Danielle Douglas ’17 offers her selection of events and activities to check out this weekend. Find updates and explore upcoming events at the University Events Calendar at www.rochester.edu/calendar.
#1: Experience music in motion with a surround-sound concert
Where audio engineering meets creative performance, you’ll find the Eastman Mobile Acousmonium—and on Thursday, March 30, it will be on display at the Memorial Art Gallery. Known as “EMA” for short, this orchestra of mobile loudspeakers was created as a collaboration between engineering and music students and faculty from the Eastman School of Music and the college as a part of the Eastman Audio Research Studio. Loudspeakers will be arranged in unique constructions, and as attendees walk through the environment at the museum ballroom, they will experience a new perception of sound in motion. There are two free one-hour shows—at 6 p.m., and 8 p.m.
#2: Take in a night of a cappella
Join the YellowJackets, one of UR’s all-male a cappella groups, for their spring concert on Saturday, April 1, at 8 p.m. in Strong Auditorium on the River Campus. The ensemble of 14 will perform an April Fools’ Day show featuring songs across a range of genres including artists such as Shawn Mendes, Ed Sheeran, the Chainsmokers, and Jon Bellion. The event will also feature a performance by the University’s own Xclusive Step Team. Tickets are on sale at the Common Market in Wilson Commons or online. The cost is $7 for undergraduate students; $10 for faculty and staff; and $15 for the general public. Tickets can be purchased at the door: $10 for undergraduate students; $15 for faculty and staff; and $20 for the general public. See the event Facebook page.
#3: Watch west African drum and dance
Experience music and dance of Guinea with the Mounafayni Percussion and Dance Ensemble’s presentation of “The Mask” on Friday, March 31. This group will use performance as a way to deconstruct stereotypes and cultural identity in America. One mask, which is adorned with mirrors to reflect light, comes from the Melinke tribe in West Africa. Seven guest artists will perform, including Moustapha Bangoura, Manimou Camara, Abou Sylla, Facinet Sylla, Fode Sylla, Aly Traore, and Abdoulaye Toure. The performance is free and open to the public. The show begins at 8 p.m. in the Spurrier Dance Studio on the River Campus.
#4: Wine, dine, and paint—for a good cause
Spend your Sunday afternoon indulging in both art and beverages at the Mt. Hope Family Center’s annual “Painting with a Purpose.” Bring your own wine, beer, and snacks and enjoy a painting class, Sunday April 2, at the Henrietta Painting with a Twist location, 3159-3259 S. Winton Road, Suite 104. Proceeds support the family center. No previous painting experience is necessary. The event will include a silent auction of items from local businesses. Tickets can be purchased online by individuals over the age of 18 for $35 per seat.
#5: Attend an Irish playwright’s one-man show
Get transported back to the time of World War II with God Has No Country, a one-hour one-man show performed by Irish guest writer and performer Donal Courtney on Friday, March 31 and Saturday, April 1 at 7 p.m. in Todd Theater. Courtney will portray Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty, an Irish Catholic priest working to defend Jews and escaped prisoners of war that have been targets of the fascist regime. The event, which is part of the Humanities Project, is free and open to the public. Read more.