A D R E N A L I N E
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JUNE 2025 | Vol. 53 No. 10
Inside 6
ADRENALINE
A REPORTER RIDES A BIKE FOR THE FIRST TIME AND UNLOCKS A WHOLE NEW VIEW OF ROCHESTER. BY PATRICK HOSKEN
ARTS. MUSIC. CULTURE. 280 State Street Rochester, New York 14614 feedback@rochester-citynews.com phone (585) 244-3329 roccitymag.com PUBLISHER Rochester Area Media Partners LLC, Chris Hastings, chairman
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FILM
RACE EBERHARDT IS STRAIT UNDERCOVER BY GINO FANELLI
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HISTORY
ROCHESTER NATIVE BLANCHE STUART SCOTT IS THE FIRST WOMAN OF ADRENALINE. BY MATT ROGERS
FOUNDERS Bill and Mary Anna Towler EDITORIAL Editor: Leah Stacy Arts reporter: Patrick Hosken Multimedia reporter: Roberto Felipe Lagares Editorial intern: Alyssa Koh Contributors: Gino Fanelli, Ten Gardner, Liz Hogrefe, Alyssa Koh, Megan Mack, George Cassidy Payne, Jackie Perrin, Matt Rogers,Mona Seghatoleslami, Pete Wayner CREATIVE Director, Strategy: Ryan Williamson Art director: Jacob Walsh ADVERTISING ads@rochester-citynews.com Advertising consultant/ Project manager: David White OPERATIONS/CIRCULATION Operations manager: Ryan Williamson
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ADRENALINE
A CHOSEN FAMILY OF HABITUAL SKYDIVERS SEARCHES FOR PEACE THROUGH FREEFALL. BY TEN GARDNER
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PHOTO ESSAY
ROC CITY ROLLER DERBY CONTINUES TO EVOLVE BY ROBERTO F. LAGARES
A YEAR AFTER FAMILY TRAGEDY SIDELINED THEIR TOUR, LOS LONELY BOYS PLAYS PARCEL 5 ON JUNE 26. BY PATRICK HOSKEN
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CITY (ISSN 1551-3262) is published monthly 12 times per year by Rochester Area Media Partners, a subsidiary of WXXI Public Broadcasting. Address changes: CITY, 280 State Street, Rochester, NY 14614. Member of the Association of Alternative Newsmedia and the New York Press Association. Copyright by Rochester Area Media Partners LLC, 2025 - all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, photocopying, recording or by any information storage retrieval system without permission of the copyright owner.
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Q&A
CITY is available free of charge. Additional copies of the current issue may be purchased by calling 585-784-3503. CITY may be distributed only by authorized distributors. No person may, without prior written permission of CITY, take more than one copy of each monthly issue.
On the cover: Photograph by Roberto F. Lagares
JAZZ FESTIVAL
NEO-FUNK FUSION, ASMR ELECTRONICA AND FREE IMPROV COLOR THIS YEAR’S LINEUP. BY PATRICK HOSKEN
@ROCCITYMAG WXXI Members may inquire about free home delivery of CITY including monthly TV listings by calling 585-258-0200.
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Red Headed Stranger EDITOR'S LETTER
BY LEAH STACY LEAH@ROCHESTER-CITYNEWS.COM
M
y first post-graduate school assignment in 2012 was freelance coverage of the Rochester International Jazz Festival. My editor, Cathy Roberts (a rare gem, if you have the honor of knowing her), believed in me enough to let me write some of the headliner reviews, and as a freshly christened Arts Journalism grad, there was (is!) no better feeling, as a writer, than seeing my words in print. Cathy brought me back the following year for coverage, and what followed was perhaps my most memorable Jazz Fest experience: reviewing Willie Nelson on June 22, 2013 in Kodak Hall. I still remember the giant Texas flag unfurling behind him as he walked onstage, his braided hair frizzed beneath a folded bandana, his slight form bent around a guitar. I wasn’t terribly familiar with Willie Nelson’s personal life, but I knew he’d been a redhead in his younger years so I felt we had a bond of sorts. Maybe ol’ Willie felt it too, because at the end of the show, he pointed to me in the press area and threw me a red bandana of my own. He was 80 years old then, and part of my review touched on how he was embracing his mortality — as I write this, Willie Nelson is 92 years old. Willie probably won’t (I mean, hey, never say never) headline Jazz Fest again, but the experience of reviewing Willie Nelson’s show reminded me why I love this industry, and specifically, covering arts and culture. The arts have power to both connect us with and remove us from ourselves. We are touched by art because
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Willie Nelson at the Jass Fest in 2013. PHOTO BY TOMAS FLINT
we may relate; we are affected by art because it changes us. As we’ve seen NEA cuts announced and festival season arrive and faced our own challenges in the media industry, it’s more important than ever for all of us to be supporting local arts and culture through our attendance and dollars. Go to Jazz Fest. Go to Fringe. See a community theater production, or a high school chorus concert. Buy the lemonade or the candy bars for the fundraiser. And soak it in. Let it change you. (I still have that bandana.) See you out there, L
JUNE CITY SOCIAL Join us from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, June 6 for our annual CITY Social with Rochester Cocktail Revival, presented by WeTheHobby with additional support from Garber Automotive Group, CITY Magazine and 98PXY. Located in the historic Brown's Race District, the 858-foot Pont de Rennes Bridge soars above the Genesee River Gorge at the base of High Falls. This iconic Rochester landmark will be the setting for an outdoor happy hour and street fair featuring 20+ New York State-only brands, from fashion, gaming and food to beer, wine and spirits. Stroll down the bridge to shop, sip, vote for your favorite local busker
(who wins a cash prize!) — curated by The Route’s own Hannah Maier — and chat with our team about CITY Magazine's June “Adrenaline” issue. Parking is available on street in Brown’s Race, at Innovative Field lot and in the High Falls Garage. All ages welcome; must show 21+ ID to partake in cocktails, beer, wine and spirit samples.
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Learning to glide ADRENALINE
BY PATRICK HOSKEN PATRICK@ROCHESTER-CITYNEWS.COM
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n a parking lot near the Fedder Building off East Main Street, I steady myself on a bicycle with the pedals removed. My helmet latch clicks into place. My feet find the flat pavement. Then I push off. For a few seconds — and for the first time in my life — I’m gliding. “The only thing that keeps that bicycle upright is your momentum,” says Reconnect Rochester cycling manager Jesse Peers, who’s giving me a riding lesson. He tells me to “Fred Flintstone it” in order to get some speed and adds, “it’s one of those low-risk, low-reward, high-risk, highreward kind of things.” For many years, not knowing how to ride a bike has been a source of both shame (how could this happen?) and fear (of getting hurt or failing in general). But now, it’s also given me an extraordinary opportunity in my mid-30s. Frankly, there’s never been a better time to do it. Rochester boasts nearly 300 miles of bike paths, including 60 miles of onstreet bike lanes. Cycling has obvious health benefits, both physical and mental, and can help reduce motor-vehicle emissions. Some of these factors pushed Peers to get involved with Reconnect Rochester in 2013. Then, at age 31, he hadn’t ridden a bike since he was a teenager. But his friend taught a class on street riding, so he checked it out. The class changed his life. “My parents will tell you: I’m a risk-averse introvert. I don’t do things that require confrontation,” Peers says. “If I can do it, I do believe anybody
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A reporter rides a bike for the first time and unlocks a whole new view of Rochester.
CITY arts reporter Patrick Hosken learned to ride a bicycle thanks to Reconnect Rochester. PHOTO BY JACOB WALSH
can do it, but it takes a little bit of work on your part.” His car died a few months later. He’s been a bike commuter ever since. That anecdote is inspirational for me. But first, the parking lot doles out its first urban-riding crucible: I run over broken glass. After Peers investigates the back tire hiss and the small hole, he grabs a spare bike from home (one with pedals), and I’m back to gliding and picking up speed. Then, alarmed by the wind and a slight wobble, I squeeze the handle brakes and stop abruptly. Peers reassures me. “It does help to look forward and not down,” Peers says. “The faster you’re willing to go, you’ll get the hang of it eventually.” Before we even began the lesson, he stressed that finding my balance would be just the beginning. It did not mean that I was ready to ride in traffic. “I’d recommend taking a couple months of riding around on your own, perhaps along the paths in Genesee Valley Park or beside the river or canal trails,” he wrote to me in an email ahead of the session. He repeated it in person. But that’s for the future. First, I have to keep gliding. I push off with both feet, gathering speed and feeling confident in my form. And then, something transcendent happens. My feet find the pedals. I begin moving in rhythm. I’m riding a bike! Tracey Austin, bike educator and alternative transportation specialist at the University of Rochester, loves to witness the moment when everything clicks for new riders. “I can romanticize it because it is magical,” she says. “They get this sense of freedom and capability that they didn’t have a moment before. It’s like the whole world opens to them.” Austin teaches children and adults. Both, she says, can have “nervous excitement or even terror in their eyes” at the beginning of lessons. But seeing it replaced with a sense of wonder, no matter how long that takes, is why she remains a bike educator. She mentions teaching a 65-yearold woman — who had never learned due to religious restrictions — over the course of two full summers.
Cycling instructors like Jesse Peers offer learn-to-ride classes and on-bike “smart cycling” sessions. PHOTOS BY JACOB WALSH
“Biking was not seen as something that females were to do, and so she had not only these mental blocks on her capacity to be able to ride a bike, but also kind of a moral block,” Austin says. “We had to break down a lot of barriers in order for her to feel that she was allowed to have that freedom.” After about an hour of gliding and pedaling, I sense my own world expanding, too. I think of my young daughter and what she must be experiencing on her new balance bike in our neighborhood. I feel close to her. But as Peers notes, that newfound freedom and power does not mean I’m ready to become a bike commuter just yet. In fact, even cyclists who learned to
ride as kids are likely not ready. That’s part of what Peers teaches in Reconnect Rochester’s on-bike “smart cycling” classes. The goal is to empower people to ride defensively in traffic with the knowledge that will keep them safe. “There’s never going to be a protected bike lane from your doorstep to the doorstep of your destination. You are going to have to mix with traffic some of the time,” Peers says. “That’s something that has to be learned.” The free program is offered on July 19, August 9 and September 27. reconnectrochester.org roccitymag.com
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Race Eberhardt is Strait Undercover FILM
BY GINO FANELLI GFANELLI@WXXI.ORG
U
nder the glow of the Little Theatre’s marquee on East Avenue on the evening of May 8, Race Eberhardt stands in the doorway. Decked in a black tuxedo, he shakes hands among the droves of theatergoers, a seemingly permanent grin stamped on his face. That night was the culmination of six years of work for Eberhardt, 37, and director Ben Gonyo, with the premiere of the pair’s film “Strait Undercover.” Few films of decent production quality are filmed entirely in Rochester, making the action-comedy notable in that regard alone. Few films — period — feature actors with Down syndrome, like Eberhardt, in the lead. Even fewer, if any, have done so without making disability the central theme of the movie. In fact, Eberhardt’s condition is never mentioned at all during the film’s runtime. Combine those factors, and “Strait Undercover” is a singularly unique production. “This is part of my legacy,” Eberhardt said. “That’s part of it, and this great audience out there that came to see this movie. It was really, really good.” A week after the screening, Gonyo and Eberhardt sit at the marble countertop of Eberhardt’s family home in Fairport. It was in that spot that Gonyo and Eberhardt drafted the script for “Strait Undercover.” Visitors to the home are greeted with a view into Eberhardt’s office. At the center,
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From local Artists Unlimited productions to a feature film and “The Today Show,” the 37-year-old actor is just getting started. Ben Gonyo (left) and Race Eberhardt review the script for "Strait Undercover" at the countertop of Eberhardt's family home in Fairport. PHOTO PROVIDED
Strait Undercover is touted as the first action movie with a person with Down syndrome in the lead. PHOTO PROVIDED
a large, framed movie poster featuring Eberhardt, hands on hips in a hero’s pose. Gonyo runs a commercial production company, Fish & Crown Creative, based in Rochester, and first met Eberhardt through a production of “Shrek the Musical” in 2019. Following a shelved TV pilot, production on the movie began. While he had previously done some documentary work, “Strait Undercover” is Gonyo’s first feature film. The pair are still looking for a distributor for the film, and have already received some national attention, including a January appearance on “The Today Show.” “I was like, this guy’s awesome,” Gonyo said. “So, we did that TV pilot that didn’t go anywhere, but that’s really where I saw his ability. And as I started doing my research, I realized there [were] no movies like what I was
envisioning. It’s always like the sidekick.” The role of a sidekick doesn’t suit Eberhardt. His personality is big, his charm palpable. The answer to every interview question begins with a “well, actually,” followed by a stream of consciousness foray into every event, conversation and feeling that leads to the answer. His endearing authenticity and enthusiasm nearly scream to be in the limelight. Eberhardt began his acting career in 2007 with Artists Unlimited, a performing arts group exclusively featuring actors with developmental or physical disabilities. He has been a part of virtually every production the organization has put on since then. “This is an absolute passion for him, this is what he loves to do,” said CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
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Production of Strait Undercover took six years, and was shot in locations around the Rochester area. PHOTO PROVIDED
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Tony Juliano, a board member with Artists Unlimited. “That’s the short, simple answer about Race.” Juliano described Eberhardt as the type of actor dedicated to making sure a production works, and not someone necessarily seeking the center of attention. That habit goes beyond the stage. A hobby of Eberhardt’s is knitting scarves, which he then sells to support the organization — Juliano said Eberhardt has raised about $10,000 in scarf sales. Last year at the final performance of Artists Unlimited’s production of “Beauty and the Beast,” Eberhardt was handed a “big fake check” to show how much he has been able to raise for the organization. (In August 2024, Eberhardt was named one of CITY’s “Rochester 10” for both his community involvement and acting.) “That’s his way of giving back,” Juliano said. “That’s why I say he’s very selfless, it’s all about what I can do to help.” Eberhardt’s major inspirations for acting were the Disney Channel original offerings of the 2000s. Zac Efron still stands out as a favorite
actor, and “High School Musical” is his favorite movie — a production he would love to do, although Gonyo jokes with him his singing voice may not be cut out for it. He’s also not the first actor with Down syndrome to hit the big screen. Most notable in recent memory is Zack Gottsagen’s role as an aspiring wrestler alongside Shia LaBeouf in 2019’s “The Peanut Butter Falcon.” That role netted Gottsagen a Hollywood Critics Association award for best newcomer. Donna Rush is executive director of the Rochester chapter of Gigi’s Playhouse, an organization dedicated to changing perceptions of Down syndrome, where Eberhardt has been involved in adult programs since 2017. She said what actors like Eberhardt do is critical to changing public perceptions of Down syndrome. “The perception that they can’t do anything, that they’re incapable of doing anything, that they’re incapable of holding a job, that they’re incapable of conversation, that they’re incapable of anything, it’s just not true,” Rush
said. “That’s old school, and these individuals are amazing and they’re capable of anything.” There were some challenges in filming “Strait Undercover.” Gonyo noted, for example, lines had to be tailored a bit to Eberhardt’s cadence of speaking, as he tends to develop somewhat of a drawl when speaking longer passages, making shorter lines play better. Those issues were, overall, minor in the grand scheme of the film, instead making Eberhardt’s punchlines and quips more memorable. It’s at this point that the journalist writing this article must make a brief interjection. In watching “Strait Undercover,” the question weighing on me was how to approach critiquing the film — do I approach from the lens of the accomplishment of filming a movie with a person with Down syndrome as the lead, or do I approach it simply as a movie like any other? The answer I’ve settled on is Eberhardt and Gonyo set out to make a movie, not just an inspirational story, extant as the latter might be. In that regard, I think both deserve a
straightforward review. That said, here is my most honest takeaway: “Strait Undercover” is just so unabashedly, shamelessly and proudly weird that it was hard for me not to love it. In watching, the closest comparison I could make is the Kenan and Kel classic “Good Burger” (a movie that was a pivotal part of my childhood, and thus, I have a soft spot for this particular brand of goofy surrealism). To wit, Eberhardt plays Race Strait, a United States Department of Agriculture agent with the inexplicable ability to communicate telepathically with fields of crop. His sidekick is fellow agent Lonnie Timpton, played by Buffalo-based actor Peter Johnson, and the plot surrounds the pair’s scheme to take down a nefarious biotech company which also moonlights in developing battle robots for the Department of Defense. Johnson is a standout in the film, playing the ideal straight man to Eberhardt’s antics. Reece Presley also offers a competent and surprisingly nuanced performance as evil ag-tech
CEO Tommy Malone. (Some of the side character acting is, meanwhile, wooden.) Eberhardt himself is the beating heart of the movie. His off-beat humor and incessantly earnest demeanor is infectious. It’s hard to imagine any other actor could replace him and keep the same tone of the movie. That was Gonyo’s goal, he said. The intent of “Strait Undercover” is to build a movie around Eberhardt and his sentimentalities, with a healthy dose of camp spread throughout. For fans of the B-movie ethos, it will resonate. And as for Eberhardt, he’s already planning a sequel set in Miami. That hasn’t been made official yet, but one thing has. “Everyone has been so proud, my friends and family even,” Eberhardt said. “They come to me and say, ‘Race, you’re a movie star!’” The Little Theatre is owned by WXXI Public Media, the parent company of CITY.
