Directory/Arts & Culture
A center for the movement arts and South Wedge community. The Rose Room is home to Groove Juice Swing's classes and social dance events, as well as a broad range of movement arts and community gatherings. Features a 1,600+ sq ft original maple dance floor, 200-person standing capacity, built-in stage, lighting, sound system, green room, and dedicated bathrooms. Ample parking in the South Wedge. Note: historic building without an accessibility ramp for entry.
A center for the movement arts and South Wedge community. The Rose Room is home to Groove Juice Swing's classes and social dance events, as well as a broad range of movement arts and community gatherings. Features a 1,600+ sq ft original maple dance floor, 200-person standing capacity, built-in stage, lighting, sound system, green room, and dedicated bathrooms. Ample parking in the South Wedge. Note: historic building without an accessibility ramp for entry.
Artisan Works is a huge and unique art-related space (taking up several interconnected warehouses and other buildings - including the roof) where you can find over 40,000 pieces of art - sculptures, paintings, prints, cartoons, photographs, furniture, and everything in between. There are a bunch of studios of local artists there, many of which are open to the public. It's a great place to take out-of-town visitors, small children, sullen teenagers, or bored Rochesterarians who think they've seen it all. There is a gift shop, and they have a serve-yourself snack bar - but the popcorn machine is free. Admission is $12, or $8 for students, children, and seniors (free for members). A 3/8/07- A D&C Article (no longer available to view) talked about a cut in funding to Artisan Works and how they had to cut their hours in response. The article states that Artisan Works will no longer be open to walk-in visitors Monday-Thursday (starting April 2, 2007). Space can still be reserved for private tours and functions during the week. On the other hand, more will be going on Friday-Sunday: more artists working, more film screenings, and more Sunday concerts. This change is due to the city of Rochester denying Artisan Works' application for not-for-profit exemption from property taxes. Admissions prices also increased (new prices updated above). Public Image is located here. Awards Artisan Works was awarded "Best Place to Oooh and Ahh" in City Newspaper's 'Best Of Rochester' Critics' Choice Awards in 2008.1 See also Blossom Business Center
Art for Everyone is an educational organization that combines art and technology in education. Eric Grace, Robyn Neill, and Keith Simmons (his website) are the Rochester group's visionaries. Projects Rochester Digital Ripple Project, Rochester Hamamatsu Wiki
ABOUT Mulberry Soul was conceived in 2012 at the Rochester Folk Art Guild near Naples, NY and blends folk, bluegrass, and old time fiddle music with stunningly soulful original songs. Formed by a core group of the East Hill Ramblers, Mulberry Soul has produced two short EP albums in 2012 and is working on their first full length album to be released in Fall 2013. Get your dancing feet ready because the show is sure to be packed with some smoking picking on mandolin, guitar, banjo, bass and fiddle. MEMBERS Gabriel Schliffer: Fiddle, tenor banjo, vocals Scott Calpin: Mandolin, Vocals Carla-Marie Padvoiskis: Vocals, Rhythm guitar, washboard, autoharp Cordelia Hall: Clawhammer banjo, vocals Aaron Oldweiler: Bass Chris Machanoff: Guitar ONLINE Official website Facebook Bandcamp CONTACT folkartrecordings@gmail.com
Festival goers are encouraged to take advantage of free water by bringing their own containers for a fill and refill at the two Hydration Stations. The Park Avenue Summer Art Festival is one of the largest festivals in Rochester. Everything is there, from art to food, games to wine, people to pets. Well, ok, not pets as most pets are not allowed however if they could go I'm sure they would find their favorite kind of music playing. There's rock, country, jazz, funk, blues and more. Shop from hundreds of artists and craftspeople. Meet the artists and hear their stories. Where, When & How Park Avenue aka Park Avenue Area Usually the first full weekend in August Park at Gleason Works on University and catch a shuttle Online: The music begins as the festival opens with more than 32 acts performing on three stages. Photos: Park Avenue Festival 2003 by RocPic.Com Photos: Park Avenue Festival 2001 by RocPic.Com List of Park Ave Shops, Festival Info, Mp3s from Rochester Bands
Booksmart Studio is an art studio that specializes in producing artwork - whether it is in print or book form - utilizing digital printing. The result is a fine edition book sold in collaboration with exhibits in galleries and museums. Booksmart's facility is located in the Anderson Arts Building in the Neighborhood of the Arts. It is 8500 square feet including two galleries, a bindery, a retail store, digital printing studio, and a classroom for workshops in color management, digital printing, and software training. Founder Eric Kunsman has a background in Book Arts and Printmaking. He has an MS in Electronic Publishing from RIT's School of Print Media Sciences, as well as degrees in Biomedical Photography and Fine Art Photography from RIT's School of Photographic Sciences. He is also a practicing photographer. Digital printing lab manager Kory Gunnarsen is well-known for his prior work at Lumiere Photo. He received a BFA in Professional Photographic Illustration from RIT. His work may be viewed here.
