Cover Story
Fall Guide 2019
To many of us culture enthusiasts, autumn is the most magical time of the year. Sure, the cooler temps are comfortably cozy and fall flavors are seriously palatable, but it’s also the top of the season for theater, visual arts, classical music, and other cultural offerings. The arts community comes fully alive again after a…
VOTE NOW: Best of Rochester 2019 Final Ballot
Welcome back from your adventures around Greater Rochester. Your next journey awaits Earlier, we sent you out to explore what this amazing community has to offer and we asked you to really test yourselves. To seek out new places and travel to familiar haunts, to compare them and see if your favorites are really the…
Morelle: begin Trump impeachment proceedings
[ UPDATED ]National media are reporting that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi plans to announce an impeachment inquiry later today. Rochester-area Representative Joe Morelle has joined the list of House Democrats calling an impeachment inquiry of Donald Trump. In a statement issued early this afternoon, Morelle referred to recent allegations that Trump pressured Ukrainian President Volodymyr…
RCSD financial crisis builds
The Rochester City School District is facing perhaps one of the most serious crises it has had in recent history: Its leaders just learned that it has significantly overspent its 2018-2019 budget and the school board and administration are scrambling to find answers as the district’s critics pile on. Several days have passed since the…
City wants state to sever ties with Rochester school district
Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren is asking state officials to “sever the connection” between city government and the Rochester school district. That would mean that the city would no longer raise taxes for the district.
Leah reviews ‘Thank You Kiss Presents: Secret Handshakes’
With scripted sketches, improv, video, plenty of pop music and, of course, a secret handshake, Thank You Kiss — comprised of Marc D’Amico, Megan Mack, John Forrest Thompson, and Beth Winslow — makes a hilarious return to the Blackfriars Theatre stage for the first time since 2017. “Secret Handshakes” begins with everyday situations at places…
Adam reviews ‘Muffin Theatre Presents: A Show With Cookies’ and ‘Which Bitch Did It?’
With its straightforward title, the utterly delightful “Muffin Theatre Presents: A Show With Cookies” delivers exactly what it promises. The entire solo show follows Katherine Marino’s chipper hostess as she decides to bake some cookies. That’s it. And it’s wonderful. Alright, it’s a little more complicated than that: set to music and acted out entirely…
Kathy reviews ‘Josephine, a burlesque cabaret dream play’
One of the things I love most about Fringe is I always learn something. Usually it’s a life lesson or a new way of looking at something, but Friday night, I learned all of that, as well as the life story of iconic performer Josephine Baker. Tymisha Harris stars in this one woman tour-de-force of…
RCSD facing spending concerns
The Rochester City School District may have overspent its budget for the 2018-2019 school year, but it’s unclear how much money is involved and what impact, if any, this could have on students’ school programs. The discrepancy was found during a routine year-end audit by the district’s external auditor, school board President Van White said in…
Leah reviews ‘The Memory Palace Live’
Rochester Fringe 2019, fringeCITY19, The Memory Palace
Frank reviews ‘Charming Disaster: A Musical Tarot Reading’
Brooklyn-based duo Charming Disaster was charming as hell, but the only thing disastrous I could see and hear was the two girls sitting behind me that wouldn’t shut up. That notwithstanding, the band put out a dark set of sense, of sensuality, and of grace. Jeff Morris on guitar and vocals and Ellia Bisker on…
Kathy reviews ‘Garth Fagan Dance: Up Close and Personal’
Garth Fagan has been a fixture in the Rochester community for nearly 50 years for a reason — he has a distinct style that is instantly recognizable, but he is constantly coming up with fresh ways to present his style of dance. That was very clear at his company’s Fringe presentation this year. Thursday evening’s…
Adam reviews ‘Brave Space’ and ‘Frogpig’
Before entering the gymnasium venue of “Brave Space” at the School of the Arts, the audience is instructed to watch a short introductory video to let us know what to expect from the show we’re about to see. We’re told to prepare to get cozy with one another, and that audience members may be asked…
David reviews ‘Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra: Scheherazade .2’
A symphony orchestra in a Fringe Festival? It sure makes sense when the orchestra gives an entire program of recent music by four American composers, all very much alive. Space is limited, so I’ll start with the piece that gives the concert its title: a spectacular ”dramatic symphony” for violin and orchestra by John Adams,…
Barnhart appointed to County Legislature seat
Rachel Barnhart, the Democratic nominee for the 21st Legislative District seat, was unanimously selected Wednesday by the district’s Democratic leaders to fill a vacancy left by Mark Muoio, who resigned last month amid questions about his residency.
