Nick Foti ’19 offers his selection of events and activities to check out this weekend. Browse, discover, and share upcoming events on the University Events Calendar by logging in with your University NetID. The calendar features a variety of events at all campuses, including the River Campus, Eastman School, Memorial Art Gallery, and Medical Center.
#1: Hear Joy DeGruy’s insight on African-American community
Joy DeGruy, internationally-renowned scholar and author, will lead the talk “Leading Through Healing,” on Friday, February 16. The talk, which is open to the public, begins at 6 p.m. in the Hawkins-Carlson Room at Rush Rhees Library. Joy is the author of Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome — America’s Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing, Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: The Study Guide, and working on another book, Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome Part 2: Be The Healing. She will discuss the historical and contemporary pressures surrounding the African-American community and how healing is of vital importance. With over 20 years of practical experience as a professional in the field of social work, she gives a practical insight into various cultural and ethnic groups that form the basis of contemporary American society. A book signing and reception will follow the event. On Saturday, February 17, DeGruy will also talk about the “The Power of Art” during at 2 p.m. event at the Memorial Art Gallery’s Black History Family Fun Day event.
#2: See modern orchestra and sought-after violinist perform
Eastman Presents Series features Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment featuring violinist Nicola Benedetti on Friday, February 16. Described as “experimentalists,” the modern ensemble performs on period-specific instruments at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theater at 8 p.m. The program will include Beethoven’s Violin Concerto and Symphony No. 4. Joining the program is Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti—one of the most sought-after violinists of her generation—who collaborates with orchestras and conductors around the world. Tickets are $26-$81 and available online.
#3: Celebrate Black History Month
The Memorial Art Gallery will celebrate Black History Month with a celebration, from noon to 5 p.m., Saturday, February 17. The event is open to all Rochester area families and community members. Enjoy art activities for children, an instrument petting zoo, and live music performances by ROCmusic Collaborative and the New Gospel Times. There will be an African-Cuban line dance workshop with Frances Hare and tours of the museum. In addition, catch the presentation “The Power of Art” with Joy DeGruy. The suggested donation is $5 per family.
#4: Cheer on the Yellowjackets
The Yellowjackets play at the Palestra on Friday, February 16. The women’s team will play a home game vs. Brandeis at 6 p.m., and the men’s team will follow with a game at 8 p.m. The women’s team has improved to 18-4 overall after defeating Case Western Reserve and Carnegie Mellon last weekend, and the men’s team will step onto the court with a 7-3 record at home. For the second time this season, Rochester senior center Alexandra Leslie ’18 has been chosen as the University Athletic Association Women’s Basketball Player of the Week and will be heading into this week’s game ranked second on the University’s career scoring list after putting up 45 points in last weekend’s games. Admission to the game is free.
#5: Head to a community ice skating party
The University of Rochester and the 19th Ward Community Association are cosponsoring a “Family & Student Ice Skating Party” on Sunday, February 18. The University community and their families are invited to attend. There will be food, drinks, and parking will be provided for free. Skate rentals are also available. Shuttle services from the River Campus will be provided between 3:45 and 6:15 p.m. The event is from 4 to 6 p.m., at the Genesee Valley Sports Complex, 131 Elmwood Avenue. For information, call (585) 328-6571.