Bored of winter quarantine? Try a board game
As the pandemic threatens to keep us cooped up at home all winter, playing board games may be just the remedy for cabin fever.
Rochester Oratorio Society presents Live Encore of Brahms’ ‘Schicksalslied’ and ‘Nänie’
Live choral concerts have been hard to come by during the COVID-19 pandemic, and for good reason. But on Friday, Jan. 22, fans of choir music will have reason to bend their ears again when the Rochester Oratorio Society presents a Live Encore broadcast via Facebook Live. The concert will feature two vocal works —…
Film studios adopt new strategies to save their biggest releases
2020 caused a seismic shift in how films are distributed. Here’s what’s coming to theaters and streaming services in 2021.
FDA sends distilleries $14,000 bill as thanks for making hand sanitizer
Distilleries stepped up to the plate and filled in an emergency shortage of hand sanitizer. The FDA is now slapping them with a $14,000 fee.
Monroe County sees 625 new COVID-19 cases, 33 deaths
The 33 new deaths reported Wednesday bring the total up to 592.
Judge rules on contentious Pittsford project, developer plans to press on
A pair of decisions by state Supreme Court Justice John Ark bring an eight-year legal battle over the Westport Crossing project to a close.
Judge temporarily blocks city from releasing police disciplinary records
The city will be blocked from releasing police disciplinary files until at least February.
Audio Archaeology: Before there was Margaret Explosion, there was Personal Effects
The Rochester new wave band Personal Effects stood out in the ’80s, laying the groundwork for the current free-form jazz group Margaret Explosion.
With 2020 in the rear view, can we reconnect with arts and culture in 2021?
Before COVID-19, I would be out four or five nights a week — at concerts, restaurants, or a friend’s house. Now, I’m uncomfortably out of touch.
Burt-Nanna appointed MCC’s next president
DeAnna Burt-Nanna will start on May 21, 2021, and will be the Monroe Community College’s sixth president.
Paramedics, EMTs begin receiving COVID-19 vaccines in Monroe County
With vaccines available, county health officials saw no reason to put off vaccinating emergency medical services workers.
Cuomo signs legislation enacting new eviction protections
The legislation, passed Monday by lawmakers, places a temporary stay on some evictions and some mortgage foreclosures until May 1.
Bello orders food delivery services to lower their fees
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello has signed an executive order limiting the fees that delivery providers can charge restaurants.
Brighton neighbors revoke historic, racist deed restrictions
Meadowbrook was built by Kodak’s real estate arm, which included a racial covenant in original deed documents from 1929.
After fire, City Blue Imaging prepares to look for a new space
For now, City Blue Imaging will operate out of the Rochester Quaker Meeting House at 84 Scio St.
‘Wonder Woman 1984’ is hopeful and optimistic, but spins its wheels
We’re not going to turn down a Chris Pine ’80s makeover montage, but too much of Diana’s identity revolves around her romantic relationship.
Cuomo to extend eviction protections for tenants through new year
Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the extension of an executive order preventing evictions for tenants who’ve faced financial hardship during and before the pandemic.
Cuomo: Bills fans may be able to attend playoff game
Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a plan for allowing 6,700 Buffalo Bills fans to attend a home playoff game amid calls for caution during the holidays.
MAG’s ‘Melting Animals’ animated shorts activate imagination
Geared toward younger audiences, the program showcases a wide range of animation techniques and is meant to spark creativity in viewers.
Helmer Nature Center turns former Christmas trees into quality trails
Beginning on Dec. 26, Helmer Nature Center hosts Trees for Trails, recycling discarded Christmas trees to renew its nature trails.
Critics condemn Chris Collins’ presidential pardon; former colleague defends it
Former western New York Congressman Chris Collins has been released from federal prison after President Donald Trump pardoned him Tuesday.
PAB releases input on Cuomo-mandated police reform plan
The PAB’s answers to questions on policing outline a staunchly progressive vision, and will be used to help guide a police reform plan.
KeyBank Rochester Fringe Festival and Cure team up for ‘Shotspeare’ on New Year’s Eve
New York state’s COVID-19 regulations have been difficult to navigate for bars and restaurants, but Cure has a solution for New Year’s Eve.
