holiday guide 2014

CITYNEWSPAPER’S

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W H Y D O W E L O V E H A N D E L ' S " M E S S I A H " S O M U C H ?

L O C A L , H A N D M A D E , A N D U P C YC L E D

G I F T S W O R T H E AT I N G

H O L I DAY E V E N T S G U I D E

2 CITY HOLIDAY GUIDE 2014

CITY 3rochestercitynewspaper.com

On the cover: Illustration by Matt DeTurck

Publishers: William and Mary Anna TowlerAsst. to the publishers: Matt Walsh

Editorial department [email protected] & entertainment editor: Jake ClappCalendar editor: Antoinette Ena JohnsonContributing writers: Dave Budgar, Laura Rebecca Kenyon, Katie Libby, Chris Lindstrom, Rebecca Rafferty, David Raymond Art department [email protected] director/production manager: Matt DeTurckDesigners: Aubrey Berardini, Mark Chamberlin

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Holiday Guide is published by WMT Publications, Inc. Copyright by WMT Pub-lications Inc., 2014 - all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be repro-duced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, photo-copying, recording or by any information storage retrieval system without permission of the copyright owner.

MUSIC ......................................... 4 WHY DO WE LOVE HANDEL'S "MESSIAH"?

DINING ........................................ 6GIVING THE GIFT OF FOOD

ART ........................................... 12UPCYCLED ART BY NANCY TOPOLSKI

EVENTS ..................................... 14ROCHESTER HOLIDAY SEASON HAPPENINGS

INSIDEFinding the joy[ INTRODUCTION ] BY JAKE CLAPP

Each year, the holiday season sneaks up on us, spreading stress and anxiety giftwrapped as joy. Then, we swear to ourselves, “Never again. Next year I won’t let the rush to buy presents, or the constant scheduling get in the way of my enjoyment of the season.” But it’s inevitable. It was drilled into my head as a child — as I expect it was with most people — that the holidays are for something special. I was told again and again that we shouldn’t get caught up in the consumerist rat race, but should focus on time with family, reflection, and celebrations. Still, on the day before Halloween this year, I saw a row of red ribbons and Christmas decorations in the store. I think it’s time we took a deep breath. Why not make this holiday season the one time you actually take care of your own sanity? You should feel free to say no to anything that means you aren’t spending the quality time you want with your family and friends. Whatever occasion you celebrate between now and the end of the year — Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or any other — don’t let it stress you out. Keep an eye on what makes you and yours the happiest. We hope that City’s annual Holiday Guide can give you a hand managing that stress — whether it is with gift ideas or ideas for activities to do with others. Of course, it isn’t the meaning of the season, but gift-giving is still without a doubt fun and can be significant. Our dining writers teamed up to give their suggestions on great food-related, locally-produced gifts this season. By the same token, it’s satisfying to know that a gift you’ve chosen is made with care: Arts & entertainment staff writer Rebecca Rafferty tells the story of a local artist who makes toys from upcycled, sustainable resources. If you are looking to get out of the house to show visiting relatives around town, or just want to take a break from the hectic pace, check our holiday events guide. Also, writer David Raymond explores the history of that sacred oratorio, Handel’s “Messiah,” which will be performed numerous times in the coming weeks. The season might be inevitable, but we can choose to relax a little and just enjoy it.

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When it comes to the classical Christmas music sweepstakes, Handel’s oratorio “Messiah” is the world — or at least the English-speaking world — heavyweight champ. Few, if any, works of classical music have been so continually popular as “Messiah,” and none is more closely and affectionately associated with Christmas. For many people, the Christmas season would simply not be the Christmas season without listening to or singing Handel’s masterpiece. This season’s performances of “Messiah” in Rochester give you the opportunity to hear the piece interpreted by such venerable groups as the Rochester Oratorio Society and the Rochester Chamber Orchestra, who long ago made the work their Christmas calling card. And the Eastman School of Music offers you an opportunity to dust off that old vocal score from college and join in a “Messiah” Sing on December 7 ... at 7 p.m., just after the RCO’s afternoon performance. And that is not counting numerous church choirs or community chorus performances of the favorite choruses and arias throughout the weeks leading up to Christmas. As the season draws closer, check City Newspaper’s calendar, in print, or online at rochestercitynewspaper.com, for up-to-date concert listings for the Rochester area.

Here are a few fun facts about the Christmas classic:

It’s not a Christmas piece. In fact it makes more sense to perform “Messiah” at Easter, when its message of redemption is most timely. That’s just what Handel did: he wrote the first version of “Messiah” in August and September of 1741, and led the first performance in April 1742, in ... no, not London, but Dublin. And while Handel revived “Messiah” several times during his lifetime, he always performed it in March or April.

There is no actual “Messiah.” I’m not speaking theologically, but referring to the fact that for each performance he led, Handel rewrote something: changed a key, added or subtracted an aria. All of these variants survive, so to some extent every modern conductor who does the piece is

creating his or her own version from the “Messiah” kit. (Of course, none of them would leave out the really popular items, and neither did Handel.)

For many years, the vastly prolific Handel was known almost exclusively as the composer of “Messiah.” Nowadays we know much more Handel — and his operas, other oratorios, and instrumental music — and can see that “Messiah” is not typical of his music in many ways. It is a sacred oratorio, and it’s unique in its sober orchestration, basically strings with two oboes and bassoon. Handel does reserve a trumpet and timpani for a few important spots, making a major effect with modest means. Which leads us to:

Sacrilegious as it sounds, many people have rewritten and re-orchestrated “Messiah” with the best of intentions. One of them, in fact, was Mozart, who added wind parts, trombones, and “enriched” harmonies to Handel’s original. (If you would like to hear what happened when these two musical geniuses collided, the Handel-Mozart “Messiah” has been recorded and can be seen on YouTube.) In 19th-century England, choruses in the hundreds, and occasionally in the thousands, belted out the “Hallelujah” chorus to the glory of God and Victoria.

