BeyondTheNest: Weekly e-newsletter for Rochester | |
Note from your publisher Looking for a reason to shake off the January chill? Rochester’s arts scene is buzzing with bold performances and thought-provoking stories this week. Whether you’re in the mood for the irreverent antics of Spamalot, the haunting suspense of The Woman in Black, or the quiet emotional depth of Chekhov’s The Seagull at MuCCC, there’s something onstage to meet your mood. Each offers its own kind of magic—laughter,
mystery, reflection—and all promise the kind of winter evening that stays with you long after the curtain falls. You’ll also find plenty of opportunities to connect, create, and be inspired on this weekend's calendar. Spark something new at the Memorial Art Gallery’s Make a Connection! event, let global rhythms move you at the Sister Cities Concert, or cozy up virtually for a fascinating look at Death in the National Parks. Whether you’re diving into conversation at RoCo or dancing the night
away at Contra, it’s a great week to get out, get curious, and let Rochester surprise you. —Debra Ross, publisher
|
|
|
|
The show that set Broadway back 1,000 returns! Monty Python’s SPAMALOT, which first galloped onto Broadway in 2005, features a book & lyrics by Eric Idle and music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle. The original Broadway production was nominated for fourteen Tony Awards and won three, including best musical. Lovingly ripped off from the film classic, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, SPAMALOT features songs such as “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” “The Song That Goes Like This,” “Find Your Grail” and more that have become beloved classics in the musical theatre canon. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com or the Auditorium Box Office for performances running January 13-18. For more information, visit RBTL.org.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Friday, January 9, 2026, 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM: Why do some people lose their lives in America’s national parks? Randi Minetor, author of nine books in the non-fiction "Death in the National Parks" series, explores the fatal mistakes people make when they venture into unfamiliar wilderness. Randi will share highlights of her in-depth research and what it reveals about the people who perish in the parks. She will offer insights about why people are driven to challenge themselves in the wilderness no matter the odds against their safe return and provides helpful tips on how to avoid your own disaster in a national park. Registration is required.
|
|
|
|
Jan 8 – 17, 2026: Step into the quiet brilliance of The Seagull by Anton Chekhov, brought to life by The Classics Company. In this deeply human tale, a celebrated actress, her aspiring playwright son, and a young ingénue converge at a serene country estate — only to find their ambitions, loves, and fears flying higher than ever.
|
|
|
|
Jan 14-Feb 8: From England’s West End! A dark and scary mystery unfolds in this masterful theatrical event that promises chills and thrills. The second longest-running play in the history of the West End, The Woman in Black is a chilling drama, adapted by Stephen Mallatratt from the 1983 novel by Susan Hill. Mallatratt conjured a complete world into which generations of young people have entered, surrendering to the ultimate magic of theatre: their own imaginations.
|
|
|
|
We invite you to spark something new — whether it’s a friendship, a flirtation, or just a fun night out. Join us for Make a Connection!, an evening inspired by the exhibition Frontiers of Impressionism: Paintings from the Worcester Art Museum. Just like the exhibition, which pairs artworks across periods, cultures, and mediums to invite fresh conversations, this event brings people together to discover unexpected common ground.
|
|
|
|
The Days the Artists Spoke is a special artist talk series RoCo has been programming for over 16 years. Held just three times a year during the annual members exhibition, these brief, ten-minute talks let the artist and audience connect in a deeply personal, sometimes humorous and often vulnerable way.
|
|
|
|
January 10 at Kilbourn Hall: Join us for a vibrant celebration of music and culture from around the world! This extraordinary event will feature captivating performances that highlight the rich musical traditions of Rochester’s sister cities: Hamamatsu, Japan; Waterford, Ireland; Rennes, France; Caltanissetta, Italy; and Würzburg, Germany.
|
|
|
|
Contra dancing is a folk community dance that is inter-generational. No experience or partner is required, this dance is open to everyone and all ages. It is a substance and fragrance free environment. They are 7:30-10PM every Thursday in the South Wedge, with a newcomer's lesson at 7PM. $12 suggested.
|
|
|
|
Teens and Adults are invited to join our rebooted Technology Center Coding Club. Come play with some brand-new cool robots! Try out our Makey Makey programmable robot games and creative coding options from MIT media labs. Use it to turn anything into a video game controller for an introduction to programming software. Build a custom mobile robot with Sphero Blueprint Engineering Kit to learn computer-aided design (CAD) engineering principles and learn how to design 3D printed custom pieces.
|
|
|
|
Looking for high-energy family fun? Head to the Blue Cross Arena to cheer on the Rochester Americans as they hit the ice for another thrilling hockey matchup! With fast-paced action, fan giveaways, and an electric atmosphere, an Amerks game is the perfect way to make unforgettable memories with your kids. Don your red, white, and blue, grab some popcorn, and get ready to shout “Go Amerks!” Check out the full schedule and grab your tickets at https://amerks.com.
|
|
|
|
Whether you are looking for inspiration, in need of project help, or simply want to make new friends, join the Rochester Fiber Makers. This is not your average knitting group! We meet most Wednesday nights from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. Come join us January 14 & 28 at Flight Wine Bar on Exchange Blvd. for a crafty evening of fiber fun!
|
|
|
|
Opera Guild of Rochester conquers dull Sunday afternoons by sharing opera video presentations of acclaimed productions by your favorite composers. The 2026 Beat the Blahs Haskell Rosenberg Memorial Series will feature four events selected to represent the golden age of Italian opera.
|
|
|
|
Thurs, Jan 15, Fri, Feb 20, and Thurs, Mar 19: Poet Kathleen Wakefield has found that experiencing the reading of poetry in community opens it up in new ways for everyone, whether you've always loved poetry or had less than positive experiences with it! She brings a diverse mini-anthology to each meeting and helps participants discover poems that deeply connect them to their own experiences and to the world. No prior experience with poetry is necessary. Sweet Bites is held at Mendon Public Library monthly this winter.
|
|
|
Lovely local experiences are in your future! |
|
|
|