Musica Spei celebrates its 25th anniversary with the holiday album ‘Today Is Born’
To commemorate 25 years in existence, the chamber choir Musica Spei has released a poignant collection of Renaissance-era Christmas songs.
Shot Rochester police officer is in stable condition
A Rochester police officer was in stable condition and talking to doctors and family after being shot on Hague Street around 8 a.m.
Police union sues to block city from releasing officers’ personal info
City officials plan to release a cache of Rochester police officer disciplinary files by the end of the year.
Ryan Sutherland’s new single ‘Church Bells’ is refreshingly honest about Christmas during COVID
A lot of holiday music is impossibly joyful, but with “Church Bells,” Ryan Sutherland delivers a Christmas song that’s honest about pandemic life.
Geneseo jazz musician Miche Fambro dies at 64
Local jazz singer and guitarist Miche Fambro, a musician of impeccable skill and elegance, has died after a battle with liver cancer.
Rochester’s long-time love affair with the Liberty Pole
Rochester’s Liberty Pole was built in the 1960’s, but it has roots dating back to well before the New World was colonized.
Monroe County sets new COVID record, at 736 new cases
For the second day in a row, Monroe County set a new COVID-19 record, with 736 new cases reported Friday.
City Council President Loretta Scott: vaccine misinformation dangerous
Scott said that rumors are especially harmful in minority communities that have been hit hard by COVID-19.
In his final role, Chadwick Boseman steals ‘Ma Rainey’s’ show
The contentious story highlights the contributions Black Americans have made to culture, and how little the country values them in return.
Medical experts optimistic about vaccines, caution it will take time
Local experts on COVID-19 vaccine research at a live forum Thursday night said it will take time for the community to build up immunity.
Town of Greece names Drew Forsythe new police chief
Forsythe will replace current Chief Patrick Phelan when he retires at the end of the year.
Monroe County reports 729 new COVID cases, tops previous high
Monroe County set another COVID-19 record on Thursday, with 729 new cases
Former RPD Chief Singletary says Mayor Warren told him to lie about Prude
Former RPD Chief La’Ron Singletary said the mayor ordered him to lie to protect her public narrative surrounding the death of Daniel Prude.
The Isotopes combines surf music and Santa in its 2020 Christmas show Saturday
Rochester surf rock band The Isotopes blends sunshine and Santa with its live-streamed 2020 Christmas show this weekend.
Jazz trio Charlie Lindner and The Pickle Mafia bring holiday spice to virtual concert Friday
Charlie Lindner and The Pickle Mafia will add some progressive jazz flavor to your holiday season with a live-streamed concert on Friday.
Cuomo says a shutdown could be avoided if people change their behavior
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday a second shutdown could be avoided, if New Yorkers change their behaviors.
Monroe County launches COVID-19 Vaccination Task Force
Monroe County officials have formed a COVID-19 Vaccination Task Force to oversee the coordination and distribution of the novel coronavirus vaccine within the community.
Winter Solstice events maximize light before the longest night
Rochester’s time on the dark side of 2020 will be at its peak on Monday. Two local solstice events promise to make the most of the extreme.
CITY’s 2020 Playlist: great music at a bad time
For a year that saw live music grind to a halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 had no shortage of quality recorded music by Rochester-area artists.
The stardust of RIT’s ‘Spoon River Anthology’
RIT’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf presents Edgar Lee Master’s “Spoon River Anthology,” connecting the 1918 pandemic era to the present-day COVID crisis.
With travel off the table, planetarium shows transport audiences
Beyond star shows, RMSC’s Strasenburgh Planetarium offers immersive programs on the National Parks and ‘Holiday Laser’ light & music shows.
City Council approves consulting contract with CAHOOTS operator
The $25,000 contract will bring technical support and guidance to the city’s new Crisis Intervention Services Unit.
COVID-19 vaccinations begin in Monroe County
The vaccines were the first to be given locally outside of those provided in clinical trials.
Investigation: City Hall violated no policies in handling Daniel Prude info
The review by the city’s Office of Public Integrity dealt entirely with the actions of civilian employees, including the mayor.
Tenor Mark Daniels brings holiday warmth to virtual opera concert
Tenor Mark Daniels performs arias by Mozart and Puccini and beloved Christmas carols as part of his virtual holiday recital on Tuesday.