In the 20th century, many conductors contributed to scraping the Victorian gilt off “Messiah” and revealing the plain, but shapely beauty underneath. Though, not all conductors: in the 1950’s Sir Thomas Beecham recorded “Messiah” in a version with a huge chorus, an even larger orchestra (including a tuba, gongs, and an anvil), and soloists who would have been more comfortable singing Puccini. It is awfully entertaining, and it even has a slight Rochester connection: the mega-orchestration is by Sir Eugene Goossens, who led the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra in the 1920’s. Like the put-upon heroine of an 18th-century novel, Handel’s “Messiah” has gone

[ MUSIC ] BY DAVID RAYMOND

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through many questionable adventures while retaining its virtue. The reasons are not too hard to figure out. First, the libretto, assembled with a touch of genius from verses throughout the Old and New Testaments by Charles Jennens, really conveys the mystery — and, to many listeners, the necessity — of divine redemption. The progress from Jesus’ birth through his death and resurrection is always clear and moving. And then, of course, there’s Handel’s music. He wrote “Messiah” in 24 days (with a little help from a few previous pieces he appropriated), and the music flows with logic and passion, meticulously put together but with an overall effect of grand simplicity. You can be hooked at first listen by Handel’s great tunes and unceasing energy, and repeated listenings can reveal the amazing craft underlying the music. But “Messiah” is above all, and unmistakably, a testament of faith. Many other composers have written beautiful and inspiring large-scale Christmas pieces — Berlioz’s “Childhood of Christ,” Arthur Honegger’s “Christmas Cantata,” Saint-

Saens’ “Christmas Oratorio” — and we really ought to hear them more often. But where Christmas is concerned, “Messiah” will always be the monument.

Local performances of Handel’s “Messiah” this season include:Rochester Chamber Orchestra, featuring David Fetler, conductor, with Festival Singers and Bach Children’s Chorus, on Sunday, December 7, 3 p.m., at Hochstein Performance Hall, 50 North Plymouth Avenue. rochesterchamberorchestra.org.“Messiah” Sing on Sunday, December 7, 7 p.m., at Kilbourn Hall, Eastman School of Music, 26 Gibbs Street. Free. esm.rochester.edu.Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, featuring James Feddeck, conductor; and Rochester Oratorio Society, Eric Townell, director. Saturday, December 13, 7:30 p.m., at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, 60 Gibbs Street. rpo.org.

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The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (bottom) will perform Handel's "Messiah" on Saturday, December 13. FILE PHOTO / PHOTO PROVIDED


If you’re looking for gifts that are out of the ordinary and will fill the stomachs of your friends and family, City Newspaper’s dining team has gathered a selection of its favorite food and food-related items to help you shop for all the names on your gift list. The editorial team stands behind each of these products as those we know and love. Plus, the items here are all locally made or sourced, and you won’t have to set foot in the mall. So get shopping, and have a delicious holiday season. Do you have a favorite food-related item you like to give as a gift? Let us know about it in the comment section of this story at rochestercitynewspaper.com.

A one-two punch with F. Oliver’s Oils and VinegarsFelix Oliver’s 18-year-old Special Reserve balsamic vinegar ($17.95 for a 375ml bottle) from F. Oliver’s is my go-to hostess gift. It’s not so esoteric that your gift recipient won’t open it, but its flavor and quality set it apart from the rest. Smooth and just shy of syrupy, the vinegar balances its acid with a mellow sweetness for a full-bodied flavor. This vinegar is as versatile as it is delicious, working with a simple salad, wedges of parmesan cheese, a chicken breast, or pork loin. I like to pair the special reserve balsamic vinegar with a bottle of the Tuscan Garden

extra virgin olive oil ($15.95 for a 375ml bottle). This oil is infused with the flavors familiar in Tuscan cooking: rosemary, sage, garlic and oregano. It’s especially good drizzled over roasted Brussel sprouts or Yukon Gold potatoes just before serving. As a bonus, F. Oliver’s will package your oils and vinegars so they’re ready to give. Your bottles will be swaddled in chartreuse tissue paper, tucked into a skinny, brown handled shopping bag, and finished with an understated ribbon. Slip in a few recipe ideas printed from the F. Oliver’s website, and your gift is ready for giving. F. Olivers is located in Rochester at 747 Park Avenue (244 -2585), and in Canandaigua at 129 South Main Street (396-2585). folivers.com.— BY LAURA REBECCA KENYON

Add a kick with Woodstead Hot Anything & Everything SauceFood sometimes needs a little extra oomph. Woodstead Hot Anything & Everything Sauce ($5.25 for a 9-ounce jar) is just the thing to give it some kick. A ketchup-based sauce, Woodstead mixes in spicy cayenne and red peppers, orange juice, brown sugar, mustard and vinegar for a mostly sweet but a little spicy condiment. Use it as a glaze for meats and vegetables before roasting

or grilling; squirt it on scrambled eggs and homefries; or slather it on a burger. Made in Naples by Steve Trude, the story goes that the sauce got its start as an accompaniment for Trude’s annual pig roasts. His guests added the sauce not only to the pork, but everything else at the cook-out, too. When the annual parties became too big and popular to manage, Trude stopped the roasts but, at his wife’s request, kept making the sauce. Thanks to them, holiday shopping is a little easier and everyday cooking a lot tastier. Woodstead Hot Anything & Everything sauce is available at area retailers, including Simply New York (4364 Culver Road, Irondequoit, 413-0895), Balsam Bagels (288 North Winton Rd, 482-2080), and online at GoBuyRochester.com. For more information, visit woodstead.com, but the sauce is not available through this website.— BY LAURA REBECCA KENYON