Chase the Art was a boutique and gallery on Park Avenue. The owner was Mike Dellaria, known for his Pop Art-style prints of Rochester themes. They also featured other local artists. The entrance was on the side of the building, next to Bodymind Float Center. Opened in late 2016. The space was previously Fine2Fashion, owned by Dellaria's father. Links Article in the Democrat and Chronicle
Comedy at the Carlson is a comedy club in the city of Rochester located in North Winton Village off University Avenue, next to Radio Social. Opened June 29, 2017 and owned by the previous owner of The Comedy Club in Webster.
The Genesee Center for the Arts & Education, located on Monroe Avenue, is home to facilities for: Photography: Community darkroom (black & white), lighting studio, digital studio with scan/process/print capability plus a full curriculum of classes on various topics from film to digital. Pottery: Hand-built and wheel throwing, kiln and classes for all ages. Printing: Letterpress printing, bookbinding, papermaking, marbling and calligraphy. Classes are intended for those 14 and above. There are galleries that display works by members and other artists of note. Many of the facilities are available to rent and there are instructors available in all of the arts for those wishing to have private lessons. A variety of memberships are available, see the website for details. From the website: "Our mission is to provide art services and art education to all community members, with a strong emphasis on the under-served youth of the area. Our programs use art to strengthen the community by fostering cross-cultural understanding. We believe that a positive art experience can change a person's life. The act of creating art brings not only personal insight, but insight into one's relationship with the greater world." Things located here, started here, or related to the Center: Abundance Cooperative Market - now on Marshall Street Genesee Co-op - has evolved into many things Modern Nature Bodyworks Molly's Yoga Corner Rochester Cash Mob Studio 789 - Photo Club for 7th, 8th and 9th graders. Turk Hill Craft School - Fairport area pottery school Spokes & Ink Bike and Poster Fest
JGK Galleries was a fine art gallery. Their exhibits were selected from a national roster of artists, including sculptors, painters, glass artists, and mixed media artists. Notable artists on display included Richard Chandler, John Mauer, Molly Hutchings, Brittany Ryan, Mariko Ishii, Vinita Voogd, Joseph Moscoso, Elaine Twiss, and Peter Malarkey. Managing director Maria Lauriello-Klein is a Rochester native who has worked with numerous other local art organizations. JGK officially opened on October 6, 2011 in a nineteenth-century carriage house located at 10 Vick Park A, between Park and East Avenues. They closed this location in May 2013 and became online only. As of November 2015, their website is dead. Original physical location
Founded in 1981, Borinquen Dance Theatre, Inc. uses the study and performance of Puerto Rican folkloric and Latin contemporary dance to foster physical and emotional well-being and to build self-esteem, confidence and maturity. Borinquen Dance Theater is a non-profit organization serving youth ages 8 and older. Headquartered in Downtown United Presbyterian Church. Borinquen Dance Theatre Offers a diverse range of youth, many from economically challenged families, the opportunity to develop and practice discipline through the mental and physical training afforded by a rigorous holistic dance program; Cultivates leadership skills and teamwork through training, structure, cultural education, and positive role models; Fosters excellence through high expectations while balancing the demands of academic success with the methods of a disciplined rehearsal, training, and performance program. History Rising to the challenge posed by Garth Fagan at the Puerto Rican Festival more than three decades ago, Nydia has created her own legacy in dance education and youth advocacy through Borinquen Dance Theatre. Her students have gone on to careers in the medical profession, community work, local government and becoming owners of their own dance studios.
A Buffalo-based music store founded in 1976 by Rochester native Lenny Silver, Record Theatre eventually grew into a 21-store chain, with three stores in Rochester. The first and biggest of the three was the one at Midtown Plaza; the others were in Greece and Henrietta (the latter next to Club 747. The suburban stores were closed by 1997, while the Midtown store lasted another decade. Two stores in Buffalo remain open. http://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/local/rocroots/2015/10/30/whatever-happened-record-theatre/74834222/
Szechuan Opera brings authentic Sichuan Chinese cuisine to Park Avenue, specializing in the bold, spicy flavors of southwestern China's culinary tradition. Located in the Park Avenue neighborhood, this restaurant offers daily service and focuses on traditional Sichuan dishes known for their distinctive use of Sichuan peppercorns and complex spice blends.
