Issuu

SEPTEMBER 2026 | Vol. 55 No. 1

Inside 6 10

FESTIVAL

CITY'S FRINGE PICKS BY CITY STAFF

FRINGE

FIVE DRAG NUNS WALK INTO A GAY BAR IN THIS STANDOUT PREMIERE. BY PATRICK HOSKEN

DANCE

BACK TO THE BARRE: THE FALL DANCE SEASON TAKES SHAPE. BY SYDNEY BURROWS

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 FOUNDERS Bill and Mary Anna Towler EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Ryan Williamson EDITORIAL Editor-in-chief: Leah Stacy Arts reporter: Patrick Hosken Multimedia reporter: Roberto F. Lagares Contributors: Lou Battaglia, Sydney Burrows, Vanessa Cheeks, Gino Fanelli, Leah Joy, Daniel J. Kushner, Johanna Lester, George Cassidy Payne, Louis Ressel, Mona Seghatoleslami, Helana Shumway, Katherine Varga CREATIVE Art director: Jacob Walsh ADVERTISING David White ads@roccitymag.com 585-730-2666

CULTURE

A LONGTIME ENTERTAINMENT VENUE REMAINS SHUTTERED THREE YEARS AFTER A TRAGIC CONCERT. BY GINO FANELLI

MUSIC

JAKE TANIGUCHI JOINS THE RPO AS ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR AND RPYO MUSIC DIRECTOR.

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. CITY (ISSN 1551-3262) is published monthly 12 times per year by Rochester Area Media Partners, a subsidiary of WXXI Public Broadcasting. Periodical postage paid at Rochester, NY (USPS 022-138). 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, 2026 - 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.

BY MONA SEGHATOLESLAMI

ON THE COVER:

Design by Jacob Walsh

CULTURE

ROCHESTER’S GROWING ASIAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY HOSTS THE THIRD HARVEST MOON FESTIVAL. BY HELENA SHUMWAY

@ROCCITYMAG WXXI Members may inquire about free home delivery of CITY including monthly TV listings by calling 585-258-0200.

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Alone, together EDITOR'S LETTER

BY LEAH STACY LEAH@ROCCITYMAG.COM

hen I traveled to Japan in April 2025, I did half of the trip solo. I quickly learned a word — hitori — that meant ‘one person, alone’ (or, as I often whisper to myself, table for one). I’ve never felt more safe as a solo traveler than I did in Japan; people were gracious, even protective when they realized I was alone. Tokyo is a city of color, myth and wonder. I devoured (literally, so many egg sammies and 7-Eleven stops) every second of my time there. But as a yapper who loves to recap and dish, the one thing missing was someone to share it with, which made my friend Colleen’s arrival halfway through the week so special. Our first order of business was getting in line for fluffy pancakes one of us had seen on some social media platform. We hadn’t properly caught up in the few months she’d been working in Australia and as we stood there for an hour or so, the time flew by while we talked about family, friends, work, love, what we were reading and watching. Then we ate delicious pancakes that we swore we’d try to replicate back at home. We haven’t, but the memory remains. Issho ni, together. Brandi Carlile played CMAC in late August, and I was fortunate enough to see her live for the second year in a row. This is an artist who loves her craft and her audience, and the sets never disappoint. Between breaking our hearts with “Every Time I Hear That Song” and ending with an epic cover of Alanis Morissette’s “Uninvited,” Carlile stood on an empty stage under a lone spotlight. “I’m a codependent person,” she said. “And codependency is awfully looked down upon, considering how prevalent it is.” It was as if a collective sigh came out of the crowd, even as we laughed. Someone so successful feels that way, too? And I couldn’t stop overthinking about

PHOTO BY LEAH STACY

it (as I tend to do). Codependency does have a negative connotation, and certainly can be toxic. But at its heart, isn’t it just a natural human longing for community and companionship? In an increasingly digital world, it feels like humans grow further and further from authenticity. The fact that going offline, social media breaks and “dumb” phones are treated as self-care should tell us everything. And if you work online all day, it can feel even worse. A good friend from grad school has the very cool, but very demanding job of managing design for a high-profile news app. He works remotely, is constantly online and has thought about being an electrician as a career pivot. He and I are former college (actual) newspaper editors who then spent our young working years navigating digital media’s chaos, through the introduction of paywalls, layoffs and now, AI. We don’t know the solutions, but we agreed humans are not simply meant to exist alone in small rooms in front of smaller screens. At my recent birthday party, I asked that no cellphone photos or videos be taken and shared; partially out of rebellion against the constant mental slew of “where we were and what we did with who” and partially so guests would stay in the moment. It was overwhelmingly the right choice. The polaroids we took that night are so much more meaningful. Because, yes: give us glossy film photos we can hold. The turn of a book page. Tastes that exist off-screen. A warm hug and a hand to hold. A belly laugh during conversation across a table. The smell of fresh-cut grass in the air. Each year, CITY produces an annual arts preview issue. And as someone who has spent countless hours in dark performance spaces and art galleries and music halls alone, I can tell you: supporting the arts, especially the local arts, is one of the best ways I know to feel alive, and part of something bigger than yourself. We were not made for a digital world. We were not made to do life alone. See you out there, as the lights go down and the curtain rises. L

CITY's Fringe Picks A few of our noms if you're trying to narrow things down. “Dandelion”

“Tales from the Bush”

6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16 | 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24 School of the Arts: Black Box Theatre, $12

6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17 School of the Arts: Allen Main Stage Theatre, $15

For a dancer, the maturing body can be seen as a detriment. But for Cat D. Olson, it’s a beautiful part of the process of shifting and growing as an artist. With “DANDELION,” Olson / CAT + THE COYOTE continues a solo exploration — examining memory and nostalgia, what it means to age and how relationships shift throughout life. Known for combining theatrical experimentation with exquisite modern technique, Olson’s choreography offers audiences a fresh perspective on the evolving body. “DANDELION,” which Olson first began developing in 2022, follows the ways a dancer’s body evolves and absorbs movement over time. Dance can be both physical and spiritual, making it the perfect art form to examine how memories and past experiences influence our present-day bodies. Presented non-linearly, each chapter reflects a different era of Olson’s life. The full-length evening includes work from previous performances at Nazareth University and Dances at MuCCC. —SYDNEY BURROWS

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SEPTEMBER 2026

This cheekily named show from mother-daughter performer-choreographer team Roseanne DiMaria (director of RaNdOm dAnCeRs) and Neyda Colón-DiMaria (director of Nomad Dance Theatre) is a love letter by, for and about women. A multigenerational cast will use dance, song, spoken word and instrumentation — including music from local artist Zahyia — to explore themes from the plights of menopause and a mother’s love to the giggles of girlhood and the way politics can harm women and society overall. Girl power, harnessed for good. —LEAH STACY

“Tea Party at the End of the World” Various times and dates, performances begin Thursday, Sept. 17 Main & Gibbs streets, $29+

Writer/performer Jessica Creane’s show has a simple enough premise: a bunch of people sit around drinking loose-leaf tea and contemplating the apocalypse. It was inspired by its creator’s time spent as an artist-in-residence in the Arctic Circle, a place so geographically and spiritually close to the edge of the world that it may qualify as one of Dante’s circles of hell. And it’s not just about existentialism; tea service is provided in the ticket cost. At least you can enjoy a cuppa as you probe into life’s tragicomic mysteries. —PATRICK HOSKEN

“Illumina” 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18 + Saturday. Sept. 19 | 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25 + Saturday, Sept. 26 Rochester Contemporary Art Center’s side lawn, free

This theatrical visual-art exhibition is more of a collaboration — between RoCo and MCC’s On the Edge Drama Troupe, yes, but also between the artists and the audience. As a “shared work of illuminated art,” the piece known as “Illumina” invites those viewing it on the lawn next to the gallery to help create the final master image. The installation plays with light, the interactivity and utility of art as a shared experience and the spirit of cooperation, making it a perfect distillation of public art. —PATRICK HOSKEN

Thank You Kiss Presents: “Please Excusememe” 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18 | 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26 The Focus Theater, $18

If there’s anything we all need right now, it’s a good laugh. The kind that really gets you cramping, maybe even wiping a tear away. Speaking from personal experience, that’s entirely possible at a show put on by sketch-comedy group Thank You Kiss — Marc D’Amico, John Forrest Thompson, Beth Winslow and WXXI Connections’ own producer Megan Mack — collectively, one of the funniest ensembles to climb a Rochester stage. TYK members have studied and worked at renowned comedy theaters like iO, The Second City and the Annoyance, not to mention winning The Missouri Review’s prestigious Miller Audio Prize for Humor. Laughter is the best medicine, so prescribe yourself a ticket before the shows sell out. — LEAH STACY

“Versa-Style Street Dance Company: Rooted Rhythms” 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19 + Saturday, Sept. 20 Sloan Performing Arts Center: Smith Theater, $15

If you could rewind a relationship back to the first date — before the skydiving, before the children, before the end — would you do it again? “Bright Half Life,” a 2015 play by Juilliard playwriting professor Tanya Barfield, explores this question through a nonlinear structure. It’s rare to see a two-hander play center on an interracial Sapphic relationship; even more so to have the queer couple portrayed so authentically, for both its beauty and flaws. Out of Pocket Inc., known for producing complex and relevant contemporary plays in Rochester, stages this gem of a play in the intimate MuCCC space. Starring local theater staple Stephanie Roosa and rising talent Ryley St. RoseFinear under the direction of Erin-Kate Howard, this one’s sure to shine bright.

“the estate sale”

Back by popular demand every year, “Shotspeare” is 90 minutes of raucous fun helmed by Fringe favorites Matthew Morgan and Heidi Brucker Morgan. A band of five Bard-fluent actors will revive their boozy interpretation of Shakespeare’s “Othello” for 2026, and a sixth cast member will be pulled from audience volunteers each night. ChatGPT could never. —LEAH STACY

—SYDNEY BURROWS

2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19 + Sunday, Sept. 20 | 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26 School of the Arts: Black Box Theatre, $15

After a sold-out debut at last year’s Fringe, writerperformer Kelly Dee is back with her one-woman show and secondhand treasure trove, “the estate sale,” based on Dee’s own work as an estate sale business owner in Florida. The 60-minute narrative explores the laughter and reflection that come with farewells and feels like part memoir, part therapy — appropriately including an immersive option to “add to cart.” Dee travels with a host of thrifted finds for attendees to browse and purchase before and after the show. Recommended for 18+ due to sensitive themes. —LEAH STACY

2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19 + Sunday, Sept. 20 School of the Arts: Allen Main Stage Theatre, $15+

Theodore “Dr. Seuss” Geisel made few, if any, straight lines with his pens in his fantastical stories. As such, his timeless tales lend themselves wonderfully to corporal movement. This showcase centers on David Palmer’s unique “Green Eggs and Ham” choreography (with ASL elements incorporated) as well as a new ballet inspired by “The Sneetches.” The result is a family friendly dance storytelling experience as spirited (and persistent) as Sam-I-Am with a breakfast plate. —PATRICK HOSKEN

SEPTEMBER 2026

7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20 | 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24 Multi-use Cultural Community Center (MuCCC), $15

Street dance isn’t just for the streets. And thanks to University of Rochester’s fall guest artists, Rochester audiences will have a unique chance to see the energy of street styles on the concert stage. Coartistic directors Jackie Lopez, aka “Miss Funk,” and Leigh Foaad, aka “Breeze-Lee,” lead Versa-Style Street Dance Company, a hip-hop dance troupe that brings together professional street dancers of all styles. Founded in Los Angeles, Versa-Style is inspired by the city’s rich street-dance culture, where movement is both a form of artistic expression and a way to build community. With “Rooted Rhythms,” the company shares an evening of repertoire that incorporates street dance styles like waacking, popping and house, alongside Afro-Latin styles like salsa and West African. The performance moves between collaborative choreography and energetic freestyle, offering a glimpse into the communal roots of these diverse dance forms.