More better, more brittleI’d never been a fan of peanut brittle — primarily because I valued my teeth. Its corn syrupy rock-candy hardness, sweetness, and stickiness kept me away. Better Brittle, handmade by Christiana Kaiser at her Syracuse business, changed everything for me. Inspired by a West African-influenced

[ DINING ] BY DAVE BUDGAR, LAURA REBECCA KENYON, KATIE LIBBY, AND CHRIS LINDSTROM

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For the friend who loves a little kick to their food, check out Karma Hot Sauces, available at several market locations around Rochester. The company produces a diverse line, and uses chiles grown locally. PHOTOS BY MARK CHAMBERLIN

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confection known as nkati cake in Ghana, where Kaiser spent time as a student in 1994, Better Brittle is simultaneously chewy, crunchy, and crispy, using only finely ground peanuts from Virginia and California, fair-trade evaporated cane juice, and salt from Seneca Salt in Watkins Glen. Better Brittle’s texture is easy on the teeth, while its flavor is a perfect balance of earthy peanut, sweet, and salty. If you know anyone who loves peanuts, along with the yin and yang of sugar and salt, it’d be hard to imagine not loving this treat. For coconut lovers, it’s essential that you check out Better Brittle’s Coconut Brittle (inspired by Ghanian kube cake), which replaces peanuts with coconut to resounding effect. Even lighter, airier, and crispier than the peanut variety, this is quite possibly the best coconut confection to have ever passed the threshold of my lips. Better Brittle also makes a dark chocolate-covered peanut brittle that I have yet to see in Rochester-area stores. Better Brittle products are available locally at Abundance Cooperative Market (62 Marshall Street, 454-2667), Lori’s Natural Foods (900 Jefferson Road, 424-2323), Red Bird Market (130 Fairport Village Landing, Fairport, 377-5050), and Simply New York (4364 Culver Road, 413-0895), and online at betterbrittle.com.— BY DAVE BUDGAR

The good, the bad, and the butternutThe hot sauce market has grown at a dizzying rate in recent years, with many makers claiming ridiculous rates of Scoville Units — and often sacrificing flavor for flame. Pittsford’s Karma Sauce Company takes a different appetizing, unique, and all-natural (though certainly not tame, nor lame) route with its line of Karma Sauces, all of which use chile peppers grown on the Karma farm, and start with a tantalizing base of red pepper, butternut squash, apple cider vinegar, onion, sweet potato, honey, and garlic. There’s mild Good Karma; fiery Bad Karma; tamarind, ginger, and curry spice-enhanced Curry Karma; and chipotle-infused Smokey Karma. Karma has expanded its line of sauces to feature a Chilehead Series, which includes Cherry Bomb, a hot and fruity blast of (among other things) habañeros, sour cherries, and ground coffee; Green Envy, a tangy concoction whose ingredients include habañero, apple, and lime; and Ghost Island, which uses insanely hot bhut jolokia chilies to bring this sauce to a 13 on the 10-point Karma Heat Index. An extensive selection of Karma Sauce products (including its punchy mustards and

“Kats’up”) can be found locally at Abundance Cooperative Market (62 Marshall Street, 454-2667); Red Bird Market (130 Fairport Village Landing, Fairport, 377-5050); Simply New York (4364 Culver Road, 413-0895); and Via Girasole (3 Schoen Place, Pittsford, 641-0340). Other local retailers include Hegedorn’s (964 Ridge Road, 671-4450); Little Bleu Cheese Shop (684 South Avenue, 730-8296); Mooseberry Soap (2555 Baird Road, 348-9022); and Niblack Foods (900 Jefferson Road #6, 292-0790); and online at karmasauce.com. Karma’s stunning sinus-clearing Cold Process Mustard (not available for online ordering) can be found only in the cooler at Swan Market (231 Parsells Avenue, 288-5320).— BY DAVE BUDGAR

Beautifully brewed beansIf you’re trying to find a gift for the coffee lover in your life, manual brewing at home isn’t too difficult but does involve some equipment beyond just a typical

Edible gifts continues from page 6

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coffee maker. Joe Bean has my favorite coffee in town and a solid selection of hardware to choose from. For the budget conscious, the Hario Ceramic Slim ($40) hand grinder and the full immersion Clever Dripper ($19) is the way to go. You get high end burr grinding — ceramic cones that crush the beans to a consistent level — and an easy to use plastic brew system that lets you add your coffee and water and just wait until the process is done. The ProScale XC scale ($35) and a small Bonavita Travel Kettle ($30) could round out this budget rig nicely and offer a solution great for travel, home, or work. Upgrades could include a powered grinder, a glass Chemex, or a gooseneck kettle. As for coffee itself, keep an eye out for both the Roaster’s Choice Gift box (around $25), with two bags of whole beans, and the Natural Reserve series (around $30) that will feature naturally processed coffee from three different regions. These beans come from a more labor intensive process that imparts some sugars and a smoother flavor profile. I’ve enjoyed two of these unique coffees (the Don Roger and Ethiopian Yirgacheffe) recently and they’re well worth seeking out. Joe Bean Roasters is located at 1344 University Avenue, 319-5279, and online at joebeanroasters.com.— BY CHRIS LINDSTROM