Leah reviews ‘Delirium’
There’s something raw and vulnerable about telling a personal story. It’s the stuff of memoir, autobiography, of poetry and prose. Martin Dockery is well-acquainted with openness and even oversharing, as he’s a storyteller who travels to Fringe festivals around the world telling true tales from his own life. Dockery performed his Fringe act “Delirium” to…
SPECIAL EVENT | The Erie Armada
An event that celebrates both the history and future of an important NYS waterway as well as regional food and beverages is planned for this weekend. The Erie Armada will provide visitors with an immersive experience including recreational activities along the Erie Canal, canal-inspired collaborations between New York State breweries and cideries, and a swarm…
And we all fall down
In the upcoming music season there’s a lot of bluster centered on some music legends, the offspring of some music legends, artists produced by legendary producers, crooners, bangers, and swamp boogie twangers. A lot of the shows are brewing in the underground so you gotta dig a little so you can dig a little. Here’s…
Police union sues to stop referendum
Plans for a Police Accountability Board could be in jeopardy because of a lawsuit filed last week by the Rochester police officers’ union. The Locust Club wants a judge to block a November referendum on the board’s creation. The union; its president, Mike Mazzeo; and its treasurer, Kevin Sizer; are suing the City of Rochester,…
Now playing: current issues
The 2019-20 theater season wants to make a statement
COMEDY | Randy Rainbow
Following a sigh-filled tirade about a recent stunt of 45’s, a fellow satire-loving friend introduced me to the delightful phenomenon that is Randy Rainbow. The New York-based performer got his start making videos in his apartment, splicing himself as a “cut the b.s.” interviewer into real interview clips and lambasting Trump and his cronies with…
A chronology of classics
Rochester’s classical music scene for the coming season offers, as always, a great deal of variety and a high level of quality. How to sort it all out? Maybe as good a way as any is chronologically, by repertoire…starting several centuries back.
LITERATURE | ‘Bridging Silos’
In her book “Bridging Silos: Collaborating for Environmental Health and Justice in Urban Communities,” Katrina Smith Korfmacher points out that residents of marginalized communities experience disproportionately high exposure to environmental hazards and associated health problems. As examples, her work studies the efforts that have been made to assuage three long-standing problems, including childhood lead poisoning…
Dog’s day out
The weather’s fine; don’t leave the doggo at home
FILM | ‘Black & Female in Rochester’
The next scheduled event in the valuable “At the Crossroads: Activating the Intersection of Art & Justice” series is “Black & Female in Rochester: After the Marching Stopped,” and will be hosted at Visual Studies Workshop. The artistic prompt for this event will be locally-produced film and video that provokes discourse about the roles black…
The scene, seen
Exploring the 2019-20 arts season
CULTURE | ‘Hodinöhsö:ni’ Healthy Roots, Culture, and Traditions’
Year-round, Ganondagan State Historic Site provides insight into the history of the Rochester region’s Indigenous people. And this weekend it will host an event that brings history to life and spotlights living culture at the “Hodinöhsö:ni’ Healthy Roots, Culture, and Traditions” event, which features 18th-century re-enactors (pictured: Darwin John, Elmer John, and Alvin Parker) in…
Feedback 9/18
We welcome your comments. Send them to feedback@rochester-citynews.com with your name, your daytime telephone number for verification, and your city, town or village. Comments of fewer than 500 words have a greater chance of being published, and we do edit selections for publication in print. We don’t publish comments sent to other media. Parking and…
