Rochester, New York, is a city that’s been heating up for well over a year now.
The modestly sized city located to the south of Lake Ontario has a rich history as the birthplace of well-known brands like Kodak, Xerox and Bausch + Lomb, as well as home to prominent figures of the 19th century like George Eastman, Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass.
But in addition to its history, the city has a thriving arts scene, is plentiful in parks and access to nature, and has a strong economy with major employers like the University of Rochester, Rochester Regional Health and Wegmans Food Markets employing tens of thousands of the area’s residents (among other prominent employers in the area like Harris Corp. and Paychex Inc., which also employ thousands of workers).
CORRECTION 5.11.21: Due to an editing error, the original version of this story mistakenly reported that the legislation in question was introduced by members of the Black and Asian Democratic Caucus. The bill was introduced by Legislator Vince Felder, who is closely aligned with the caucus but is not a member, and supported by the caucus.
Small and medium-sized arts groups, all of which have taken a financial hit during the pandemic, could be in line for a share of $131,000 in grants from Monroe County under new legislation that appears poised to pass the County Legislature this week. The measure was introduced by Legislator Vince Felder and has support from members of the Legislature’s Black and Asian Democratic Caucus. It has been accepted by the Republican majority for consideration by the full Legislature during its meeting on Tuesday a signal that the bill is likely to be approved.
The programs are meant as a networking, collaboration and engagement effort to give residents a space to inquire and learn more about both the city and what s new in their community.
PHOTO BY AARON WINTERS Tommy Brunett plays to an intimate crowd at The Penthouse at One East Avenue. I had my coming-out from COVID-19 about a week and a half ago. My first indoor concert in more than a year. Two solo acoustic performers: a ridiculously talented young guy, Max Doud, then Tommy Brunett, scratchy-voiced scenester and Fairport whiskey baron. It was a night at The Penthouse at One East Avenue, 11 floors up in the downtown Rochester skyline. It’s a spacious room, and the tables seemed separated enough. All four of the people at our table were fully vaccinated.