Do it yourself cocktailsThe citrus forward gin ($20 for 375ml; $35 for 750ml) is Black Button’s most popular

liquor and can be the base of a number of different drinks. For a gin and tonic, add Jack Rudy small batch tonic concentrate ($19 for 503ml) along with some soda water for an artisanal take on the classic. Another simple and modifiable drink would be the gimlet with lime juice and simple syrup. Fee Brothers bitters have been made in Rochester since prohibition and can be used to add some pop to that gimlet. Flavors include fruity cherry or orange bitters ($9 for 5 ounces), less traditional options like cardamom and celery (same price) and even barrel aged versions ($18 for 5 ounces). A nice starter cocktail hardware kit could include a couple rocks glasses ($4.50 each) and a shaker ($15) along with a giant sphere or cube mold ($14 for 2). Using a larger ice cube is a great way to cool a drink without excessively watering it down plus they just look damn cool in a glass. A four bottle gift set with vodka, gin, moonshine, and barrel aged maple syrup ($80 for 375ml bottles) also can make for a solid introduction to the Black Button product line. Black Button Distilling is located at 85 Railroad Street, 730-4512, and online at blackbuttondistilling.com.— BY CHRIS LINDSTROM

Food and Drink 101There are many good reasons for gifting a cooking class or workshop to your loved ones this holiday season. Besides being a fun activity to do with your friends and family, presenting a significant other with a cooking class gift can be a sly way of telling them that their kitchen skills

Edible gifts continues from page 8

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could use some improvement without actually telling them that — especially if you take the class together. Whatever the scenario, the best reason for gifting a cooking class or workshop is that you get to reap the benefits in the form of delicious food or drink the recipient will eventually be able to make. Here are some ideas to get started: The Sandvoss brothers are a common sight at the Rochester Public Market — they are the owners of First Light Farm & Creamery in East Bethany. Their home cheese making workshop is a great gift idea if you have an artisanal cheese lover in your life. Participants in the day-long workshop ($100) receive a cheese making kit, hands-on training, as well as instruction on how to make cheese at home. A farm to table lunch and tour of the dairy is also included. Visit their website to view upcoming workshops and purchase tickets at first-light-farm.com. With the explosion of the craft beer movement over the last few years, you probably know at least one or two friends who are now home-brewing their own beers (and they can’t wait to tell you all about it). Why not make your own wine as well? Wineworx (120 Mushroom Boulevard Suite 102, 719-6563) and Wines By Design (1424 Buffalo Road, 235-1090) both offer resources to do just that. At Wineworx they will accompany you to the vineyard to help pick grapes, provide the necessary materials for making your own blend at their location and even keep it in their wine “cellar” until bottling time. The whole experience costs $225 and the typical yield is 25 bottles of wine. More information can be found at wineworx.net. Wines By Design offers not only wine-making classes on premises but also kits that you can buy to make it at home. Their wine making kit and process costs around $184 and should yield 30 bottles of wine. More information can be found at winesbydesigninc.com. Also worth checking out are mushroom-identifying and foraging classes at Smugtown Mushrooms (127 Railroad Street, 690-1926, smugtownmushrooms.com), and artisan food cooking classes at Rosario Pino’s (349 West Commercial Street #1620, 267-7405, rosariopinos.net) and Rochester Culinary at Vella (421-9362, rochesterculinary.com). If you’ve taken a great class that’s not mentioned here; please leave it in the comments.— BY KATIE LIBBY

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As we engage in the fall-swallowing holiday madness, go ahead and disdain the horrors of the mall. More and more, people are turning to support the local, handmade, and “upcycled” movement, but it can be hard to find all three aspects in one. Local maker Nancy Topolski is a triple threat, offering some seriously sweet stuffed animals she calls Foundlings, which meet all three of these sustainability standards, and delight children and adults alike. Read on to learn about the Foundlings, as well as various other crafts and vintage items Topolski sells. Topolski has enjoyed knitting since she was 13 years old, and has a long history of crafting, but she stopped selling her crafts in the early 90’s. “I had taken a hiatus, because I didn’t want to add more stuff to the world,” she says. “I felt like, even if it’s handmade, it’s still more stuff, and I didn’t want to be part of that consumerism.” But she kept creating, and eventually began selling her work again when she was invited to participate in the first Artist Row, 10 years ago. Topolski sold fingerless gloves she knitted, and began thinking of how she might translate her post-consumerism philosophy into bread and butter.

Topolski’s first Foundlings were actually Easter presents that she made five years ago for her two kids and a couple of their friends. “I tried to make these bunnies…and they didn’t look anything like bunnies!” she says. “But I liked making them, so I just kept playing with different forms. The sweaters came later.” The look of the Foundlings continues to evolve, and ranges from floppy-eared animals which could be dogs or bunnies, pointed-eared cat creatures, round-eared might-be-a-mouse-or-a-bear beasts, and recently, some cute bird-lings. Most don’t have arms, but some do, and hold the sewn-on shapes of baby animals, flowers, or other objects, like airplanes. Their faces are simple, with giant eyes looking up or off to the side, as if recollecting, or hiding something. Topolski loves posing the Foundlings together, because the way the expressions relate “look like they’re rolling their eyes, like they’ve been naughty,” she says.

Nearly everything Topolski uses for her Foundlings is repurposed. She buys second-hand cashmere or angora-blend sweaters, and washes them a few times to turn them

into soft, felted wool before cutting them up. The sweater size determines the size of the Foundling, because Topolski tries to use as much of the material as possible without waste. The thread and poly fiberfill stuffing she uses are bought new, but the stuffing is made from recycled milk jugs. Topolski uses a machine for some of the sewing, but prefers to do as much of it by hand as she can, favoring a crafted aesthetic over a mass-produced look. But the beasts are sturdy, and can be cleaned in a washing machine. “I like making things that are heirloom quality,” Topolski says. “I want them to be the kind of thing that will be passed down the generations.” The price point for the Foundlings ranges from $30 to $90, depending on size and complexity. Topolski says while she knows some people buy them for children, some buyers think they’re too nice for little kids: some adults keep them on couches as funky throw pillows. “I had someone buy one for her father, who had just had heart surgery,” Topolski says. Post-op, patients are told to hug a pillow when they cough, so that they don’t strain their healing muscle tissue. “I thought that was the neatest idea.”