New construction of a 4 unit attached townhouse built behind Woody's and facing the Strong Museum, Inner loop and the Rochester Skyline. Prices for the units will range from $360,000 to $375,000. 100 S. Union St. jpg does not seem to be an image file.
The Empire Statesmen are a local drum and bugle corps, and a nonprofit organization. Some quick facts, since I'm editing this at work when I should be working: I sincerely apologize for these facts. Please feel very free to edit. I certainly will. —H The Statesmen won the DCA world championships in 2004 You can join at any age (except if you are very wee... they have a separate corps for those not considered adult) Competition season runs through the summer and culminates in a grand competition 'round the first weekend of September They generally practice at downtown highschools They used to practice and do shows throughout the summer that were excellently fun, jazz and improv, but I don't know if this still occurs One year they did a show using music from The Phantom of the Opera, complete with a rowboat that rowed across the field when Christine and the Phantom went across the lake (the taste inherent in this addition to the show is questionable. I'll edit this out later) The cost of joining is pretty low, generally members have to work a certain number of shifts at their Bingo hall, located on Empire Blvd. They have been around for a long time! When I was a little girl, I remember seeing the Statesmen perform at the first marching band competition I went to, and they wore glittery white tuxedos and played notes I'd never heard before, and I was quite taken with them. —H
2009 Photo, BradMandell The Mercury statue, a landmark of downtown Rochester, was created in 1881 by J. Guernsey Mitchell. Mitchell was commissioned by his brother-in-law, William Kimball, the owner of the William S. Kimball Tobacco Factory, located at the corner of Court Street and Exchange Street, to craft this statue out of riveted copper plates fabricated by the John Siddons Co located on East Main St. Once the 21 foot tall, 700 pound statue was completed, it was installed atop one of the factory smokestacks and quickly became a hallmark of the Rochester Skyline. In 1951, the factory was demolished to make way for the Rochester War Memorial. The statue was placed in storage until 1973, when it was rediscovered by John B. Allen who suggested and facilitated its re-introduction to the Rochester skyline — this time atop the Aqueduct Building, one block north of its original home. Notes and References Labor Photos of Restoration 2 reserved right images on Flickr Photos Ralph Avery painted a number of famous paintings of the statue. Rochester Public Art Page The Friends of Mount Hope Newsletter Volume 20, Number 1 The industries of the city of Rochester pg. 154 Photos http://www.libraryweb.org/rochimag/architecture/LostRochester/Kimball/Kimball.htm The Mercury statue outside the building of John Siddons' Architectural Galvanized Iron Works at 84 E. Main Street. A group of people stands to the left, helping to demonstrate the size of the statue. Mercury was designed by J. Guernsey Mitchell and constructed by Siddons of riveted copper plates.
The gallery space. AXOM Gallery & Exhibition Space is a art gallery and art exhibit space in the Village Gate. The director is Margot Muto and co-curators are Rick and Robin Muto. AXOM Gallery offers a variety of services to support the "Art of Collecting," including consultation to build or establish a collection, lighting design and the placement and hanging of artwork. The gallery also hosts events to engage the community by offering artists talks and demonstrations. Part of the gallery’s mission is to actively support various outreach programming and city revitalization through the arts. The gallery is free to all visitors and is open regular hours and by appointment. It is located in the Neighborhood of the Arts. AXOM Objects On May 12, 2015 the gallery opened AXOM Objects, an upscale contemporary furniture and home decorating shop. The venture is a collaboration between AXOM and interior designer Robin Muto. Says Robin: "I realized that I had developed a keen knowledge of the furniture industry and wanted to provide a resource where people could purchase design savvy, well made, eco-friendly and most of all affordable furniture that has been curated for them through a designer’s eye. The furnishings look great in urban loft settings and live –work environments, and the fabrics are so durable which makes them perfect for young people starting families. Our accessory pieces are beautiful, functional and very cool, making them great gift items when you’re looking for something very special."
At work in their studio. Samples of bags made from old banners. EvenOdd Creative is a small Rochester-based design group that produces unique, handmade accessories from upcycled materials such as bicycle inner tubes and vinyl banners. Products include messenger bags, tote bags, wallets, wrist cuffs, laptop sleeves, and iPad sleeves. They describe their aesthetic as urban and gritty. EvenOdd Creative was founded in 2009 by a pair of designers named Ashley and Liza. They have a retail location in the Hungerford Building and also offer online shopping. Other locations where EvenOdd products may be purchased include the following: Bert's Bikes and Fitness Freewheelers Full Moon Vista Memorial Art Gallery Tom's Pro Bike Shop R Community Bikes Images courtesy of EvenOdd Creative.
