Danielle Douglas ’17 offers her selection of events and activities to check out this weekend. Get information daily on upcoming events at the University Events Calendar at www.rochester.edu/calendar.
#1: Start the Weekend with Eastman New Jazz
Experience the world premiere of student-composed pieces at the Eastman New Jazz Ensemble’s evening performance on Thursday, March 9. The concert, directed by Eastman faculty member Dave Rivello, will feature three pieces—two by students, and one by esteemed trombonist Bob Brookmeyer that has not been played since the 1980s. The New Jazz Ensemble focuses on contemporary jazz and primarily performs pieces written within the last 20 years. This elite group of student musicians has previously been named the Downbeat Student Music Award winner for Best College Big Band. The concert will take place at 8 p.m., in Kilbourn Hall at the Eastman School of Music, and is free and open to the public. Eastman New Jazz Ensemble website.
#2: Attend Dinner to Fight Cancer
Colleges Against Cancer is hosting its first annual Purple Tie Dinner at the River Campus’s Douglass Ballroom on Friday, March 10. The formal event, which will raise money for the American Cancer Society, will go directly to helping cancer research at the Wilmot Cancer Center and the Hope Lodge. There will be hors d’oeuvres and live jazz music performed by students from the Eastman School of Music, beginning at 5:30 p.m. At 6 p.m., listen to stories of cancer survival and latest news on cancer research. Michael Crisona, lead of the board of directors for the American Cancer Society, will also discuss Rochester area-efforts. The dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. Individual tickets cost $40; a table for 8 costs $320. Find tickets online or email rochesterrelay@gmail.com.
#3: Get a seat to That Poor Girl Final Shows
After a series of five back-to-back performances, the International Theatre Program’s That Poor Girl and How He Killed Her continues with a second week of shows. Student actors will return to the stage from Thursday, March 9 through, Saturday, March 11, at 7 p.m. each night in Todd Theater. The dark contemporary play, written by Jen Silverman, chronicles the mystery of the disappearance of Alyssa Long, a beautiful, wealthy teenager who goes missing after catching the attention of a newcomer to the town. Tickets cost $8 for University students; $12 for alumni, faculty, staff, and seniors; and $15 for the general public. They can be purchased up to an hour before the show at the door; online at rochester.edu/theatre, or by calling (585) 275-4088.
#4: Screen Stories of ‘Trailblazing Women’
The Women’s History Month Film Series, hosted by the Little Theatre, WXXI, and the Susan B. Anthony Institute for Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies, will present a screening of the documentary League of Exotique Dancers on Sunday, March 12. Showcasing narrative films about trailblazing women, the series continues this weekend with an award-winning film described as, “a provocative and eye-opening ‘backstage tour’ of the golden age of Burlesque through the colorful lives of unforgettable women who make it glitter.” The film will be followed by a discussion with Linda Moroney, filmmaker and film series programmer; Rama Rau, director of League of Exotique Dancers; and Ed Barreveld, producer of the film. Tickets are $5 for the general public and free for University of Rochester students, and can be purchased at the Little’s box office. Read more.
#5: Celebrate Rochester Composer at Kilbourn Hall
Rochester composer Cary Ratcliff ’75E (BM) ’89E (DMA) will be honored as the Mu Phi Epsilon Musician of the Year on Sunday, March 12, at the Eastman School of Music. The concert at Kilbourn Hall will feature two premieres of Ratcliff’s works: “Spell to Bring Lost Creatures Home,” and “Voyage for Trombone and Piano.” The evening includes performances by Petar Kodzas, classical guitarist and the newly named associate dean of the Eastman Community Music School; Madrigalia, a Rochester-based chamber choir; Eastman School faculty and students; and Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra members. The concert is free and open to the public. The program will be followed by a reception. Read more.