BeyondTheNest: Weekly e-newsletter for Rochester | |
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Save the Date
Fri/Sat, Apr 24 & 25, 2026: SPACE!: Reprise of RPO
April 2024 Eclipse Concert at Eastman Theatre Sat, Apr 25: Imagine
RIT annual innovation festival at the Rochester Institute of Technology Sun, Apr 26: JFS Brunch Out at Comedy at the Carlson Fri, May 8-Sun, May 17: 2026 Rochester Lilac Festival in Highland Park Sat, May 9: Breast Cancer Coalition Pink & Teal Challenge (Run and Walk) at MCC Fri, May 22- Mon, May 25: Forging Japanese Blades at Wendell Castle Workshop in Scottsville Wed, May 27: Geva Theatre Presents Anastasia: The Musical! Fri, Jul 17-Sat, Jul 18: Make a Beautiful Lamp at at Wendell Castle Workshop in Scottsville
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Note from your publisher With so many on-stage options this weekend, two especially stand out: Furlough's Paradise, which opened last weekend at Geva's Wilson Stage and runs through May 10, and A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical, which is at the RBTL's West Herr Auditorium Theatre through this Sunday, April 26. I've seen them both, and I find them fascinatingly opposite from each other in a very specific way. A Beautiful Noise connects each audience member with themselves. It's an exercise in nostalgia: For many of us, Neil Diamond's music has been part of
the soundtrack of our lives through the years, and every song in that show connects us with the past selves that make up our own unique story. We relax into the rhythm of the music we knew then and we still love today, and our past merges with our present. You can see my detailed discussion of the show here. Furlough's Paradise is almost more a poem than a play. But unlike the soothing poetry of, say, Neil Diamond's lyrics, the poetry of Furlough's Paradise is intended very specifically to challenge the audience, forcing us to disconnect from our former assumptions and absorb a world that is likely slanted somewhat differently from our own. This concept is reinforced by a stage that is itself slightly tilted, and we experience the poetry of
the play not just in words but in the motion of its two brilliant actors. We have plenty more to occupy us this week, of course... read on for nature, invention, music, and lots more in every corner of
the Rochester area. Enjoy! —Debra Ross, publisher
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Hello Again, Old
Friends If Neil Diamond’s music has been part of the soundtrack of your life, A Beautiful Noise, onstage at the West Herr Auditorium Theatre through this Sunday, offers a warm, vibrant evening full of memorable songs and terrific performances. In my review "Hello Again, Old Friends," I write about Nick Fradiani’s standout turn in the starring role, the musical’s strong nostalgic pull, and the special pleasure of hearing beloved songs bring earlier chapters of life vividly back to
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Friday, April 24 & Saturday, April 25, 7:30pm at Eastman Theatre: Embark on an interstellar musical adventure with this cosmic Pops program! Reprising last year’s Eclipse concert, Jeff Tyzik and your RPO soar through the galaxy with iconic tv and film themes and classical masterpieces. Experience the mystery and majesty of outer space with celestial soundscapes and stunning visuals—prepare for liftoff!
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Saturday, April 25, 2026: Welcome to the extraordinary! Imagine RIT: Creativity and Innovation Festival is a FREE signature event that showcases the imaginative and inventive spirit of RIT students. Visitors of all ages experience the breadth and depth of RIT through interactive presentations, hands-on demonstrations, exhibitions, performing arts, and research projects set up throughout campus. 350+ Student Exhibits, 2200+ Exhibitors, 300+ Volunteers. Join us on the RIT campus 10am-5pm on Saturday, April 25.
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Join us Saturday, May 9th at Monroe Community College to walk or run and have FUN at the Breast Cancer Coalition's annual Pink & Teal Challenge! It's BCCR's largest fundraising event of the year; all proceeds stay local to provide cutting-edge programs and services free-of-charge to anyone touched by a breast or gynecologic cancer diagnosis. Bring your spouse and family to the walk... it's a great cause! Women's-Only 5k Run starts at 9:30am, All-Inclusive Walk starts 9:45am. To register visit: Pink & Teal Challenge.
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Through May 3: The RMSC’s temporary exhibit explores the tasks and challenges required of a space explorer, requires teamwork to solve problems, and illuminates the science + tools needed to monitor damage to a spacecraft. Experience a rocket launch, explore how a lack of gravity can affect the body & mind, and discover how scientific observations and measurements can both differ in space. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to sleep, eat, shower, and use the toilet in space, Astronaut allows you the opportunity to explore your curiosities. On display at the Rochester Museum & Science Center through May 3 only, so it's a great time to head there now!
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Join JFS for a special brunch full of laughter and community togetherness at JFS Brunch Out! In place of our traditional evening “Night Out,” we’re putting a fresh spin on this community favorite with a brunch-time celebration. Enjoy light bites, mimosas, and other brunch favorites before a private stand-up performance by Liz Glazer, a hilarious and nationally recognized comedian recently featured on The Tonight Show.