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Voices in rust ART
BY GEORGE CASSIDY PAYNE
R
ochester wears its grit like a badge of honor. The winters are long, the neighborhoods complex and the beauty is often raw, unrefined and unmistakably real. Just beyond the playgrounds and winding trails of Cobbs Hill Park, on a wooded ridge that feels like a secret held by the city itself, stand rusting water towers, like monoliths. Here, public art finds no frame, pedestal or admission fee. It spills across metal and moss, defying every expectation. Welcome to Washington Grove: equal parts enchanted forest, open-air gallery and battleground in the longstanding debate over who gets to call something art. The graffiti-covered towers have long drawn curiosity, critique and admiration, but they are more than eye-catching oddities. They are living murals — evolving, layered, and unapologetic. In an era when creativity is often branded and monetized, these towers offer a radical alternative. They speak in a visual language that is unsanctioned, uncurated and born from the margins. The story of graffiti in America begins in the late 1960s and early ’70s, when young people, many of them Black and Latino, in cities like New York and Philadelphia began writing their names, nicknames or crews on public surfaces. Part rebellion, part performance, part existential declaration: I was here.
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Graffiti, grit and the untamed art of Washington Grove.
Graffiti layers the walls of the water tanks at Cobbs Hill Park. PHOTOS BY ROBERTO F. LAGARES
The decommissioned water storage tanks at Cobbs Hill Park in Rochester. PHOTO BY MAX SCHULTE
These tags, often dismissed by authorities as vandalism, carried layered meanings. They marked territory, demonstrated skill and staked a claim to visibility in a society that often rendered these voices otherwise invisible. Graffiti evolved from simple monikers into complex works of street art. Elaborate lettering, rich color palettes and wildstyle murals emerged. Crews competed to outdo one another from originality and scale to risk and the pressure of time. Despite operating outside the formal art world, they brought to their work an urgency and ingenuity that many professionally trained artists could only admire from afar. “Graffiti is a universal human impulse,” said Erich Lehman, co-founder of local public mural project WALL\THERAPY. “At the most basic level, it’s about leaving your mark. Think about cave paintings. People have always needed to say, ‘I existed.’” Lehman has spent more than a decade helping transform Rochester’s walls into canvases for muralists from around the world. But he’s quick to differentiate between sanctioned public art and the kind of freehand work found at Washington Grove. “It’s easy to underestimate the skill it takes to create something beautiful in one night, possibly in the dark, with no sketch and no permission,” he said. “It’s raw creation under fire.”
And even the most skilled graffiti writers face a constant problem: space. “Once a good spot gets ‘blown up’ (overused or covered with amateur work), it can lose its status,” said Lehman. “There’s an etiquette in graffiti culture, and when that’s ignored, the space can become unusable.” That tension — over space and legitimacy — is at the heart of the graffiti debate. Who decides what counts as art? Who controls which voices are seen and heard? Amanda Chestnut, a Rochesterbased artist and educator, sees graffiti as a deeply personal form of resistance. “It isn’t art until you bleed on it,” she said. “That bleeding might be literal scrapes and bruises from climbing fences, but more often it’s symbolic. Graffiti demands something. It’s not polite art — it’s birth art. Blood art. And it disrupts access hierarchies, said Chestnut.” “Unlike most crafts, it’s not typically learned through purchased education,” she said. “There’s a very low barrier to entry, so more people can give birth to new art.” Graffiti artists don’t need a degree. They don’t need to rent a gallery. They just need paint. In a world where art often comes CONTINUED ON PAGE 50
PHOTO BY ROBERTO F. LAGARES
with gatekeepers, graffiti is one of the last places where those without traditional resources can still create and be heard. That accessibility also makes graffiti threatening to some. It challenges norms of taste and property. It doesn’t ask permission. And that, in many eyes, makes it dangerous. But it also makes it vital. On any given afternoon, hikers, teenagers, artists and the curious make their way up the ridge. There may be a peace sign dripping beneath a wild-style tribute to lost friends, or a quote from Baldwin beside a cartoon fox. The towers bear witness to the city’s pulse of joy, grief, protest and memory. Over time, graffiti has gone mainstream. Some of its earliest pioneers, like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring, made the leap from the street to the gallery. Cities have embraced mural projects and street art festivals, and Rochester is no exception. Over the years, WALL\ THERAPY brought many global artists to town, filling neighborhoods with work that speaks across borders. But not all graffiti wants to be legitimized. The towers at Washington Grove resist easy categorization. No grants fund the work here. No curators select the artists. No press releases announce new additions. It’s messy, contradictory, sometimes crude, but deeply alive. A palimpsest of selfexpression. A place where Rochester speaks to itself without a filter. Rachel Y. DeGuzman, founder of 14 CITY JUNE 2025
21st Century Arts and longtime arts advocate, said graffiti was born from necessity and imagination. “Creators will always find a way to express authentic art forms like graffiti and hip hop,” she said. “You could say graffiti has ‘arrived’ because the gatekeepers now see its value, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t have value before.” DeGuzman recalled working with RANGE of the legendary FUA Krew — a graffiti artist once pursued by police who later found himself commissioned by corporate clients. “He marveled to me that the same work that got him into trouble was now being honored by the establishment,” she said. “This artform, now a senior citizen in human years, has endured because its creators refused to let their lack of freedom stop them from expressing themselves freely.” So why do some forms of public marking become heritage and others become crimes? Why do humans preserve ancient cave drawings and dismiss modern graffiti as destructive? Is it the age? The medium? Or is it about who is doing the marking? At Washington Grove, these questions echo through the trees. The towers are rusting, their concrete flaking, but the art keeps appearing. Each tag and splash of color adds to a long, unbroken conversation. Some messages are political, some poetic, some indecipherable. All of them feel urgent. Graffiti is political. And in a city like Rochester, where inequality is real and deep, graffiti becomes a way for those without gallery space or public office to speak directly to the world. Assertion through art. A reclaiming of space. As the street artist Banksy once said, “Graffiti is one of the few tools you have if you have almost nothing.” Washington Grove’s towers are not just canvases. They are monuments to that tool. They speak in layers, drips, contradictions. And those who listen — not just look, but truly listen — may hear something rare: voices that are too often ignored. We are here. We’ve always been here. And we’re not done speaking.
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Defying gravity HISTORY
BY MATT ROGERS
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s Rochester was propelling into the twentieth century for its next big thing (transitioning from the Flower City into a technological powerhouse), a local young woman was laying the groundwork to soar into her next big thing, too. And much like her hometown, the young protagonist’s next big thing would be followed by another big thing — and another, and another. Enter: Blanche Stuart Scott. She was born into wealth on April 8, 1885; Scott’s father made his fortune selling patent medicines and spoiled his daughter. She also arrived at a pivotal time. A unique contraption had debuted, promising freedom and thrills: the bicycle. By her early teens, Scott became adept at performing tricks on bicycles, and more adept at crashing them. Following her seventh crash, her father declared he would not buy another one. Instead, he made the clearly logical decision to buy Scott an automobile. Local patent attorney George B. Selden had just been issued the first U.S. patent for an automobile in 1895, and Rochester had set a speed limit to the breakneck pace of six miles per hour. Scott quickly gained a humble reputation as a terror behind the wheel, prompting an official warning from City Council to Scott’s father about her recklessness. Since Rochester had no official licensing requirements, Scott paid as much attention to the warning as she did to the preservation of her previous seven bicycles. 16 CITY JUNE 2025
Rochester native Blanche Stuart Scott soared beyond societal limitations and into aviation history.
PHOTO PROVIDED
By 1910, Scott had moved to New York City. She took the unprecedented path of entering the workforce — and even more unprecedented, became an automobile salesperson, most likely the first woman to do so. Women rarely worked, let alone knew how to operate an automobile. Scott sought to change this, and convinced the Willys-Overland Motor Company to sponsor her in doing so. What culminated was a national spectacle: a cross-country drive by a woman from New York City to San Francisco. Fellow thrillseeker Alice Huyler Ramsey had completed the trek in 1909, claiming the title “first woman to drive across America,” though that didn’t stop Scott in the slightest. The “Lady Overland,” as her vehicle was christened, endured over 5,500 miles of rough trails, enjoying the luxury of pavement in only a few cities. Blanche and her passenger, journalist Gertrude Phillips, finished in 10 weeks, celebrating by pouring a bottle of Atlantic Ocean water into the Pacific. Afterward, an enterprising entrepreneur approached Scott with an idea: trade her tires for wings and become the first U.S. woman passenger in an airplane. Hobbyist aviator Charles F. Willard was to be Scott’s pilot while in California, but a storm destroyed the aircraft the day before the planned flight. Since the Associated Press writer had already submitted the story of the young woman’s first flight (in order to meet his deadline) Scott was still celebrated and drew the attention of the Curtiss Flying Exhibition Company. Frank Tipton, a press agent for Curtiss, convinced Scott to try her hand at flying, and she enthusiastically made her way to Hammondsport in the nearby Finger Lakes region. Initially, Glenn Curtiss was bewildered, as he had been out of the country when Tipton made his offer. Curtiss was plagued by thoughts of bad publicity, but eventually allowed Scott in his school, to be taught by Curtiss himself. In a stroke of cosmic coincidence, Glenn Curtiss started
A Blanche Stuart Scott commemorative stamp. PHOTO COURTESY OF WHATBOUNDARIESTRAVEL.COM
Scott attended the National Air Races wearing her 'Early Bird' checkered cap in 1954. PHOTO COURTESY SMITHSONIAN MUSEUM
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in bicycle development before aviation (though Scott was never unleashed onto any unsuspecting pedal bikes while under Curtiss’ direction). On a late August morning in 1910, Scott unexpectedly made aviation history. Before she took the pilot’s seat, Curtiss had placed a wooden block behind the plane’s throttle to limit its ability to fly. For reasons unknown, the limiter slipped while taxiing, and a gust of wind lifted Scott’s plane 25 feet into the air. She maintained control and gracefully landed the airplane without incident, making history as the first U.S. woman to pilot a flight. She made a more intentional flight on September 6, soaring 150 feet into the sky, turning twice and landing safely. (This predates fellow pioneer Bessica Raiche’s famous flight by 10 days, and even Raiche credited Scott as the first U.S. woman aviator.) Scott went on to achieve even more firsts: as the first woman to fly publicly on October 23, 1910 in Fort Wayne, Indiana; as the first woman stunt pilot (for Thomas Baldwin’s 1911 exhibition team); as the first U.S. woman to make a long distance flight (60 miles: from Nassau, NY to Central Islip, NY and back in 1911); as the first woman test pilot (for Glenn Martin in 1912); and as the first woman to pilot an aircraft in film (1912’s “The Aviator and the Autoist Race for a Bride”). Her flying career was cut short when she faced abrupt retirement on Memorial Day 1913 in Madison, Wisconsin. As Scott’s plane took off, rising 200 feet and beginning a turn, the throttle wire snapped, causing a catastrophic crash. Scott was thrown 30 feet from the plane, breaking more than 40 bones, and spent eight months recovering in a cast. She retired in 1916 at age 31, disheartened by the evergrowing morbid crowd expectations of crashes or death at aerial exhibitions. For the next 32 years, Scott did the unthinkable: she domesticated herself. She married a millionaire, founded a film studio on Long Island, moved to Hollywood as a script writer for major film studios and only returned to Rochester in 1930 to care for her ailing mother. But aviation was not finished with Scott yet. On September 6, 1948, she was invited to Cleveland to take a ride in an early prototype for the U.S. Air Force. This achieved yet another first, as she was the first 18 CITY JUNE 2025
national civilian woman passenger in a jet plane. Her pilot was a kindred spirit, Chuck Yeager, the first man to travel faster than the speed of sound. Supposedly, Yeager knew exactly who Blanche was, and treated her to snap rolls and a 14,000 foot death dive, which it can be assumed she absolutely loved. That experience must have reinvigorated Scott’s flying spirit, as she then began to work for the U.S. Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio, traveling the world collecting artifacts from aviation’s early days. During those early days, she was prophetically quoted in the New York Herald on July 16, 1911, saying: “Women should wake up and take a serious, intelligent, articulate, practical interest in what makes the world tick.” After fearlessly living that advice herself, Scott died at Genesee Hospital on January 12, 1970, and was buried at Riverside Cemetery on Lake Avenue. Her indomitable spirit continues to further her legacy: elevating aviation history and inspiring women who will not be stopped in pursuing adventure.
Gentles Farm Market
Selling local fresh fruits and vegetables for over 100 years.
1080 Penfield Rd Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm Sunday 9am-5pm Open May-October gentlesfarm.com
A stop in Toledo, Ohio, during the Lady Overland motor trip in 1910, a cross country journey sponsored by the Willys-Overland Company. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE TOLEDO-LUCAS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
A close-up of Scott during the 1910 promotional Lady Overland tour, a cross country trip from New York to San Francisco. PHOTO COURTESY OF DETROIT PUBLIC LIBRARY DIGITAL COLLECTIONS
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Higher plane of consciousness ADRENALINE
BY TEN GARDNER
F
our people squeeze inside a Cessna 182, with every seat removed but the pilot’s. The floor feels like it could give way to the ground 10,000 feet below with every bout of turbulence. The jump itself is a blur, but the earlier practice runs on the gutted remains of a decommissioned plane steady my nerves when the door finally swings open and mid-May air hits my face at 120 mph. All I remember is falling. You know that butterfly feeling you get in your stomach on a rollercoaster? Imagine that feeling throughout your entire body, and for so long that it feels endless. Like a kaleidoscope of butterflies falling infinitely inside your body — that’s what skydiving feels like. With a decade of experience and over 1,500 jumps under her belt, tandem and accelerated freefall instructor Robin Basalla experiences this feeling nearly every day from May to October. “Skydiving defies expectations because it’s calm,” she said. “When the canopy opens, it’s just peace and calm and happiness. I just love it.” Although unassuming from the outside, the WNY Skydiving campus at the Pine Hill Airport in Albion houses a thriving community of habitual skydivers among fields of flowering
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A chosen family of habitual skydivers searches for peace through freefall.
Basalla, center, has over 1,500 jumps under her belt. PHOTO PROVIDED
Tandem and accelerated freefall instructor Robin Basalla jumps with the writer of the piece. PHOTO BY TEN GARDNER
Honeycrisp and Gala apple trees. Industrial and unpretentious, a collection of signs and spraypainted arrows lead to the front office, where “I survived my first skydive” t-shirts line the walls. After a brief training session, my instructor and I walk to a massive open hangar where I see them: a collection of young people casually gathered in a graveyard of dismantled planes and dressed in vintage wingsuit garb — they are the objects of my newest fascination: habitual skydivers. It takes a certain type of person to abandon their survival instincts and willingly jump from a plane, and those people also happen to be some of the kindest, most welcoming people I’ve met. Drop zone owner and skydiving instructor examiner Tim Allen, with over 20 years of experience jumping more than 11,000 times, attributes this phenomenon to the skydiving community itself. “One of the things I’ve done well is let people be themselves, and that allows them to bolt themselves into the community where they can help develop it,” he said. “This is not a reflection of me; this is a reflection of all the people who are here, who have
been here, and who will continue to be here in the future.” Within 10 yards, you could spy someone packing a multicolored parachute with surgical precision, two dueling beer fridges labeled #1 and #2, a young pilot tending to one of many well-loved aircraft and an experienced skydiver mowing the airport’s expansive lawn. The phrase “It takes a village” comes alive in its truest form here. Basalla has watched many student-teacher relationships blossom into friendships at the compound. “When someone ends up loving it as much as I did that first time, and [they] keep coming back like I did, then I get to teach them and keep
working with them, then they’re a licensed skydiver and part of the community,” she said. “We jump, and when the sun sets, we have a bonfire and cook some burgers.” The words “family” and “home” are on the tongues of every employee at WNY Skydiving, and the energy is infectious. You want to get to know these people, pick their brains and spend time with them. Every skydiver has a unique origin story, but a singular string ties them all together. “They’re people who know themselves better,” Allen said. “A lot of people who come here find themselves when they show up. The criticisms of the world quiet down, and they can really understand who they are.” What habitual skydivers seek isn’t just adrenaline — it’s clarity. They have an extraordinary connection to life and death, tranquilly facing mortality with every jump. Freefalling necessitates a presence of mind that mutes all worldly thoughts, rivaled only by meditation. For those weighed down by the every day demands of life, skydiving could offer a shift in perspective. wnyskydiving.com
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Local scream machines for adrenaline junkies of all ages.