“Rochester City Ballet: Two Tales of Dr. Seuss”

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“Bright Half Life”

—KATHERINE VARGA

“Shotspeare” 9 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22 - Saturday, Sept. 26 Spiegeltent, $31+

“Small Talk Theatre” 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26 Central Library: Harold Hacker Hall, free

Remember the olden days when instead of turning to a chatbot for amusement and advice, people would talk to … other people? At its best, Fringe provides shows like this as a reprieve from our techobsessed present and a celebration of humanity at its most basic. Inspired by Teatro Lambe Lambe, a Brazilian shortform puppet show intended for an audience of one, “Small Talk Theatre” will include local puppeteering and acting talent performing for enthusiastic viewers of all ages. This is the first year of what’s aiming to become a Fringe favorite. It’s free, it’s personalized and it’s at the public library; what’s not to love? —KATHERINE VARGA

The church they couldn’t kill Five drag nuns walk into a gay bar in this standout Fringe premiere. by Patrick Hosken

he photo of James Lopata’s parents meeting Pope John Paul II hangs near his front door but somehow doesn’t command attention. Lopata’s paternal grandmother grew up with John Paul in Wadowice, Poland, so he had a family connection. When he mentions the pin his mother wore to greet the pontiff, the scene becomes downright revolutionary. “You can’t see it very well there, but it’s the logo for the Women’s Ordination Conference,” Lopata said, referring to the organization that advocates for women to become priests, deacons and bishops. “The Pope has no idea. He’s staring right at it,” he said with a booming laugh. “But that’s my parents. We were revolutionaries, I guess.” If that was the extent of his Catholic pedigree, Lopata’s creative work would make perfect sense. But “Mass Drag,” his new musical that will have its world premiere at the ESL Rochester Fringe Festival from September 15-18, is about much more than dogma and edicts from the Vatican. Lopata, a Webster native, wanted to explore “what happens when the institution you love doesn’t know what to do with you.” To do that, he penned a show about drag nuns holding their own mass in a gay bar. It took decades from when he first came out — to a priest, naturally — for the show to develop. He had a lot of life to live before then. Lopata contemplated priesthood but ultimately decided against it, feeling the tension between his call and an institution that seemingly turned against him. “I’ve struggled with that my whole life,” Lopata said. “The musical, in some ways, is the musical that I’ve been

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Show creator James Lopata. PHOTOS PROVIDED

Below from left: Terry Quataert (Sister Jude), Dino Kolios (Sister Maggie), Dylan Burley (Sister Tommy), Paul Scheib (Swing as Sister Mercy), Sean Scott (Sister Anita). PHOTOS PROVIDED

meant to write, which is to somehow figure out how to live this life with what I’ve been given.” Instead of taking Holy Orders, Lopata worked in New York City and Boston as an executive coach, a journalist and a digital consultant. He also studied playwriting and pursued directing theater. But he continued to feel the call, so he pivoted once again, attending Harvard Divinity School. Writing a Catholic drag show became the logical end point of all Lopata’s searching. “I think it’s important to say, and what I’ve discovered is, that you don’t have to be a priest to do ministry,” he said. “My whole life has been ministry in various ways, and this is a ministry I’ve come back to.” “Mass Drag” follows four drag nuns as they consider welcoming a fifth sister into their order. They’re inspired by the real-life Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, an order of queer and trans nuns founded in 1979 in San Francisco. In the ‘80s, many sisters ministered to AIDS patients when the church itself wouldn’t. Lopata remembers the crisis. He sat with a man at St. Vincent’s Hospital Manhattan who died the next day, alone and seemingly abandoned by his family. The man’s mother returned to claim the possessions that might’ve gone to his partner, if only he’d had the legal protections of marriage. Lopata turned that particular experience into one of the most moving sequences in “Mass Drag,” set up as a generational conflict between the new recruit, Sister Tommy Dubious, and her elders. “In theology, there’s this gap often between the reality on the ground and the doctrine that the church puts out,” Lopata said, “and as that gap gets wider, it opens spaces for drag masses in bars that never would have had to be there.” That said, this is a drag show, honey. The high emotions and discussions of the church’s active harm of gay people are punctuated by chic habits, general fabulousness and exuberant hymns. In particular, opening number “We Are The Church They Couldn’t Kill” sets a tone of defiant perseverance and community. “The BrotherMaking Song,” meanwhile, highlights a marriage-like ritual the church performed for 1,000 years, bonding

two men together. The life and death of Saint John Henry Newman, a historical figure whose partnership with a man the church sought to edit, is woven into the drama. “Newman, who asked to be buried in his lover’s grave, who lay in that grave for over 100 years,” Sister Maggie Marginalia says during the show. “Then the church went to move him, to separate, to sanitize, to make safe for sainthood.” If you’re confused, the sisters will help you stay on the path, as they do for the young, skeptical Sister Tommy. Understanding complex church dogma and history is not a prerequisite to enjoying the show. Lopata is betting on it. Though Fringe marks the world premiere of “Mass Drag,” Lopata has fine-tuned the show via workshops and table reads, including earlier this year at Easton Mountain’s Summer Gay Spirit Camp. “Mass Drag” also has a November date at Hobart & William Smith Colleges in Geneva; Lopata has his eye on an eventual OffBroadway run, though he knows that could take years. He’s after an expedited timeline, and with an annotated reader version of the script full of academic essays and flexible plans for campus versions available, he just might get it. The Fringe show features an entirely local cast of performers, including Dino Kolios, Sean Scott, Tim Stuff, Dylan Burley and Terry Quataert, with Paul Scheib as swing and Katherine Snelling as music director. It’s a great community for Lopata, who used to dress up as Pope John Paul II for Halloween as a kid. “I wanted to be the first American pope, so I’m very upset at Pope Leo right now,” he said with a smile. He’ll just have to settle for being, like his family before him, a revolutionary. massdrag.org Patrick Hosken is CITY’s arts and culture reporter. He was formerly the music editor at MTV News and a producer at Buffalo Toronto Public Media.

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Delicate, but potent Nostalgia and feel-good picks permeate this season’s theatrical lineup. by Katherine Varga

e live in uncertain times. The AI technological revolution has many wondering (and worrying) about the future. One of the more optimistic speculations is that if AI becomes more widespread, theater will have a resurgence: people will long for a space away from screens in the company of other humans more than ever. But a rosy future of financial security for the art form has not quite come yet. This season, many theaters are playing it safe (not in a bad way), turning to tried-and-true classics and newer shows that have been successful elsewhere. This fall is chock full of crowd pleasers, with a few off-thebeaten-path options thrown in for variety. The Company Theatre will stage “Our Town” by Thornton Wilder, possibly one of the most widely produced 20th century American plays ever — and for good reason. Set in a small New Hampshire town in the early 1900s, the minimalist metatheatrical play hones in on the beauty of the everyday and makes the audience contemplate mortality. (Who doesn’t get chills at the line,

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“Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it — every, every minute”?) Directed by the troupe’s technical director Brodie McPherson, the show runs Sept. 4-20 at The Company Theatre’s home behind Christ Church, 28 Lawn Street. Tickets start at $25, with a pay-whatyou-wish performance on Sept. 10. thecompanytheatreroc.org JCC CenterStage presents “Come From Away,” the feel-good 9/11 musical. While that sounds like an oxymoron, this rousing show about a small Canadian town that welcomes 7,000 stranded passengers from 38 planes forced to land after the terrorist attacks has been charming audiences since its Broadway premiere in 2017. CenterStage artistic director Ralph Meranto leads the first locally produced production of the show from Oct. 10–25 as part of the 50th anniversary season. jccrochester.org/ arts-culture/centerstage

A more recent classic, “Topdog/ Underdog,” gets the Geva Theatre treatment under the direction of their current artist-in-residence Jeffrey L. Page. A man named Booth; a man named Lincoln. You might walk in thinking you know how it ends, and yet this play grips and surprises like a three-card monte street con. Suzan Lori-Parks’ Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece about two Black brothers and what they inherit plays on the Fielding Stage from Oct 12.–Nov 22. gevatheatre.org

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If you’re looking for something even less commercial, the Rochester Community Players are closing their 100th season with a rarely produced play by contemporary writer Sharyn Rothstein, “A Good Farmer.” The plot dramatizes a timely crisis, centering on a friendship between a farmer and an undocumented Mexican worker. First produced in 2007, the topic is even more relevant in an era of increasingly brutal ICE raids. Catch it at the Multi-Use Community Cultural Center with direction by Maria Scipione from Oct. 16–24. muccc.org

If you want something socially relevant but a bit lighter, Blackfriars Theatre has your back with “Men on Boats” by Jacklyn Backhaus. Reminiscent of “Hamilton,” this new play enacts a white cis-male dominated historical moment onstage with … not white cis-men. Focused on an 1869 expedition to “discover” lands already inhabited by Indigenous populations, the satirical romp is a sendup of masculinity and Manifest Destiny. Plays under the direction of Rachel Solomon, Oct. 22-Nov. 1. blackfriars.org

Another feel-good musical coming to town is “Hell’s Kitchen,” Alicia Keys’ semi-autobiographical, comingof-age musical about her journey as an artist in 1990s Manhattan. Biopic jukebox musicals can be a mixed bag in terms of plot, but if you’re an Alicia Keys fan (as you should be), know you’re in for a night of Broadway-ified bangers, from “If I Ain’t Got You” to “Empire State of Mind.” The national tour stops at West Herr Auditorium Theatre as part of the RBTL season Nov. 3–8. rbtl.org

The Penfield Players, another community theater group, will stage Noël Coward’s canonical staple, “Blithe Spirit,” just in time for spooky season. The comedy about a séance gone wrong is delightfully theatrical, letting the audience see ghosts who are invisible to the living characters. Helmed by the board’s president Kaleab Wiggins, catch it at the Penfield Community Center from Oct. 23–Nov. 7. penfieldplayers. org

Katherine Varga is a Rochester-based writer and arts educator. On an ideal day, you’ll find her biking to a library or theater.

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SEPTEMBER 2026

Back to the barre The fall dance season takes shape. by Sydney Burrows

rom the classroom to the stage, Rochester’s fall dance season puts students, teachers and storytellers in the spotlight. Academic faculty including University of Rochester’s Missy Pfohl Smith and Anne Wilcox, are presenting original work, while students take the stage alongside professionals at Rochester City Ballet and Roc City Circus. Add in Rochester staples like Garth Fagan Dance and the adventurous RocHaha Clown Festival, and the next few months offer plenty to explore — from classical ballet and modern dance to experimental evenings of movement and circus theater. BIODANCE celebrates its 20th anniversary by mixing past and present at the ESL Rochester Fringe Festival. Former company members and collaborators reunite to perform repertory work from BIODANCE’s impressive tenure. Centered around environmental impact and topics that affect society and culture, the group’s work is exploratory and grounded in modern technique. The multidisciplinary show will feature choreography by artistic director Missy Pfohl Smith and guest choreographers with media by W. Michelle Harris, a longtime

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BIODANCE collaborator and Rochester Institute of Technology faculty member. Performances are at 8 p.m. September 16 and 24 at the School of the Arts: Allen Main Stage. biodance.org University of Rochester faculty member Anne Harris Wilcox directs the multi-disciplinary performance “Invisible No More” at Mount Hope Cemetery. Performers include local professional dancers and musicians alongside a brass quintet of Eastman School of Music students. Inspired by Mount Hope Cemetery and DePaul Mental Health’s dedication to mental health support for Rochester communities, Wilcox brings together dance, music, poetry and historical and communal reflection. The ceremony is dedicated to people from Rochester’s past asylums and penitentiaries who were discovered buried in Highland Park in 1984. “Invisible No More” honors those individuals, who were later re-buried in Mount Hope Cemetery, while bringing awareness to the community’s critical need for accessible mental health support. Free and open to the public, 2 p.m. September 19 at Mount Hope Cemetery. events.rochester.edu

Garth Fagan Dance will perform at the Smith Opera House in September as part of Geneva Concerts’ 80th anniversary season, celebrating the organization’s decades providing arts education opportunities and exceptional performances to the Finger Lakes region. With repertory by Garth Fagan alongside new works by Bessie Award winners Norwood “PJ” Pennewell and Natalie RogersCropper, the evening will offer audiences a full demonstration of Garth Fagan Dance. The company has continued to expand its legacy in recent years, integrating new dancers and choreographers alongside the work of its founder. Garth Fagan Dance kicks off its 2026-27 season at 7:30 p.m. September 29 at Smith Opera House. genevaconcerts.org

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University of Rochester’s annual fall dance showcase, “Out of the Box, In the Box,” brings together student and faculty works. With an ever-growing dance program and accomplished faculty, URochester has become increasingly embedded in the Rochester dance scene. Students exploring the intersections of dance and science frequently take the stage with fresh approaches to traditional modern dance, while faculty members continue creating work that reaches beyond campus. This year, “Out of the Box, In the Box” will use the recently built Sloan Performing Arts Center in a new format, with seating on all four sides of the stage. From October 29-31, audiences can experience a new perspective on the University of Rochester’s dance program. events. rochester.edu