[ ART ] BY REBECCA RAFFERTY

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Nancy Topolski is a triple threat. She's local and creates handmade stuffed animals from upcycled materials. PHOTOS BY JOHN SCHLIA


Another family gave two Foundlings to two autistic children, and told Topolski that the big-eyed expressions have helped the kids develop the use of their eye contact. “I really like that kind of thing, when I know it’s serving more of a purpose than being a decorative item,” she says. “But as long as they make people happy, I like that.”

In addition to the Foundlings, Topolski curates a collection of vintage finds, which she offers in her Second Seed store on Etsy.com. She says she prefers items from the 1950’s and 60’s — Kodak camera, clothing, fabric, housewares, artwork, and all manner of oddities — because many things were of better quality then. This shop, and just about everything Topolski does, falls in line with her re-use mentality by encouraging others to give a second life to quality items, rather than supporting new manufacturing. Topolski is interested in growing her vintage business, and in “getting things to the right people, instead of things going into a landfill,” she says. Topolski also occasionally creates artistic window displays for Thread, which recently included a colorful, 40-pound skirt made of hundreds of her (now grown) children’s small toys attached to a chicken-wire form. Her daughter subsequently wore the item during a Fashion Week runway event. Other Thread displays have included a big painted-cardboard boat, with fishing poles sticking out of it, each bearing a fish made from patterned sweaters suspended on the lines, and a picnic scene overcome by swarms of bugs made from tons of Kodak slide film that Topolski found at an estate sale.

Nancy TopolskiFind Nancy Topolski’s creations at Thread (654 South Avenue, 232-7110, shopatthread.com) and online at etsy.com/shop/secondseedinstitches. Her vintage offerings are at etsy.com/shop/secondseed. Topolski will be one of three artists tabling at a craft fair at Joe Bean Coffee on Sunday, December 14.

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Wednesday, November 19[ EXHIBIT ]Holiday Display & AuctionMore than 25 holiday wreaths designed and donated by local florists, through Nov. 30; tabletop tree displays of pre-lit, three-foot decorated trees continues through Dec. 18; Sweet Creations Gingerbread house display will continue through Dec. 17. George Eastman House, 900 East Ave. 271-3361 x 242. eastmanhouse.org.

[ SPECIAL EVENT ]Festival of TreesDesign and display a holiday tree, wreath, basket, handmade jewelry or other home decoration to be loaned through exhibit or donated for auction. Continues through Dec. 14. $1-$5. Granger Homestead Museum, 295 N. Main St., Canandaigua. 394-1472. grangerhomestead.org.

[ THEATER ]Calamari Sisters: Feast of the Seven FishesThe brassy, sassy sisters sing holiday favorites like “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree,” “Santa Baby,” “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” and of course, “Dominic The Italian Christmas Donkey.” Continues through Nov. 30. $35. Auburn Public Theater, 8 Exchange St. 315-253-6669. auburnpublictheater.org.

Friday, November 21[ SPECIAL EVENT ]Holiday LaserHoliday songs coupled with dancing laser light against the starry background of the planetarium. Continues through Nov. 30. $6-$7. Rochester Museum and Science Center, 657 East Avenue. 274-1880. rmsc.org.

[ SHOPPING ]Holiday Fine Art Show & SaleA new exhibition of original paintings created by the talented, local artists of the Suburban Rochester Art Group. Continues through Nov.

23. The Mall at Greece Ridge, 271 Greece Ridge Center Dr. suburbanrochesterartgroup.weebly.com.

[ SHOPPING ]Women’s Council 44th Annual Holiday Bazaar Arts & Crafts Sale200 elite fine artists and craftspeople. Continues through Nov. 23. $5-$7. Rochester Museum and Science Center, 657 East Ave. 697-1944. rmsc.org.

[ KIDS EVENT ]Polar Express Train RideA short stop at the North Pole to pick-up Santa. 2:30, 3:45, 5 and 6:15 p.m., Continues every weekend though Dec. 21. $25-$48. Medina Railroad Museum, 530 West Ave. 798-6106. railroadmuseum.net.

Sunday, November 23[ LECTURE ] Christmas in WilliamsburgSee the timeless charm of the 300 year old tradition of holiday wreaths made out of natural greenery and fruits. 2:30-3:30 p.m., registration required. Penfield Public Library, 1985 Baird Rd. 340-8720. penfieldlibrary.org.

[ SHOPPING ]Holiday Open House and SaleGlassblowing demonstrations, handmade

gifts including ornaments, jewelry, beads, vases, bottles, bowls, platters, tea-light holders and more created by local artisans. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. continues through Nov. 30 and Dec. 6-7. More Fire Glass Studio, 80 Rockwood Place. 242-0450. morefireglass.com.

[ EXHIBIT ] Annual Holiday Poinsettia ShowMore than 1,000 poinsettias in more than 15 varieties. Through Jan. 4. $2-$3. Highland Park Conservatory, 180 Reservoir Rd. 753-7270. monroecounty.gov/parks.

Wednesday, November 26[ MUSIC ] Thanksgiving Eve Holy Eucharist5:30 p.m. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 25 Westminster Rd. 271-2240. stpaulsec.org.

[ THEATER ] A Christmas CarolMark Cuddy’s musical adaptation of Charles Dickens classic returns. Through Dec. 27. No shows Monday and select Tuesdays, Show times vary. $15-$25. Geva Theatre Center, 75 Woodbury Blvd. gevatheatre.org.

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The Highland Park Conservatory will host its annual poinsettia show starting November 23. FILE PHOTO


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Thursday, November 27[ RECREATION ] Hungry Hedonists present: Wedge Waddle3 mile walk around the South Wedge for pets and family. Donate a new pair of socks. 10 a.m. Meet at Star Alley Park, 662 South Ave. Wedgewaddle.com.