For the thrill of it ADRENALINE
BY JACKIE PERRIN
W
estern New York isn’t just about waterfalls and wine trails — it’s also home to some serious amusement parks. And from towering drops to first-time spins, there are attractions to deliver heart-pounding thrills for every adrenaline threshold. Because area parks are designed for family fun, CITY rounded up the wildest adult coasters alongside the best kidsized adrenaline trainers to create the ultimate Rochester area thrill ride bucket list for all ages — whether it’s a kid’s first coastermoment or an adult reliving that first time.
JACK RABBIT, WHIRLWIND AND BEAR TRAX SEABREEZE AMUSEMENT PARK, ROCHESTER SEABREEZE.COM
First up is Seabreeze Amusement Park, the locally grown headliner. With its compact layout, combo waterpark, free parking, picnicfriendly policy and laid-back vibe, Seabreeze is a go-to fun spot for Rochester-area families. For grown-up adrenaline junkies, the Jack Rabbit is a must. This wooden legend has been screaming since 1920 and still delivers airtime, drops and oldschool charm that makes the stomach flip. Kids 48-inches tall and up can ride, too, and around Rochester, finally hitting that magic height is a rite of CONTINUED ON PAGE 24
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passage. Grab the “Finally 48” sticker and hop aboard. Whirlwind, a mid-level spinning steel coaster, lives up to its name, whipping riders through twists, drops and dizzying curves with forces coming from every direction. For younger daredevils, Bear Trax is the kidfriendly coaster that packs pint-sized thrills with just enough twists and drops to keep the squeals coming. This seaside park has been family-run since the 1800s, and in 2025 celebrates its 147th season — still serving up classic thrills with a side of French’s mustard and hot-off-the-grill Zweigle's hot dogs.
RIDE OF STEEL, HOOT ’N’ HOLLER SIX FLAGS DARIEN LAKE, DARIEN CENTER SIXFLAGS.COM/DARIENLAKE
With everything from motorbike launches and loop-de-loops to waterslides and summer concerts, Darien Lake is an easy day trip from Rochester — and a total scream at any age. Big thrills? Buckle up. Ride of Steel is the crown jewel of Darien Lake and one of the tallest coasters east of the Mississippi. This steel beast climbs 208 feet before diving into a high-speed rush of airtime hills, smooth banks and topping over 75 mph. It’s a must-ride for seasoned scream seekers who like their loops long and their drops deep. For the coaster rookies, Hoot ’N’ Holler offers just the right dose of speed and swoop. Designed for little thrill-chasers who are ready to graduate from the kiddie rides, this junior coaster delivers quick dips, tiny turns, and shrieks of delight.
THE LAUNCH BRISTOL MOUNTAIN AERIAL ADVENTURES, CANANDAIGUA, BRISTOLMOUNTAINAERIALADVENTURES.COM
Strap in and brace for liftoff. The Launch at Bristol Mountain catapults thrill-seekers 63 feet into the sky — above the forest canopy — while pulling up to 3.8 Gs of force. It’s a heart-pounding ride for older kids, teens and grown-up adventurers, and pairs perfectly with the onsite aerial adventure park, which features kidfriendly climbing elements, bridges and zip lines scaled for younger explorers. Located in the scenic Finger Lakes, Bristol Mountain is a fun destination for families seeking sky-high entertainment.
SKY HIGH MOUNTAIN COASTER HOLIDAY VALLEY RESORT, ELLICOTTVILLE, HOLIDAYVALLEY.COM
Get ready for a wild ride down the mountain — on rails. The Sky Flyer Mountain Coaster buckles riders into a two-person car that zigzags and spirals through the trees, dropping and twisting like a low-to-the-ground roller coaster. Riders control the speed with hand brakes, so they can ease into the turns or let gravity do its thing. The coaster is one of several add-on adventures at Sky High Aerial Adventure Park, and with 13 treetop courses rated like ski trails (think yellow for beginners, up to Black Diamond), it’s the kind of place that rewards repeat visits. Try a few, then come back later to up the thrill.
NOR’EASTER GREEK PEAK MOUNTAIN RESORT, CORTLAND, GREEKPEAK.NET
Part alpine slide, part roller coaster ride, the Nor’easter Mountain Coaster zigzags downhill at up to 28 mph, with steep dips and swooping turns that bring the mountain thrills year-round. Children as young as three years old can ride with a parent, making it a rare scream machine the whole family can enjoy. Want more altitude? Soar on the Zip Line Tour from platform to platform on a guided canopy flight, with four zips ranging from 300 to 1,165 feet long. 24 CITY JUNE 2025
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KEEPING TRACK ROC CITY ROLLER DERBY CONTINUES TO EVOLVE WORDS AND PHOTOS BY ROBERTO FELIPE LAGARES BERTO@ROCHESTER-CITYNEWS.COM
A
lligator pits, a banked track and heavy-hitting dramatic rivalries akin to the world of pro wrestling — this is the image often associated with the world of roller derby. To those outside the track, roller derby is a bygone spectacle of the 1980s and `90s; however, the sport has endured and continues to lace up the skates, slip on the knee pads and jam on. “Now, the sport has sort of evolved into much more of a defensive game,” said Nikkie “Nyx Warcat” WargoCatallo, B-Sides player and marketing chair of Roc City Roller Derby. Any current misconceptions of the sport are because “people remember the spectacle that it was,” she added, “where people were completely taking each other out while racing.”
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Roller derby is a sport that has stood the test of time. What started as a marathon race in 1935 has evolved to present-day rules; the iconic banked track was originally introduced to add difficulty to the competition. The hard-hitting, full contact of the skaters quickly became a notable part of every bout. This led to the popularization of the sport in the 1980s and early 90s, when it took on the pro wrestling-like persona of scripted outcomes. In 2001, the founding of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) set the tone for what can be expected at Roller Derby bouts today, including pun-laden nicknames inspired by the drag scene in Austin, Texas. WFTDA now has over 400 member leagues across six continents. Founded in 2008, the Roc City Roller Derby league is home to two — Roc Stars and the B-Sides — out of 144 teams in the Northeast Division. CONTINUED ON PAGE 28
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The current era of the sport has created an inclusive, accessible product that has so far proven successful. Roc Quarry, for instance, is an entry-level team designed to get those new to the sport familiarized and, eventually, rostered to Roc Stars or B-Sides. “There’s players of all ages, all skill levels,” said Wargo-Catallo. “We have boot camp at least a couple times a year to get people involved.” While best understood in-person, the basic principles of the flat track roller derby are as follows: Both teams, consisting of four blockers and one jammer, are simultaneously
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able to score points during a twominute session called a “jam.” A point is scored for each blocker a jammer laps. “As a jammer, essentially you are the ball,” said Kelly “FeFe” Wilton, Roc Stars player and coach for Roc Quarry. “You’re going against the other team’s blockers, but you’re also in a race with the other jammer.” Banked — a track with a slight incline on the curves — track play is a bit different, and much more pricey. “We’re on a flat track, which is way more accessible because you don’t need an $80,000 banked track.” said Wilton.
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The world of women’s flat track roller derby is one that has thrived on a collective love for the sport, inclusivity and community. The impact the sport has made in women’s sports has rippled through generations and is often seen as a gender-expansive league, inclusive of individuals of marginalized gender. “Roller derby sounds intimidating, but we’re all just people wanting to build community,” said Gwen “GO!” Olton, Roc Stars player and conflict resolution chair for Roc City Roller Derby. “No matter who you are, what you look like, whether you can skate or not — we have a place for you, we’ll get you in the door, we’ll welcome you.”
As is the case with virtually all leagues under WFTDA, Roc City Roller Derby is a non-profit, member-run organization that relies heavily on volunteers. The league has created a local community estimated to have doubled in size over the past three years, and hopes to continue growing. “It takes a lot to put on practice or to put on a game — all of us have multiple jobs beyond ‘skater,’” said Olton,“but as much time as we can spend in person, building relationships with people in our actual physical location — it’s good for your soul.”
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ARTS, MUSIC AND CULTURE EVENTS FOR THE SOCIALLY RESTLESS
DAILY Full calendar of events online at roccitymag.com SUNDAY, JUNE 1 COMMUNITY
ROC ’n Roll
Rohrbach Brewing Company, reconnectrochester.org Reconnect Rochester’s annual fundraiser offers two options for cyclists: an 8-mile ride along the Riverway Trail and, for the more ambitious, a 30-mile ride across a mix of bike paths. The fun begins and ends at Rohrbach’s on Railroad Street, with an after party from noon to 2 p.m. featuring food, drinks and live music from Spring Drive. Pre-registration is $50; increases to $60 day of. Kids under 18 are $25. Riders get in free to the after party, but anyone is welcome. $25 gets you a plate of food and a drink. PATRICK HOSKEN FOOD + BEV
“At the Tavern” Beer and Dinner Features Pairing
Stone’s Countryside Tavern, stonescountryside.com “At the Tavern” is a five-course beer and dinner pairing featuring a carefully curated menu meant to complement the creations from local breweries. The event is a reflection of the various offerings that frequent the menu at Stone’s Countryside Tavern. The two-hour dinner starts at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $61 per person with free parking onsite. ROBERTO FELIPE LAGARES
MUSIC
Roc 6.19 Jazz
Highland Bowl, eventbrite.com/e/roc619-jazz-tickets-1354150633999 All jazz, all day! The roots of the art form can be traced back to the music of enslaved people. The event seeks to reconnect Juneteenth to jazz, while also connecting Rochester to its own jazz history, duirng both Black Music 32 CITY JUNE 2025
todo
Month and the same month as the 160th anniversary of freedom from slavery: June 19, 1865. All ages, 1-8 p.m. Free, but donations welcome. MEGAN MACK
MONDAY, JUNE 2 MUSIC
Shilpa Ray
Bug Jar, bugjar.com With song titles like “Heteronormative Horseshit Blues” and “Bootlickers of the Patriarchy,” Brooklyn vocalist Shilpa Ray sets an immediate tone. She matches the vibe with a flamethrower voice, a high-energy backing band and a dark cocktail lounge atmosphere that helps the message be received with emphasis. She’ll make the Bug Jar her playground at this 9 p.m. show, with support from The Evil Things. $12.30-$17.70. PH TUESDAY, JUNE 3 MUSIC
American Aquarium
Anthology, anthologylive.com American Aquarium, a fuzzy Americana act from Raleigh, checks all the appropriate boxes. Band name that references a Wilco song. Album cover detailing mountains and a wideopen sky. Collaboration with fellow twangy artist (and recent Lilac Festival headliner) Katie Pruitt. The result will appeal to fans of Uncle Tupelo, Band of Horses, Drive-By Truckers and Bruce Springsteen — all of whom will surely assemble at Anthology for this 8 p.m. gig. $31.53. PH
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4 PARTY
Captured Time: A Diamond Jubilee Garden Party
George Eastman Museum, rochestercocktailrevival.com Join Rochester Cocktail Revival at the opulent George Eastman Museum for this much-anticipated annual soiree. The Terrace Garden provides a lush setting for guests to sip botanical cocktail creations and relive 75 years of the GEM legacy. Snacks from Cheese and Charcuterie and CakeLani, folksy tunes by A Girl Named Genny, custom poems from J.R. Taylor, Hypebooth photos and more await attendees. Break out your finest floral and linen attire and top with a hat fit for a fancy outing! Limited VIP tickets include a 5:30 p.m. pre-event tour of the grounds with GEM’s master gardener. 21+ only, tickets $50-75 and include museum admission for a later date. LEAH STACY
THEATER
“Truth and Beauty”
MuCCC, muccc.org The phrase “clowning around” gets a bad rap. Clowning, as an art form, can reveal things the same way stage plays and musical explorations often do. Katherine Marino, founder of the RocHaha theatrical clowning festival, presents this production of monologues and audience engagement and that explores, in the words of the performer, art, honesty and connection. Or, to use her more colorful words: “Will there be cake? Perhaps! Will there be a banana? Absolutely!” Three performances, June 4-6. Tickets $20, with a sliding scale option. PH THURSDAY, JUNE 5 MULTIDISCIPLINARY
“The Hundred Windows”
Rochester Academy of Medicine, mounthopeworldsingers.org Annika Bentley, the artistic director for the Mount Hope World Singers, composed a new piece for this upcoming performance titled “Signal
to Noise.” But that’s just part of the show, which also includes visual artist Christine A. Banna and sound designer Logan Barrett, as well as choral works from a dozen different cultures across the world. The “sensory immersion” begins at 8 p.m. with a second performance on June 7. $15 suggested contribution. No one turned away for lack of funds. PH ART
Women’s Mini Welding Workshop: Plant Hanger
Ironwood Studios, ironwoodstudiosinc. com Arrive with a desire to create; leave with a finished piece, a commemorative bandana and bragging rights! Metal artist Stacey Mrva will teach you the fundamentals of welding, metal bending and power shop tools as you craft your very own plant hanger. Don’t wear your ball gown — you’ll get dirty (but she says that’s the fun part!). Space is limited. 5:30-8:00 p.m. $125. MM FRIDAY, JUNE 6 JUNE CITY SOCIAL
High Falls Happy Hour
Pont de Rennes Bridge, rochestercocktailrevival.com Located in the historic Brown’s Race District, the 858-foot Pont de Rennes Bridge soars above the Genesee River Gorge at the base of High Falls. This iconic Rochester landmark will be the setting for both CITY’s June Social and RCR’s newest event — an outdoor happy hour and street fair featuring 20+ New York State-only brands, from fashion, gaming and food to beer, wine and spirits. Stroll down the bridge to shop, sip, vote for your favorite local busker (who wins a cash prize!) and chat with the team behind CITY Magazine’s June “Adrenaline” issue. All ages welcome; must show 21+ ID to partake in cocktails, beer, wine and spirit samples. Parking is available on street in Brown’s Race, at Innovative Field lot and in the High Falls Garage. 21+ admission is $12; 21 and under is free. LS CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
INSIDE WXXI PUBLIC MEDIA | WXXI-TV/PBS | WXXI NEWS/NPR WXXI CLASSICAL | THE ROUTE 88.5 | THE LITTLE THEATRE
MUSICAL LEGENDS IN JUNE ON WXXI-T V Aretha with Sheléa and the Pacific Symphony
Great Performances “Andrea Bocelli 30th – The Celebration”
Wednesday, June 4 at 9:30 p.m. on WXXI-TV Taped on November 9, 2024, at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, California, this funfilled concert features the music of Aretha Franklin performed by vocal powerhouse Sheléa. The Grammy nominee performs the Queen of Soul’s greatest hits and Emmy-winning Music Director Rickey Minor conducts the Pacific Symphony.
Saturday, June 7 at 4 p.m. on WXXI-TV Experience the world-renowned Italian tenor’s 30th-anniversary concert from Tuscany featuring global superstars Ed Sheeran, David Foster, Katharine McPhee, Sofia Carson, Brian May, Jon Batiste, and more. Directed by Grammy nominee and Emmy winner Sam Wrench.
Pictured: Sheléa/Credit Courtesy of PBS SoCal
The Commodores Live Thursday, June 5 at 10 p.m. on WXXI-TV One of the greatest Motown and R&B / funk vocal groups of all time, The Commodores have remained a force in the music industry for over 50 years. Join the legendary band for hits like “Brick House,” “Three Times a Lady,” “Nightshift” and “Easy.” Pictured: Cody Orange, William King and JD Nicholas/ Credit: Denise Truscello
Bruce Springsteen & E Street Band No Nukes Friday, June 6 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV Witness the legendary band on the cusp of superstardom in the “No Nukes” concerts of 1979, with recovered and restored footage of their epic performance. Features live favorites “Badlands,” “The Promised Land,” “Thunder Road,” “Born to Run” and more. Pictured: Bruce Springsteen/Credit Sony Music Entertainment
Pictured: Andrea Bocelli and Jon Batiste/Credit Luca Rossett
John & Yoko: Above Us Only Sky Sunday, June 8 at 11 p.m. on WXXI-TV Discover how the couple’s unique relationship led to the creation of the iconic 1971 album "Imagine". The film features new interviews with Yoko, Lennon’s son Julian, and others who knew the couple best, along with archival footage, audio, and photos. Pictured: John Lennon & Yoko Ono/Credit: Spud Murphy © Yoko Ono
"TUNE IN!" JUNE 4-8 ON WXXI-TV
ON WXXI-TV THIS MONTH
VIRTUAL COMMUNITY TOWN HALL TUESDAY, JUNE 17 AT 6PM
The future of public media is being debated, and the voices that value and rely on WXXI need to be heard.