Roc City Circus keeps spooky season going into November with “The Post Mortem Show: Facility No.4.” The immersive horror circus will make audiences gasp in horror and in awe. Performed by advanced students and instructors, the story follows creepy experimentations, a disturbing outbreak of infections, and what happens when perspectives are flipped upside down. Audiences should prepare to be engulfed in a world of horror, with aerial hoop, silks, and dance trapeze adding to the spectacle. “The Post Mortem Show” runs November 13-14 for ages 18+ at Roc City Circus. roccitycircus.com

Storytelling ballet takes center stage in Rochester City Ballet’s fall performances of “The Tales of Dr. Seuss” at Fringe and “The Nutcracker” at Kodak Hall. Dancers will use classical ballet with a whimsical twist to tell the tales of “The Sneetches” and “Green Eggs and Ham.” A mix of new and returning choreography, the bill features a unique combination of American Sign Language and neoclassical ballet. Closer to the holidays, “The Nutcracker,” performed alongside the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, returns to Kodak Hall. With magical worlds of sweets and dancing mice, the classic tale will be performed by company dancers and students from the recently established School of Rochester City Ballet. From Seuss to Tchaikovsky, audiences of all ages can look forward to imaginative stories that spark curiosity and wonder. “The Tales of Dr. Seuss” performances are September 1920 at the School of the Arts; “The Nutcracker” runs November 25-29 at Kodak Hall. rochestercityballet.com Sydney Burrows is a Rochesterbased dancer and writer focused on amplifying the stories of talented artists across the region. roccitymag.com CITY 21

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State of the Armory CULTURE

BY GINO FANELLI GFANELLI@WXXI.ORG

he last concert to take place at the Main Street Armory ended in tragedy, when a crowd surge following a performance by rapper GloRilla left three women dead. That happened in 2023 and was shortly followed by the building changing hands from longtime owner Scott Donaldson to landlord John Trickey. Later that year, Trickey was told by City Hall that he would not be given an entertainment license, due to the slew of issues at his other properties. “We looked at John Trickey’s history of owning real property in the city and his history of compliance with laws, and there’s a long list of lack thereof,” former city top lawyer Linda Kingsley told CITY in December 2023. Trickey applied again for an entertainment license this August. It’s the third time he has sought to get the venue licensed to host concerts since purchasing it. At the same time he applied for the license, city housing attorney Michael Furlano filed a case in state Supreme Court over another property Trickey owns, a pallet warehouse on Buffalo Road which the city alleged is at risk of a “foreseeable and potentially catastrophic fire.” The filing likened the warehouse to the Pallet Express on Lyell Avenue, which went up in a five-alarm blaze in June.

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A longtime entertainment venue remains shuttered three years after a tragic concert.

The city also alleged that the building has no functioning sprinkler system, fire alarm or “reliable fire department connections necessary for emergency suppression efforts.” “The warehouse is immediately adjacent to residential properties,” the city’s court petition reads. “Should a fire occur, the absence of functioning suppression and alarm systems would permit rapid fire growth, substantially increase response times, threaten neighboring homes and businesses, and create a significant risk of serious bodily injury or death.” Still, Trickey believes all will resolve itself. He owns 33 properties in the city, both under his name and related limited liability companies, according to city records. Trickey has amassed 76 code violations across those properties, 15 of which are at the Buffalo Road pallet warehouse. In a recent phone call with

CITY, Trickey said he believes the issues with the city will be resolved quickly, pending a third-party inspection. “I had to pay, out of pocket, over $100,000 to get the sprinkler system up and running, and it’s at that point now for both the sprinkler system and the alarm system,” he said. “So, hopefully this Friday we have both thirdparty reports, which puts it legal again.” Trickey also said he’s invested over $300,000 into the Main Street Armory to replace the sprinkler system, fire escapes and various other features to comply with city codes. That came after his application for an entertainment license in 2025 was rejected. The city has yet to make a determination on Trickey’s present entertainment license application. He believes the city will be more amenable to granting it, despite previously being told the Armory wouldn’t get that license so long as he owned it. “The city and the fire department have seen how much time I have spent doing everything that they’ve asked me to do over there,” Trickey said. To run music at the venue, Trickey hired Riley Fressie and Andrew Nittoli of Upstate Music Group. The pair has previously run music operations at Water Street Music Hall and the now-defunct Essex. Fressie said he’s confident the Armory will one day soon rise again; a major part of his role has been working with the city’s fire marshal and code enforcement to make sure the building was up to snuff.

“I knew, coming in, that it wasn’t going to be an overnight thing,” Fressie said. “But just building the relationship with those folks, pretty much anything that they’ve asked us to do, we’ve gotten right to — they tell us jump, and we just ask how high.” Fressie also said he believes that his and Nittoli’s involvement, and their history working in some of the city’s prominent venues, has helped soften the stance of the city granting an entertainment license to a building owned by Trickey. “Myself and Andrew are the only things that are standing between it being the Main Street Armory or it turning into a Spirit Halloween,” Fressie said. “There’s no one with the amount of experience or know-how in the city or organization-wise, maybe beyond, that could come in here and try and turn it around and turn it into something that the city wants to have.” The Armory is currently being used largely for volleyball tournaments. Trickey said he’d like to see the venue host boxing and classic rock from his youth; topping his list are Blondie and Peter Asher of Peter and Gordon fame. Gino Fanelli is an investigative reporter for WXXI News. You can reach him at gfanelli@wxxi.org.

PHOTO BY JACOB WALSH

roccitymag.com CITY 23

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The new Kathy Clem Museo de Arte readies its large walls for a grand opening.

M is for Museo ART

BY PATRICK HOSKEN PATRICK@ROCCITYMAG.COM

o matter the medium, an artist’s work is her own language. Painter Kathy Clem took that a step further. She invented her own alphabet. “If you’re an artist, you have to have a style, or that’s what everybody says, anyways,” Clem said. “But I decided not to have a style. I wanted to learn a lot of different things, so the things that I was interested in became a letter of my alphabet.” Clem’s diverse and colorful work, made across 40 years, lines the tall, wide, industrial walls of her new gallery, the Kathy Clem Museo de Arte, located in Winton Place. Her letters — inspired by constellations, street art and amino acids — hang on one wall near iPhone paintings of a cat, a 16-foot abstract exploration of memory and a small house covered entirely in felt. These projects have names like “Y is for Yes,” “M is for Mother” and “W is for Woman,” playing with the concept of a letter’s meaning in our lives. The Museo’s grand opening is set for October 16, when its latest installation, “C is for Community,” will begin showcasing work across various mediums from local artists. Museo manager Michelle Garrett said the inaugural show aims to bring together artists as diverse as Clem’s own catalog. CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

24 CITY SEPTEMBER 2026

Painter Kathy Clem. PHOTO BY JACOB WALSH

Museo manager Michelle Garrett and Kathy Clem.

“From newer artists to very experienced artists, we want to show it all because Kathy, as you can see, is not one to be in a box,” Garrett said. “It’s important to us to also not put anyone else in a box with their art.” But that kind of platform is only possible because of the life 76-yearold Clem has lived, one filled with detours, artistic trial and error and a coffee plantation in Central America. She was born in San Francisco but spent much time in the El Salvadorian municipality of Berlin on that plantation, which her grandfather started. Clem left and attended what is now SUNY Canton in Northern New York, near the St. Lawrence River. “Women in El Salvador didn’t have that much, and (the country) had a lot of revolutions,” she said. “If you started going to college, you might not finish.” Clem graduated first in her class. When Kodak hired her as a chemist, she came to Rochester. She stayed at the company for a decade until her artistic leanings beckoned her in a different direction — namely, toward an MFA from the Rochester Institute of Technology. Between then and now, more than four decades of artistic practice yielded enough pieces to open her own gallery. Clem previously had a studio 26 CITY SEPTEMBER 2026

in the Anderson Arts Building. “Kathy really wanted a legacy place to be able to show her work,” Garrett said of the initial idea for the Museo. With some help from Garrett, a self-described “theater kid” who’s worked with Geva Theatre and Rochester Fringe Festival, Clem found an old gym in Brighton and converted its cavernous warehouse vibes into a large canvas. Vibrant photographs of plates adorned with carne asada, flan and cheese pupusas — El Salvadorian family recipes — that Clem cooked herself. A series of small painted animals, plants and stars representing the sights of her own backyard. Photo portraits of vast orange canyons in the American Southwest. “I’m a painter, and I can paint with felt or I can paint with acrylics or oils or with the iPhone,” Clem said. The most arresting piece is also Clem’s most accessible. Steps from the gallery’s front door stands a 10-by-12foot house whose very existence is a testament to positive, creative action. Community members assembled for felting classes, pulling and layering sheep’s wool into different shapes of various sizes to adorn the structure. “Every shape is different and flowy and naturally does its own thing, which is very much what Kathy’s art is about as well,” Garrett said.

The furniture is felt. The candles on the mantel (and the mantel itself ) are felt. And a large quilt hanging on the wall is felt, assembled by folks who took the classes taught by fiber artist Myranda Gillow, who welcomed many first-ever felters who got their hands on the fiber and immediately leaned into the playfulness of the project. “The warm and fuzzies of fiber translate really well tactilely into warm and fuzzies of the heart,” Gillow said. “It has a magical ability to kind of put people at ease and make people curious, and the more they want to touch and feel, the more they want to play.” Those who took the class each contributed a square of the quilt, Gillow said, which allowed them to feel accomplished. They also walked away with a newfound sense of community. “Part of why we named the house ‘Y is for Yes’ is because when Kathy was first starting out on this project, she just heard a lot of people saying ‘no’ or ‘you’re kind of crazy to do it,’”

Garrett said. But the idea persisted. Clem was inspired by the immersive visualprojection exhibition of Vincent van Gogh’s dreamy paintings that came to town in 2022. The house at the center of “Y is for Yes,” much like the upcoming “C is for Community” show, stands as a compass for what Clem and Garrett hope the new gallery can accomplish. “It’s a metaphor for the Museo,” Clem said. And with a library, workshop and nearly 5,000 square feet, there is simply more space at the Museo than at other galleries in the area. If an artist dreams big and creates big, the Museo can ideally provide a place for it to be seen and appreciated — no matter which language or alphabet it uses. kathyclemmuseodearte.com Patrick Hosken is CITY’s arts and culture reporter. He was formerly the music editor at MTV News and a producer at Buffalo Toronto Public Media.

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roccitymag.com CITY 27

In celebrating 60 Years, WXXI honors storytelling, learning, and service while looking ahead to a future of continuing to connect and strengthen the communities that it serves.

THE NEXT SIXTY YEARS WXXI CEO CHRIS HASTINGS ANSWERS SIX QUESTIONS ABOUT HIS VISION FOR THE NEXT 60 YEARS Q. What do you believe WXXI must prioritize in the next decade to remain essential to the communities it serves? A. To remain essential, we must invest in innovation, diversify revenue streams, build operational sustainability, expand production services and partnerships, and reinforce the station's role as a vital community connector for Rochester. We’re always going to be a nonprofit; public media will always be part of our mission, and we’re going to continue to serve our community with our content. But now we need to treat ourselves more like a ‘traditional’ business, while we hold on to the valuable public media mission. And we can do that by leveraging our production services to creatives that will help bring in new revenue. Q. How do you envision the balance between traditional broadcasting and emerging digital formats evolving in the years ahead? A. There are still many people who consume linear TV and radio, but digital media consumption is growing at

an incredible rate. More and more people are getting their information through podcasts and digital media like YouTube and Instagram. And we know that to stay relevant, we need to meet people where they are, whether it’s on-air or online, appointment viewing or on demand and in-person events. That’s why Connections with Evan Dawson, our talk show, which is heard live on FM 105.9, also streams on WXXInews.org and on WXXI News’ YouTube channel, and is available as a podcast and on the road! This way of rolling out content will serve as a model for future WXXI projects. Q. What role do you see WXXI playing in strengthening local news ecosystems, and how will you ensure sustainability in an era of shrinking newsrooms nationwide? A. I have said this many times – I want WXXI to be seen as the standard-bearer for good journalism in the Rochester area, both maintaining and growing community trust in its reporting. Our news team consists of an awardwinning group of public media journalists, hosts, and editors covering Rochester and the

Finger Lakes region. They are dedicated to telling the stories of diverse communities. To ensure sustainability, we need to think big while staying nimble. One way we are doing this is by being part of the New York Public News Network, which is a collaborative alliance of statewide public media newsrooms. Formed to share reporting resources and reduce duplicated coverage, the network coordinates regional and statewide journalism. WXXI News was also selected to join Report for America, a project designed to fill critical news gaps in our community with talented, next-generation journalists, which enabled us to recently hire a Latino communities reporter. We are also looking to expand the use of independent journalists who contribute to our coverage to help us be more inclusive of the many communities we serve.

