’s Bombshell Belly…
Panic pop
To really test a song’s credibility and worth all you need to do is unplug it. Take away the electricity, the layering, the studio magic, just strip it down to its bones and see if it still breathes. See if it survives the evisceration; if it still sounds good. Then, chances are it’s a good…
THEATER | Sankofa Evening of Theatre and Jazz Fest
The eighth season of Sankofa Evening of Theatre and Jazz Fest will kick off this week, featuring original works by established and emerging African-American playwrights. “The Brownstone” is a full-length production about conflicts and mysteries surrounding a family in Harlem, and is written by Laura A. Thomas and directed by Curtis K. Rivers (founder and…
Something more at Blackfriars
The air around Danny Hoskins crackles with the contagious energy of someone who spends entire days brainstorming. He’s spent many of the summer days indoors. His “office” is a tiny, sunlit space that doubles as the Blackfriars Theatre box office, though he’s just as likely to camp out at a wobbly card table near the…
Sushi and the sunset
Let’s just get this right out of the way: The view of downtown Rochester from Hattie’s Restaurant at the Strathallan (550 East Avenue) is not to be missed, especially as the sun sets. Standing on the rooftop — a cocktail in hand is optional — and gazing at our fair city as the day ends…
Feedback 8/26
We welcome your comments. Send them to themail@rochester-citynews.com, or post them on our website, rochestercitynewspaper.com, our Facebook page, or our Twitter feed, @roccitynews. For our print edition, we select comments from all three sources; those of fewer than 350 words have a greater chance of being published, and we do edit selections for publication in…
Urban Action 8/26
This week’s calls to action include the following events and activities. All are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted. Penfield town code meeting The Town of Penfield will hold a public hearing to share information on proposed updates to the town code at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 9. Mark Valentine, town…
Economic plan has familiar focus
The Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council has released a draft of its application for the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, the state program where seven Upstate regions are competing for one of three $500 million awards. And the key themes ought to sound very familiar. The draft application focuses on three major industry areas: optics, photonics,…
Film Review: “American Ultra”
I don’t remember absolutely everything that happened last month, so I suppose it’s possible that at some point during July, I was recruited by a shadowy government agency, trained as an efficient killing machine, and then deposited into my humdrum little life after a thorough memory wipe, not knowing when or how I’ll be activated…
Film Review: “The Diary of a Teenage Girl”
“Are they supposed to be sexy?” A clearly perplexed man at one point poses this question to Minnie Goetze (Bel Powley), the 15-year-old protagonist of “The Diary of a Teenage Girl.” He’s referring to drawings, depicting various sex acts and genitalia, that appear throughout the amateur cartoonist’s sketchbook, though he might as well be talking…
Film Review: “Phoenix”
German director Christian Petzold’s atmospheric noir drama, “Phoenix,” centers around concentration camp survivor Nelly Lenz (Nina Hoss, in a magnificent performance), whose brutal experiences have left her disfigured. With the aid of her loyal friend Lene (Nina Kunzendorf), Nelly is brought to Berlin to receive reconstructive surgery, a procedure which is a success but leaves…