Walking with Dinosaurs Monday, June 16 Wednesday, June 18 at 8 p.m. on WXXI-TV Step into the world of six iconic dinosaurs and uncover their gripping stories of love, loss, and survival. Blending the latest discoveries from across the globe and cutting-edge CGI, experience these magnificent giants walking the Earth once more. Pictured: A baby and mom Pachyrhinosaurus/Credit: BBC Studios
Patience Sundays, June 15 - July 20 at 8 p.m. on WXXI-TV In this six-part police crime drama set in the beautiful city of York, Patience Evans works in the Criminal Records Office and has unusual powers of detection due to being autistic. She helps the police tackle a series of tricky crimes, bringing her unique insight to cases. DI Bea Metcalf recognizes her talents and takes her under her wing. Pictured: Ella Maisy Purvis as Patience in 'Patience'/Credit: Eagle Eye Drama
Join WXXI President Chris Hastings and his guests for a virtual webinar to learn more about WXXI’s mission and impact in our community, the state of public media, what WXXI is doing to fight against possible defunding, and learn ways that you can help Protect WXXI.
SCAN FOR MORE
To learn more and register for the Community Town Hall, visit WXXI.org/event
American Masters Janis Ian: Breaking Silence Friday, June 20 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV Discover the life of singer-songwriter Janis Ian and how she rose as a folk icon and gay rights advocate. She broke ground with “Society’s Child” (1966), a bold take on interracial love, and “At Seventeen” (1975), a searing anthem about bullying. Pictured: Janis Ian performing in 1975/Credit: Peter Cunningham
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WXXI takes a look at caregiving in America
GARDENING SHOWS W ON WXXI-CREATE YOU’RE SURE TO DIG IN JUNE
Growing a Greener World
Saturdays at 9 a.m. on WXXI-CREATE Featuring organic gardening, green living, and farm-to-table cooking. Each episode focuses on compelling and inspirational people making a positive impact on the planet through gardening and shares DIY information you can use at home.
P. Allen Smith’s Garden Home
Tuesdays at 6 a.m. on WXXI-CREATE From the garden to the kitchen, each episode of P. Allen Smith's Garden Home presents creative tips and ideas for home and gardening enthusiasts of all levels. The series features easy gardening projects, practical home and garden maintenance tips, cooking features, and design makeover segments.
J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom
Tuesdays at 6:30 a.m. and Sundays at 11 a.m. on WXXI-CREATE Host J Schwanke – a fourth-generation florist, award-winning author, and well-known floral educator – shows you how to have fun with flowers and incorporate their beauty into your home and everyday life.
Garden Smart
Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. WXXI-CREATE Each information-packed episode highlights color combinations, landscape design, vegetable and flower gardens, and containers. Horticulturalist, propagator, and industry guru Eric Johnson spotlights the latest plants, discusses helpful gardening techniques, addresses green and sustainability issues, and presents the latest gardening trends.
ith an aging population and a shrinking pool of available caregivers, caregiving in America is a growing issue. Many caregivers provide unpaid support, often balancing it with jobs and other responsibilities, leading to financial and emotional strain. The healthcare system frequently lacks adequate resources to support caregivers, leaving them without essential guidance or relief. As a result, both caregivers and care recipients face gaps in care, contributing to increased stress and health risks. This June WXXI takes a closer look at the issues facing care with a special screening and discussion, two hours of “Connections with Evan Dawson” devoted to the topic on FM 105.9 with an hour-long TV version, and the television premiere of “Caregiving.”
Caregiving, Screening & Panel Discussion Tuesday, June 3 at 6:30-8:30 p.m. The Little Theatre, Theatre 1 | 240 East Avenue, Rochester, NY Join WXXI and Move to IncludeTM for a special FREE screening of clips from the national film “Caregiving,” which highlights the challenges and triumphs of caregiving in America. This screening event also includes a panel discussion. To reserve your free spot visit WXXI.org/events.
Connections Live: State of Caregiving in our Community Monday, June 23 from 12-2 p.m. on WXXI News (105.9) and 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV Join Evan Dawson for a special “Connections” prior to the television premiere of the documentary “Caregiving.” Repeats Thursday, June 26 at 3 p.m. and again Saturday, June 28 at 5 p.m.
Caregiving, Television Premiere Tuesday, June 24 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV From Executive Producer Bradley Cooper, this is the story of paid and unpaid caregivers navigating the challenges and joys of this deeply meaningful work. Intertwining intimate personal stories with the untold history of caregiving, the documentary reveals the state and the stakes of care in America today. Narrated by Uzo Aduba ("The Residence", "Orange is the New Black"), directed by Chris Durrance. Repeats Tuesday, June 24 at 9 p.m., Thursday, June 26 at 4 p.m., and again Saturday, June 28 at 3 p.m.
These Caregiving events are made possible thanks to:
JUN 5 - STEVE GRILLS AND THE ROADMASTERS
• JUL 10 - DEBBIE KENDRICK PROJECT • JUL 17 - WATKINS AND THE RAPIERS
2025
Free Lunch Hour Concert Series - Rain or Shine Thursdays - 12:10 pm 4 Commercial Street - Corner of Browns Race Rain location: Monroe Community College Downtown Campus
Hochstein at High Falls is presented by:
Made possible by:
• JUL 2 4 - MAMBO KIN GS • JUL 31 - CANDY • AUG 7 - A GIRL NAMED GENNY
• JUN 12 - MOUNTAIN•RIVER•TRAVELER •
JUNE 26 - JOHN DADY
Fresh Air
Gateways Radio Saturdays at 11 a.m., beginning June 7 on WXXI Classical Host and producer Loki Karuna brings you a whole new season of programs featuring highlights from the Gateways Music Festival and more with performances from Festival ensembles including the Gateways Brass Collective, Gateways Chamber Players, and Gateways Music Festival Orchestra, and other prominent ensembles and artists such as Imani Winds and the Catalyst Quartet. Pictured: Loki Karuna/Credit: Devon Fails
Weeknights at 7 p.m. on WXXI News (FM 105.9) Fresh Air with Terry Gross and Tonya Mosley features in-depth conversations exploring a wide variety of popular culture, news, and issues. The show sets the standard for long-form audio interviews. For over 35 years, co-executive producer and host Terry Gross has engaged in discussions with newsmakers to open windows into their hearts, minds, and work. A regular contributor since 2021, award-winning public media journalist Tonya Mosley was named co-host of Fresh Air in April 2023.
You can Protect WXXI!
Public media federal funding is at risk. But your voice and support matters! Carnegie Hall Live Tuesdays at 8 p.m., beginning June 10 on WXXI Classical The season kicks off with the Opening Night Gala with the Los Angeles Phil, soloist Lang Lang, with conductor Gustavo Dudamel. Other season highlights include performances by the Berlin Philharmonic, the Czech Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra led by newly appointed Conductor Sir Antonio Pappano, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the Vienna Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra, and the Gateways Music Festival Orchestra under the direction of American conductor Anthony Parnther.
Be a public defender! Tell Congress WXXI matters! ProtectMyPublicMedia.org
#
240 East Ave thelittle.org
JUNE MOVIES AT THE LITTLE
A cozy and cool dark room, loaded with popcorn and friends, is always the spot for summer movies. This season’s slate features new films from Wes Anderson and Celine Song, plus a fan favorite Stephen King adaptation. Details at thelittle.org.
The Phoenician Scheme (Opens Thursday, June 5) The new whimsical Wes Anderson movie drops at The Little. This one is the “story of a family and a family business.” The typical all-star cast applies here: Benicio del Toro, Tom Hanks, Mia Threapleton, Jeffrey Wright, Scarlett Johansson, and more, star.
Sister Midnight (Opens Friday, June 6) In Mumbai, an arranged marriage spirals into darkness as the spineless husband watches his wife morph into a ruthless, feral force within their marital confines. A gloriously weird gem of an international film.
The Life of Chuck (Opens Thursday, June 12) A genre-bending tale, from the hearts and minds of Stephen King and Mike Flanagan, about the extraordinary story of an ordinary man (Tom Hiddleston). Winner of the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) Audience Award.
Materialists (Opens Friday, June 13) A young, ambitious New York City matchmaker finds herself torn between the perfect match and her imperfect ex. From writer/director Celine Song (Past Lives). Starring Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal.
28 Years Later (Opens Friday, June 20) Academy Award-winning director Danny Boyle and Academy Awardnominated writer Alex Garland reunite for 28 Years Later, a terrifying new “auteur horror” story set in the world created by 28 Days Later.
Father’s Day screenings Tickets at thelittle.org June 14 & 15 See things “I 2 I” this Father’s Day weekend. When Max makes a preposterous promise to a girl he has a crush on, his chances to fulfilling it seem hopeless when he is dragged onto a cross-country trip with his embarrassing father, Goofy.
Details & showtimes at thelittle.org In 2017, June 12 was proclaimed “Little Theatre Day” in Rochester to celebrate our newly renovated marquee. This makes it the perfect day to celebrate our Art Deco-dabbled history! Movies! Popcorn! Live music! Art! It’s going to be a fun “Little” day.
LITTLE CRAFT NIGHT: Thursday, June 5 TRADITIONAL SCREENING: Sunday, June 15 A gay cabaret owner and his drag queen companion agree to put up a false straight front so that their son can introduce them to his fiancée’s conservative parents.
ART
MUSIC
Rochester Contemporary Art Center, rochestercontemporary.org It’s June, which means it’s “6x6” time once again. RoCo’s beloved annual exhibition sees its in-gallery opening June 6, with the virtual sale beginning four days earlier. Now in its 18th year, “6x6” welcomes 2,500 artists from around the world to distill a portion of life down to a small square (six inches tall by six inches wide) which will be hung on the walls of the East Avenue gallery. For $20 each, they can be hung in a place of your choosing; the proceeds benefit RoCo’s mission. When dozens of those shapes mingle next to each other — in vivid colors and visions — there is nothing quite like the experience. $5 admission in person; free for members. PH
Harley School, therwcc.org For its second concert of 2025, Rochester Women’s Community Chorus focuses on the work of some notable names; Corinne Bailey Rae, Carlos Cordero, Rosephanye Powell and Ysaye Barnwell all have tunes in the program. True to its name, the selections are from folks whose work is typically underrepresented in choral music, including women and BIPOC. Tickets for the 7 p.m. show run $15 for general admission and $12 for seniors. Children 12 and under get in free. PH
FILM
RIT Webb Auditorium, apa-letterpress. com/2025wayzgoose From June 5-8, the 2025 APA Daredevil Wayzgoose — the insane but real name for an annual letterpress celebration — will be held here in Rochester, featuring open studios, a poster and printing-gear sale at Flower City Arts Center on June 7 and this screening. New documentary “The Pantone Guy” chronicles Larry Herbert, the man who pioneered the company’s color match system. It shows at 7 p.m. General public tickets are $15. AAFGR members pay $10. Students pay $5. PH
Temple Theater, thecompanytheatreroc. org When “Tartuffe” was first performed, way back in 1664, there had only been 11 popes who had taken the name Leo. More than 361 years later, we’re up to Leo XIV — and more centuries’ worth of dramatic stage storytelling. “Tartuffe” has nothing to do with papal intrigue, of course, but it does touch on piety and power, two elements that likewise made “Conclave” such a gripping film (even before the IRL one). The Company Theatre’s production of Molière’s seminal work runs through June 15, with a talkback on June 8 and an ASL-interpreted performance on June 14. PH
SATURDAY, JUNE 7
SHOPPING
“6x6 x 2025”
“The Pantone Guy”
FOOD + BEV
Rochester Real Beer Expo
Innovative Field, rochesterrealbeer.com The craft-beer boom has been well documented, but another important element of the Real Beer Expo is what it benefits. Namely, the proceeds go directly to the Business Association of the South Wedge Area, which helps fund public art, community events, infrastructure improvements and upgrades and more. This year’s fest runs 6-10 p.m. Tickets are $56.50$76.50 ($16.50 for DD). PH
“Amplifying Voices”
SUNDAY, JUNE 8 THEATER
“Tartuffe”
THEMATA
Culver Road Armory, themata145.com Last year, more than 250 artisans set up shop at the Culver Road Armory to showcase clothing, handmade goods, wine, books and more items unique to makers in our area. This year’s outdoor markets are the perfect destinations for all of the above, plus fresh produce and a solid community spirit. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free parking and free admission. PH CONTINUED ON PAGE 40
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MONDAY, JUNE 9
FITNESS
ART/THEATER
Mondays at Geva
Geva Theatre, gevatheatre.org The stage is dark, but the lobby is lit up for this event, thrown in conjunction with Geva’s presentation of “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” which runs through June 29 on the Wilson Stage. Check online for the most up-to-date info for this free event. PH TUESDAY, JUNE 10 MUSIC
Deepak Thettu
Yoga on the Riverway
Austin Steward Plaza, downtowndefinitely.com Breathing, stretching, experiencing the calming coolness of the Genesee River — that’s what awaits at this session, with healthy refreshments available. Sign up in advance if you can; the first 25 registrants will receive a free yoga mat. Follow this class with the New York State Yoga Festival at Letchworth State Park on June 14 for a green chaser. PH WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11
Tropix Eatery & Lounge, ontariobeachentertainment.org What better place to see smooth jazz artist Deepak Thettu than on (or at least very close to) the beach? The Rochester-based, Billboard-charting guitarist can be found performing around town all summer, but this gig as part of the Jazz at the Beach series is a highlight of the season. Free admission. Music begins at 7 p.m. PH
DANCE
Commotion Dance Theater
MuCCC, muccc.org This multi-disciplinary new program from Ruben T. Ornelas and Laurie MacFarlane incorporates live music, dance, theater and poetry, courtesy of Kevin Wang on piano, Cynthia Qiyue He on piano and Esther Rogers Baker
on cello, as well as spoken word work from writer Bob Hart. Performances at 8 p.m. Runs June 11-13. Tickets $10-$25. PH THURSDAY, JUNE 12 MUSIC
Mountain • River • Traveler
4 Commercial St., hochstein.org/ Calendar/Hochstein-at-High-Falls Two months ago, in these very pages, WXXI Classical’s Mona Seghatoleslami sang the praises of this local group, which centers the traditional Chinese instrument the pipa. “The rhythms evoke Celtic step dances and a bit of Dropkick Murphys flair,” she wrote. If that sounds like your thing — frankly, how could it not be? — the quartet perform as part of Hochstein at High Falls concert series. Free lunchtime show begins at 12:10 p.m. PH
FOOD/ART
hoMAGe Culinary Series: Taste of NOLA in NOTA
Memorial Art Gallery, mag.rochester. edu/event The intersection of art and food looks to pass through the walls of the Memorial Art Gallery. The gallery’s hoMAGe Culinary Series offers foodies and art afficionados a leveled plate that pulls edible inspirations from a featured exhibition and artistic hubs. “Taste of NOLA in NOTA” is an outdoor crawfish broil accompanied by live music. Dinner and music-only tickets are available at $95 and $25, respectively. The event runs 6-8 p.m. RFL COMEDY
Tim Meadows
Comedy @ the Carlson, carlsoncomedy.com They don’t make “Saturday Night Live” sketches into movies anymore. That’s a shame, because that willingness to get silly as hell yielded “The Ladies Man,” one of the more ridiculous films ever made
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that was also a wonderful showcase of Tim Meadows’ loony comedic style. Because he’s a professional, his straight roles (“Mean Girls,” “Dream Scenario”) are terrific, too — as is his stand-up. Five performances through June 14. PH FRIDAY, JUNE 13 CRAFTS
Bonsai Bar Workshop
Seed + Stone Cidery & Lucky Buzz Meadery, bonsaibar.com This celebration of both socializing and tiny trees aims to, in organizers’ words, bring “the awesome art of bonsai out of the hedged in gardens and into the streets.” Learn how to design and take care of a bonsai while enjoying some good grub and beverages. Beginners welcome; please arrive 15 minutes ahead of the 6 p.m. kickoff. $85. PH
FOOD + BEV
History on Tap
Genesee Country Village & Museum, gcv.org One of the only working 19th-century breweries collaborates with Rohrbach Brewing Company using recipes from the same era. The museum presents an opportunity to try those very recipes alongside dozens of other concoctions from craft breweries while exploring the historic homes of the village. Live music and food vendors in tow; tickets range from $20-$37 per person. 5:308:30 p.m. Free parking. RFL SATURDAY, JUNE 14 ART
“Other People’s Dreams”
Rochester Contemporary Art Center, rochestercontemporary.org Erica Bryant is focused on dreams. She uses collage and mixed media to help bring to life 44 different dreams of people she has spoken with at a booth in the Rochester Public Market.