Q. Collaboration has become essential in public media. What partnerships do you believe will be most critical for WXXI’s growth over the next 10 years? A. I would start with independent creators: filmmakers, journalists, podcasters, musicians, artists, and educators. I often return to the example of Mister Rogers. Fred Rogers was an independent creator who found a home at local public television station WQED, which helped him build something that began locally and ultimately reached the nation through PBS. Public media should be that kind of place again. The next Mister Rogers could be in Rochester. I want WXXI to be where creators find a trusted partner, production support, community connections, and distribution opportunities. That also means building strong partnerships with cultural institutions, universities, community organizations, public media stations, and digital platforms to help great creators and ideas reach farther. Q. If you could describe your vision for WXXI at its 70th anniversary, what would you hope the station becomes? A. Through WXXI Studios, we are creating pathways that help artists move from creation to distribution and audience engagement. Through WXXI News and CITY Magazine, we are strengthening journalism rooted in our community. Through The Little Theatre, our music services, education initiatives, events, and digital platforms, we bring people together in meaningful ways. Together, these efforts can make WXXI the center of Rochester's creative economy: a place where stories are told, artists and journalists thrive, young people discover possibilities, ideas are exchanged, and our community sees and hears itself. That's my vision for WXXI: becoming even more vital to the community we serve. Q. You have said you grew up as a PBS KID, how does that shape the work of your education team? I was a PBS KID, and public media was part of how I discovered the world. I grew up with a learning disability, and programs like Sesame Street, Mister Rogers and Reading Rainbow weren’t simply television shows. They enhanced my learning and helped prepare me for the classroom. That experience shapes how I think about WXXI’s education work today. Our children’s content isn't simply a set of PBS KIDS programs that we distribute. Our education team looks at the entire ecosystem around a child — their family, caregivers, teachers, neighborhoods and community organizations — and asks how WXXI can be a trusted partner and resource. For kids today, and for those who will come after them, I want WXXI to create content and experiences for kids who may need another way into learning, another resource, or simply a little more support. Public media can provide things families often can't find in commercial media: trusted resources built around children rather than around selling something to them. At its core, I want our education team to create the same thing public media gave me: access, curiosity and possibility. I want a young person in Rochester to encounter something through WXXI that helps them learn, gives them confidence, or makes them think, “I didn’t know that existed. Maybe that could be me.” That is the power of public media. I experienced it myself, and that is why this work is so personal to me. 3

Classical Music with John Andres “WXXI 60th Anniversary Show” Sunday, September 6 from 6-8am on WXXI Classical FM 91.5 and streaming on WXXIClassical.org

To celebrate the official day that WXXI-TV went on the air, WXXI Classical host John Andres has curated a special anniversary playlist from several WXXI and PBS show classics including The French Chef, Masterpiece Theatre, Sesame Street, Mister Rogers, and more. Leading up to this special broadcast, WXXI Classical host Brenda Tremblay’s Mystery Piece, her daily interactive quiz will be anniversary themed. Tune in to WXXI Classical September 1- 4 at 6:40am for musical excerpts and trivia related to WXXI.

6 WXXI-produced Docs Worth Watching Again!

SCAN & WATCH

These six WXXI docs are part of PBS Passport, which can only be accessed if you are a WXXI member, but for one week only they are available to watch for free! Scan the QR Codep above and enjoy watching them on demand from September 6-13.

• Invented Here: Kodak, Kodachrome and The Digital Revolution • Horses on Parade • Crucible of Freedom • Out of the Fire: The Art of Ceramics • Dialogue in Metal • Tailor Made: The Story of the Garment Industry

Go to bat with WXXI! Celebrate 60 years of public media in Rochester with the Red Wings! Join your neighbors at ESL Ballpark for WXXI 60th Day!

Sunday Sept.13 1:05pm Tote bags to the first 1,000 fans PBS KIDS activities Meet WXXI hosts More celebrations throughout the day!

For full details, visit WXXI.org/events

ARTS, MUSIC AND CULTURE EVENTS FOR THE SOCIALLY RESTLESS

DAILY Full calendar of events online at roccitymag.com MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 MUSIC ART

“Working-Class Girls Don’t Become Artists”

HOLIDAY

Labor Day Parade + Rochester Red Wings game

Downtown Rochester, bit.ly/4zd7yUX The annual summer closeout parade begins at 11 a.m. at the corner of East Avenue and Alexander Street, then heads west on Main Street, finishing at the intersection of St. Paul Street. Later that afternoon, head to ESL Ballpark to catch the Rochester Red Wings playing the Scranton/WilkesBarre RailRiders at 4:05 p.m., — tickets are $5 while they last. LEAH

MUSIC

Open Mic with Tracy Eckstrand

The Biltmore Bar & Lounge, thebiltmoreroc.com Each week, local Americana singersongwriter Tracy Eckstrand hosts an open mic where, the Biltmore promises, anything goes. Aspiring roots musicians and hardscrabble journeymen welcome, of course, as are “blues players, poets and jugglers.” The State Street club may see all of them. 8 p.m. PH

Rochester Contemporary Art Center, rochestercontemporary.org Who gets to make art for a living? RIT professor Janet Zandy’s new book examines labor and art and the ways they’re linked. She’ll speak on the new title during this talk from 6-8 p.m. It’s presented in conjunction with RoCo’s “Fire and Form” exhibition, spotlighting wax-based art, which runs through September 19. PH

STACY

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

FITNESS

THEATER

Geva Theatre, gevatheatre.org How many times have you seen a Broadway show and wondered about those beautiful people twirling on the stage? Who are they and what do they want out of life? Fifty years ago, “A Chorus Line” told audiences the stories behind those dancers. It’s made the show a staple. Geva’s coproduction with Barrington Stage Company opens on the Wilson Stage and plays through October 11. PH

Blackfriars Theatre, blackfriars.org A mumps outbreak at a highly progressive Berkeley school triggers panic — and discourse. This Jonathan Spector-directed show offers a timely take on vaccine skepticism and misinformation, all while presenting a comedy that Broadway News notes is “actually funny.” Through September 20. PH

Monday Night Beer Ride

Three Heads Brewing, linktr.ee/wnybrc The Western New York Bike Racing Club organizes this cycling jaunt every Monday at Three Heads on Atlantic Avenue, 6-8 p.m. Get out there before the weather turns. PATRICK HOSKEN

“A Chorus Line”

Breaking Benjamin

Darien Lake Amphitheater, darienlakeamp.com Consider the trajectory of Pennsylvania heavy rockers Breaking Benjamin. The group began with borderline power-pop gems like “Skin” and evolved into a thunderous, growling, downtuned crew on songs like “The Diary of Jane.” But the big choruses remained, as on latest single “Something Wicked.” With support from fellow alt-metal staples Chevelle. 6 p.m. Ticket info online. PH FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

COMEDY

“Eureka Day”

Brad Williams

Kodak Center, kodakcenter.com Comedian Brad Williams is currently on his Tall Tale Tour, a punny nod to his short stature. Williams has dwarfism and has mined his condition for plenty of jokes both on stage and on television, including appearances on late-night shows and in films like “Mascots.” His theater set begins at 7 p.m. PH

CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

30 CITY SEPTEMBER 2026

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

MUSIC FESTIVAL

East Ave Fest

East Avenue and Alexander Street, eastavefest.com The Gianniny brothers and East & Alexander businesses are teaming up for a brand new event that, in their words, is “standing on the shoulders of East End Fest and the Sunday Football Blockparty … A celebration of Rochester’s entertainment district.” Venues Anthology and Local Sound Collaborative provide indoor stages for bands Dirty Blanket, The Skycoasters, The Medicinals and more; while the outdoor block party offers food, drinks, games and giveaways from 4-11 p.m. More info and tickets online. LS

Mikaela Davis

Water Street Music Hall, waterstreetmusichall.live After celebrating her new record release during the Rochester Lilac Festival, the hometown harpist returns to headline Water Street, featuring a sound that’s way more Waxahatchee than Joanna Newsom. But the core of Davis’ artistry remains her openhearted songwriting, which sounds great (and fitting) on an album called “Graceland Way.” With support from Los Angeles songwriter Johanna Samuels. 8 p.m. $29.39+. PH SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 THEATER

“Our Town”

The Company Theatre, thecompanytheatreroc.org Thornton Wilder’s eternal tale concerns the big things: life, death, getting up everyday and doing it all again. But its setting — the tiny town of Grover’s Corners — reminds us of the small ones, too. This 2 p.m. show features a talkback with the cast and creatives who brought the play to life. PH

MUSIC

Jon Spencer

The Bug Jar, bugjar.com The garage will indeed be rockin’ when Jon Spencer comes to town. The leader of his very own Blues Explosion returns for a set featuring local support from fellow retro rock and rollers Harmonica Lewinski. Doors at 8 p.m., show at 9. Tickets $22.85+. PH

32 CITY SEPTEMBER 2026

PHOTOGRAPHY

“Explorations in the Ecotone Workshop: Making Anthotypes with Foraged Botanicals”

Visual Studies Workshop, vsw.org Within Rochester’s vibrant photo community resides the thriving subculture of foraging. Yes, plants can be used to develop photographs. This two-day workshop is designed to equip participants with the tools to do so. The first day (on September 12) is for collecting materials along the banks of the Genesee River; the

second is for creating “light-sensitive photographic emulsions” from the materials. 12:30 to 4 p.m. both days. Register for both, or just the first workshop, online. PH

stage by Joshua Conyers, Kiera Duffy, Nicole Cabell and friends. 7:30 p.m. show. PH

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

THEATER

FESTIVAL

Foodlink’s Festival of Food

Rochester Public Market, foodlinkny.org Spend an early fall evening tasting (and voting for your favorite) food and beverages prepared by myriad area eateries set to a backdrop of live music at the Rochester Public Market. All proceeds from the sell-out fest, which is the largest independent tasting event in the Finger Lakes region, benefit Foodlink, the region’s largest food pantry serving 10 counties. From 5-8:30 p.m. Tickets $85+. PH

“Cirque du Fringe: Anchors Away”

Spiegeltent, rochesterfringe.com Fringe favorites Matt and Heidi Morgan return to the Spiegeltent for an all-new circus spectacular. This year? They’ve got nautical with “Anchors Away,” a murder mystery that features aerialists, acrobats and more acts that must be seen to be believed. Performances September 13-26. For ages 13+, with one 5+ performance on the last day of its run. Standard tickets are $34, but prices vary. PH

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

MUSIC

Bryson Tiller MUSIC

“In Plain Sight: The Black Anthology”

Kilbourn Hall, esm.rochester.edu In 1977, conductor and academic Willis C. Patterson compiled the “Anthology of Art Songs by Black American Composers,” which aimed to shine a light on underrepresented works. Nearly 50 years later, selections from it will be brought to life on

Darien Lake Amphitheater, darienlakeamp.com R&B vocalist Tiller is just one name on the marquee for this showcase. The Neo Trapsoul Tour also features appearances from silky-sounding Toronto duo Majid Jordan, eternal hook king Ty Dolla $ign and DJ Austin Millz. 7:30 p.m. Ticket info online. PH

CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

roccitymag.com CITY 33

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

MUSIC

DANCE

“BIODANCE’s 20th Anniversary”

School of the Arts, rochesterfringe.com As part of Rochester Fringe Festival, Missy Pfohl Smith’s contemporary repertory company celebrates 20 years of performance, dance education and collaboration with other art forms. This special 8 p.m. show promises new work along with “a hint of nostalgia,” with choreography by Smith and media by W. Michelle Harris. If you miss it, catch the second show on September 24. PH

34 CITY SEPTEMBER 2026

MUSIC

“21: A Tribute to Adele”

JCC CenterStage, rochesterfringe.com A tribute show built around the godly pipes of Adele? Rumor has it Allison Eberhardt is up for the challenge. She’ll celebrate the 15-year anniversary of the British diva’s biggest album, singing all the hits and likely setting fire to the rain in the process. And you’ll likely be rolling in the deep once you hear her do it. (OK, I’ll stop now.) 6 p.m. show. From $20. PH

THEATER

“Circus in the City”

Parcel 5 and Gibbs Street, rochesterfringe.com Fringe presents a new showcase spanning jugglers, acrobats who center their show around an old school bus, high-flying athleticism involving ladders, hip-hop artists doing pop-ups and more. The performers come from Quebec, North Carolina and Vermont and will make downtown Rochester their stage. 5-10 p.m. More details online. PH