My favorite season: awards
The leaves are changing and a fresh chill is in the air, which means Hollywood’s thoughts are turning to “serious” art and Oscar glory. On the heels of a lackluster summer movie season, the coming months are looking up film-wise, promising all manner of goodies, from comic book adaptations to biopics about some beloved Hollywood…
Urban Action 9/18
This week’s call to action includes the following events and activities. (All are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.) Architecture and justice in urban America The University of Rochester Humanities Center will present a lecture on architecture and justice by Bryan Lee Jr. on Thursday, September 19. Lee is the recipient of…
TANGO | Uptown Tango
Uptown Tango is an instrumental duo that combines classical and jazz with original Argentine tango arrangements. Having met by chance as fellow performers, violinist Evan Meccarello and guitarist Seth Sealfon have been playing together as Uptown Tango ever since, releasing an album of demos in 2016 and a debut studio album in 2018. The music…
Climate strikes come to Rochester
The seriousness of climate change, now more accurately called global climate disruption, increases by the day. And that’s the case whether you look at it as an environmental and ecological issue, a political issue, a social justice concern, or an economic factor. The increasing urgency for governments, institutions, and individuals to act on climate change…
ROCK | Joe Brucato & The Joyous Noise
Joe Brucato & The Joyous Noise is possibly one of the finest bands to emerge locally. The all-star group – which includes Levi Bennett on drums – fits like a glove around Brucato, a man whose resume reads like a “Who’s who?” of the industry. Brucato’s roots are in Irondequoit, but a Los Angeles music…
ROCK | The National Reserve
Singer-guitarist Sean Walsh has a firm belief in the power of music to bring people together. Based in Brooklyn, Walsh is backed by guitarist Jon LaDeau, bassist Matthew Stoulil, and drummer Brian Geltner under the moniker The National Reserve. This quartet is a summery party band you’d expect to catch under a beer tent, keeping…
SYNTH-POP | Strfkr
Known for ethereally catchy pop struts like “Rawnald Gregory Erickson the Second,” Strfkr was originally given its name as a joke by an early fan. Based in Portland, Oregon, the band began as the brainchild of Joshua Hodges and evolved into a quartet. Strfkr has released five albums since 2008, including its latest album, “Being…
JAZZ | Harvey Sorgen, Michael Bisio & Erik Lawrence Trio
Talk about a power trio. Drummer Harvey Sorgen (pictured) has played with a host of jazz greats, including Ahmad Jamal, Dave Douglas, and Anthony Braxton. But that’s not half of it: On the pop side, Sorgen’s worked with Hot Tuna, Bob Weir, The Allman Brothers Band, and many more. Saxophonist Erik Lawrence has a similar…
PIANO ROCK | Alex Northrup and the Backup
Performing solo and with a group of friends known as The Backup, Alex Northrup is a local multi-instrumentalist and songwriter with two studio albums under his belt. Alex Northrup and the Backup perform nerdy piano pop similar to Ben Folds, but with more theatrical songwriting and conversational lyrics. Delivering danceable, psychedelic pop rock, the band…
After 48 years with CITY…
The journalism that CITY and WXXI have been producing continues, serving a community that has great challenges and great potential.
Gary Lamaar and Cammy Enaharo release new albums
For Rochester musicians Gary Lamaar and Cammy Enaharo, September is a time to celebrate new artistic creations. They’ll each release their latest records at a joint show at UUU Art Collective on Saturday, September 21.