Friday, November 28[ MUSIC ] RPO: The Nutcracker2 and 7 p. m., continues through Nov. 30. $10-$91. Kodak Hall at Eastman Theater, 60 Gibbs St. 454-7311. rpo.org.

[ SHOPPING ] Holiday Festival of Crafts in RochesterNatural fiber women’s clothing, wooden bowls, furniture, kitchenware, and hand woven treasures and more. Continues through Nov. 30. $2. The Harley School, 1981 Clover St. 554-3529. folkartguild.org.

[ SHOPPING ] Black Vinyl Friday – Record Store Day Hundreds of limited edition vinyl records, live bands and DJs, coffee and donuts. 1-6 p.m. Bop Shop Records, 1460 Monroe Ave. 737-0137. bopshop.com.

[ SHOPPING ] Holiday Open House and Sale!Live glassblowing demonstrations. A colorful assortment of handmade gifts including ornaments, jewelry, beads, vases, and more created by local artisans.10 a.m.-4 p.m. continues through Dec. 6-7. More Fire Glass Studio, 80 Rockwood Place. 242-0450. morefireglass.com.

Saturday, November 29[ SHOPPING ]Red Cross Holiday Craft Show85 local crafters. 9:30 a. m., $2-$5. NYS Armory Geneseo, 34 Avon Rd. 555-1212.

[ SHOPPING ] Naples Holiday BazaarPottery, fresh wreaths and greens, textiles, LuLaRoe clothing, unique jewelry,

maple products and more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Maxfield Memorial Bingo Hall, 8181 Maxfield Road. 374-9799. [email protected].

[ SHOPPING ]Holidays at the Hungerford10 a.m.-3 p.m. Continues Dec. 5, 6-9 p.m., Dec. 6, 13, and 20. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Hungerford Building, 1115 East Main St. thehungerford.com

[ SHOPPING ]Holiday Open HouseSanta Claus will be on hand to visit with children. Balloon artists and carolers, operating model train displays. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Donations accepted. Lehigh Valley Railroad Historical Society Station Museum, 8 E. High St. 289-9149. lvrrhs.org.

Sunday, November 30[ SHOPPING ] Holidays at the Market9 a.m.-3 p.m. Continues through Dec. 7 and 14. Rochester Public Market, 280 Union St. 428-6907. cityofrochester.edu.

[ SPECIAL EVENT ]The Great Hanukkah Giveaway 2-4 p.m. The Meeting Place, 2600 Elmwood Ave. 461-0490 x8651. jewishrochester.org.

Monday, December 1[ KIDS ] Storytime Club: Winter WonderlandClassic children’s tales.

10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Included in museum admission. The Strong Museum, One Manhattan Square. 263-2700. museumofplay.org.

[ KIDS ]Reindeer Run3rd Annual Reindeer Run, a family-friendly foot race. 5k, 8:30 a.m. and Kids Race, 9:20 a.m. $22.50-$27.50. The Strong Museum, One Manhattan Square. 263-2700. museumofplay.org.

[ MUSIC ] Holiday FunPresented by the Penfield Symphony Choir. 7:30 p.m. $12-$14. Penfield High School Auditorium, 1587 Jackson Road. 872-0774. penfieldsymphony.org.

Tuesday, December 2[ SPECIAL EVENT] Candlelight NightLive music, carolers, horse-drawn wagon rides, visits with Santa and the lighting of village Christmas trees. 4-9 p.m. Village of Pittsford.

[ MUSIC ] Brockport Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Celebration at the Movies7:30 p.m., $3 suggested donation. Seymour College Union Ballroom, The College at Brockport, Residence Drive. 395-2797. brockport.edu/finearts.

continues from page 14

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Friday, December 5[ MUSIC ] Vienna Boys Choir – Christmas from Vienna7:30 p.m., $20-$85, Kodak Hall at Eastman Theater, 60 Gibbs St. 274-1000. esm.rochester.edu

[ MUSIC ]Annual Winter Dance GalaHochstein’s annual dance showcase with Ballet, Flamenco, Latin-Caribbean, Modern, Tap and more. Hochstein School of Music and Dance, 50 N. Plymouth Ave. 454-4589. hochtein.org.

[ MUSIC ]RWC Christmas GalaYuletide music including J. S. Bach’s Magnificat for choir and orchestra. 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 7, 3 p.m. $8. Hale Auditorium, Roberts Wesleyan College, 2301 Westside Dr. Roberts.edu.

[ MUSIC ]In Dulci Jubilo: Carols Ancient and NewInspiring music from the 1600’s to the present. 7:30 p.m. $12-$15. St. John of Rochester Church, 8 Wickford Way. 223-9006. gvoc.org.

[ SHOPPING ] Holiday BoutiqueArtisans and crafters fill the museum with gifts. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Continues Dec. 6. Museum of Wayne County History, 21 Butternut Street. 315-946-4943. waynehistory.org.

Saturday, December 6[ SPECIAL EVENT ]Light Up the Holiday4:30 p.m. Performances by the Yellow Jackets, U of R Vocal Point and Prime Time Brass Band, Santa Claus, and other categories. 5:15 p.m. Holiday Parade followed by fireworks, free horse-drawn carriage rides and craft activities. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, Manhattan Square Park. Cityofrochester.gov.

[ MUSIC ]Brockport Symphony OrchestraA celebration of timeless holiday films and classic films. 4 p.m. $3 suggested donation. Seymour Coole

Union Ballroom, College of Brockport.