A Celebration of the Music of Neil Young & CSNY

Abilene Bar & Lounge, abilenebarandlounge.com When Neil Young joined with Crosby, Stills & Nash, magic happened. As always with the mercurial rocker, the synergy couldn’t last — but we got some iconic hits out of the partnership. (“Helpless” alone!) This evening features drummer Mike Bowers, guitarist Jack Moore, vocalist Pete Robinson, keyboardist Rick Ruhmel and bassist Tom Sylvester paying tribute to those folk-rock giants of yore. Music’s at 8 p.m. $15 cover. PH

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

COMEDY FESTIVAL

Oktoberfest

Rochester Public Market, cityofrochester.gov/oktoberfest A newer annual offering in the Public Market’s special events lineup, Oktoberfest celebrates the advent of autumn with German food, beer, live music, cultural performances, games and more for the whole family. The event, which runs 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., is offered in collaboration with Rohrbach Brewing Company, a prominent presence in the Market Business District. PH

MUSIC

Bahama Mama

Photo City Music Hall, abilenebarandlounge.com “By all accounts,” CITY’s Daniel J. Kushner wrote previously, “the Rochester reggae scene began in 1973” with the formation of Bahama Mama. In the span of just a few years, the group had opened for Toots and the Maytals; even after they disbanded, members recorded with the likes of dub pioneer Lee “Scratch” Perry. The original lineup returns for one night only. Doors at 6:30 p.m., music at 7:30. Tickets $25 advance, $30 day of show. PH

The Sklar Brothers

Comedy @ the Carlson, carlsoncomedy.com You know those two twins who own a music shop in “Better Call Saul” who want to film a commercial there but of course it’s much more complicated than that and it ends up being a whole (darkly funny) thing? That’s the Sklar Brothers! Randy and Jason Sklar, veterans of the L.A. comedy scene, come to town for two four gigs across two nights, bringing their unique twoman show. See ticket info and times online. PH

FESTIVAL

North Winton Village Festival

Linear Garden, northwinton.org The annual neighborhood shindig returns for its 20th anniversary this year; from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Linear Garden between East Main St. and Mayfield St families can stroll through food and arts vendor booths, enjoy live music and spend time in the dedicated kids area. Free to attend. LS

CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

roccitymag.com CITY 35

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

GAMES

“Game Jam: Flatgames”

Visual Studies Workshop, vsw.org Ever wanted to make your own video game? VSW’s Nilson Carroll has you covered in this exploratory “game jam” walkthrough of Plano, an easyto-use tool for making collage games online. It’s the latest in VSW’s efforts to chronicle video game evolution and highlight their growing accessibility and use in contemporary culture. Bring your own computer (and charger) if possible. Snacks will be provided. 1-4 p.m. Registration and ticket info online. PH

FILM

“The Ballad of Wallis Island”

Spiegelgarden, rochesterfringe.com Look, it’s a free screening of a rainy British movie about acoustic music, love and whimsy. It stars Carey Mulligan (who actually gets to be British for once) and Tom Basden who play a former couple and singing folk duo and who actually sing in the movie. It’s been called “a sublime, adorable comedy” by no less than RogerEbert.com. What else do I have to say? It’s cozy! Movie’s at 8 p.m. PH

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

MUSIC

Lord Huron

Knox Farm, borderlandfestival.com Up for a daytrip? The Borderland Festival in East Aurora consistently brings show-stopping talent to Western New York, and this year’s lineup is no exception. Alabama Shakes and Jack White headline the first two nights; this Great Lakesinspired, exploratory indie band rounds out the fest, along with sets from The Head and the Heart, St. Paul & the Broken Bones and more. Festival pass and individual ticket info available online. PH

36 CITY SEPTEMBER 2026

MUSIC

Sparta

The Bug Jar, bugjar.com Two roads diverged after the breakup of influential post-hardcore band At the Drive-In: one led to wild prog of The Mars Volta, and the other yielded the more traditional, if still powerfully propulsive Sparta. The latter group returns to Rochester for a night of epic guitar rock beginning at 8 p.m., with a $90 meet-and-greet option. Regular tickets $22.85. PH

MUSIC

Bayside

Anthology, anthologylive.com I know exactly one (1) Bayside song, “Duality,” the video for which used to play seemingly on a loop on Fuse in 2007. Good song! CITY executive director (and elder emo) Ryan Williamson tells me the pride of Queens, N.Y. has a whole treasure trove of great tunes in their catalog across nine albums and 25 years together. That makes the band one of the most impressive Warped Tour survivors still thriving and touring across the country. Their Rochester show begins at 7:30 p.m., with support from Driveways and Grave Secrets. $43 for general admission. PH

THEATER

“Just to Be Close to You”

The Garden Studio (Main & Gibbs), rochesterfringe.com Direct from Edinburgh Fringe, performer Cam Poter’s clown show is billed as an experience that uses “one man, one song and an increasingly desperate need for connection into something hilariously surreal.” To do this, Poter’s character of lounge singer Carl Poteraychke takes center stage. But so does the audience. Show’s at 7:45 p.m. Tickets from $22. PH THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

THEATER RECREATION

TriviaCITY

One Fringe Place, rochesterfringe.com Join the WXXI and CITY crews for TriviaCITY, our annual quiz collab with Fringe. Gather your friends (maximum six per team) or make new ones at the event and join us at 7:30 p.m. in Dawn’s Spiegelgarden for a fun-filled few hours hosted by art director Jacob Walsh. The prizes promise to be unforgettable (Fringe lost & found items? Tickets to The Little? CITY totes!?); the event is free and open to all ages. LS

“Hairspray”

OFC Creations, ofccreations.com John Waters’ eternal tale of love, teenagers and dancing (and drag) finds a new home this fall at OFC Creations, with Amy Rodriguez taking center stage as Tracy Turnblad and Jay Falzone as Tracy’s lovable mother, Edna. Shows through October 11. Full performance schedule and ticketing information available online. PH

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MUSIC COMEDY

Julia Leahy and Connor Willey

Comedy @ the Carlson, carlsoncomedy.com Rochester native Julia Leahy, known widely for being funny online, told CITY in 2025 that without the theater community here, she might’ve turned out not quite so funny. “I was a dorky theater kid growing up, too, and Rochester has an amazing theater community where I’ve met some of my best friends to this day,” she said. Believe her — she’s on stage with fellow comedian Connor Willey for this 7 p.m. show. $24-$44. PH

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 COMEDY

Pete Davidson

Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, rochesterfringe.com The “SNL” alum was booked to headline Fringe in 2024 but had to step away. This year, he’s back to make good on one of the city’s most regal stages. Naturally, his stand-up is far from regal, barbed with comic observations about his own celebrity. But the contrast is what makes the show. Doors at 7 p.m. The phonesfree show begins at 8 p.m., and early arrival is strongly encouraged. From $52.50. PH

38 CITY SEPTEMBER 2026

“Pinkerton” 30th Anniversary

The Bug Jar, bugjar.com Some call Weezer’s “Pinkerton” an emo album. (It’s not, but close enough.) Some can’t get past the heavy layers of guitar noise. (They’re missing out.) But all seem to agree: 30 years later, it’s an influential classic. Rochester musicians Dave Chisholm, Steve Lopez, Ryan McClurg, Steve Roessner, Delaney West and Calvin Isham will pay tribute to the LP at this 9 p.m. show. $12.30+. PH SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

LITERATURE

Rochester Indie Book & Zine Fair

RIT City Art Space, smallpressbookfair.com Do you DIY zines, photobooks, chapbooks, mags or other indie publications? If so, there’s a chance you’re already signed up to be a vendor at this fair. But if you’re a voracious reader, a supporter of all things local and/or curious about starting up your own creative publishing project, this is the fest for you. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., free admission. PH

through January 3. The artist will be at the museum for a 12 p.m. talk with curator Timothy Peterson. PH SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 COMMUNITY

Weekly Thrift Sale ART

“Hugo McCloud: to everything there is a season”

Memorial Art Gallery, mag.rochester.edu Palo Alto’s Hugo McCloud paints vividly and warmly about subjects that sometimes aren’t: namely physical labor. His work is sometimes made from aluminum foil, tar and, in one case, hundreds of single-use plastic bags — mirroring the intensive, repetitive action of many of his subjects. His exhibition “to everything there is a season” opens and runs

ARTISANworks, artisanworks.net Each Sunday, ARTISANwork turns into a whimsical thrifting market. Not all 46,000 square feet of the space is for rummaging through vintage goods; that would simply be too much. But there’s plenty of space for the new furniture, antiques and artwork put out each week — find it past the “Casablanca” room, the 1960s firehouse, the Victorian dining room and the other treasures. 12-4 p.m. Free entry. PH

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

501(c)(3) nonprofit educational enhancement organization with a vision to close the gap in educational achievement, workforce and economic disparities. Register to attend online. LS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1

at the Eastman School of Music 25 years ago. To mark the milestone (and the University of Rochester’s Meliora Weekend), the musicians return with a program entitled “New Acoustica,” which involves traditional instruments taking on complex electronic compositions. 8 p.m. show. Ticket information available online. PH

MUSIC

Carbon Fest 2026

Various venues, carbonrecordsfest.com For more than three decades, Joe Tunis has brought the Carbon Records annual celebration of Americanprimitive guitar, psych, improv, indie and more to various Rochester venues. The fest returns through October 3 at The Bug Jar, Record Archive, Skylark Lounge and Lux (pending renovation progress). The fest draws musicians from across the United States; additional festival details, ticket information and final set times will be announced on the website. LS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 HISTORY

“Language City”

Rush Rhees Library, events.rochester.edu Every week I see a new Instagram Reel explaining the Western New York “pirate” accent or why New Englanders drop their Rs. But linguist Ross Perlin goes further than the quirks of language; specifically, his latest book, “Language City,” maps out 700 endangered languages in New York City alone and the many root causes of their declines. He speaks about this and his work with the Endangered Language Alliance at this university talk. 5 p.m. PH

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MUSIC

Cheekface

Montage Music Hall, rocentevents.com Here’s the thing with Cheekface: the L.A. band is in on the bit. Its songs are half ironic, extremely online, shortattention-span bursts that get caught in your head. Its videos are uploaded to YouTube with titles like “There Is a God (POV: Weird First Date, POV Reveal at the End).” And with a decade in the game, Cheekface simply does that shtick better than nearly anyone. Doors 7 p.m, show 8. $34. PH WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 EDUCATION

Rochester HBCU College Expo

Blue Cross Arena, thecollegeexpo.org/ ncrf-events/events This free event, presented in partnership with the City of Rochester, is a daylong fair that offers college acceptances (students must bring transcripts and ACT/ SAT scores), scholarships and transfer options in-person — plus a chance to win cash and prizes. It’s part of a national fair series by the National College Resources Foundation, a

MUSIC

Sophie B. Hawkins

Water Street Music Hall, waterstreetmusichall.live Who is Sophie B. Hawkins? Her 1992 hit “Damn I Wish Was Your Lover” was a huge hit, reaching No. 5 and establishing her as an atmospheric singer-songwriter with a knack for the nuances of pop. 1994’s dance track “Right Beside You” confirmed this. She’s spent the intervening decades exploring new sounds and moods; her 7:30 p.m. gig showcases it all. Tickets $54.60. PH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2 MUSIC

“Alarm Will Sound”

Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, esm. rochester.edu Contemporary classical chamber group Alarm Will Sound was founded

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3

MUSIC

Laurie Berkner

The Theater at Innovation Square, theaterais.com You’re listening to Taylor Swift rerecords on loop; I’m leading road-trip singalongs to “Chipmunk at the Gas Pump.” We are not the same. Blessed be Laurie Berkner, the socalled “Queen of Kids’ Music,” whose

no-BS, finely crafted and hugely replayable folk-pop gems have won legions of fans across the world (and not just children, either). She arrives in town for a solo show promising her greatest hits. Two shows: 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets $48-$78. PH ART

“Route of Refusal”

Rochester Contemporary Art Center, rochestercontemporary.org On the exterior wall of RoCo hangs Gianna Stewart’s “BELONG,” a public art showcase of censored language. At 4 p.m., that installation becomes the starting point for an art walk that leads to the Federal Building on State Street. The journey will be marked by those banned words and phrases (deemed unsavory or “woke” by the Trump administration) being spread en route, widening the impact of the exhibition. More details available online. PH SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4 FESTIVAL

Hilton Apple Festival

59 Henry Street, hiltonapplefest.org A westside tradition now in its 44th year, the Hilton Apple Fest is two days of festivities (Oct. 3 and 4) built around New York State’s famous fruit. Enter the apple pie contest or sample apple varieties, cider, and donuts while you browse the arts and crafts show, listen to live bands and check out the card, toy and collectibles expo. Family friendly activities abound 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both days; admission is free and all ages are welcome. LS