Bello seeks approval of grant to expand mental health intervention program
The U.S. Department of Justice awarded the county a $653,199 grant to make its Forensic Intervention Team an around-the-clock operation.
Rochester school board – the highest paid in NY – eyes a pay cut
Board Commissioner Amy Maloy said during a meeting last week that while the cuts won’t add up to much, “the gesture would be important.”
Salons, barber shops, and gyms get ready to reopen
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said that the businesses, which have been closed since the day before Thanksgiving, can reopen Monday.
Cuomo: Salons, barbershops, and gyms in orange zones can reopen
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has unveiled details of the state’s “winter plan” aimed at limiting COVID-19 spread and avoiding economic shutdowns.
National Women’s Hall of Fame works to recognize under-represented women
A virtual ceremony hosted Thursday honored six Black women posthumously, including Toni Morrison, Henrietta Lacks, and Aretha Franklin.
County prepares for more COVID-19 cases, possible vaccine deployment
COVID-19 cases are still climbing in Monroe County, but immunizations might not be far off.
Legislators override Bello’s budget vetoes
A bitter battle over two amendments to the county’s $1.2 billion budget intensified Thursday with an executive veto and hasty override.
DiNapoli sets net-zero carbon target for New York retirement fund
The announcement is a victory for environmental advocates, who have called on the state to divest from fossil fuel companies for years.
Monroe County sees 607 new COVID cases, and seven new deaths
607 new cases were reported Wednesday in Monroe County, bringing the seven-day rolling average up to 8.31 percent.
Local hospitals see cases tick up, await vaccine approval
Hospitalizations due to COVID-19 are rising across the Rochester region as local hospitals await vaccine approval.
Three Heads’ annual ‘Homegrown’ event — which goes virtual in January — just got cozier
In the face of COVID-19’s winter surge, Three Heads Brewing and Lovin’ Cup keep their annual “Homegrown” party going with an immersive virtual event.
Cuomo: vaccines could come as early as the weekend
In a Wednesday news briefing, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he expects 170,000 initial doses of COVID-19 vaccine to be available as early as this weekend.
Virtual visiting poet Rage Hezekiah shares methods of slaying shame
Writers & Books will host New England-based poet Rage Hezekiah this week for a virtual reading and workshop.
Small, local vendor markets make for safer gift-hunting
A few holiday shopping options that will keep you clear of large crowds.
No humbug: Geneva Theatre Guild to livestream holiday classic ‘A Christmas Carol’
This weekend, Geneva Theatre Guild will have you seeing ghosts in its adaptation of this holiday perennial.
UR International Theatre Program’s ‘The Government Inspector’ is a Trumpian satire from the 19th century
In its first virtual production, UR International Theatre Program presents Gogol’s prescient political satire “The Government Inspector.”
Rochester hospitals adapt to heightened demands of coronavirus surge
With the highest numbers of hospitalized COVID-19 patients since the pandemic began, Rochester-area hospitals are adapting their medical care.
Monroe County legislators add ‘pork-barrel’ fund to Bello’s budget
Legislators otherwise made minimal changes to County Executive Adam Bello’s 2021 budget, which they passed unanimously.
Monroe County COVID-19 daily numbers above 600 again
As of Tuesday, the Department of Public Health reported that the number of daily coronavirus cases in Monroe County has surpassed 600 again.
Sheriff Todd Baxter’s holiday gesture to inmates: free phone calls
Monroe County Jail inmates will get two 15-minute phone calls and a 30-minute video call at no charge through the end of the month.
![[UPDATED] Alyssa Rodriguez gives traditional folk music the holiday treatment in Sunday livestream](https://i0.wp.com/www.roccitymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/alyssa_rodriguez.webp?resize=200%2C150&ssl=1)
[UPDATED] Alyssa Rodriguez gives traditional folk music the holiday treatment in Sunday livestream
Folk musician Alyssa Rodriguez celebrates the season with festive tunes on fiddle and Swedish nyckelharpa in a virtual concert this weekend.
A divided county government sets the stage for a real budget ‘dance’
A GOP-controlled Monroe County Legislature meets Tuesday to hash out a budget proposed by a Democratic executive for the first time in 30 years.
