Jeanette Colby, the University calendar editor, offers a 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: Take the family out to a baseball-themed concert
Enjoy a family-friendly concert celebrating “150 Years of Baseball” on Friday, December 6. Led by Rachel Waddell, music director and conductor, the chamber orchestra and concert choir performs a baseball-themed concert in collaboration with the Rochester Red Wings, the Rochester Baseball Historical Society, the University’s baseball teams, and Roberto Clemente Elementary School. The musical program features a medley of familiar ballpark classical tributes, including “Baseball Polka” and “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” which will be guest conducted by the Red Wings mascot, Mittsy. Before the concert, starting at 7:15 p.m., there will be interactive exhibits presented by the Rochester Baseball Historical Society. And after the concert join Mittsy for a free photo and baseball-card signing. The hour-long free event starts at 8 p.m. at Strong Auditorium.
#2: Experience traditional West African drum and dance
The Music Department’s West African Drumming Ensemble will perform traditional West African rhythms on Saturday, December 7. The program features dancing and drumming by Sansifanyi and is directed by Kerfala (Fana) Bangoura, faculty member of the Program of Dance and Movement. The ensemble combines the iconic djeme hand drum with a trio of drums played with sticks, known as dunun, sagban, and kenkeni. The free performance begins at 6 p.m. in the Dance Studio at Spurrier Hall on the River Campus.
#3: Hear Eastman ensembles at Kodak Hall
The Eastman Rochester Chorus and Eastman School Symphony Orchestra will present a free concert at Kodak Hall on Friday, December 6. Conductors are William Weinert and Caleb Hopkins. The program features the music of Brahms, Williams, and Handel. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and will be streamed live at https://www.esm.rochester.edu/live/.
#4: Enjoy festive event for the family at College Town
College Town hosts its annual “Deck the Town,” on Saturday, December 7. Bring the kids for a visit with Santa Claus at the Barnes & Noble Café or take a ride on the horse-drawn wagons around the shopping plaza. Enjoy performances by the University’s own a cappella groups the YellowJackets and Trebellious. There will be a hot cocoa station, kettle corn, face painting with air brush tattoos, ice sculptures, and craft-making at various businesses. Make plans to visit, shop, or dine at College Town. The event runs from 4 to 7 p.m. Get there early because some items will be limited to the first 300 people.
#5: Listen to Italian baroque music
Hear a mini-recital on the Italian Baroque organ on Sunday, December 8, at the Memorial Art Gallery. Students from the Eastman School of Music perform alongside professional musicians at 1 and again 3 p.m. The only full-size antique Italian organ in North America is located in the Fountain Court on the second floor of the museum. The organ is the centerpiece of an installation that highlights more than 30 major Baroque-period paintings and sculptures. Also on view at the art museum are exhibitions Alphonse Mucha: Master of Art Nouveau and De’VIA: The Manifesto Comes of Age. Brunch is offered at Brown Hound Downtown on Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and reservations are requested. Admission to the Memorial Art Gallery is free for University faculty, staff, and students with an ID. There is a $5 surcharge for the Alphonse Mucha exhibition.