YOU CAN HANG OUT WITH US

FESTIVAL

Agricultural Fair

Genesee Country Village and Museum, gcv.org A fall favorite in the tradition of country fairs of old, this two-day event (Oct. 3 and 4) featuring an outdoor market, Indigenous storytelling, hands-on activities, animals and entertainment. The event takes place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days; admission required. PH

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Free for all

PHOTOS BY LOUIS RESSEL

ART

BY GEORGE CASSIDY PAYNE

or museums, ‘cost of admission’ takes on many meanings. There are entrance fees, of course. But there are other costs that are harder to see: wondering whether you belong; worrying about how your children will behave; not seeing people who look like you in the galleries; or simply never having learned the unwritten rules of a museum. The Memorial Art Gallery is betting that removing one barrier will help visitors confront some of the others. Beginning in 2027, general admission to MAG will be free for everyone. The initiative — Free for All, Forever — rests on a simple proposition: cost should never stand between someone and cultural education. The larger question is more complicated. What happens when a museum stops asking people to pay for permission to belong? “I hope more people have a relationship with the museum,” said MAG director Sarah Jesse. “Museums have a reputation for being elitist; for not being welcoming to diverse populations. I did not want the MAG to serve a segment of the population.” Jesse came to Rochester in 2023, after 23 years in the museum field, and arrived wanting to confront what she saw as a contradiction. MAG had been diversifying its collection and exhibitions and expanding public programming, yet a significant portion of the community still had to pay to walk through the door. “This was the next step,” Jesse said. “We were touting these values without addressing this.” Rochester’s economic divide made the question particularly urgent. Roughly 40% of children in the city live in poverty. For families already making difficult choices about housing, food, transportation and

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The Memorial Art Gallery will remove admission fees in 2027, returning to its roots.

childcare, a $20 per person museum admission can be enough to make a visit feel out of reach. When MAG opened in 1913, admission was free. It remained that way for more than five decades before the museum began charging admission fees in 1969. Jesse said eliminating the fee is both a bold new experiment and a return to an older understanding of the museum’s public mission. “I hope that cultural institutions take seriously the economic and practical barriers that prohibit diverse communities from participating,” she said. “Not just symbolic change, but material change.” Over two years ago, Jesse began a public campaign, delivering the same presentation in 15 different places. The response was overwhelmingly supportive, but there was an obvious question: could the museum afford it? Admission revenue represents less than 5% of MAG’s operating budget, and many of the museum's major operating costs are relatively fixed. The only challenge was creating enough philanthropic support to replace that revenue and sustain free admission over time. Removing the admission fee, Jesse said, could open the doors to substantially more visitors without eliminating a major source of the museum's operating revenue. Currently, MAG has raised more than $9 million toward the endowment that will make the initiative permanent. MAG also has a longstanding endowment, established in 1930. Its invested assets generate income that supports the institution while the principal is generally preserved. Combined with a $5 million lead gift from the Sands family last year, that financial foundation has helped make the museum's commitment to free admission possible. Doug Bennett, a MAG and University of Rochester trustee, sees the campaign as an exercise in civic leadership. “I think it is about thinking how to build something for everyone,” he said, “really taking the dollar and cents out of it and looking at the leadership it takes to get other people behind the initiative.”

MAG director Sarah Jesse. PHOTO BY LOUIS RESSEL

Bennett credited Jesse for building support within the MAG and, importantly, connecting that institutional support to the University of Rochester through president Sarah Mangelsdorf, whose backing helped strengthen the initiative across both institutions. “Jesse planted this seed, she watered this seed, she got the administration behind it,” he said. For Bennett, the argument ultimately comes down to what happens inside the museum. He remembers winters when he was simply looking for something to do with his children. “We would often take them for a stroll around the MAG,” he said. “As they got older, they could pick their favorite piece, learn what they could touch and what they could not, and begin figuring out how to move through the galleries.” A museum membership, for them, meant the family could stop in for a few minutes or stay for an hour. “Why can’t everyone do that?” he said. That may be the simplest argument for free admission. A museum can become part of ordinary life: somewhere to take children on a winter afternoon, spend an hour between activities or return to see a favorite painting. Still, eliminating the admission fee does not eliminate every barrier. “Some barriers are disguised and some are obvious,” says Rob Tortorella, president of MAG’s board of managers.

Particularly for people facing several obstacles at once: poverty, disability, transportation problems or simply a lack of familiarity with cultural institutions. “Cost is not the only barrier,” Bennett said. “It is the obvious one to eliminate first. We want this to feel like a community resource. Everyone is welcome.” That means the work continues beyond the ticket desk — programming, education, transportation and community events all have to reinforce the invitation. Transportation offers a useful test, as many city residents do not own vehicles. For someone using a power wheelchair, getting on a bus and reaching a destination is not necessarily straightforward. Accessible routes, sidewalks, entrances and the physical environment all determine whether a place can be experienced. Tortorella said transportation should be understood as part of cultural access, not simply as a way to get people to work or essential services. “Why do we need art?” he said. “Art gives us a deeper understanding of our environment and brings a deeper understanding of ourselves.” Through its partnership with the Rochester Public Library system, patrons at 28 of the system’s 32 branches can access MAG passes, but Jesse learned a pass does not necessarily create familiarity. Someone can have permission to enter and still feel like an outsider. Jesse’s vision is for a museum people use without needing a special reason. Maybe they want to see a particular painting. Maybe they stop in during lunch. Maybe they bring a first date. Maybe they simply want somewhere quiet to sit. The difference between visiting a museum every decade and having the freedom to “check in” on an artwork like an old friend. School of the Arts students, whose building is right across Prince Street, have already offered a glimpse of that possibility. When admission was waived for them, some began gathering in the pavilion during lunch and lingering, rather than treating the building as a place they were merely visiting. Of course, free admission is not a

magic formula. When the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore eliminated admission in 2006, attendance initially jumped 45%, said former director Gary Vikan. But the surge did not translate into a corresponding increase in spending within the museum. After that initial bump, attendance eventually declined 18.6%. The lesson is not that free admission fails; but that simply opening the doors does not create a sustainable financial model or a lasting audience. After the Dallas Museum of Art eliminated $10 general admission while continuing to charge for special exhibitions, annual attendance rose from 498,000 to 668,000. Free memberships grew to roughly 100,000. The museum also gained a clearer picture of who was coming through the doors. “Now we know who they are,” then-director Maxwell Anderson told Fortune in 2015. “That data is worth a lot more.” Free admission can bring people through the door, but the real test is what happens after they arrive. Do they return? Do they participate in programs? Do they begin to see the museum as part of their lives? Those questions matter as museums navigate a difficult postpandemic landscape. According to the American Alliance of Museums’ 2025 national survey of 511 museum directors, 29% reported declining attendance in 2025 amid weaker tourism and economic uncertainty. Free admission will not solve disability access, poverty or the cultural perceptions that have kept some Rochester residents at a distance. But it removes one tangible barrier and creates the possibility of something harder to measure: familiarity. “When you eliminate the barriers,” Jesse said, “people respond.” George Cassidy Payne is a writer and journalist exploring art, culture, community and social justice in Western New York. He also works as a crisis counselor and community organizer.

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A new presence on the podium MUSIC

BY MONA SEGHATOLESLAMI MSEGHATOLESLAMI@WXXI.ORG

s a child in Hawaii, Jake Taniguchi would go to classical concerts with his grandfather. The first orchestra he saw in concert was the Honolulu Symphony, led by then-principal conductor Andreas Delfs, who is currently music director of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. Taniguchi is now a conductor himself, and having a bit of a full circle moment: beginning September 1, he’ll join the RPO as assistant conductor (working with Delfs) and as music director of the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. Taniguchi will also be down the street from another conductor he remembers watching in those early days, one who has since become a mentor to him: Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra music director JoAnn Falletta. Growing up, Taniguchi was originally drawn to visual arts, but in middle school, all his friends were picking up instruments. He joined in by playing the bassoon, first in the school band and then, in an orchestra. His experience in youth orchestra was “really special,” largely due to conductor Henry Miyamura, who was the music director of the Hawai’i Youth 44 CITY SEPTEMBER 2026

Jake Taniguchi joins the RPO as assistant conductor and RPYO music director.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Symphony for 33 years. “(He was) the music teacher of all music teachers and music students in Hawaii,” Taniguchi said. Miyamura died last year, and Taniguchi was among many who mourned the beloved teacher and conductor. At the same time, he said he takes comfort in knowing he is “a part of his legacy in that youth orchestra, which was so strong and formative for me.” Taniguchi went on to the prestigious Indiana University Jacobs School of Music as a bassoon major. He was serious about music, but knew he ultimately wanted to do something besides playing bassoon. He found himself drawn to conducting, first taking classes as an undergraduate and then seeking out mentors like Thomas Wilkins. In addition to being professor of music in orchestral conducting at Indiana University, Wilkins is principal conductor of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and music director laureate of the Omaha Symphony. Taniguchi remembers an early lesson from Wilkins was the importance of a conductor’s role as a leader in the community. “If you want to be a conductor, you are committing yourself today, right now, to devoting your life to studying,” he said. Wilkins, for his part, had some initial reservations about Taniguchi. “In the very beginning I thought, ‘I don’t see this,’” he said.

However, that quickly changed. “He takes hold of every piece of information that you give him, both from a physical standpoint and a musical standpoint,” said Wilkins. “I mean, he just exploded, and the next thing I know, there’s this mature — still curious, still hungry — young man standing before me.” Taniguchi’s studies took him to the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he served on the conducting faculty, and then back to Indiana University for his doctorate. He also returns regularly to Hawaii, conducting students of the Hawai’i Chamber Music Festival. He’s a fan of Broadway musicals as well as opera (his dream conducting piece is George Gershwin’s “An American in Paris”), and had a chance to work with stage director Bartlett Sher and composer Mason Bates as part of a collaboration between IU and the Metropolitan Opera on the world premiere of “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay,” based on Michael Chabon’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Now Taniguchi has landed in Rochester to assist the very conductor he saw in his first concert. Audiences at a few RPO shows this summer heard Taniguchi lead the orchestra at Ontario Beach Park and in Brockport. He conducted the RPO through hits by John Williams and Richard Rodgers; music from “Pirates of the Caribbean”; and a work by

contemporary Hawaiian composer Michael-Thomas Fomai, inspired by native Hawaiian people and their stories. In his work with RPYO, Taniguchi expects to keep a mix of the classics with a few new discoveries for the students. “I’ll make sure students in the youth orchestra get to sink their teeth into large-scale standard repertoire, while also introducing new pieces that are great vehicles for learning and teaching,” he said. Along with the music, he knows there will be memories made along the way. “I remember the little tour we did when I was in high school with our youth orchestra, every year was to a different Island in Hawaii,” he said. “This is an experience that I know will be so meaningful for our students.” This February, the RPYO and Taniguchi will go on a European tour, performing in Prague, Salzburg and Vienna. “I wrote them a letter at the beginning of the summer, right when I was announced as the new music director,” he said. “I told them that those experiences on tours, those late nights, will be memories they’ll keep with them forever.” Mona Seghatoleslami is music director, host and producer on WXXI Classical 91.5 FM.

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MUSIC REVIEWS

“ANALOG DREAMS” BY ALOEFI “Analog Dreams,” the debut album from Rochester DJ/producer Aloefi, resides nicely within the catalog of Portland-based label Cold Busted Records. Like much of the independent label’s brand of warm lo-fi instrumental hip-hop, “Analog Dreams” is built around sample manipulation that is inventive but rarely flashy, hovering just beneath the audible surface at all times. Despite the absence of lyrics and vocals, the album has a very personal feel, as if it’s a private score — music that plays during a tracking shot while the main character weaves through the crowd, anonymously with a hoodie over their head, headphones over their ears. Hype music for the smalltime big-city protagonist, scraping by until the big payday arrives. As with much lo-fi instrumental hip-hop, the absence of vocals creates so much room in the mix that at first listen it can feel like there’s a void. But with deeper listening, especially on headphones, the music acts as a vessel, holding whatever the listener’s mind wants to pour into it — thoughts, memories, conversations. The album is very much in line with the recent wave of ‘90s nostalgia. Both “D Batteries” and “Squada” could be forgotten demos left on the cutting-room floor from Guru’s hip-hop jazz fusion classic, “Jazzmatazz, Vol. 1” (1993), while “Juicy Fruit” features soulful Sade-style vocal stabs. Things get interesting when the sounds not only reference direct ‘90s callbacks, but also the samples that built the golden era of hip-hop. For instance, “Squada” has a snare sample that’s as dirty as the one in Naughty by Nature’s “Hip Hop Hooray.” Or is it referencing that sample’s root, the Five Stairsteps’ 1968 song “Don’t Change Your Love”? Hell if I know, probably neither. Sample spotters and crate diggers will have a field day with this one. — LOU BATTAGLIA

“GREATEST ALMOSTS” BY DUFUS

“IN PLAIN SIGHT: THE BLACK ANTHOLOGY”

In case we needed a reminder of the singular songwriting voice of long-time Rochesterian Seth Faergolzia, his former freak folk band Dufus’s retrospective album “Greatest Almosts” provides the necessary jolt. Faergolzia’s gymnastic melodies and zany use of group vocals take the fore in this 16-song set culled from the band’s 20year run. But it’s the indefatigable spirit and silliness of the songs themselves that steals the show.