Album review: ‘The Unfortunate Case of Mortis Rocksalt’
Moses Rockwell ‘The Unfortunate Case of Mortis Rocksalt’ Self-released mosesrockwell.bandcamp.com Heavily influenced by John Coltrane’s "A Love Supreme," Rochester rapper Moses Rockwell brings a sophisticated blend of jazz, R&B, and hip-hop in his beats. Rockwell has put out ten albums since 2012, including his latest, "The Unfortunate Case of Mortis Rocksalt," which was released in…
Album review: ‘The Big Sound’
Wyatt Coin ‘The Big Sound’ Rockshow Records wyattcoin.bandcamp.com Wyatt Coin is a down-home punk, country, and rockabilly quartet currently based in Buffalo. Formed in 2014, the band has since released an EP and two live albums, and has played the vans Warped Tour twice. Wyatt Coin’s first full-length studio album "The Big Sound" – produced…
The curry is calling at Jamaican joint Pan-Cart
Pan-Cart reminds writer Chris Thompson of the Jamaican joints he would frequent in Queens and West Baltimore: cozy, perfect spots for getting a big take-away order for a decent price, but where the door is always open to sit and chat with whoever is in the dining area, be it employee or patron.
Film preview: ‘Projecting Our Voices’
An evening of screenings and discussions honoring Rochester’s radical documentary film advocacy will be hosted by the Rochester Documentary Filmmakers Group at Visual Studies Workshop.
Leah reviews ‘The 24-Hour Plays’
Three producers, five writers, five directors, 14 actors, 24 hours. “The 24 Hour-Plays,” an ever-popular Fringe act, returned to Writers & Books on Monday night for two performances at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. In 60 minutes, the group presented five original one acts, all created since 8 p.m. the previous night. The only real…
Kathy reviews ’21 Chump Street’ and ‘ExMen: Not About Superheroes’
If you know what you’re doing, you don’t need a long time to convey emotion and a point. Lin-Manuel Miranda knows what he’s doing. The mastermind behind “Hamilton” and “In the Heights” turned a true story from “This American Life” into a quick, down-and-dirty, 15-minute musical. It follows Justin (Derek Scott), a high-schooler who is…
Leah reviews ‘Spooky Stories in the Stacks,’ ‘The Fighting Girl’s Guide to Politics,’ and ‘This Year’s Models’
Rochester Fringe 2019, fringeCITY19
Kathy Reviews ‘Rhythm Delivered,’ ‘Commotion Dance Theater,’ ‘Other People’s Shows,’ and ‘MargOH Channing is Hung’
Most parents may shy away from bringing their kids to a performance of “Stomp.” But what if you removed some of the volume and injected some humor perfect for young audiences? You’d get “Rhythm Delivered.” The troupe of dancers and percussionists use their bodies, as well as miscellaneous objects (paint buckets, cardboard boxes, plastic tubes,…
Frank reviews ‘Pearl: Secrets of the Sea’
The French company Plasticiens Volants made up for Friday night’s forced cancellation due to high winds with two spectacular shows on Saturday night. It was mighty cool, it was mondo epic and truly amazing how they brought these enormous inflatable sea creatures to life over the heads of thousands of mesmerized souls, as their jaws…
Adam reviews ‘RIT School of Film & Animation Honors Show 2019,’ ‘Oz and Effect,’ and ‘‘33 (a kabarett)’
I always try to make a point of attending the annual Fringe program from RIT’s School of Film and Animation, which presents a host of films (34 this year) produced by the students of SOFA. The works are selected to represent every year of the school’s graduate and undergraduate programs, as well as every genre…
Kathy reviews ‘Flirting Like an American’
Language is a funny thing. It’s even funnier when Sufian Zhemukhov takes command of it to tell his story of coming to America from Russia and finding out slowly (and sometimes painfully) that the language of love is not international. He came here for his work as a Fulbright scholar, but hoped he would also…
David reviews ‘Dogfight: The Musical’
Just to put it up front: “Dogfight” is a musical with a book by Peter Duchan and a score by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. I mention this because their names are mentioned nowhere on the program for OFC Productions’ Fringe Festival presentation. Seeing “Dogfight,” you might well wonder who wrote it, because Duchan, Pasek,…