(Sept. 2012) Plush Lounge & Nightclub was a club in the St. Paul Quarter, replacing VENU. Grand opening was September 7, 2012. It was shut down in December 2013 due to the violence outside of the club which was seen to be associated with the establishment. In response, Plush left the following message on their Facebook page: :PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: Due to the current unfortunate events that have taken place at Plush Night Club & Lounge (that could've happened anywhere like the mall, the bank, toys r us, Chuck E Cheese, any Walmart or target, etc; and I bet y'all won't stop going there), which have gained top spot recognition on local news/media channels giving the establishment high negative and unsafe views by the local and surrounding community..... I.... on behalf of the team I work with and people I party with would like to let everyone know................... THAT THIS FRIDAY FIRST FRIDAY DEC 6TH IS STILL GOING THE FUCK DOWN!!!!!! WE GON PARTY WE GON DRINK WE GON HAVE A DAMN GOOD TIME ON THE SAGITTARIUS SIDE OF THANGS........ THE OFFICIAL SAGITTARIUS BASH SWAGGATARIUS STAND UP DONT KEEP CALM PARTY UP!!!!!!!!!!! SO YEAH SEE YOU FRIDAY AT PLUSH
Cheeburger Cheeburger was a 50's-style chain burger place offering burgers in five different sizes, ranging from the 5.5 oz. Classic to the huge (20 oz.) Famous Pounder; add fries, onion rings and a drink. They also offered other sandwiches and wraps plus salads to round out the menu. Their Invent Your Own Shake or Malt was popular as well. See Online Menu for details. The Rochester location was originally in the Port of Rochester (the former Fast Ferry terminal) in Charlotte, so it was only a seasonal venue. Outside seating was limited, so you sometimes had to wait if you want to watch the boat traffic on the Genesee River. According to the Democrat and Chronicle, the owners closed the Port of Rochester location in August 2015 and re-opened on November 6, 2015 at CityGate, in the Upper Mount Hope area of the city. In October 2018, Cheeburger Cheeburger in CityGate closed due to eviction. According to WROC TV-8, the eviction notice was given by Marshal Sande Macaluso. See Cheeburger evicted from CityGate in Rochester Photo Album - Original Charlotte Location
The free Bands on the Bricks summer concerts take place at the historic Rochester Public Market, 280 N. Union St. on Friday evenings during the months of July and August. Generally the party gets cranked up with opening acts around 5-6PM, with the headliners coming onstage around 8PM. On a nice Summer evening it is a great place to bring a chair and enjoy some fine free tunes. In addition to the free entertainment, food and beverage is available for purchase along with unique merchandise from several vendors. Special ground rules prevent pets or outside food and beverage from being brought into the site, except one sealed bottle of water per person. See the website for this year's list of national and regional entertainers. Vending spaces are available for vendors of unique merchandise during the Night Market. Interested vendors should call the Market at 585/428-6907 from 7a.m. to 1 p.m., Tues.-Sat. for more information.
Black Radish Studio is an art gallery and custom framing studio in the Neighborhood of the Arts. It is owned by Sean DeChalais, a former employee of the Chase-Pitkin framing department, The Ansel Adams Gallery in San Francisco, NPFC in San Francisco, and Rye Creek Frame and Design in Rochester. Custom framing is BRS's speciality. They cater to a wide array of clientele ranging from casual enthusiasts to fine art collectors. Black Radish Studio invites those with complex framing needs: shadow boxes, needlework, and mirrors, to name a few. Their framing experience covers a number of media, including sports memorabilia, music media (vinyl records, concert prints, autographed memorabilia), family photos, oil and acrylic paintings on canvas, and prints and posters. Technical specialties cover a range of archival framing methods and custom matting. At BRS, custom matting includes hand-painted mat bevels, watercolor mat panels, acrylic mat panels, custom gold, copper, and silver leaf matting, India ink mat panels, and hand-wrapped fabric mats. Gallery openings are on First Friday. First Friday's are the first Friday of the month from 6:00pm-10:00pm. Attendance is free of charge. Black Radish Studio is located in the Village Gate and can be accessed through a door next to the "D" entrance, on the Anderson Avenue side of Village Gate. They opened in July 2011.
Pittsford Cinema was a commercial movie theater in Pittsford, located across the plaza from the Super Wegmans in Pittsford Plaza. This 9-screen complex operated by Zurich Cinemas is the only suburban theater in Rochester that consistently showed one or two independent features every week. Student discounts and matinee pricing were available.