Visitors may choose to see these or perhaps to use a randomizer that can unveil an entirely new creation — or both. Open 12-5 p.m. Normal gallery admission. PH GAMING/ART
Coding in the Park
Susan B. Anthony Square Park, vsw.org In tandem with its hybrid art-gaming “Sequencebreak//” exhibition, Visual Studies Workshop offers an accessible workshop to help folks learn to create their own small games, digital visual pieces, DIY websites or more. All skill levels are welcome to join in the park, weather permitting, though VSW’s new location is just across the street in case it rains. Free, but an RSVP is requested. PH SUNDAY, JUNE 15 THEATER
“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical”
Geva Theatre, gevatheatre.org
In 1958, Neil Sedaka penned a song about his high school girlfriend called “Oh! Carol” that eventually spent 18 weeks on the Billboard 100 chart. In response, that girl — Carole King — wrote a response song that didn’t fare very well. She’d have her moment, though. A decade later, King’s output with her then-husband, Gerry Goffin, included big-time hits for Aretha Franklin, The Monkees and The Chiffons. Naturally, this is just one part of her story. The full tale unspools, largely from behind a piano, in “Beautiful,” the jukebox musical about her life, on stage at Geva through the end of June. PH SOCIAL
Car Show
The Shops on West Ridge, theshopsonwestridge.com/events Few things go together so effortlessly like cars, music and food. That’s exactly what you can expect. Featuring a front lot that’ll likely have your dad saying, “I used to have one of those,” and self-proclaimed motorheads CONTINUED ON ON PAGE PAGE 50 42 CONTINUED
roccitymag.com CITY 41
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pulling the e-brake in their legs to take in the automotive beauty. The event is free to attend with food trucks and live music. RFL MONDAY, JUNE 16 FILM
“Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives”
Scene An events newsletter.
The Little Theatre, thelittle.org At the Cannes Film Festival in 2010, this moody and cerebral picture became the first-ever Thai film to win the coveted Palme d’Or. That, like all accolades, is no reason to watch (or not watch) a movie. But here’s a few for the “watch” column: its very title, a prominent scene with a water buffalo, a pair of red and glowing eyes that seem to beckon. Intrigue is good! Screening starts at 7:30 p.m. PH TUESDAY, JUNE 17 THEATER
“Back to the Future: The Musical” General Assembly of Spiritualists 128th Annual Convention June 13, 14 & 15, 2025
Gifts of the Spirit Friday, June 13 Workshop: 3-4:30pm, AM Mary Meissner, “Creating Connections with Circles,” $30 Healing & Ordination Service, 7:00pm Church of Divine Inspiration, 27 Appleton Street, Rochester, NY 14611
Saturday, June 14 Saturday Morning Business, 10am-Noon, Board meeting to follow Workshops: The Word of God: A Tool of Empowerment for Spiritualists The Word of God: A Tool of Enpowerment Psychic Fair, 2:00pm – 5:00pm, Hilton Garden Inn Evening Service, 7:30pm, Hilton Garden Inn Sunday, June 15 Morning Worship, 10:00am Honoring our Loved ones (flowers welcomed), Hilton Garden Inn Buffet Luncheon, 1:00pm, $60.00 Evening Service, 7:00pm, Hilton Garden Inn Hilton Garden Inn Downtown 155 East Main Street Rochester NY 14604 Reservations: 1-888-846-6905 42 CITY JUNE 2025
West Herr Auditorium, rbtl.org Great Scott! More time has elapsed between now and the 1985 release of Robert Zemeckis’ beloved film than when Marty McFly traveled from his present back to the mid ‘50s. But time rolls on, and stories mutate — including into musicals. This stage adaptation boasts plenty of originals plus film staples like “Johnny B. Goode” and Huey Lewis’ “The Power of Love.” Runs June 17-22. $48-$111. PH WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18 MUSIC
Joe Fonda and Bass of Operation
Bop Shop Records, bopshop.com Bassist Joe Fonda sets up in front of Bop Shop’s red curtain for an evening with Bass of Operation, a crew that includes Harvey Sorgen on drums, Jeff Lederer on clarinet and Michael Rabinowitz on bassoon. Their sound is cool and predictably rich in low end, something that Fonda wrote is, in fact, “less jazz and more like a chamber ensemble.” Go figure. $20 at the door and online. $10 for students (with ID). Doors open at 7 p.m. The concert will begin at 8. PH
THURSDAY, JUNE 19 OPERA
Juneteenth
Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, fingerlakesopera.org Earlier this year, Finger Lakes Opera welcomed Stephanie Havey as its new artistic director and Brock Tjosvold as its head of music. The FLO’s season begins with this free program for Juneteenth, featuring soprano Jazmine Saunders, tenor Jonathan Pierce Rhodes, baritones Joshua Conyers and Holden James Turner, along with the Mt. Olivet Sanctuary Choir and the Wings of Praise Flag Ministry. 7 p.m. PH FRIDAY, JUNE 20 DANCE
Garth Fagan Dance
Fort Hill Performing Arts Center, forthillpac.com The region’s venerated dance company begins its inaugural Finger Lakes residency at Fort Hill PAC with four performances running June 20-22. New choreography by the group’s artistic director, Norwood “PJ” Pennewell, and executive director, Natalie Rogers-Cropper, are promised, as are “powerful revivals” by the company founder Garth Fagan himself. $40.56-$50.96, with a discount for cash transactions. PH FUNDRAISER
ZooBrew
Seneca Park Zoo, senecaparkzoo.org “Beer plus zoo” has been a winning formula for many years. This year’s ZooBrew, which takes place on the summer solstice, also features plenty of food and live music, too, courtesy of Some Ska Band, iSteel and Amaryllis. Proceeds help benefit elephant conservation. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. rain or shine. $15 in advance, members $12 or $20 at the door (if available). VIP tickets available for $60. PH SATURDAY, JUNE 21 MUSIC
Goose
CMAC, cmacevents.com Someone once told me My Morning Jacket had become the new Phish and that, in turn, Connecticut group Goose had become the new My
Morning Jacket. I can neither confirm nor deny the veracity of this jam-band succession plan. I can, however, attest to Goose’s prowess for exploring just about every nook and cranny of its musicality, with renditions regularly topping 10 minutes in length. Feels perfect for summer. Doors at 6 p.m., music begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $42. PH SHOPPING
Pride Market
Other Half Brewing Co., linktr.ee/ roconlyevents From 12-5 p.m., Other Half in Bloomfield transforms into a mini Pride pop-up, with more than 20 local artisans selling ceramics, jewelry, vintage clothing and books — and plenty of food and drink available. Proceeds directly benefit Rochester LGBTQ+ Together, a volunteer-led community organization. Free entry. PH
SUNDAY, JUNE 22 COMEDY
“Soft Girl Era”
Geva Theatre, gevatheatre.org Comedic actress and performer Kellye Howard has been spotted on television in roles for “Chicago Fire” and “Empire.” But while the entertainment industry can be hard to navigate, it’s got nothing on her own mind. Howard brings a comedy program that aims to unpack that, live on Geva’s Fielding Stage. 6 p.m. 16+. PH WRITING
Write Now: Expressive Arts Journaling Workshops
The Yards Collective, theyardsrochester.com The positive benefits of journaling are staggering. A simple regular writing exercise can help declutter the mind, leading to better sleep, reduced stress and anxiety and even a higher immune system. This class helps get folks on their way, with an emphasis on women’s rights and “tapping into the power of imagination.” 3-4:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 and $10 for students. PH
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roccitymag.com CITY 43
MONDAY, JUNE 23
THURSDAY, JUNE 26
MUSIC
MUSIC
Diego Figueiredo & Chuchito Valdés
Temple Theater, rochesterjazz.com Few things are sweeter than hearing Brazilian guitarist Diego Figueiredo and Cuban pianist Chuchito Valdés take on “Bésame Mucho.” The pair complement each other wonderfully, finding nooks to make their own while building upon what the other is doing. The resulting fusion sound finds a fitting home at downtown’s Temple Theater for two double-bill concerts, at 7 p.m. and 9:15. Tickets $30. PH TUESDAY, JUNE 24
Thundercat
Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, rochesterjazz.com Not many contemporary R&B and funk musicians can do what Thundercat does. He’s a six-string bass virtuoso but as far from a conservatory try-hard as it gets. The artist born Stephen Bruner follows his bliss in the direction of collaborations with Kendrick Lamar, Michael McDonald and Tame Impala instead — and plenty of strange but riveting solo songs that speak to a modern artistic experience. Listen to “Dragonball Durag” but note it’s only the beginning of the story. His Jazz Fest marquee gig begins at 8 p.m. $63$113. PH
MUSIC
The Wood Brothers
Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, rochesterjazz.com Chris and Oliver Wood’s music feels almost engineered in a lab to please Finger Lakes audiences: plenty rootsy with touches of soul and a pinch of modern jazz in its low end. It’s no surprise the pair, plus percussionist and multi-instrumentalist Jano Rix, headline the Rochester International Jazz Festival. The show’s at 8 p.m. Tickets run $53-$93. PH WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25 MUSIC
Rickie Lee Jones
Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, rochesterjazz.com Rickie Lee Jones’ 15 studio albums represent distinct periods of musical evolution. Her first, 1979’s selftitled debut, swaggered with hits like “Chuck E.’s in Love,” while a decade later, she teamed up with Steely Dan’s Walter Becker for mystical explorations. And she’s still at it: 2023’s “Pieces of Treasure” is a warm slice of vocal-jazz bliss. Jones remains a heavyweight in concert, which she’ll demonstrate for this headlining Jazz Fest gig at 8 p.m. $33-$73. PH
FRIDAY, JUNE 27 MUSIC
Finger Lakes Chamber Music Festival
Hunt Country Vineyards, fingerlakes-music.org For two evenings in the summer, this Branchport winery becomes a music destination. The first night of the fest, brought to life by artistic director Richard Auldon Clark, sees pieces from Beethoven, Charles Ives, Charles Tomlinson Griffes and Florence Price come to life by musicians from the Manhattan Chamber Orchestra. (This concert will be followed by another on July 25.) Music’s at 6:30 p.m. The shows are free, but donations are appreciated. PH SATURDAY, JUNE 28 DANCE
Pride Day Dance
The Rose Room, cdrochester.org/events Fascinated but intimidated by line dancing? This event for beginners can help anyone learn the basics of contra dancing, which has a bit more swing and is based around live music. All dancers welcome. Beginners dance from 1-4 p.m., followed by “twisted English country dance” from 4:155:30 and evening contra from 7-10 after a dinner break. $20, or pay what you can. PH CONTINUED ON PAGE 46
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SUNDAY, JUNE 29
WEDNESDAY, JULY 2
LITERATURE
MUSIC
The Little Cafe, thelittle.org/just-poets Local poet Anderson Allen is known as “Poetically Undefined,” though his time in slam competitions and as an actor and teaching artist reveals several avenues by which to help categorize him. What helps the best, though, is his work. It’s on full display at the return of this series, begun in 2021 and run in conjunction with Monroe Avenue bookseller Before Your Quiet Eyes. 5:30 p.m. PH
CMAC, cmacevents.com Is it really Independence Day without a little John Philip Sousa? The calendar says yes, but “The Stars and Stripes Forever” certainly hits different on July 4. Leave it to the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra to take care of the tunes ahead of the fireworks. Doors at 6:30 p.m., performance at 8. General admission tickets are $10, with a family four-pack available for $30. PH
Just Poets
Red, White, & Boom!
MONDAY, JUNE 30
THURSDAY, JULY 3
MUSIC
MUSIC
The Little Cafe, thelittle.org/music Part of the fun of hearing this group is spotting which popular melody it’s jazzed up with a swingin’ arrangement. The other part is, of course, losing yourself to the beat. Joining Keller (who mans the tenor sax) are Kristen Shiner McGuire on drums, Kyle Vock on acoustic bass and Greg Woodsbie on organ and electric piano. 7-9 p.m. No cover charge, but cafe food and drink orders are encouraged. PH
Montage Music Hall, rocentevents.com The shadow legacy of many posthardcore and screamo bands is twofold: Myspace (of course) and the numerous “Punk Goes...” compilation albums that wrung novelty out of pairing, say, a Rihanna song with blast drums and scratchy vocals. Case in point: “Love the Way You Lie,” covered by California band A Skylit Drive in 2011 and now sitting at 25 million Spotify streams. The band is back on the road after some years apart; it arrives in Rochester for a 16+ show beginning at 6 p.m. with local support from Katspô. PH
Dean Keller’s Soul Jazz Joint
A Skylit Drive
TUESDAY, JULY 1 MUSIC
John Németh & The Blue Dreamers
Fanatics Pub, fanaticspub.com A blues harp player doesn’t have to wear dark sunglasses, but they certainly help establish the vibe. John Németh’s abilities on the harmonica speak for themselves, but sartorially, he knows a good accent when he sees one — cowboy hat, fedora and shades are standbys. He’ll blow his horn for two nights with The Blue Dreamers spanning originals as well as covers of artists like Willie Dixon and Slim Harpo. 7 p.m. $32-$37. PH
46 CITY JUNE 2025
FRIDAY, JULY 4 SPORTS
Red Wings vs. Buffalo Bisons
Plates or wings? Genny or Labatt? Spikes or Buster? A little regional rivalry is fun — and with a free mini flag for the first 1,000 fans and fireworks on deck, where else would a Western New Yorker rather spend the Fourth of July? Call it the Thruway Series. Game’s at 6:45 p.m. Tickets start at $16. PH
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Cold hands, warm h FOOD + BEV
BY PETE WAYNER
W
hen the summer sun shines in Geneva or Seneca Falls, it’s not unusual to hear, somewhere in the distance, the “Super Mario Bros.” theme song. The nostalgia-inducing melody issues from a technicolor truck with a bubblegum-pink grille and rainbow-painted tires rotating lackadaisically at roughly five miles per hour. “The original inspiration for the music was my dad … we used to play Mario brothers all the time,” said Paige Montgomery, owner and operator of the Sprinkle Starship ice cream truck. But it’s not just video game tunes — she has a five-hour playlist. “I play 8-bit covers of everything and old arcade music. I'll play you one,” Montgomery said, landing a thumb on Queen’s “We Are the Champions,” which plunked out in retro electronic tones. “So this is what I’m jamming to.” 2025 will be Montgomery’s eighth summer piloting Sprinkle Starship. The idea came from watching an episode of “Shameless” at age 17. “I didn’t have an idea for a career,” she said. “I was thinking, ‘Oh my god, that’d be such a great idea to actually have an ice cream truck. And the more I thought about it, the more realistic it seemed … I talked to my dad about it, and we brainstormed together, then we took that idea to the health department and they guided us the rest of the way.” Geoffrey Montgomery, Paige’s dad, is a self-taught computer programmer who got his start in 48 CITY JUNE 2025
Sprinkle Starship truck blasts off for its eighth summer with owner Paige Montgomery at the helm.
heart
PHOTOS BY PETE WAYNER
the ’80s, when his own father, a computer salesman, helped him get started. He described himself as an at-times impulsive risk taker — qualities he sees reflected in Paige. “She’s smart, she’s funny, she’s creative … she’s a good kid, good heart, good human,” he said. “I was like, ‘Yeah, that would do really well.’ But she was only 17 at the time … so I didn’t know if she was totally serious about it. But I like thinking outside the box and at the time … she didn’t really have a direction, so I thought it was something kind of cool.” As it turned out, Paige was pretty serious, so Geoffrey bought a 1988 former FedEx truck on Craigslist and started the retrofitting process. “That’s when it became real,” he said. “At that point, all the pressure was on me to not let this kid down.” He told her that if she handled the business side, he would help with the equipment. In the simplest scenario, a refrigerated truck that meets code is a significant undertaking. But Paige didn’t want to stop there. She contacted Perry’s Ice Cream, an hour west of Rochester in Akron, and they agreed to be her supplier. Today, she rotates between about eight flavors of hard ice cream through her onboard freezer, which she scoops into cones, sundaes and from-scratch milkshakes.