Leah reviews ‘The Eulogy’
Seven minutes before his 7 p.m. curtain on Friday night, performer Michael Burgos was on the first floor of Writers & Books, nervously milling around the long line that had formed outside the stairway to the second floor theater. A house manager cleared her throat. “Excuse me! We have an announcement,” she said. Burgos, dressed in a somber…
Colgate neighbors sue over development
A group of residents near the former Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School campus are suing to stop local developer Angelo Ingrassia and his company, ROC Goodman, from moving forward with his plan to develop the site. The Colgate Neighbors group and several individually named neighbors of the project filed the lawsuit against the city, City…
Leah reviews ‘BardBending: Fight Club Edition’
With more than 500 shows running in 12 days of Fringe, most folks won’t be likely to choose Shakespeare first. Unless maybe it’s all fight scenes. From a handful of different famous Shakespearean tales. Set in different eras and realities. Leave it to Virginia Monte and crew at Rochester’s own WallByrd Theatre Co. to dream…
Adam reviews ‘Colma!’
The infamous Colma, California is a small town just south of San Francisco where, thanks to a significant chunk of the city’s land being devoted to an absurd number of cemeteries, the dead outnumber the living by a jaw-dropping 1,000 to 1. With roughly 1800 living residents, that’s a lot of stiffs. No wonder the…
David reviews ‘Charlie and the Siberian Monkey Goddess’
“Charlie and the Siberian Monkey Goddess” manages to be something you’ve seen before — the zany “Who’s the crazy one?” debate in a psychiatrist’s office — and something a bit different, in that the debate is between Charlie Chaplin (or an imposter) and someone who might be a doctor, or the goddess of the title,…
Kathy reviews ‘Somewhere in Between’ and ‘God is a Scottish Drag Queen’
After debuting at last year’s Fringe Festival, the Frazee Feet Dancers are back with a new work titled “Somewhere in Between.” Utilizing original written works, newly composed music and contemporary dance, the small but nimble group tells stories about love, life and acceptance. The written pieces, which are read by its author Reilly Hirst, serve…
Leah reviews ‘Black Matter’
Candles flickered around the event space off the main dining room at Nox in Village Gate on Wednesday evening, adding to the ambiance of the large, Victorian-esque room. A server flitted around delivering drinks tableside, and a makeshift stage area set apart from tables and chairs was lit with red and blue lights, casting purple…
Frank reviews ‘Cirque du Fringe: D’illusion’
It takes quite a show to upstage a venue, but the folks behind “The Cirque du Fringe” spectacular each year consistently knock it’s capacity audience out. The show is loosely held together by your charming hosts Matt and Heidi Morgan, who wrangle this sideshow as much as they perform alongside attractions from around the globe.…
Kathy reviews ‘Something From Nothing (Marfa)’
When you walk into your first Fringe show and you’re greeted by a tunnel of cast members cheering and offering you high fives, you might suspect you’re in for something a little different. That’s the case with “Something From Nothing (Marfa),” my first show of 2019. In keeping with the theme of “Leap A Little”…
Frank reviews ‘The Theater World of John W. Borek’
Alt-theater impresario, fringe of The Fringe, and madman John Borek said adios to The MuCCC performance space on Tuesday night after reigning there for 10 years with contrarian and maniacal delight. The attendees in the joint expected this producer of some of the worst theater to pull off the unexpected and Borek didn’t disappoint; he…
Rochester Fringe 2019: CITY’s Daily Fringe Blogs
CITY Newspaper will offer extensive coverage of the 2019 Rochester Fringe Festival. Check back right here for daily blogs, with photos and reviews, during the fun of the festival (September 10-21) And let us know how your Fringe is going on social media with the hashtag #fringeCITY.