[ THEATER ]Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge7:30 p.m. Continues through Dec. 7, 13, and 14. Dec. 8, 2 p.m. $16-$20. Black Sheep Theatre, 274 North Goodman St., Village Gate, D313, Entrance B. 861-4816. blacksheeptheatre.org.

[ SPECIAL EVENT ]Corn Hill Holiday Tour of HomesGuided tours of eight historic homes. Meet at Immaculate Conception Church, 445 Frederick Douglass St. There will be light refreshments and carolers. 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m. $25. 262-3142. geneseelighthouse.org.

[ SHOPPING ]5th Annual Holiday Sale1-4 p.m. Continues Dec. 6. The Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse Historical Society,

70 Lighthouse St. 621-6179. geneseelighthouse.org.

[ KIDS ] Christmas at Hidden ValleyBreakfast and pictures with Santa served all day. Kid’s workshop, and gift show. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Continues through Dec. 7, Reservations requested. Hidden Valley Animal Adventure, 2887 Royce Rd., Varysburg. 535-4100. HiddenValleyAdventure.com.

[ SHOPPING ] Christmas Craft SaleHandcrafted items from a variety of artists and crafters. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., continues through Dec. 7. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Asbury First United Methodist Church, 1050 East Ave. 271-1050. asburyfirst.org.

[ SHOPPING ] It’s a Wonderful Life in the South Wedge, Celebration at The Artful GardenerFeaturing quality American-made craft for the garden,


Holiday Events

The 44th Annual Holiday Bazaar Arts & Crafts Sale will be held at the Rochester Museum & Science Center November 21-23. FILE PHOTO

The City of Rochester's "Light Up the Holiday" event will include the lighting of the Liberty Pole on Saturday, December 6. FILE PHOTO

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[ SPECIAL ] Holiday Home TourFestively decorated and a 2 p.m. performance of carolers from the Canandaigua Middle School. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $20-$25. Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park, 151 Charlotte St. 394-4922. sonnenberg.org.

[ SPECIAL EVENT ] Christmas GalaAn extravagant holiday banquet. 5 p.m. $65. Italian American Community Center, 150 Frank Dimino Way. 594-8882. iaccrochester.org/festival.

[ SHOPPING ]Sinia’s Annual Chanukah HappeningArtists, Craftsmen, and vendors. 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Temple Sinai (Reform.) 363 Penfield Road. 381-6890. tsinai.org.

[ WORKSHOP ] Scratch Bake Shop – Kate Cassell & Molly HartleySpecial holiday cookie decorating class. 12-2 p.m. $79. Rochester Culinary at Vella, 237 Pittsford-Palmyra Rd. 421-9362. rochesterculinary.com.

Sunday, December 7[ WORKSHOP ]Holiday Cookie WorkshopCreate carious traditional and contemporary holiday confections. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $50. Continues Dec. 14. New York Wine and Culinary Center, 800 S Main St., Canandaigua. 394-7070. nywcc.org.

[ MUSIC ] Advent service of Lessons and Carols4 p.m. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 25 Westminster Rd. 271-2240. stpaulsec.org.

[ MUSIC ] Celtic Christmas ConcertChristmas Ceilidh Band Featuring Celtic music, songs and dance who encourage audience participation and


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[ MUSIC ] Oratorio Society and Baptist Temple Holiday BenefitOratorio Society singers with special guests Elizabeth Phillips, soprano; readings

for the season. 3 p.m., Financial and non-perishable food donations accepted. Sibling Building, 228 East Main St. 773-2179. sossings.org.

[ MUSIC ] Messiah Sing3-6 p.m. Kilbourn Hall, Eastman School of Music, 26 Gibbs St. 274-1000. esm.rochester.edu.

[ MUSIC ]Holiday Concert Brighton Concert Symphony

presents holiday classics, and several new song arrangements. 3 p.m. Continues Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 14, 3 p.m. Various locations. 490-9351. brightonsymphony.org.

[ CONCERT ] 98 PXY Jingle JamLil Jon, Cobra Starship, Nick Jonas, Jeremin, Jess McCartney, Tinashe, Echosmith, and Jacob Latimore. 5 p.m., $45-$9, Blue Cross Arena, One War Memorial Square. 98pxy.com

Wednesday, December 10[ MUSIC ] Double Reed Holiday ConcertOboe and bassoon students in a fun and special holiday concert. 12:30-1:30 p.m. Eastman School Lowry Hall, 26 Gibbs St. 274-1000. esm.rochester.edu.

Friday, December 12[ MUSIC ] Holiday Sing

12-1 p.m. Eastman School Lowry Hall, 26 Gibbs St. 274-1000. esm.rocheste.edu.

[ MUSIC ] Advert/ Christmas Jazz Concert w/ The Bill Welch Band7-9 p.m., Immanuel Baptist Church, 815 Park Ave. 473-7664. immanuelrochester.org.

[ MUSIC ]Holiday Celebration with Brass Choir and Gospel Choir3 p.m. Munnerlyn Atrium, Goergen Hall, UR River Campus, 500 Joseph C. Wilson

Blvd. 275-9397. rochester.edu/college/MUR/concerts.

[ DANCE ] Red Hot Holiday BallSwing dance lesson at 7 p.m. Social dancing 8-11 p.m. Raffles, live performances, and more. Highland Hall, 389 Gregory St. Groovejuiceswing.com

[ MUSIC ]RGMC Holiday Show: There’s Something About Mary!Songs focused ’round yon Virgin Mary, including “Ave Maria”, “O Magnum


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Mysterium” “O Holy Night” and others designed to make your yuletide gay! 8-10:30 p.m., continues through Dec. 13. $6-$17. Hochstein Performance Hall, 50 N Plymouth Ave. 423-0650. thergmc.org.