Children’s Detention Center to stop accepting youths after COVID-19 spike
The Monroe County Children’s Detention Center will not be accepting new youths after 15 people there were infected with the coronavirus.
Cuomo hints that new limits on indoor dining are looming
New York state could place new limits on indoor dining if COVID-19 hospitalization rates don’t stabilize, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Monday.
Cuomo warns of potential dining restrictions, shutdowns
State officials will be monitoring region-by-region hospitalization rates and tightening restrictions if certain thresholds are surpassed.
In the modern beer landscape, tradition and innovation clash
In the new world of beer, excess reigns king, leaving tradition sometimes in the dark. Brewers often wish for a different world.
Pop-up pizzerias for the people
Peels on Wheels and Doughboyz aren’t your typical pizza purveyors.
Drop the charges against Jalil Muntaqim
Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley made a bad decision when she prosecuted Jalil Muntaqim for voter fraud.
Barbers, salons in orange zones petition New York state to reopen
Rochester salon and barber shop owners say COVID-19 spread isn’t originating with their businesses, so they shouldn’t be shut down.
More than 200 quarantined due to Monroe County Jail COVID-19 outbreak
As of Friday morning, 33 inmates and 24 jail staff had tested positive for the coronavirus. That’s double the number of cases from Tuesday.
Attorney General releases body camera videos from Prude arrest
The clips are unlikely to contain any new revelations given the amount of police footage from the incident that’s already been made public.
Four steamy cocktails for the winter weather
For easy-to-make recommendations, CITY turned to Café Sasso, the hopping corner coffee shop and cocktail lounge on Park Avenue.
Conor Dwyer Reynolds: His job is to police the RPD
As the first executive director of the Police Accountability Board, Conor Dwyer Reynolds sees an opportunity for systemic change.
Saying goodbye, and good riddance, to 2020
There’s really no other way to sum up 2020 than to call it a fucked up year.
Cuomo: Latest federal relief plan by Dems is down payment on what’s owed
The governor says that the proposed relief package doesn’t come near to the need, and would have to be a short-term bill until March.
RRH doctor: ‘We’re running out of nurses and respiratory therapists’
Medical staff are exhausted as they care for this wave of COVID-19 patients — more than 2x the number hospitalized in the spring’s peak surge.
‘Another Round’ tips the bottle to a tipping point
Danish filmmaker Thomas Vinterberg’s tale about male friendship, aging, and alcoholism is by turns funny, sad, and ultimately cathartic.
Bill would put Rochester in cahoots with Oregon’s White Bird Clinic
City Council will vote this month on a contract with Oregon’s White Bird Clinic, which will guide a police-alternative crisis response team.
Trio Ghidorah brings classical guitar music to Virtual Little Café’s Friday concert
The classical guitar ensemble Trio Ghidorah plays a virtual concert Friday in support of its forthcoming debut album, “Dances and Fantasies.”
A standardized police code of conduct faces huge hurdles
TWO VIEWS COMMENTARY: Like hospitals that are “teaching hospitals,” police departments are “teaching police departments.”
The time for a standard code of conduct for police is now
TWO VIEWS COMMENTARY: Police oversight in New York needs a uniform code of conduct and an independent body to adjudicate complaints.
See ya later, bud. New CBD regs could crush small hemp farms
New proposed regulations on CBD from Gov. Andrew Cuomo, including a ban on bud sales, could leave small hemp farmers high and dry.
Grabbing Bull’s Head by the horns
City officials are in the process of selecting a developer to make Bull’s Head a resurgent commercial, retail, and residential hub.
Rochester to offer free asymptomatic rapid COVID testing
Four sites in Rochester will offer free rapid testing for COVID-19, with positive test results returned in about 20 minutes.
New York to receive 170,000 COVID vaccines
Cuomo said Wednesday 170,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine were coming to New York. Nursing homes and healthcare workers will hold priority.
Monroe County’s hospitals brace for influx of COVID-19 patients
University of Rochester Medical Center selectively postpones elective procedures as COVID-19 surges again in Monroe County.
Rochester musicians remember their first instruments
You always remember your first. Rochester musicians reminisce about the instruments that helped shape their careers.