Paige served ice cream to her high school class after graduation. Then, she drove to classes at Finger Lakes Community College in her truck (Paige’s grandmother encouraged her to get a degree — something, she told her granddaughter, a man couldn’t take from her). “I see myself as an artist, and I always have,” Paige said. “I like things very eclectic and bright and colorful.” To date, Montgomery has owned three trucks, each one painted by hand and customized to make them, as she puts it, “homemade.” These days, Sprinkle Starship is a fixture at festivals, parties and events all summer. Whether it’s the ubiquitous appeal of ice cream or the kaleidoscopic whimsy of Paige and her business, Sprinkle Starship captures patrons’ attention and affection. One of Paige’s videos went viral on TikTok, racking up a million views. She gets fan mail from people who see her posts, and she’s filled orders for her personally tie-dyed merch from as far away as Germany. “A lot of parents have said to me that I’m an inspiration for young girls, because I’m a woman business owner,” said Paige. “There’s a family in Geneva — [the truck] actually broke down in front of their house … four kids came out with drawings
of the truck for me. It’s obviously more than just an ice cream truck.” For Geoff, the moment where Sprinkle Starship exceeded the orbit of ice cream was early in its tenure. “When we first opened, it was incredible to watch her start serving ice cream after we built this truck,” he said. “She pulled in the driveway, ran up to me and jumped into my arms, gave me a huge hug. That was the moment … you can’t beat that.” When Paige is in her truck, she tries to be her best self. She has dreams for the future of the business — partnering with a baker for brownie sundaes, making her own ice cream, hiring an employee to relieve the burgeoning carpal tunnel symptoms in her scooping hand and buying a small Chevy P10. In many ways, Sprinkle Starship is Paige Montgomery. It’s the hand-painted trucks, the name she came up with in high school, the personal messages written to her on the interior walls (“Have a great day kid!! Love, Dad”). But it's also something deeper. “This kind of is more personal, but I didn't really see much of myself,” said Paige. “I didn't really have any big goals or dreams … but now this is my literal reason for living sometimes. I put a lot of hard work into it. I see myself differently now.” thesprinklestarship.com roccitymag.com CITY 49
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After his wife’s life-changing diagnosis, Stan Munro pivoted from TV news to toothpicks.
Five million — and counting ART
BY MICHAEL W. MICHELSEN, JR.
S
tan Munro might be the largest consumer of toothpicks in the world, but oral hygiene is the last thing on his mind. In fact, when he buys toothpicks he orders a certain type (square with round ends) in quantities of thousands, by the box. Munro’s business card identifies him as an “Artist/ Toothpick Engineer.” Every day for the past five years, he has gone to a large open room area — filled with sculptures of buildings and objects of every size and type imaginable — at Eastview Mall to create more of his latest sculptures. It’s known as Toothpick World. All this seeming madness began when Munro was in elementary school and his art teacher gave an assignment to assemble a toothpick structure that could withstand the weight of an average egg. Munro began the project in earnest, studying the ideal design that would support the weight. He finally determined that a three-story, pagoda-shaped structure made with lots of triangles would be ideal. The finished structure was about 10 inches tall. Soon, Munro was in the classroom testing his idea. Not only did Munro’s design beat all the other students’ entries, the class added the weight of a CONTINUED ON PAGE 52
50 CITY JUNE 2025
Stan Munro poses amongst a variety of his 1/64-scale replica skyscrapers. PHOTO BY ROBERTO F. LAGARES
roccitymag.com CITY 51
Munro building a model of the Brooklyn Bridge, his first was commissioned to a museum in Mallorca, Spain. PHOTO BY ROBERTO F. LAGARES
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book, then several books, and then an upside down desk. Munro’s project held steady under the added weight, earning the class’s cheers as well as the admiration — and several longing glances — of a certain young lady in the class, something he admits he was not accustomed to at the time. Alas, the things of youth, including toothpick art projects, gave way to adulthood and things like making a living. There was no “toothpick construction” major in college, so Munro became a TV journalist. He married a doctor and the couple got two spoiled Shih Tzus, P’nut Butter and Jeli. In 2002, Munro’s wife, Suzi, was diagnosed with a rare kidney and liver disorder, which required a kidney transplant as well as daily in-house dialysis. The diagnosis required Munro to quit his job so he could take care of his wife and make sure she received her treatments. When Suzi was resting or otherwise occupied, Munro started looking for something to do. Having heard about his long ago elementary project, Suzi suggested a return to toothpick construction. Why not? All Munro needed was toothpicks and a bottle of Elmer’s Glue. The only question was what to build. Suzi suggested a recreation of her favorite building and New York City’s Art Deco masterpiece, the Chrysler Building, and that became project number one. Over the past 23 years, Munro has completed more than 200 structures, including everything from the U.S. Capitol to London
Bridge, and everything in between. (Meanwhile, Suzi is alive, fully recovered and doing well.) Munro’s sculptures are built to an exacting 1/164 scale, which means each project takes almost as long to plan as it does to actually construct. It also requires some buildings to end up as tall as 16 feet (Burj Khalifa), and as wide as 50 feet (Golden Gate Bridge), each built one toothpick at a time. “The detail I try to achieve with each of my projects often requires more than just a casual visit and a few photographs,” Munro said. “Frequently, I have to get detailed construction drawings and plans to be able to look past the exterior and its aesthetics for recreation of the exterior, as well as making it as sturdy as possible.” The last point is important, since many of Munro’s structures are shipped and eventually displayed in libraries, museums, corporate offices and special showings around
The front display and themes change seasonally at Toothpick Worlds current HQ inside the Eastview Mall. PHOTO BY ROBERTO F. LAGARES
the world, though weight is almost never a problem since even the largest of his creations can be moved easily by one person, and with one hand. As Munro works, his attention is glued (pun intended) to the meticulous process of placing each toothpick — his breathing slow and measured, almost as if he is in meditation. “Towers are easy,” he said. “It’s when I started building temples and churches of different religions and cultures that building became a lot more difficult.” Of all the buildings he has created, Munro is most proud of his recreation of Barcelona’s Sagrada Família — translated “Sacred Family” — a cathedral started by the architect Antonio Gaudí in 1883 and worked on until his death in 1926. While the actual cathedral is still under construction and probably will be for years to come, Munro completed his sculpture using Gaudí’s original sketches. “I get hold of everything I can to eliminate guesswork,” he said. “Satellite photos, schematics, specs, blueprints and anything else.” Other houses of worship Munro has created include the Little White Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas, the Vatican, Mecca’s Grand Mosque and a series of Jewish, Muslim, Protestant, Catholic, Baha’i and Maya temples sitting side-by-side, for once, peacefully. And no project of Munro’s is complete until he signs
it: “I (heart) Suzi.” “I got that idea when I learned that workers on the actual Empire State Building wrote their names inside the building when they finished working,” he said. “I decided to do the same thing on mine, but my name isn’t the one that’s important. It’s all for Suzi.” Looking at Munro’s collection from over the years, it’s hard not to be awed by the wide variety of designs he has created — and that’s just the buildings. In another part of the room are other sculptures: cars, trains, spacecraft and even reproductions of “Star Wars” vehicles. Munro estimates that he has used about five million toothpicks over the years, and five of his creations are listed in “Guinness World Records.” “What is seen here is only about half,” said Munro. “A lot of it is in storage and some of it can go out to another museum. What we’re really hoping is that Disney will take it on.” At the end of each Toothpick World tour, attendees are given a wooden nickel made out of — what else? — toothpicks. Vending machines won’t take them, but they sure are fun to have. “When you put your whole heart and soul into something, you can accomplish virtually anything,” he said, “even building another world out of toothpicks.” toothpickworld.com roccitymag.com CITY 53
MUSIC REVIEWS
“WE MUST BUILD FIRE” BY AARON LIPP Synthesizing secret hilltop magic, “We Must Build Fire,” from Finger Lakes troubadour Aaron Lipp (out June 28), puzzles upon survival instincts and shelterees in this self-produced, full-band solo work recorded at Temple Cabin Studios. All additional musicians contribute vocals, including Marypat Frohm, Meleah Pescini, Gregor Sayet-Bone (harmonica, percussion), Ric Robertson (bass, keyboards) and Nick Falk (drums), with Lipp on guitars, keyboards, accordion, fiddle, bouzouki and percussion. (Note: This writer makes music with Aaon Lipp, but was not involved with the recent release.) “Only Feeling” nods with steady roots grit, considering the rare power of human feeling. This steadiness contorts into tasty slide-guitar work, giving time to question how to experience art through fogs of information and how to best balance knowledge vs. awareness between social media frackings. In celebration and wonderment of lovers, “Make It Til the Morning” takes stock of trials and miracles in connection, with sauntering but syncopated modern folk and an equally affectionate subject-matter: I have never found someone like you / With your gasoline stare and your sexy tattoos. “Off the Road” marches around deep homesickness, realizing that New York State Route 21 is better than Route 66. George Jones would’ve been proud to cover “Do You Really Love Your Man,” a slow country ballad in love with authenticity and truth with harmonica/fiddle/accordion in embrace. “Walking Through the Graveyard” provides intense atmosphere, with wooden psychedelia and extended stratospheric jams on the album’s longest offering. An openseason power-ballad, “I Won’t Lie” crunches and appeals with brilliance: If we would die tomorrow, would we steal the day? With angry elements cast as warriors, “Storm Shelter” whooshes and queues endless fighters against a survival fire, with a terrific full-band expansion and heavy lead guitar work cracking around clouds. Through the mist, it’s proven: shelter does always surrender to nature. — RYAN M. YARMEL 54 CITY JUNE 2025
“VALVE/WHATEVER” BY MILO
“BE COOL” BY NANCY KELLY
“Reminiscent of Rilo Kiley” is one of the highest compliments an indie band can get, and the debut release from new Rochester group Milo is exactly that. More is more when it comes to vocalists. These two tracks treat listeners to an equal taste of both Milo singers telling their own stories as if everyone’s poking coals at the same campfire.
Vocal jazz is a finicky genre, sitting somewhere between delightfully dorky doowop and the smooth instrumentals of a jazz standard. But for Nancy Kelly, it’s easy to just “Be Cool.” The vocalist, who teaches at Cornell University, performs around Western New York, with an upcoming show in Dansville on July 28.
The first track, “Valve,” paints a vivid picture of jaded frustration and missed connections through abrupt simple sentences: I know too much of the process / The lye and the salt / It’s circumstantial / It isn’t my fault. The guitar is perfectly bare when it needs to be, and comes in at a melodic thrum while vocalists Kirk Stevens and Dana Osterling Benoit’s voices play hot potato on the pre-chorus, trading off, then overlapping and finally coming together. With Osterling Benoit’s breezy and conversational vocal delivery, it’s impossible to ignore the influences of Jenny Lewis on “Whatever.” The song about driving away from it all finds her confessing, I’m afraid cause I’m getting older / And we’re all gonna die someday, and then immediately chases off the existentialism with a gas station Hostess Donette: Tried to save a donut for later / But I ate it on the way. The guitar and drums are equally bratty and poppy. Drummer Jono Benoit’s 20 years in local hardcore bands have made him keenly aware of exactly how to let the lyrics breathe. He knows just when to set down a reserved, nervous tick-tick-tick or an anticipatory thrum and exactly when to pull it all away for a few measures of anxious silence. A standout release of 2025 so far, Milo’s first showing comes just in time to shout along to with the windows rolled down. — LIZ HOGREFE
The timbre of Kelly’s voice is weighty like a blanket in winter, and this warmth cuts nicely through upbeat tracks like the first on the album, “Devil May Care.” She tends to accent her phrases with staccato rhythms, which are complemented and juxtaposed by her full, brassy vibrato that pushes through the end of her phrases. Combined with the confident power in her lower register, the standards on the album feel vibrant but relaxed. Her upper range, in comparison, rings out with a more muted warmth — in her voice, higher notes sound as if they are placed further back. This isn’t to say that there isn’t power in these sections of the melody, but the segments that stand out are often lower and focused on energy. The slower tracks, such as the titular “Be Cool,” are given this same grounded but sharp approach. While it works in this piece, lighter ballads like “Besame Mucho” can feel overwhelmed by Kelly’s voice in comparison to the gliding phrasing of original songwriter Consuelo Velázquez. As a result, the original on the album, “Shakin’ Out My Blues,” is a highlight — it plays exactly to Kelly’s strengths, giving her the opportunity to lean into her “cool cat” energy and call out to the band with adlibbed flair. It is reminiscent of a jam session and hot latte in the café of your dreams: smooth and pleasant, but not too flashy. — ALYSSA KOH
“WALK WITH ME, MY JOY” BY DANIEL PESCA Accept Daniel Pesca’s invitation, “Walk with me, my joy,” and head into a labyrinth — of memories, overlapping paths, new spaces that sometimes feel familiar. Guided by a haunting lullaby, the Irish folk song “Shule Agra,” the musical paths are built from the memory of composer/ pianist Pesca’s mother singing him an old song, also known as “Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier” or “Buttermilk Hill.” With great craft and musical space, Pesca weaves his journey of memory through the title piece, a free-flowing set of variations for flute (Sarah Frisof), cello (Christine Lamprea), percussion (Ian Rosenbaum) and piano (Pesca). The music reminds me of the feelings I’ve had reading dream-like novels like “Piranesi” by Susanna Clarke or “The City and its Uncertain Walls” by Haruki Murakami. It’s an elusive sense of mystery, along with some mix of delight and melancholy. That discovery alongside familiarity plays out in a variety of ways. With his longtime duo partner, flutist Frisof, Pesca’s “Gestures of Grace” combines strength with delicacy. Three intermezzos bring guitarist Dieter Hennings’s lyrical yet austere playing. More intensity arrives in the cello solo “In Solitude,” written at the start of the pandemic. In the solo piano “Chaconne,” a clarion opening gives way to another set of loose, abstract variations, playing in new ways with an old form built again on repetition. Pesca is a welcome re-addition to Rochester’s music scene after returning two years ago to teach at his alma mater, the Eastman School of Music. Perhaps it goes without saying: his collaborators play with great technique and beautiful sound. In all of this music, the mystery pairs with immediacy and presence. Each musical line seems to generate the next, spinning a new path to follow and, in that, rewards multiple listening sessions and explorations of what lies around each corner. — MONA SEGHATOLESLAMI
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The Dish WHET YOUR PALATE
Clownboy Coffee, a third-wave, queer owned shop emphasizing vegan-conscious milk substitutes and house made flavored syrups, has opened on East Main Street in North Winton Village; JBC Noodle Asian, a restaurant and cocktail bar from Mark Teng of JBC Rice Noodles and Ramen, has opened on Main Street in Pittsford, complete with a large outdoor patio; Papito’s Burritos, which was housed in the former James Brown’s Place on Culver Road, has closed due to financial constraints; Don’s Original on Culver Road in Sea Breeze celebrated 80 years in May — this will be the first under the new ownership of Alayna and Reo Alderman following the retirement of longtime owner Terry Klee.
FOOD AND BEV NEWS, GOSSIP, AND GATHERINGS CURATED BY LEAH STACY
College of Art and Design students to create an outdoor gaming space in the area between Pearson’s and Bevy — love to see a collab that promotes local students.
In mid-May, Cancer Support Community at Gilda’s Club Rochester opened an emergency food pantry for individuals and families impacted by cancer. The shelves will be stocked with healthier options including low sodium, low sugar natural juices and whole grain products to support the nutrition and dietary needs of individuals living with cancer. FOR THE LOCAVORES
Thanks to a partnership between the Rochester Red Wings and Rochester Area Ford Dealers, the Hardball Café has been majorly renovated for the first time since it opened in 1999 and now offers seating for 100 guests, a private bar, private restrooms, a dedicated food service line and premium views of the ballpark.
