by Dale Evans

Rochester is rich in
cultural diversity. For proof of that, consider the area’s cultural centers,
built over the years by people of various ethnic or geographic backgrounds as
meeting places to celebrate and share their unique heritage. Although distinct
in nationality, most cultural centers have more in common than you might think.
All attempt to eliminate discrimination and prejudice. All foster continued
celebration and acknowledgment of their roots. Many have annual festivals. And
unfortunately, many have declining membership as the members grow older and the
young seem disinterested.

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Below is a
sampling of the many cultural centers in our area, and a taste of what they
offer. If you don’t find one that meets your needs, look around — chances are
there’s a group out there that represents your background. And if not, maybe
now’s the time to start one.

The Baobab Cultural Center
(728 University Avenue)
is a multi-purpose, apolitical, and non-religious facility with a focus on the
art and culture of Africa. The Center presents monthly
art exhibits in addition to its own permanent collection. The Baobab screens
films and documentaries relating to Africa and African
issues, and houses a music room containing rare tropical, jazz, and blues
collections. The lounge area serves refreshments and is outfitted with
international publications. The Baobab regularly hosts speakers, storytellers,
poets and musical events, and also provides information regarding international
sports and cultural events. You do not have to be a member to attend events,
although membership has benefits like free access and discounts.

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  The BaobabCulturalCenter
is open Mondays-Fridays, 5 p.m.-midnight; Saturdays, 10 a.m.-midnight;
and Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more
information call 563-2145 or visit www.thebaobab.org.

Gallery Kauai at the HawaiianPerformingArtsCenter(1560 Jefferson Road)
promotes the original culture, language, and history of Hawaii.
The gallery offers a wide range of ancient and modern disciplines for both
children and adults. Move your hips to the Hawaiian Hula, or swish your grass
skirt in Tahitian or Maori Poi dance. Learn how to play Hawaiian slack-key
guitar or ukulele so that you can impress the guests at your next luau. Take
center stage with Hawaiian acting classes, or bring out your spiritual side by
learning ancient hula chants. Gallery members also perform at more than 200
events a year. For more information call 427-2290 or 385-8735, or visit
www.gallerykauai.com.

The India Community Center
of Rochester (2171 Monroe County Line Road,
Macedon) is a large facility with an auditorium, classrooms, and cabins. It
actually serves as an umbrella for many local Indian organizations and clubs. A
not-for-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of cultural,
educational, charitable, and artistic activities of the Asian Indian community
of Rochester, it presents classical
music, theater, and dance programs, and organizes lectures on topics relevant
to the Indian community. Contact the center for a newsletter and community
directory. For more information call 233-1449, or visit www.icor.org/index.php.

On the third Thursday of each month you can find members of the IrishAmericanCulturalCenter in Johnny’s Irish Pub (1382
Culver Road). In an effort to preserve, educate,
participate in, and celebrate Irish, Celtic, and Irish-American culture,
members gather at the pub and lift a few while enjoying a monthly presentation.
The IACC hopes to soon provide a centralized facility for Irish lectures, theater
productions, dance classes, sporting events, music lessons, language lessons, a
library, and more. For information call 224-0990 or visit the website at http://tedmcgraw.com/iaccwny/.

Rochester features
two Italy-centric centers. Both provide extensive cultural and educational
resources, as well as social events and a space in which to socialize. At the Italian-AmericanCommunity Center(150 Frank DiMino Way,
594-8882, www.iaccrochester.org) you can view local art displays, take a dance
class, socialize with friends and trip the light fantastic at dinner dances, or
simply relax and catch up with others in the community. Meanwhile, at Casa Latina (4245
East Avenue, 389-2468, www.naz.edu/dept/casa_italiana/)

you can learn Italian or refine your language skills. Located on
the campus of NazarethCollege,
Casa Latina is a gift from the local Italian-American community. You can also
see Italian films or take a vacation on one of their sponsored trips.

Most people in Rochester
are familiar with the Jewish Community
Center (1200 Edgewood Avenue).
But if you aren’t, you can make an appointment to take a tour of the impressive
facility by calling 461-2000, ext. 278. The JCC houses a full-service fitness
and recreation center. It also hosts book and film festivals, offers frequent
stage productions, and contains a library. The JCC is open Mondays-Thursdays, 5:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fridays, 5:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturdays, noon-8:30 p.m.;
Sundays, 8 a.m.-8:30 p.m. For more
information call 461-2000, or visit www.jccrochester.org.

The Turkish Society of
Rochester (2841 Culver Road)
was first established as a place to gather to celebrate holidays. Now it also
serves as a school to study the Turkish language, geography, history, and
Islam. The main hall presents parties, concerts and other social activities.
The downstairs coffee house is in use seven days a week as a popular gathering
spot. For more information call 266-1980, or visit www.tsor.org.

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This article appears in Mar 21-27, 2007.