Before they ever actually met, Chuck Mangione brought Jeff Tyzik to Rochester. All it took was hearing his music. “Somebody sent me a Chuck Mangione recording, and when I listened to that, I was inspired by his music enough to want to come to Rochester and study at the Eastman School [of Music] where he […]
Section Feature
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Children’s lit magazine ‘Magic Dragon’ looks to its future in an uncertain financial landscape
There’s a dragon in Joanne Andrews’ basement. He’s a few feet tall, brilliant green and clad in a wizard’s hat and a wand. He’s also made onto a foam board. Andrews created him as the mascot for Magic Dragon, the children’s literary magazine she assembles in her Pittsford home with editor Patricia Roesch. Andrews is […]
Posted inMovies
The Oscars love disability stories, but it’s complicated
The trailer for “Song Sung Blue,” director Craig Brewer’s Oscar-nominated biographical drama about a Neil Diamond tribute act, sets up a familiar arc. While looking for glory, musicians Mike and Claire — played by Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson — find each other. And when the glory arrives, so do the struggles: alcoholism, addiction and, […]
Posted inMusic Reviews
REVIEW | ‘Hands Up’ by Eli Flynn ft. Felix Free
Rochester musician Eli Flynn established himself in the local music scene as a member of Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad and through his own collaborative, Eli Flynn and the Everymen. His talents extend beyond the stage and into the classroom, where he works as a music therapist at The Hochstein School. Inspired by stories of […]
Posted inMusic
Gladys Knight and Mikaela Davis among summer festival performer announcements
Despite a fresh snowfall, festival season is just a few months away. This week, two of the city’s cornerstone summer celebrations have revealed some 2026 headliners. The Rochester Lilac Festival will fill Highland Park with homegrown and touring acts beginning May 8 and running through May 17. Each night has free live music, with local acts […]
Posted inMusic
REVIEW | ‘Tyzik Joyride’ by Eastman Wind Ensemble
Here’s an album to turn on when you’re looking for something bright and fun in the midst of winter — whether you’re embracing the season’s chilly energy or trying to combat its gloom. From the first note of Jeff Tyzik’s “Jazz Concerto for Soprano Saxophone and Wind Ensemble,” there’s brightness, bounce, lift and energy. In […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Vision of Sound returns for four days of eclectic local music and dance
The Rochester City Ballet, a krumping university professor and ensemble musicians will gather this weekend for a unique festival. Vision of Sound, which pairs local composers and choreographers to perform new work together, returns for four shows of eclectic music and dance February 19-22. The shows will be staged at four local schools, including SUNY Brockport, Onondaga Community College in Syracuse, […]
Posted inMusic
REVIEW | ‘Blanket’ by Shep Treasure
Indie artist Shep Treasure’s second full-length album, “Blanket,” feels like taking a walk after a blizzard, leaving the house for a world sheathed in layers of pearl grey and reflected sunlight. Sabrina Nichols, the primary creative force behind the band’s name, wrote “Blanket” after moving back to her native Rochester from Brooklyn. Nichols takes charge […]
Posted inMusic
REVIEW | ‘Before the Dawn’ by Claudia Hoyser
“Before the Dawn,” the sophomore album from Fairport native Claudia Hoyser, is an ethereal dive into modern Americana and country. Hoyser’s unique voice and emotional vulnerability create something new and fresh, sultry and sweet. For fans of indie and country, this LP is sure to turn heads. While exploring themes like growth and healing, “Before […]
Posted inMusic
CITY’s year in (music) review 2025
Year-end lists condition people like me to think that there must be One Best Album to rule over all others. This is simply not true. My favorite 2025 music was made by several diverse artists that I love equally: ambient instrumentalist Walt McClements, New York City band Geese, local improvisational duo Wren Cove — more […]
Posted inMusic
Taye Diggs and The Skycoasters to be inducted into Rochester Music Hall of Fame
Long before he was demanding last year’s rent from his bohemian friends, Taye Diggs grew up in Rochester and attended School of the Arts. Since then, the actor, singer and Broadway star has gone on to much success and acclaim, including performances in the stage and film versions of “Rent” and “Chicago.” Later this year, […]