N URSERY & G ARDEN C ENTER Est. 1927
FOOD FÊTES
Dorado and the team at Swan Family of Restaurants released Rockin' Horse Sauce, a house-made spicy, limey sauce recipe that’s been a staple at Dorado for over 15 years. It will be available in bottles for purchase at both Dorado and Pearson’s Café to take home. In other SFOR news, the team at upcoming rotisserie and ice cream spot Bevy worked with RIT
The monthly Food Truck Rodeo will take place 5 to 9 p.m. on Wed., June 25 at the Public Market, featuring live music from FolkFaces. For hospitality folks who want to expand their knowledge, there will be a series of free and open-to-the-public seminars during Rochester Cocktail Revival (June 2-8), exploring topics from Bystander Intervention (presented by RESTORE Sexual Assault Services) to Hands-On Hospitality: Sign-Language in the Service Industry. Find the full schedule at rochestercocktailrevival.com
BULK DELIVERY AVAILABLE! mulch, topsoil, compost, stone
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485 LANDING RD. NORTH LOCATED NEAR ELLISON PARK OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK CLOVERNURSERY.COM • (585) 482-5372 DOUG@CLOVERNURSEY.COM roccitymag.com CITY 55
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Answers to this puzzle can be found on page 52
City Brews PUZZLE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
19
20
21
22
BY S.J. AUSTIN & J. REYNOLDS
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24
25
26
ACROSS
27
1. Adjectival trademark of Miller brewing
34
5. Ire 9. Observes an aspect of Ramadan 14. Endures
40
29
28
30
35
31
36
32
37
44
16
17
18
48
49
82
83
119
120
33
38
42
41
15
39
43
45
46
47
19. Fünf + drei 20. Architectural wings 21. First mass market laptop to offer Wi-Fi 22. Feed store chain that filed for bankruptcy in 2002
51
50 56
57
53
59
58
64
52
54
60
61
66
65
55 62
67
63
68
69
23. Pierre’s papa
70
24. Wall St. launches 25. Physicist Enrico known as the architect of the atomic bomb
75
26. Horse-drawn carts
84
27. Tractor manufacturer with its own shade of green paint
91
29. Concerning
76
71
77
72
73
78 85
79
86
88
94
99
98
80
87
93
92
74
89
90
95
100
81
96
101
102
97 103
104
31. Air time for “Falcon Crest” & “20/20”
105
33. Do Not Call Registry org. 34. Lure
109
106
107
108
111
110
112
36. Pratt or Farley 38. “Same!”
113
40. Gandhi’s honorific
121
42. Player played by Michael Caine and Jude Law
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
43. Order another 52-weeks of People, say 44. 50m in an Olympic pool
114 122
115
116
123
124
117 125
118 126
127
45. Gaze fixedly 46. Lawn replacement 47. What bears hope to do before hibernating 50. “Kiss Cam” activity, for short 51. William Wallace, e.g. 53. Leader of the pack 55. Back, as a racehorse 56. Where you might be put by the dentist 59. Per ___ 61. Keep your ___ the ground 63. Squeeze (out) 64. Own 66. Kingdom 68. Athletes Agassi and Iguodala 56 CITY JUNE 2025
95. Refine
113. Arabian or Mediterranean
97. Protein synthesis messenger strand
114. Aver
98. Philosopher Immanuel
116. Princes, often
99. Stitch
118. Transaction usually requiring a PIN
100. Yiddish exclamation of frustration
121. “Shut up already!”
78. Neighbor of Oahu
102. Backhoe
123. Beetle Bailey tormenter
80. “We’ve ___!”
105. Prepares to paint
125. Playground retort
84. Sash for a kimono
107. Silverware set to the right of a knife
127. Intersection
85. Sources of protein for vegans
108. Amazon e-readers
87. Like stone washed denim or bellbottoms
109. Annie, famously
128. Venomous snake of the family Viperidae
90. Silas of the Continental Congress
111. Strong dark beer, 81-down e.g.
91. Kringle
112. Book and movie source material for Season 2 of “Castle Rock”
70. **”That’s ___ of guy I am!”, or a beer poured by 3-Down 73. **”Mr. ___”, ELO hit, or a beer poured by 9-Down 75. Controversial way to mark your spot in a book
93. Flip out
129. Word with monologue or tube 130. Suffix for theater or church 131. Affirmatives
132. Prepared
65. Severely dry
133. “Chasing Pavements” singer
67. Man’s nickname that sounds like the start of a kindergarten song
134. Locale of Dostoyevsky’s exile 135. Exam for a future atty.
DOWN 1. Sgt. Friday’s org.
69. Unit of force equal to 10 micronewtons 71. “You’re telling me!” 72. Shuttle launching group 74. Black, in poetry
2. Treat for after a Little League game, perhaps
75. Loading point
3. **Features of Hagrid’s dog Fluffy
77. **Large folivore native to South Central China, or a beer poured by 3-Down
4. Everlasting 5. L.L. Bean competitor since 1938
76. Di or da preceder in a Beatles song
6. **South American camelid, or with 108-Down a beer poured by 16-Down
79. **Question you might text your Postmates driver, or a beer formerly poured by 9-Down
7. Newspaper often sold next to the Herald
81. **Men?, or a beer poured by 16-Down
8. Place to fill up in Canada
82. Years in Paris?
9. **Midway point of a bowling match
83. Sweeties
10. Grandpa Simpson
86. Time that seems like it will never end
11. Attack from a defensive position
88. Next
12. “War and Peace” and “The Brothers Karamazov”, e.g.
89. Mnemonic for the first three colors of the visible spectrum
13. Largest organ in the human body
92. The Beehive State
14. Wyatt Earp or Seth Bullock
94. The Fuzz
15. ___ Khan
96. Manning and Whitney, for two
16. **River condition ideal for rafting
99. Emitted
17. Non ___ (not so much, in music)
101. Formally opine
18. Brand on a truck outside a restaurant
103. Linear, for short
28. Singer James 30. Alma mater for Leonard Nimoy and Jackie Robinson
104. Gland whose name literally means “to the kidney” 106. Danish or Berliner
32. “___ Beauty” (Gerald Manley Hopkins poem)
107. Laurence who wrote “Tristram Shandy”
35. Little devils
108. **Little Hershey treats, or with 6-Down a beer poured by 16-Down
37. Cambodian currency 39. Grumpy Cat, e.g. 40. What a relief pitcher might be brought in to do, slangily
109. Grouchy-sounding award? 110. “Cloister and the Hearth” author 111. Rise
41. All bark ___ bite
112. 1983 title role for Michael Keaton
42. Memo abbr.
115. Home of 4.6 billion people
43. Leonine cry
117. “Othello” antagonist
45. Junior
119. Light bulb, in comics
46. Famous orca
120. Trial
48. Take a drag of a joint
122. Roadside bomb, for short
49. Hydrocarbon suffixes
124. Hair spray alternative
52. Container for cider
126. Fictional planet of ‘80’s TV
54. Student grant named after a senator 55. Knocked on the noggin 57. Direction in Spain 58. Goes to P.T. 60. Language of Pakistan 62. Stun with a gun roccitymag.com CITY 57
A ROCHESTER INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL PRIMER
J
azz Street’s back, and each year, the region’s largest festival continues to grow in size. Though it’s still sans headline sponsor, the fest is getting additional support from M&T Bank and Rochester Regional Health again this year, along with many other community partners. “We are deeply grateful for the generous contributions of our corporate and government sponsors, whose support has been instrumental in ensuring the festival’s continued success,” said producer Marc Iacona. “The energy, sense of unity and shared spirit that permeates these nine days is unparalleled. It is a privilege and honor to reflect on the tremendous success of the past two decades, and eagerly anticipate the future as we continue to celebrate the magic of ‘Jazz in June.’” From headlining acts like the much-anticipated Thundercat to the return of the East Avenue and Alexander Street stage for one night, the 2025 Rochester International Jazz Festival has something for everyone — but can be a little overwhelming to navigate, whether you’re planning a one-time visit or mapping out the entire nine day lineup. As in years past, we’ve gathered the basics on the fest in one place for easy reference.
BY THE NUMBERS
• 200,000+ people attend Jazz Fest annually • 1750+ artists will perform in 285+ total shows over 9 days • 171 Club Pass shows • 110 free shows • 18 venues • 10 countries represented
IN THE FOLLOWING PAGES YOU'LL FIND
JAZZ FEST WEIRDNESS (IN A GOOD WAY):
Patrick Hosken takes us through some of the most unexpected acts you’ll find at the 22nd annual fest.
12-ISH HOURS AT JAZZ FEST:
Pick a window, or commit to the long haul like Leah Stacy does roughly once a year. (Just make sure you wear good shoes, this itinerary involves a lot of walking.)
STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS:
As home to one of the best music schools in the country, it makes sense we’d have student musicians cutting their teeth at Jazz Fest. CITY intern Alyssa Koh caught up with a few of ‘em.
THE 411:
How do I make the most of my visit? What are the best food and drink options? Is it possible to do this on the cheap? Can I attend at the last minute? Is there any parking downtown? What’s the bathroom situation? Read on for those answers and more…
71 CITY JUNE 2025
HEADLINER SHOWS
Five of this year’s 10 headliner shows are ticketed and will be held in Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, presented by M&T Bank. (As of press time, only The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis show on Saturday, June 21 was sold out.) The five free headliners are Los Lonely Boys, Jesús Molina, Lettuce and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue (all at the Wegmans Stage at Parcel 5); and Chris Lane at the East & Alexander Stage.
CLUB PASS SERIES
The Club Pass series gives access to up to 171 acts across 10 mid-sized and more intimate venues and clubs. The Jazz Festival offers two options for club passes: a three-day pass and the traditional nine-day pass, which gives a concert goer access to every act at every venue for the duration of the festival (not using it for a day? Hand it off to a friend!). A three-day pass runs $214, plus taxes and service fees. A nine-day pass runs $324 (as of press time, both passes were still available). Without a Club Pass, shows are $30 cash at the door ($35 for Kilbourn Hall). Be advised, seating at the Club Pass events are on a first-come, firstserved basis. Doors to every Club Pass show open 30 minutes before the start of the performance; get there early. For the first shows at the busiest Club Pass venues — Kilbourn Hall and Max of Eastman Place — line up at 4 p.m. outside the venues to get a color-coded wristband that specifies a return time to see the show. (You must be present and in line to get a wristband.) Then come back at your assigned time and enjoy the show!
NOT ALLOWED
• Pets (though guides and service dogs are OK) • Coolers • Wagons • Outside food or drink • Tents or umbrellas • Professional cameras with removable lenses
WHAT TO BRING
• Valid photo ID • Digital and printed tickets • Your Club Pass (it can’t be replaced, so keep it safe and label with your contact info) • Low-profile lawn chairs for outdoor shows on Parcel 5 and Jazz Street (Gibbs St.) Stage • Blankets for outdoor shows at the Wegmans Stage @ Parcel 5, which is on a lawn • Strollers (and maybe headphones) for children • Earplugs
ACCESSIBILITY
All venues are handicapped accessible. Accessible portable bathrooms for those attending outdoor shows are located: • Outside the Rochester Regional Big Tent on East Main for people attending shows in the tent. • Swan Street • Near the Wegmans Stage @ Parcel 5, June 25-28. • Near the East & Alexander Stage, June 21 only
FIRST AID TENT
On Jazz Street near East Main Street.
BIKE RACKS
You may park (and be sure to lock) your bike in racks located in the parking lot of the RRH Big Tent at the corner of Main and Chestnut Streets.
RTS BUS ROUTES
Rochester's East End can be directly accessed from several east side transit routes, including 31 Park, 33 Goodman, 38 East Main, 48 University and 57 East. The East End is a short walk from the RTS Transit Center, where all bus routes stop. Many routes run until midnight or 1 a.m., making an evening out without the hassle of parking an easy option. Visit myRTS.com for more information and to download the Where's My Bus? app for real-time bus arrival info on your smartphone from Google Play and the App Store.
PARKING
Street parking is available, and sometimes you luck out! Meters are free after 6 p.m. and on weekends; download the Flowbird app for easy payments. Parking for all East End events can be found in the East End garage at the corner of East Avenue and Scio Street. Additional parking can be found in the Washington Square Garage (111 Woodbury Blvd.) and the NYSUT lot (30 North Union St.). If a little walking isn't out of the question, additional parking can be found at the Sister Cities Garage (28 North Fitzhugh St.), Midtown Garage (270 East Broad St.), and the South Avenue Garage (39 Stone St.). These garages charge $2 an hour, up to $10.
FOR MORE
Pick up a free pocket schedule at any venue during the Festival or at the RIJF Ticket Shop at 100 East Avenue, from June 16 through June 28. Online, visit rochesterjazz.com or download the official Jazz Fest app for maps, schedules and additional information to help navigate the festival.
FOOD AND DRINK
Food and drinks will be available throughout all nine days in two main areas: along East Main Street (food trucks) and outside the big Rochester Regional Health tent at East Main Street and Gibbs; Parcel 5 will also have a full lineup on show days (June 25-28). Many of the venues will offer food and drinks — from light snacks to full meals — and local restaurants and bars within walking distance are a good go-to option for before or after taking in a performance. There are eight bar locations, with a happy hour on Jazz Street 3:30 p.m. to 5 each day featuring $1 off Lake Beverage products and zero proof options inside the McCarthy Merch Tent on Jazz Street. Jazz Fest has an exhaustive directory of onsite vendors, bars and food trucks at rochesterjazz.com/food-drinks, and it makes planning by day, area or specific food vendor seamless.
JAZZED TO MEET YOU
The CITY team will be out for the nine days of Jazz Fest documenting the fest, dancing to the open-air tunes and enjoying a fried food (or three). If you see us, say hi! Follow along at @roccitymag on social, roccitymag. com and on WXXI-AM (1370) and WRURFM (88.5).
FOLLOW JAZZ FEST ON SPOTIFY:
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Jazz Fest gets weird — in a good way Neo-funk fusion, ASMR electronica and free improv color this year’s lineup. JAZZ
BY PATRICK HOSKEN PATRICK@ROCHESTER-CITYNEWS.COM
T
he 2025 Rochester International Jazz Festival offers plenty of familiar comforts. The return of headliner Wynton Marsalis, with his Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, satiates traditional fans who’ve come to expect flawless presentation; while a free set from high-energy New Orleans performer Trombone Shorty (who’s played the fest seven times) feels like a homecoming gig. Add that to the always-impressive local talent showcases and first-time marquee acts like Rickie Lee Jones and The Wood Brothers, and the festival lives up to its reputation for live-music excellence. And this year, on Eastman Theatre’s proverbial marquee: a neo-funk maximalist with knuckle tattoos and face piercings named THUNDERCAT . The artist’s six-string bass rumbles helped define Kendrick Lamar’s masterstroke 2015 album “To Pimp a Butterfly,” and his catalog is speckled with collaborations with Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins and Tame Impala, along with freewheeling, subterranean indie R&B all his own. He’s also possibly the only dude with multiple “Dragon Ball Z” references in his discography to ever headline Jazz Fest. He’s scheduled to hit Kodak Hall at 8 p.m. on June 26. This refreshing energy permeates Thundercat’s whole endeavor — long dyed locs, glowing orange Ibanez bass, anime obsession. His latest album, 2020’s “It Is What It Is,” featured artists as diverse as Childish Gambino CONTINUED ON PAGE 67
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Thundercat PHOTOS PROVIDED
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and jazz guitarist Pedro Martins. His top song, “Them Changes,” is a favorite of Ariana Grande’s; they once performed it together in front of a cartoon anthropomorphic ball of meat. One YouTube video documents him drinking four cans of highly caffeinated yerba mate tea in the studio, just because. “Your heart is in danger!” his producer warns. Thundercat, born Stephen Bruner, remains unfazed. Similar left-of-center energy and oddball musicality permeates the 2025 Jazz Fest lineup, and while comparatively few of the scheduled 1,750 performers would likely be categorized as “weird,” the paths to strange new horizons exist. (And they are wonderful.) For proof, look no further than SALAMI ROSE JOE LOUIS , whose artist name sounds like a Harris Wittels punchline but whose music spans porous and dreamlike soundscapes. Born Lindsay Olsen, the California-based artist and producer is signed to Brainfeeder, the label run by Thundercat’s close collaborator Flying Lotus. Her sound falls somewhere between ASMR electronica and free noise, with shimmering and minimal ambient tracks composed using her beloved Roland MV-8800 sampler. On “Arm Fell Asleep,” for example, the somnambulant pinging of the digital instrument mirrors the experience suggested by the title. She’ll play two shows at The Duke, one at 7:30 p.m. and a second at 9, on June 26. JOHN MCKENNA , meanwhile, aims to wring unique sound from water jet-cut aluminum sculptures
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he created. With his RESONANT STRUCTURES QUARTET — guitarist Jim Robitaille, bassist Tom Casale and drummer Hugh Sicotte — the tenor saxophonist blends jazz improvisations with drone elements made with both the metal pieces dangling behind them and electronic synthesizers. The group’s penchant for spectacularly eerie sounds will color two shows at Montage Music Hall at 6 p.m. and 9:30 on June 24. Fans of Khruangbin will find plenty to love about SALIN , the groove-oriented drummer and bandleader whose rhythms blend the Thai music of her upbringing with the Western sensibilities of her current home in Montreal. Raised in Bangkok and wellversed in the classic funk beats of The Meters as well as the propulsive energy of Afrobeat, Salin has racked up accolades, including a Juno Award nomination. Her latest collection, “Rammama,” released in late March, revels in a genre she has coined “Afro Isaan Soul.” She brings with her a band to help electrify these kinetic compositions, with back-to-back shows at The Duke at 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 on June 28. Along the same lines, Philadelphia’s MUSCLE TOUGH looks like a power trio of bass, drums and guitar but can sound alternately like a melting church organ and New Year’s Party on the last rocket ride off an exploding planet. CONTINUED ON PAGE 65
Salami Rose Joe Louis
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Resonant Structures Quartet
Muscle Tough
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Salin
The three members have taken to heart that dexterity goes beyond musical knowledge; guitarist Ross Bellenoit uses his axe almost literally, as a tool to rip open alternate dimensions (with a pedalboard as stacked as a spaceship’s master controls). The party hits The Duke at 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 on June 24. And then there’s the matter of fusion, or the 1960s advancement of jazz ideas in a rock-music context. By 1978, acts like the BRECKER BROTHERS had gone supersonic with it; the group’s “Heavy Metal Be-Bop” record stands as a glittering document of glorious musical excess, plugging concepts explored on “Head Hunters” and “Bitches Brew” into a Marshall stack and blasting them at arena scale. Rochester-area musicians THE VIAVATTINE BROS . anchor a pair (6:30 p.m. and 8:30) of June 25 shows at the Theater at Innovation Square in which they’ll pay tribute to this landmark fusion recording by performing it in full, along with other Brecker Brothers classics. For more genre-melding, there’s always Thundercat’s sparkly synthfunk original “Tokyo,” which, if it makes his setlist, will see him crying out, “Goku fucking ruined me!” upwards toward the 2.5-ton crystal chandelier inside Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre. How’s that for fusion? rochesterjazz.com
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Keeping time
Spend four, eight or 12-ish hours at Jazz Fest JAZZ
BY LEAH STACY LEAH@ROCHESTER-CITYNEWS.COM
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here’s a strange phenomenon that happens during every downtown festival: Rochester becomes walkable. Only, it’s not that it wasn’t walkable before. It’s simply that the perception changes, perhaps out of necessity (specific parking options, some further away), or by design (the festivals are spread over a certain radius that is more easily traversed on foot). And each time, Rochesterians who spend time walking in other cities suddenly have a light-bulb moment: “Hey, I should walk more in my own city, too!” (As the old saying goes — if they wanted to, they would.) Walking is key to spending a large chunk of time at the Rochester International Jazz Festival, as it’s the fastest way to move among most of the primary venues, the free street stages and the food and drink vendor areas; so pack a light bag that’s easily searchable in security lines and strap on a pair of comfortable shoes. The three weekend dates — June 21, 22, 28 — offer the most bangfor-your-buck, whether you want to spend a few hours or the whole day (get wild!) at Jazz Fest.
