It’s almost autumn, and Delaney West has created a collection perfect for cozy days. Fans of indie folk should save the date for September 18, when West releases her intimate debut album, “Siren.” These eight thoughtful tracks were recorded locally at Submarine Sound Studio with Ben Morey manning production. The record is simple and spellbinding, […]
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REVIEW | ‘In Plain Sight: The Black Anthology’
Perhaps you are curious to experience the overlooked work of important Black American composers. There’s a chance that you are a fan of classical songs, or intrigued to hear the works of poets including Langston Hughes in musical form. If you’re someone with a bit of local Rochester pride, you might want to embrace achievements […]
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REVIEW | ‘Greatest Almosts’ by Dufus
In case we needed a reminder of the singular songwriting voice of long-time Rochesterian Seth Faergolzia, his former freak folk band Dufus’s retrospective album “Greatest Almosts” provides the necessary jolt. Faergolzia’s gymnastic melodies and zany use of group vocals take the fore in this 16-song set culled from the band’s 20-year run. But it’s the […]
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REVIEW | ‘Analog Dreams’ by Aloefi
“Analog Dreams,” the debut album from Rochester DJ/producer Aloefi, resides nicely within the catalog of Portland-based label Cold Busted Records. Like much of the independent label’s brand of warm lo-fi instrumental hip-hop, “Analog Dreams” is built around sample manipulation that is inventive but rarely flashy, hovering just beneath the audible surface at all times. Despite […]
Posted inCulture
Genesee Brewing Co. has a new owner
Saothair Capital Partners, a Pennsylvania-based private equity firm, purchased FIFCO USA, Genesee’s parent company. It will bring back two former executives, and return to the name of North American Breweries.
Posted inTheater
Nostalgia and feel-good picks permeate this season’s theatrical lineup
We live in uncertain times. The AI technological revolution has many wondering (and worrying) about the future. One of the more optimistic speculations is that if AI becomes more widespread, theater will have a resurgence: people will long for a space away from screens in the company of other humans more than ever. But a […]
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REVIEW | ‘Solo Street’ by Greg Townson
Homegrown favorite Greg Townson released his first collection of solo guitar instrumentals, “Solo Street,” in late May. The 10-song record showcases sweet fingerpicking and clean, articulate fretwork. It’s about dynamics, not gymnastics, and illustrates the work of a practiced craftsman. Townson is usually recognized for his work with Rochester’s Hi-Risers, his collaborations with Nick Lowe […]
Posted inCulture
New nightclub jazzes up High Falls
At 233 Mill Street in the High Falls district sits a new jazz and R&B lounge that the owners describe as mature, classy and comfortable. Nightcap Blues was the vision of Tyrone Reaves, Harold Drumgoole and Rick Caesar, three men who work in manufacturing with a love for good vibes and good people. “We wanted to […]
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REVIEW | ‘North Country Blue’ by Seungyoung Hong and Paul Meyers Duo
What happens when two great minds do, in fact, think alike? Apparently, they make an album of inspired and captivating jazz songs. “North Country Blue” is a new nine-track album from Seungyoung Hong and Paul Meyers. With Hong on bass and Meyers on guitar, they explore some wildly imaginative interplay between their instruments but still […]
Posted inCulture
Mahjong’s quiet rise through social circles
Intricately designed, hand-carved tiles click against acrylic racks as four women spanning three generations rack their tiles, uncovering the 13 they have to work with. Once everyone has racked their tiles, they select three they want to pass and the Charleston (or tile swapping) begins. Between each tile exchange, the women forget which round they’re […]
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REVIEW | ‘Moonlight Passes On’ by Attic Abasement
“Moonlight Passes On” is Rochester-based Attic Abasement’s first record in about 10 years. Helmed by the prolific Mike Rheinheimer, AA is an acoustic guitar-driven indie rock, raucous collective with a good number of releases under its belt within 20-plus years of existence. This new one consists of short, but somehow slow-building, under-the-radar blips that’ll turn […]
Posted inCulture
Best of Rochester 2026 primary voting is now open
Best Of Rochester 2026 has entered the chat. Our annual readers’ poll is a chance to shout out your favorite people, places and things to do. A chance to give recommendations to other CITY readers. A chance to promote your business. And as always, the four finalists in each category are dictated by your write-ins! That’s where […]
