Nick Foti ’19 offers his selection of events and activities to check out this weekend. Log in to the University Events Calendar and find more things to do. The calendar features a variety of events at all campuses, including the River Campus, Eastman School, Memorial Art Gallery, and Medical Center.
#1: Dress up for prom rewind
Wish you could redo parts of your prom? You can do just that, from 8 to 11 p.m., Friday, February 9 at the Memorial Art Gallery’s Valentine Schmalentine: Prom Rewind. Dress up in your best prom dress and tux and relive all the nostalgia from your glory years. Go stag, with your friends, or with a dreamy date on your arm and take back your prom night. The 21+ party includes art activities and dancing with music by a live DJ. Enjoy a night of throwback ’80s and ’90s tunes, classic art, snap bracelets, and juice boxes. Pick up some “Spiked Prom Punch,” a signature cocktail sponsored by LiDestri’s Recipe 21 and poured by Brown Hound. There will be a poetry reading of “Love is a Four Letter Word” with local poet Rachel Mckibbens and tarot card readings with the “Love Guru.” Experience tastings and giveaways from Trader Joe’s, play games, and much more. Tickets are $17 presale online or $20 day of the event.
#2: Taste some wines, champagnes, and desserts
The Friends of Strong will host a Gala Wine Tasting Friday, February 9, from 7 to 10 p.m. Guest are invited to sample 100 select red, white, and sparkling, imported and domestic wines along with French champagnes, hors d’oeuvres, and desserts. The event will feature live music, a silent auction, and live drawings. Tickets are $75 each if purchased in advance or $90 at the door. Tickets purchased online after February 6 will be held at will call. Attendees of the event help to support Strong Memorial Hospital to provide services and much-needed patient care equipment. The event will be held at the Monroe Gold Club at 155 Golf Avenue in the Town of Pittsford. Event-goers must be 21 or older to attend and business casual attire (no denim) is requested.
#3: Listen to classical repertoire
The Eastman Philharmonia and Philharmonia Chamber Orchestra will perform on Friday, February 9, in Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre. Hear Mozart’s “The Impresario Overture,” Walton’s “Cello Concerto,” and Dvořák’s “Symphony No. 7.” The ensembles are comprised of third- and fourth-year undergraduates and graduate students. The free performance is directed by Neil Varon and Michael Wheatley. Throughout the year, the ensembles perform standard orchestral repertoire and members of the Philharmonia comprise the pit orchestra for the fall and spring operas, as well as playing choral and orchestral works. The performance begins at 8 p.m.
#4: Join in a Chinese new year celebration
The annual China Nite event will be held Saturday, February 10. Presented by the Chinese Students’ Association, the celebration features Chinese folk music, dance, comedies, as well as talented traditional and contemporary performances by students as well as members of the Rochester community. There will be group performances from Indulgence, Phoenix Fire, the Yellow Jackets, and a show from winners from the Voice of Rochester. The event begins at 7 p.m., in Strong Auditorium on the River Campus. Tickets are $10 for the general public and can be purchased at the Common Market in Wilson Commons.
#5: Step into baroque music, art
The Memorial Art Gallery will host its “Going for Baroque” recitals on Sunday, February 11, at the museum’s Fountain Court. Listen to Eastman School of Music students perform a 25-minute recital— at 1 and again at 3 p.m.—on the only full-size antique Italian organ in North America. The organ is the centerpiece of 30 major Baroque-period paintings and sculptures from the museum’s permanent collection. Admission to the museum is free for University students, staff, and faculty with ID.