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Food trucks will be parked on East Main Street between Gibbs and Chestnut Streets, throughout the festival. PHOTOS BY RAFAEL RODRIGUEZ
1 P.M.
Find parking or start walking if you live downtown. A garage is easiest for longer visits, though street parking is free on weekends if you’re willing to be a little further away. Pending weather and your home location, walking is always the simplest.
1:30 P.M.
Tuck into a late lunch at one of the many local restaurants in proximity to Jazz Fest (reserve ahead if you want a specific time at a busy spot like Redd, Branca Midtown or Patron Saint; walk in for service at Stromboli’s, Mercantile on Main or Big City Deli). In need of some caffeine before the real fun begins? Java’s is right on Gibbs Street, AKA Jazz Street, and Ugly Duck is just a short walk away on Charlotte Street. Club Pass venues The Little Theatre, Max of Eastman Place, Inn on Broadway and The Duke offer in-house or adjacent dining options.
3 P.M.
Download the Jazz Fest app if you haven’t, or pick up a free pocket schedule at the Ticket Shop, 100 East Avenue. Then, get a lay of the land! This is a great time to explore what’s open and map out your day while it’s still relatively quiet.
3:45 P.M.
7:30 P.M.
Stick around the City of Rochester Jazz Street Stage presented by the Rochester Area Community Foundation to hear the next generation of musicians (and stake your claim on a spot to set up chairs, if you brought ‘em). On Saturday, June 21 the School of the Arts HS Jazz Band plays a free set at the Jazz Street Stage; on Saturday, June 28 it’s the Monroe Community College Jazz Ensemble.
More music! Visit brand new venue The Duke (inside the Mercantile on Main) on Saturday, June 21 for rock and blues singer-songwriter McKinley James; on Saturday, June 28 for Thai-born drummer, composer, and Juno-nominated producer Salin. Both shows included with a Club Pass or $30 at the door.
8:45 P.M.
4:30 P.M.
Hop over to the newly reinstated East & Alexander Stage on June 21 to hear headliner Chris Lane. This free show features not a jazz star, per se, but instead a country artist who was featured in the “People”magazine 2019 Sexiest Man Alive issue (Jazz Fest really commits to something for everyone). On June 28, head to the free Wegmans Stage @ Parcel 5 for crowd favorite Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, who is sure to make the most of a public-space gem. Feeling snacky? Grab a late-night bite from one of the many food trucks lined up on either side of the green space.
It’s (almost) 5 o’clock somewhere! Happy hour on Jazz Street runs 3:305 p.m., so take advantage of $1 off Lake Beverage products at the vendor tent.
4:45 P.M.
Didn’t dress warmly (or cool) enough? Need a souvenir? Between shows is the perfect time to browse the McCarthy Merch Tent on Jazz (Gibbs) Street.
10:15 P.M.
5:15 P.M.
Head to the plush Inn on Broadway for the 5:30 p.m. Sasha Berliner Quartet (led by an American vibraphonist and composer) on June 21 or the Allison Au Quartet (led by a Juno Award-winning saxophonist, composer and arranger) on June 28. Both shows included with a Club Pass or $30 at the door. Each group plays a second show at 7:45 p.m. on their same respective evenings.
6:30 P.M.
Find your grub hub. Food trucks and vendor tents will be available throughout the Jazz Fest footprint, and a comprehensive list (by date) is available online for those who like to “browse the menu” before arrival.
The last stop of the night is at Hyatt Regency, Jazz Fest’s official hotel partner, for the annual Squeezer’s Jam Sessions. Settle in with a glass of wine, and keep your eyes peeled — you never know who will show up to jam.
Scenes from the 2024 Rochester International Jazz Festival PHOTOS BY RAFAEL RODRIGUEZ
11:45 P.M.
Walk back to your parking spot or home (ideally, with your Jazz Fest show-attending +1), full of good food, enriched by art, ready to tell stories from the day — and confident in the knowledge that you did Jazz Fest right.
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From classroom to concert
Two college students will lead ensembles at the Rochester International Jazz Festival this year. JAZZ
BY ALYSSA KOH
O
ne of Dan Atkinson’s fondest memories of the Rochester International Jazz Festival is getting his eardrums blown out at a Trombone Shorty show. “I went to his show seven or eight years ago,” he said. “We made the mistake of sitting right in front of the speakers — it was the loudest thing I’ve ever heard.” Atkinson, a junior at the Eastman School of Music, fell in love with the trombone after starting in middle school. His mother took him to see Jazz Fest shows throughout his childhood, which helped fuel a passion that led him to pursue studies in jazz performance. This summer, he’ll be leading a septet and playing his original compositions on the other side of the speakers.
Dan Atkinson performing live at Bop Shop Records. PHOTO BY JACKSON BURNS-BULMER.
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“Last year I had a similar ensemble play at Stromboli’s, and Marc [Iacona, executive director of Jazz Fest] ended up coming to the show,” Atkinson said. “He stayed for a while and watched, which I was super grateful for, and I guess he liked what he heard — so he hired [the Dan Atkinson Septet] to play at the Wegmans Tent this year.” Both Atkinson and Joey Stempien, a junior at the University of Rochester who is also performing at Jazz Fest, have hometown roots in Rochester. The two met in an All-County Jazz Band and have been friends — and frequent collaborators at Stromboli’s jam sessions — ever since. They have also both performed locally for years; Atkinson used to lead Bangers and Mash, a jazz quartet started by one of his teachers at Honeoye Falls Lima High School, and Stempien has been composing since the second grade.
Joey Stempien regularly performs with a big band. PHOTO PROVIDED
“We all started playing in the Eastman Youth Jazz Orchestra, so that was really where I started building those connections between people, locals who are now Eastman students,” Stempien said. His big band is composed of musicians from both the University of Rochester’s River Campus and Eastman, including Atkinson. Since the band’s inception, they’ve performed a litany of gigs, including at Stempien’s high school in Brockport, and recorded live albums on campus and at Bop Shop Records. For Stempien, whose band members range from hobbyists with non-music degrees to aspiring professional musicians, the group has grown and improved as the students have become closer. “The people I bring in, they want to be there — they want to know the music,” Stempien said. “One of the coolest things [is] that I brought in these people from different facets of my life who would have probably never otherwise interacted, and people are now friends who might not have been friends otherwise.” Through giving back to his community, Stempien has gained traction in the professional music world as well. At a local high school gig, he met saxophonist Jimmie Highsmith Jr., and Bill Tiberio, the music director of his school jazz ensemble, recommended him as a performer for Jazz Fest. Tiberio was tapped by John Nugent and Marc Iocona to help schedule high school groups for performances at Jazz Fest, and looped in Stempien’s big band. To Tiberio, Stempien’s large body of original compositions and commitment to the Rochester area is a highlight of the group. “I’ve been happy to schedule Joey’s group, as they are already out in the
community performing gigs,” Tiberio said. “Like everybody in our area who has been involved with teaching and playing in the Rochester music scene for a long time, we are excited about seeing younger musicians at this festival, as well as all other venues in our area. The music will continue to grow with this next generation, and I am thrilled to see people like Joey taking on leadership roles.” In the future, Stempien hopes to continue his studies in atmospheric science with a graduate degree — and potentially, through the music leadership experiences he’s gained, earn a separate degree in music. He also aims to keep the big band running, even as people transition in and out of the group. Atkinson plans to move downstate to New York City after graduation, but is thankful for the experiences he gained through his time in Rochester. For now, both excitedly anticipate their performances at Jazz Fest, and being surrounded by performers and audience members all sharing the same passion. “I’m excited to express my arrangements and my music with an amazing group of musicians who can do any music justice,” said Atkinson. “It’ll be a blast to do that in front of a larger audience.” The Dan Atkinson Septet will perform at Wegmans Pavilion at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. June 20, and the Joey Stempien Big Band will be performing on the City of Rochester Jazz Street Stage on Gibbs Street at 4:30 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. June 28. Stempien will also perform a free solo show on piano at the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County at 12 p.m. June 23.
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Finding heaven
A year after family tragedy sidelined their tour, the “Texican” rock band Los Lonely Boys plays Parcel 5 on June 26. JAZZ
BY PATRICK HOSKEN PATRICK@ROCHESTER-CITYNEWS.COM
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ojo Garza went fishing and only caught a fingerling. But that’s fine with him. The bass player for Los Lonely Boys spent a recent spring morning like many others: with a line in the water in his native San Angelo, Texas. “It’s meditative,” he told CITY by phone after returning to his truck. “There’s nothing like it.” Garza will be busy soon, hitting the road with his brothers — guitarist Henry and drummer Ringo — for concerts across the country. One of them will be at Parcel 5, where Los Lonely Boys will perform for free on June 26 as part of the Rochester International Jazz Festival. The 9 p.m. show was originally scheduled for 2024, but family tragedy compelled the group to cancel several dates. That’s why, Garza said, this summer feels special: “It’s supposed to be a really good time. Hopefully it just ain’t too hot.”
CITY: Los Lonely Boys were scheduled to play here last summer and then a lot of family things came up. I’m sure that time was really challenging for you guys. Jojo Garza: We were definitely looking forward to it, man, and then our dad had a heart attack and a stroke, and then we wound up losing him a couple months later. But you know what? He raised us to play music. He taught us everything we know and he always told us that if the world is pushing, Henry, Jojo and Ringo Garza will perform in Rochester over 20 years after the breakout success of their biggest hit, "Heaven." PHOTOS PROVIDED
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you pull. We definitely miss him a lot, man. We lost our mom about 10 years ago also. It’s not something you really get over. When circumstances like that happen, family comes first. But we can’t wait to get back out that way.
CITY: You play so many different styles, from Latin rhythms and roadhouse blues to Zydeco music, especially on the 2024 album “Resurrection.” Were those new songs written for the album, or did you revisit older tunes? Garza: “Natural Thing” was a song we had for over 20 years, and we had never recorded it. There wasn’t a song for Ringo [to sing on the album], and we were like, I think it’s time to release that song. He did a fantastic job singing it. “Painted Memories,” like you were saying, definitely has a Zydeco feel. But for us, we call that a Tex-Mex thing because it has the traditional Mexican musical instruments — accordion as well as bajo sexto [a 12-string instrument tuned an octave lower than a guitar]. That’s a sound we grew up on. That’s the reason we came up with the term “Texican rock and roll,” because people kept asking us what genre we classified ourselves as. Los Lonely Boys are about putting all the different ingredients together into the Lonely Stew.
CITY: With Henry on guitar and Jojo on drums, how did you gravitate to bass and, specifically, how did you start playing the six-string bass? Garza: We were all raised playing guitar. That was our dad’s primary instrument. As we got older, man, it just started to turn into this thing where we were slowly becoming a band because of the multiple instruments that were in the household. I left [to go live] with my mom, and when I came back, my dad and my other two brothers were already gigging. After that night, I was like, “Hey, I would like to play, too.” My dad had an extra electric guitar that he took two strings off of, tuned an octave lower and put me on one of his extra amps. He said, “You’re the bass player now.” Eventually, I acquired a six-string bass, and believe it or not, when I grabbed
Left to right: Ringo, Jojo and Henry Garza of Los Lonely Boys. PHOTOS PROVIDED
it, the years of learning the traditional conjunto guitar called bajo sexto made it like I had already known the language of it.
CITY: What do you remember about those earliest shows when it was just the three of you? Garza: Honestly, man, it was sort of rough. But a lot of the songs from the first album were songs that we were actually playing then. We had created what was called a “power hour” because everywhere we were playing, we were playing for an hour. We were big fans of Stone Cold Steve Austin at the time, too, and, and so we would go in with that mindset that we were the baddest dudes in town. You didn’t want to step in the ring after Los Lonely Boys got in.
CITY: I’m very pleased to hear that the Texas Rattlesnake played a role in the development of Los Lonely Boys. Garza: To this day, he’s still a really good brother of ours, man. That was all thanks to a man by the name of Diamond Dallas Page. We had hung out a few times, and one night [Page] looked at us and goes, “Guys, I know you love me, but who’s your guy?” We
didn’t really want to tell him because we were just trying to show love. But we said, “Stone Cold.” He introduced us, and the rest is history. Stone Cold actually came down to one of our hometown shows here at a place called the RiverStage, introduced all the bands and was cracking beers on stage and getting the crowd hyped up. It was a really cool time.
CITY: You’re the one who yells, “Vamanos!” at the top of “Heaven,” right? Did that start during the live show? Or did you do that for the first time in the studio? Garza: It did happen in the studio. I was just messing around and I even told them to cut it. They were like, “No, man, we’re keeping that!” After Henry’s great guitar intro, it was just something that adds another mark to the song.
CITY: We’re talking about a song that’s now more than 20 years old, one that led to a lot of success, including a Grammy. How has your relationship with that song changed since 2004? Garza: When you have a song that identifies you to people, at some point, it feels repetitive. But we realize that that has a great purpose. It’s a great way to be identified. We used to play it earlier in the set, and then it turned into this thing that has to be played at the end of the set. We want to keep the crowd sticking around. But when you’re identified with something like a song as powerful as “Heaven,” man, it’s something that you kind of use. What did the uncle tell Spider-Man? “With great power comes great responsibility.” It’s like that on stage with that song. We know that it holds great power, and for us, too. That is probably the biggest way that people identify Los Lonely Boys, and we embrace that. We’re thankful for that. It just goes to show people that when you have belief in something, it can go beyond your own expectations. Los Lonely Boys performs at Parcel 5 on Thursday, June 26 at 9 p.m. The show is free. More info at rochesterjazz.com. roccitymag.com CITY 58