Perhaps you are curious to experience the overlooked work of important Black American composers. There’s a chance that you are a fan of classical songs, or intrigued to hear the works of poets including Langston Hughes in musical form.

My introduction to the dizzying, joyful musical world of Faergolzia was in the mid2000s as an undergraduate student, with the unpredictable songs “Freedom” (from 2004’s “Ball of Design”), “Tutu” (from “The Last Classed Blast,” 2006) and “Giving Inn” (“Legend of Walnut,” 2007) capturing my imagination. All three cuts find their way on “Greatest Almosts.” The punk energy of “Dufus,” the rock opera vibes of “Fun Wearing Underwear” and the metal riff driving “Mor Girl Cops” capture Faergolzia and company at their most wonderfully unhinged. “Outerspace Odyssey” features the tastiest guitar hook I’ve heard in a long time. The album closes with what is arguably the band’s most beautiful song — featuring Faergolzia’s signature large instrumentation — the impossibly intimate “Silence.” With a plethora of songs from which to choose, however, the poignant late’90s tune “Weemamoo” is first and foremost in my mind. Half-folk song, half-jam vibes, the lilting music backs Faergolzia as he details the struggle between being yourself and being for someone else: But now you’re digging your roots into the soul of another...You can’t imagine life without the one who’s breaking your heart. “Greatest Almosts” was mastered by Deerhoof drummer and co-founder Greg Saunier, and features cover art by iconic underground artist and musician Jeffrey Lewis. The album is available on vinyl, CD and digital platforms. —DANIEL J. KUSHNER

If you’re someone with a bit of local Rochester pride, you might want to embrace achievements of musicians from our community; the performers on this new double-album of art songs include more than 30 students and faculty from the Eastman School of Music. Professors Joshua Conyers, Nicole Cabell, Kiera Duffy and Timothy Long highlight this list, joined by an impressive array of too many others to list. Whatever draws you in at first, keep listening. You’ll find beauty in these songs, both the words and the music, and in the sensitive, striking performances that have been recorded here. These songs are all drawn from the “Anthology of Art Songs by Black American Composers,” collected and curated in 1977 by Willis C. Patterson. Some of the composers have become more familiar recently, including Florence Price and Margaret Bonds. You can find a few Rochester connections: Adolphus Hailstork (born here) and George Walker (Eastman alum and Pulitzer Prize winner). I’m particularly fond of the works of David Baker and Undine Smith Moore and happy to add to my playlists some new-to-me discoveries, including Howard Swanson, Noel DaCosta and Wendell Logan. To have so many different voices singing this noted collection is an ambitious and rewarding project. It means students will continue to sing these songs and inspire others to sing them, too — all while we get the joy of listening. You can experience the music in concert on September 15 at Eastman’s Kilbourn Hall, and on October 16 in NYC at Merkin Hall. —MONA SEGHATOLESLAMI

“SIREN” BY DELANEY WEST It’s almost autumn, and Delaney West has created a collection perfect for cozy days. Fans of indie folk should save the date for September 18, when West releases her intimate debut album, “Siren.” These eight thoughtful tracks were recorded locally at Submarine Sound Studio and Ben Morey manned production. The record is simple and spellbinding, like listening to an old friend. Opener “Disaster” finds gentle, angelic vocals reflecting on unrequited love with meditative guitar providing the perfect soundtrack to a thunderstorm or a morning cup of coffee. “Feel Me” is calming, like a hand through the hair, with emotion that can take listeners up to the clouds. Though stripped down to the bone, West’s music is not without intensity, and it’s easy to get lost in the album. “Little Glow” feels warm-hearted and nostalgic, stirring vocals with Sean Mulligan’s melancholy viola and bass from Greg Maslyn, while “Siren” invites you in like the call of the creature in an old tale from the sea. The instrumentals of “The Catch” feel high-spirited, yet the lyrics drive a crack in the heart, telling a story of love once had and lost: You don’t have to choose me forever, but can you choose me now? West’s voice and Mulligan’s viola work together to conjure a tear that builds to a waterfall. It’s the kind of song that sticks with you long after the last note fades out. To create art in any medium is to connect, and West’s music fuses a relationship with the beholder: soft, familiar and welcoming. Utterly human, “Siren” holds listeners’ hands in its grasp until the finale, and we close the door feeling a sense of belonging. The replay button sits there for us when we feel like returning home. — LEAH JOY

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A sense of belonging CULTURE

BY HELANA SHUMWAY

efore electricity was invented, farmers in peak harvest season worked beyond sunset with help from the light of the full moon. The eponymous “harvest moon” arrives closest to the autumn equinox each year, sitting low in the sky. For many Asian cultures, this moon extends beyond agricultural significance and represents a time for community. On September 26, the Rochester chapter of Asian Pacific American Public Affairs (APAPA) will host the Harvest Moon Festival, its third iteration since the inaugural event in 2023 (Young Asians of Rochester hosted a similar festival in 2025). Attendees of the festival can expect a day of cultural performances, family-friendly activities, storytelling and a festive marketplace featuring community organizations, local AAPI artists and AAPI food. “Harvest Moon is a celebration of culture, community and the growing AAPI presence in Rochester,” said Joanna Ra, APAPA president and Harvest Moon Festival chair. “We want everyone to feel welcome and be part of it.” According to 2020 census data, around 33,000 members of the AAPI community live in Monroe County. In New York State, the Asian American population grew by nearly 38% between 2010 and 2020. Within that same time frame, the AAPI population in the 48 CITY SEPTEMBER 2026

Rochester’s growing Asian American community hosts the third Harvest Moon Festival.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

town of Henrietta grew more than 75%. “Asian Americans are one of the most diverse groups ethnically, linguistically and in religious practice,” said Christina Lee, a WXXI trustee and director of Global Education and International Services at Monroe Community College. “The majority of Asian American adults are also foreign-born.” Rochester and surrounding suburbs have seen an increase in AAPIowned and inspired businesses in recent years. The Shoppes at Lac De Ville plaza in Brighton feature Korean restaurant Seoul Drop, Goosepark Bubble Tea and Prince & Princess Hair Salon. A few minutes’ drive away is Manting House, an Asian fusion restaurant. Joy Mart is an East Asian market in College Town offering items like Japanese bento boxes and sweet mochi. All of these businesses have opened within the last three years. The diversity of the AAPI community will be reflected in the many vendors at the Harvest Moon Festival. When it comes to food and beverage, attendees can choose from over 16 businesses representing cuisines from Southeast Asia, East Asia and South Asia, and the few nonAAPI food vendors will include an Asian-inspired dish on their menu. “For a lot of AAPI cultures, food is our love language. It’s very meaningful and deep on a very

personal level for many of us,” said Aurora Tai Prior, Harvest Moon Festival committee member. With drinks like boba tea and Vietnamese coffee and flavors from Korea, China, Myanmar and the Philippines (to name a few), there won’t be any shortage of snack options. For dessert, Over the Mooncakes — a vegan, AAPI and women-owned business out of Buffalo — will offer mooncakes, a customary Chinese pastry savored during the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Chinese celebration of the harvest moon. Traditionally, mooncakes are made with a red bean paste filling and salted egg yolk in the center. Cutting into the pastry “looks like the moon in the night sky,” Tai

Prior said. “And you’re supposed to share mooncakes with your family and your friends while admiring the moon and making memories together.” Other AAPI festivals, like the recent Rochester Filipino Festival hosted by the Filipino American Association of Rochester and APAPA’s Lunar New Year Festival coming this winter, are an additional nod to the growing presence of the AAPI community in and around Rochester. “Celebrating our heritage through cultural festivals … increases a sense of belonging for our growing community,” said Lee, “and also helps us celebrate and recognize the richness of our differences, especially now when things are so divisive in our society.” Harvest Moon Festival is 12-6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26 at Meridian Centre Park in Brighton. Reserve free tickets online to attend: eventcreate. com/e/2026harvestmoonfest. Helana Shumway is a Rochesterbased writer who enjoys shedding light on kind humans doing remarkable things in our community. Follow her @ helanashum.

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Smells like buttery popcorn and newly sharpened pencils.

Movie theater weather FILM

BY JOHANNA LESTER

ora Ephron’s “You’ve Got Mail” said it best: “Don’t you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address.” I think about that line too frequently for someone who does not have children and hasn’t had to purchase school supplies in … many years. But that’s what fall is for so many of us: a renewal of spirits, a briskness in the air, a celebration of the humidity finally breaking (curlyhaired girls unite). And that shift can only mean one thing: it’s fall movie season, baby! Throw on your best plaid scarf, order the largest popcorn you can find and let’s head to the theater. With the caveat that I haven’t seen any of the titles below, and that release dates are subject to change, here are the nine movies I’m most anticipating through November 2026.

“PRACTICAL MAGIC 2” SEPTEMBER 11 The gang is back together! And by gang, I mean me and my close personal friends Sally and Gillian Owens (Sandra Bullock and Nicole 50 CITY SEPTEMBER 2026

Kidman). Not much has been revealed about the plot of this sequel, but Lee Pace has entered the chat, and thus we are all seated. Should this be getting a Halloween weekend release instead of mid-September? Without question. But midnight margaritas wait for no one. “THE HISTORY OF CONCRETE” SEPTEMBER 18 In “How to with John Wilson,” probably the best show you haven’t heard of, documentarian Wilson approaches a task in each episode (“How to Put Up Scaffolding,” “How to Be Spontaneous”), but the results are never quite what he or the viewer would anticipate. In this, his first feature-length documentary, which premiered at Sundance Festival, Wilson lends his unique sensibility to one topic: concrete. I suspect a rocksolid good time will be had. “PRIMETIME” | SEPTEMBER 25 Robert Pattinson is having such a big year playing a bunch of weirdos, and we are so lucky to be around for it. Following “The Drama” and “The Odyssey” and before he rounds out the year with “Dune: Part Three,” he graces our screens as journalist Chris Hansen (yes, that Chris Hansen), host of the 2000s television show “To Catch a Predator.” Pattinson’s greatest gift is his lack of vanity and his willful embrace of being unlikeable, both traits on display in the latest trailer. “YOUR MOTHER, YOUR MOTHER, YOUR MOTHER” | SEPTEMBER 25 The marketing seems tricky for this movie — is it a revenge thriller? A family drama? It might be both, and more, but the not-yet 40-yearold Bassam Tariq is a promising filmmaker, and star Mahershala Ali has the hardware (two Oscars in three

years) and the sensibility to make it worth the effort of seeking out. The cast is filled with the always-welcome John Cho, Tramell Tillman (holding us over until the next season of “Severance”) and Giancarlo Esposito. “DIGGER” | OCTOBER 2 I have never had an Alejandro González Iñárritu movie work for me. I almost walked out of “Babel.” “The Revenant” is essentially punishment for punishment’s sake. Do you remember “21 Grams?” No, you don’t, because it’s bad. But with “Digger,” we’re getting the first non-franchise Tom Cruise movie in nearly 10 years, which makes this a must-see. Bonus points for Cruise in heavy makeup holding a weird cat and Riz Ahmed, who should be in everything. “THE ONLY LIVING PICKPOCKET IN NEW YORK” | OCTOBER 16 John Turturro as the titular pickpocket in a gorgeous tweed coat in New York City. That’s it, that’s the tweet. How can you resist a movie that seems to be part-heist, part-man on the brink of ruin? It’s like if “Ocean’s Eleven” met and married “Uncut Gems.” There’s a jauntiness and desperation to the trailer that grabbed me and hasn’t let go. “SENSE AND SENSIBILITY” | OCTOBER 16 I have equal parts anticipation and dread for this latest adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved book, as I’m beholden to Ang Lee’s masterful 1995 film starring Emma Thompson (who also won the Oscar for adapted screenplay), Kate Winslet and Alan Rickman. However, I was wrong about the return of wide-legged pants — you can pry them from my cold dead hands (and throw all skinny jeans into the sea) so perhaps I’ll be pleasantly surprised here, too.