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What is CSA? Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) offers the opportunity for people, of a specific geographic region to support a local farm, the local community and the rural economy. Through annual enrollment (by purchasing a share) the share holder helps the farmer with much needed funds at the beginning of the growing season while knowing the share holder will receive (on a weekly basis once the picking season starts) the freshest possible produce grown by the farmer. It gives the share holder the chance to really learn about and know who is growing their food. If you are interested in our 2026 CSA please email [email protected] for information. |
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Sunday, April 26, 2026: Old Fashion Day at Honey Locust Farm from 10 am to 3 pm. This one-of-a-kind annual event showcases antique farm equipment with demonstrations pulled by the farms stunning Draft Horses, local artisans, Punkey's Cornell Chicken BBQ and sweets. Check out a small petting zoo area with your favorite farm animals. This FREE event is perfect for the whole family and a community favorite!
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Friday, April 24, 4pm-6pm, Helmer Nature Center in Irondequoit: Be a part of making HNC even better and greener! Help plant maples in our Sugar Bush and join one of our Staff Naturalists for a tree walk to learn more about the flora here at Helmer. After planting, stick around for some snacks as a thank you for your work! All ages & abilities welcome! Note: Children must be accompanied by an adult. The Animal Room will be open!
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Saturday, April 25, 2026, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM Join members of the Burroughs Audubon Nature Club and the Canandaigua Botanical Society for a trip to see and learn about trillium and other spring ephemerals that are blooming. Located between Zurich Bog and Kraai Preserve, you'll find the Sanctuary at Crowfield Farm near 2480/2488 Arcadia Zurich Norris Road, Newark NY. CANANDAIGUA BOTANICAL SOCIETY signs will be posted at the entrance to the property. The trillium grow along a large west facing hill. Bring your hiking poles if you have them.
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Sunday, April 26 1pm-3pm: From watering your garden, indoor plants, or lawn to washing cars or outdoor furniture to flushing your toilet - rain barrels are for you! Join us to learn more about water conservation at the Montezuma Audubon Center.
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Seneca Park Zoo is not only home to many animals from all over the globe but also an excellent habitat for our local birds! Unleash your inner birder and view the Zoo in a different way while learning about the different types of birds that call this park and Rochester home. Bring your own binoculars or borrow a pair. All birding skill levels welcome! The tour goes from 8:00 am to 9:30 am (remember, early bird catches the worm)!
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This day of the Friends of WPL Book Sale is Bring-Your-Own-Bag Sale Day. Bring a bag to fill with books for $5!
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Sing-Out is a Rochester-based non-profit organization that produces an annual, student-led musical performance featuring youth from multiple school districts. They are 100% volunteer-run and 100% of ticket proceeds are donated to a local children's charity, making it both a performing arts experience and a community impact initiative. Here is the link to buy tickets to this year's show: https://givebutter.com/sing-out2026tickets
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Sunday, April 26 2pm-3:30pm at Nazareth University Arts Center: Founded in 1991 by Nancy Strelau, the Greater Rochester Women's Philharmonic gathers annually to connect female musicians in the area, and to raise funds for Willow Domestic Violence Center.
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Over a professional life spanning seven decades, Edward Steichen (1879–1973) established himself as one of the most important figures in the history of photography. What is less known is that for much of that time Steichen also devoted himself to the nurturing of plants and gardens, an activity that sustained him and through which he developed ardently held beliefs regarding the relationship among art, nature, and creativity.
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Starring Aliyah Khaylyn as Rachel Marron, standout performer from Season 26 of NBC's The Voice. The Bodyguard: The Musical follows a charged star-crossed love story between a soul diva and her personal bodyguard in the face of constant danger. The 1992 blockbuster movie propelled Whitney Houston to superstardom, along with romantic lead Kevin Costner, and is revered as one of the best romantic thrillers in cinema.
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Sat, April 25: RPN's 2026 Parkinson's Disease Research Forum at the JCC of Greater Rochester. Highlights will include research results, public policy challenges, reasons for the sharp increase in PD cases, and how you can advocate. Representatives from universities, pharmaceutical companies, and foundations will be there to present, offer research opportunities, and meet with the community.
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Saturday, April 25, 8 -10 a.m. at Eastview Mall: Join Ability Partners Foundation for a fun, inclusive, and interactive walk to celebrate diversity while raising awareness and acceptance for Autism. This family-friendly event welcomes individuals of all ages and abilities and offers a supportive space to walk together, build understanding, and show support for the autism community.
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With spring in the air, it’s the perfect time to tune up your historic windows! Join Steve Jordan—who has been glazing windows for more than 50 years—for a hands-on workshop focused on the essential skills of traditional sash glazing.
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Cobblestone Arts Center is turning down the lights and turning up the vibes, transforming our dance studio into a high-energy nightclub for our White Party Silent Disco. Come join the party, all in support of the Cobblestone Community Players! Must be 21+ to attend.
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Lovely local experiences are in your future! |
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