Saturday, December 13[ MUSIC ]Holiday Concert of Young VoicesA singing extravagance with the Hochstein Singers, Youth Singers, and the Little Singers! 3 p.m. Hochstein Performance Hall, 50 Plymouth Ave. 454-4596. Hochstein.org.

[ SPECIAL ] Christmas Gala BallBlack-tie event featuring music, dancing, hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and a cash wine bar. 4:30-9 p.m., $55. Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion, 151 Charlotte St., Canandaigua. 394-4922. sonnenberg.org.

[ PARTY ] Annual Christmas BashJumbo Shrimp. Marge’s Lakeside Inn, 4909 Culver Rd. 323-1020. margeslakesideinn.com.

[ THEATER ] Wigilia, A Polish Christmas EveTraditional Christmas Eve dinner celebration in Poland, the singing of Koledy (Christmas carols) and the breaking of Oplatki. 5-8:30 p.m. $15-$30, under 6 free. St. John Fisher College, Cleary Auditorium, 3690 East Ave. 248-0152. polishheritagerochester.org.

[ KIDS EVENT ] Breakfast with SantaEnjoy breakfast in the Rocky Coasts Gallery with sea lions and polar bears, sit with Santa and take home a goody bag. 8:30, 10, and 11:30 a.m. Continues Dec. 14, 20, and 21. $5-$15. Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St. Paul Street. 336-7200. senecaparkzoo.org.

[ MUSIC ] RPO: The SnowmanThe Snowman on the big screen, with live orchestra accompaniment and, a reading of Dr. Seuss’s beloved tale, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! 2 p.m. continues at 4:30 p.m., $10-$15. Kodak Hall at Eastman Theater, 60 Gibbs St. 454-7311. rpo.org.


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[ MUSIC ]RPO: Handel’s MessiahHandel’s ever-glorious and timeless classic, featuring the powerful “Hallelujah” chorus. 7:30 p.m., $10-$91, Kodak Hall at Eastman Theater, 60 Gibbs St. 454-7311. rpo.org.

[ RECREATION ]40th Annual Letchworth Silver Lake Christmas Bird CountSearch a fifteen-mile diameter circle to locate the birds, includes all of Silver Lake and the northern half of Letchworth State Park. Letchworth State Park, 1 Letchworth State Park, Castile. 493-3625. nysparks.com.

[ SPECIAL ] Christmas Gala BallBlack-tie event featuring music, dancing, hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and a cash wine bar all in the Sonnenberg Mansion decorated for the holidays! 4:30-9 p.m., $45-$55. Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion, 151 Charlotte St. 394-4922. sonnenberg.org.

[ RECREATION ] It’s A Wonderful Run 5K4:40 p.m. Meet at Bridge Street Bridge. Itsawonderfulrun5K.com.

Sunday, December 14[MUSIC] Sacred Favorites: ChristmasAll church voice and bell choirs will participate in carols and anthems. 7 p.m., $10 suggested donation. First Presbyterian Church of Pittsford, 25 Church St. 586-5688. pittsfordpres.org.

Monday, December 15[ DANCE ]Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker40 world-class Russian artists bring this charming classic to life. 7:30-9:30 p.m., $31-$105. Rochester Auditorium Theatre, 885 E. Main St. 222-5000. rbtl.org/events.

Tuesday, December 16[ KIDS EVENT ] Holiday Jammy JamboreeChildren ages 4-9 and

their parents or caregivers. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Registration required. Fairport Public Library, 1 Fairport Village Landing. 223-9091. fairportlibrary.org.

Wednesday, December 17[ THEATER ]Mannheim Steamroller ChristmasChip Davis has been America’s favorite holiday tradition. 7:30-9:30 p.m., $35-$70. Rochester Auditorium Theatre, 885 E. Main St. 222-5000. rbtl.org/events.

[ SPECIAL EVENT ] Temple Beth El Hanukkah PartyMenorah lighting, brisket, latkes, and more. 5 p.m. $9-$20, Rsvp. Temple Beth El (Conservative,) 139 Winton Road South. 473-1770. tberochester.org.

Friday, December 19[ MUSIC ] Gala Holiday PopsFestival High School Chorale, Amy Story and Harold McAulliffe, co-directors Sarah Jane McMahon, soprano; popular holiday musical tradition of carols. 8 p.m., continues through Dec. 20, 2 and 8 p.m., and Dec. 21, 2 p.m. $23-$92. Kodak Hall at Eastman Theater, 60 Gibbs St. 454-2100. rpo.org.

[ SPECIAL EVENT ]JYRoc Potluck Chanukah Party. 7-11 p.m. Rsvp for address and parking info. Facebook.com/jyroc.

Saturday, December 20[ SPECIAL EVENT ] Rochester Chapter of Hadassah Hanukah Party11 a.m.-1 p.m. 442-9584. Jewishrochester.org.

Sunday, December 21[ FILM ] White ChristmasA classic holiday musical. 2 p.m. $6-$8. The Dryden Theatre, 900 East Ave. 271-4090. dryden.eastmanhouse.org.

[ MUSIC ] 32rd Annual Rochester Tuba ChristmasPresented by Hochstein School of Music. 3 p.m. $2/person, no tickets sold at door. [email protected].

[ CONCERT ] Christmas Concert by The Women of NoteImmanuel Baptist Church, 815 Park Ave. 473-7664. Immauelrochester.org.

Check out more local holiday events in CITY's events calendar, updated daily online at www.rochestercitynewspaper.com and in print every Wednesday!


Holiday Events

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At Christmas timeAs we welcome The One

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CHRISTMAS EVECANDLELIGHT SERVICE - 7 PM

Carols, thoughtful wordsand celebration for all ages

Reception following

DOWNTOWN CHURCH | 121 Fitzhugh Street NorthWeekly Sunday worship at 11am • downtownpresbyterian.org

holiday guide 2014

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