“WICKER” | OCTOBER 23 When the trailer for “Wicker” dropped in early August, my Instagram algorithm (and likely yours) was taken over by some of the best memes I’ve seen on Al Gore’s internet in quite some time. Our nuttiest Skarsgård — Alexander — joins brilliantly wacky Olivia Colman in a twisted fable about a fisherwoman in desperate need of a husband … to be made of wicker. Both actors know how to infuse genuine feeling into oddity, giving this movie the greatest potential to be our love story of the year. “THE HUNGER GAMES: SUNRISE ON THE REAPING” | NOVEMBER 20 Do you rewatch the “Hunger Games” movies every year or so, or are you a normal person with a flourishing social life? This latest installment, based on the recent prequel from author Suzanne Collins, finally (!) offers a front-row seat to Haymitch Abernathy’s victory in the 50th games (memorably played in the original films by Woody Harrelson). Ralph Fiennes and Elle Fanning join as President Snow and Effie Trinket, and original stars Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are credited as returning, likely in a post-script flash-forward. Jesse Plemons seems perfectly cast as Plutarch Heavensbee, first brought to life onscreen by Philip Seymour Hoffman. Johanna Lester is a pop culture critic who mainlines movies, TV and the best cookies Rochester has to offer. She’ll also hold that grudge on your behalf. Follow her @theauntjojo.

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The Dish

FOOD AND BEV NEWS, GOSSIP AND GATHERINGS CURATED BY LEAH STACY WHET YOUR PALATE

The co-owners of Tony D’s and Jack’s Extra Fancy, along with a few other investors, are at work on a new concept called Golden Boy (a Tokyo record barinspired listening lounge) and a yet-tobe-named pizza slice shop, both set for Park Avenue in the former Starbucks and adjacent space. The casual Tony D’s spinoff in Greece, Cotoletta, will close this month after three years in business. Chef Richard Reddington of Redd and Redd Wood is rumored to have bought legendary South Wedge dive bar Dicky’s — here’s hoping the wings (and prices) stay as-is. Beloved burrito spot Old Pueblo Grill will close its original NOTA home on Atlantic Avenue, leaving the only remaining location in Webster. Following the closure of The Revelry, the fast-casual Rev BBQ concept in the adjacent plaza has announced it will also close permanently. Proprietor SCN Hospitality still operates popular spots Patron Saint, Velvet Belly and Bitter Honey, among others. A new concept from the owners of Good Luck is underway for the former University Avenue space that housed The Revelry; it will be helmed by several female staffers from the group. FOR THE LOCAVORES

It’s gonna be… Fee. Products from local bitters company Fee Brothers were featured on “Cocktail Wars” during its August 18 premiere. The new mixology competition on E! features judges Lance Bass and Joey

Max Bar & Bistro at Eastman Place is hosting a slew of weekday wine events lately; the Rochester Public Tasting Group on Tuesday, Sept. 15 aims to create an opportunity to taste some exclusive wines in a relaxed social space. The ticket includes a curated selection of wine and small bite pairings as well as guided tastings led by local sommeliers. Discounts available for industry members; more info on maxrochesterny.com.

Fatone, former members of the band *NSYNC. The bitters used in drinks included Black Walnut, Peach and Turkish Tobacco. The historical Pleasant Valley Winery in Hammondsport has been acquired by Indiana-based Vine Enterprises in a $42 million dollar deal and will be renovated by the new owners. Pleasant Valley was established in 1860 and is the oldest winery in the Finger Lakes.

Nationally recognized natural foods company Once Again is celebrating its 50th anniversary while remaining rooted in the community where it began. The company started as a husband-and-wife team making peanut butter in an 800-square-foot basement in Nunda, and is 100% employeeowned currently, with two state-ofthe-art local manufacturing facilities and several generations of Livingston County employees. onceagain.com FOOD FÊTES

Tickets for Foodlink’s Festival of Food, now in its 21st year, are on sale. The multi-vendor food and drink experience will take place on September 14 in the Rochester Public Market and is the biggest annual fundraiser for the region’s largest food bank, which serves 10 counties. General admission tickets are $85; VIP passes are $115. CITY staff will again serve as judges for a special category. foodlinkny.org

An arts, music and culture events newsletter for the socially restless.

52 CITY SEPTEMBER 2026

AltBar will host a non-alcoholic tasting event at ARTISANworks on Friday, Sept. 18. Experience varieties of NA wine, beer and spirits, all in one 12-sample tasting; there’s even a commemorative rocks glass for each guest to take home. AltBar, located on East Main Street, has been helping the Rochester community expand its knowledge and access to NA beverages for almost five years. The event starts at 6:30 p.m.; 21+ only. Tickets at artisanworks.net/event-list. End the week (and month) with sassy queens Ambrosia Salad, Mrs. Kasha Davis and King Bey during Drag Me to Brunch at CRISP on Sunday, Sept. 27. Two seatings available at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.; must be 21+ to attend. Ticket includes the show and a mimosa; brunch must be ordered a la carte: crisprochester.com/events. The final installment in the Rochester Public Market’s seasonal, monthly Food Truck Rodeo series takes place Wednesday, Sept. 30 and will feature food, beer and live music from honkytonk band Mr. Heartache 5-9 p.m.

AN ADVICE COLUMN FROM CITY MAGAZINE

Dear Maggie,

y friends and family say they support my creative work, but never buy my products or share my posts. Maybe it seems petty to care — I can’t expect everyone I know to buy everything I make. But even sharing it online could lead to a sale, and every little bit counts. I’ve tried asking, tagging and offering friends-and-family discounts, but on the whole, it feels like I don’t get as much support from my inner circle as other creatives might. Part of me wants to ask why they can’t even share an Instagram post or story if it means helping me. Am I being unreasonable? Is there a way to approach telling them how I feel without making it awkward? Sincerely, Creative in crisis

Dear Creative in crisis,

I once had a friend invite me to dinner, only to find out it was a multi-level marketing (MLM) scheme to sell candles to me and a few other friends (and there was no dinner). I also had a family member who sold bath products and kept tagging everyone in posts with the hope we would share or buy something. That person did say something eventually, albeit in a passive-aggressive way, and I can tell you from experience: it is very awkward. Because then I had to come up with a polite way, on the spot, of saying I’m not interested.

Stop tagging and stop offering family discounts. Your work should be priced appropriately, and if your loved ones are passionate about it, they will buy and tell others. You can share how important their support is to you, but there is a big difference between, “It would mean a lot if you shared my work when you see it on your feed,” and tracking who did and didn’t do that.

Your work should speak to people naturally — and for the ones who get it, they get it. Figuratively and literally. But turning your family and friends into your personal guerrilla marketing squad against their will is not the move.

Your inner circle also should not be your primary business strategy. If you’re trying to build sales, you have to expand beyond the people you already know and find those who are looking for what you create. Participate in maker markets, connect with local businesses and keep putting your work in front of strangers. Focus on the people who are actively engaging with your work. I’m sure none of this advice is news to you, but it is hard.

People don’t want to feel like every interaction is about some form of monetary transaction or a service they can provide. After a while, they will start asking themselves if you’re interested in maintaining a relationship or making a sale. I know I did — I don’t think I ever went out to dinner with that MLM friend again.

The first is openly communicating a need; the second is keeping score. Tell them once, then drop it.

Find your people — and leave your family and friends out of the sales department. xoxo, Maggie

SEND YOUR BURNING QUESTIONS TO MAGGIE@ROCCITYMAG.COM. roccitymag.com CITY 53

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Answers to this puzzle can be found on page 27

Student Government

PUZZLE

BY S.J. AUSTIN & J. REYNOLDS ACROSS 1. Backup strategy

16. Enzyme suffix 19. Darken 20. Permanent body art 21. “The Office” receptionist 22. SNL funnyman Michael 23. ** 19th-century Rochester mayor and US Congressman (#5)

25. Actress Amanda 26. Sign on some restroom doors

6. Agreement 12. Nevada city near the California border

27. A or B on an LP 28. Poker player’s giveaways 29. Padre’s hermano 31. Cheap and inauthentic 33. First mate’s 6-Across 35. Vessel for homemade jam

37. Soft utterances

43. Puffs, as on a cigarette 47. Greek letter H 48. Algebra final, e.g. 50. Unspoken

36. Message status

40. “Civil Disobedience” essayist

52. Soldier’s helmet, informally 54. Top notch 55. Garfield’s canine pal

76. Updates electrical connections

99. Parental authority

56. Island nation situated less than 100 miles south of the Florida Keys

77. Exams for 60-Across, familiarly

100. How things typically are

57. Plant that has appeared in the NYT crossword over 1,200 times

81. Response to an anticlimactic reveal 82. Tiny sized

102. City for Disney World and Universal Studios

58. Young newt

83. Gas station convenience

60. Advanced degs.

85. Aspiring doc’s hurdle

62. Violent troublemaker

86. Influential teacher, popularly

64. ‘90s rocker Kravitz

87. Uriah of “David Copperfield”

66. Arrived at

89. Commuters’ train to NYC

69. Admit (to)

92. “Am I the problem?”

70. ** Puerto Rican baseball legend who died tragically in a plane crash (#8)

94. Transition from one color to another

73. Explanation for not responding to a text sent hours ago 54 CITY SEPTEMBER 2026

96. Distribution into circulation 98. Wine: prefix

104. One carrying a debt 106. Mafia boss title 107. Like jeans made into shorts 109. Slim Shady alter ego 112. Ben _____ 113. 2008 Vice President candidate 114. Move in a spiral 118. Agree silently 119. Cry of pain

121. Where RCSD students will go on September 8, including at the answers to the starred clues 124. “Forgot About _____” (1999 rap track feat. 109-Across) 125. Soul legend Redding 126. Unpaid laborer 127. Adornment for angels and saints in art 128. Subway stop: Abbr. 129. Functions 130. Actress Thompson and others 131. Positive terminal on a battery

DOWN

67. Take _____ down memory lane

1. Lunchbox sammies

68. Filmmaker Ethan or Joel

2. First pope in a line of 14

69. “_____ la vie!”

3. Adderall target, in brief

71. Wash up

4. Hour for second period, for many

72. Stiller’s partner in comedy

5. German luxury auto brand

73. Red Sox star Wade who once rode a horse around Yankee Stadium

6. No fewer than 7. Astronaut Ride 8. Stylish heel named for a type of dagger 9. GPS approximations 10. _____ de plume 11. “Well, first of all...” 12. Certain seizure 13. Before, before 14. Eleanor Roosevelt, to Theodore 15. Hush-hush, slangily 16. Cartoon corporation that sells RocketPowered Roller Skates 17. “_____ All That” 18. Itsy 24. . Gradually improve 30. Fury 32. 1938 Nobelist and creator of the world’s first nuclear reactor (#17) 34. Arizona city named for indigenous tribal people on whose land it was founded 35. Xerox founder who advocated for racial integration in the 1960s (magnet/ baccalaureate)

74. “Star Trek” communications officer 75. Homeless animal 78. Follow, as a tip 79. Hobbled 80. One taking dictation 82. Drug in “Breaking Bad” 84. Tiny fractions of a meter 88. _____’acte 90. Neighbor of Leb. 91. Caribbean holiday desserts 93. Ego 95. Promise often written out in three phonetic letters 96. Circling the earth 97. Mental pictures 101. URL ender 103. Crocheted blanket 105. Sends off 108. Uber alternative? 109. They may justify the means 110. Death: Fr.

36. Japanese writing sticks

111. Brainstorm

37. Rock genre

112. Gas brand with toy trucks

38. Serving a purpose

113. Election result figs.

39. Talked incessantly

115. Daredevil’s hashtag

41. Female lobster

116. Church cross

42. Assists

117. “Do as I say, or _____!”

44. Less than 90°, as an angle

120. Treat popular on March 14 (at least in the US)

45. Taunts 46. Betelgeuse and Proxima Centauri 49. Doubter who should be “shaken off,” according to Taylor Swift 51. Evita who was played by Madonna 53. 17th century sea explorer who was cast adrift by his crew in 1611 (#28) 55. More strange 59. Glenn of the Eagles 61. Prefix with pad or copter 63. Obsessed with 65. Luke Skywalker’s mentor

122. “Wheel of Fortune” buy 123. When doubled, a dance