1. New York Ice Wine & Culinary Festival | Saturday, February 15
Casa Larga Vineyards
2287 Turk Hill Road, Fairport
nyicewinefestival.com
For the sixth consecutive year, festivalgoers will learn about the climate-intensive process of crafting traditional German ice wine in the Eiswein method, created by grapes frozen on the vine. Because the potent potable can only be produced within a limited period of time in the winter, true ice wines are a rarity (less than thirty vineyards across the state produce it). The event will expand its culinary arm with food pairings created by RIT’s Brick City Catering, as well as winter activities spanning ice sculpting, barrel toasting, and vineyard walks.
2. Singin’ in the Rain | Saturday, February 14 & Sunday, February 15
Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre
rpo.org
This is one event classic movie aficionados should not miss (and makes for a spectacular classic Hollywood date night). Named among the most beloved musical comedies of all time, the cinematic masterpiece starring Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds will be screened in the ornate Kodak Hall with live orchestral accompaniment under the baton of guest conductor Peter Bay.
3. Brighton Bicentennial | begins Wednesday, January 8
Brighton Town Hall
2300 Elmwood Avenue
brighton200.org
This isn’t your typical biweekly Thursday town board meeting. On January 8, Town Supervisor William W. Moehle and Brighton trustees will be present for a town proclamation officially designating 2014 as The Year of the Brightonian. At the meeting, board members will reveal a year’s worth of parties, lectures, and community events commemorating the 200th birthday of the vibrant suburb.
4. Eastman Trombine Choir | Thursday, February 13
Kilbourn Hall at Eastman School of Music
26 Gibbs Street
esm.rochester.edu/ensembles/bone_choir
Leave your band geek jokes at home for this stellar showcase of serious slide-action directed by Eastman Professor John R. Marcellus. The ensemble has been an integral part of the Eastman trombonist’s course of study since the the 1940s, exploring the versatility of the low brass instrument from classical to jazz and big band to contemporary.
5. Snowshoeing at the Park | Saturdays, January 11 and 25
Begins at Interpretive Nature Center
11095 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany
The winter pastime synonymous with Peruvian hats and L.L. Bean booties will enable the outdoorsy-inclined to channel their inner explorer. Sign up today for this series of guided hikes through Genesee County Park and Forest.
6. Canandaigua Classic Antique Show and Sale | Sunday, February 9
Finger Lakes Casino and Racetrack
5857 Route 96, Farmington
canandaiguaantiquesclassic.com
Set aside a day for a little gambling and secondhand shopping. The fifteenth edition of this treasure chest of vendors offers vintage furniture, first-edition and rare books, housewares, decor, and fashion. Appraisers will be on hand, so bring along grandpa’s coin collection for additional entertainment, à la Antiques Roadshow.
7. Gilda’s Second Chance Prom | Saturday, January 25
East Avenue Penthouse
1 East Avenue, Rochester
gildasclubrochester.org
Gilda’s Club of Rochester is about to pull off another fundraiser with its signature brand of humor similar to the cancer support organization’s namesake, actress Gilda Radner. While she lost her own battle with ovarian cancer, Radner proved to everyone she could still laugh in the face of the unthinkable. Show up just to spot that one couple inevitably dressed as Lisa Loopner and Todd DiLaMuca, the noogie-loving teens portrayed by Radner and fellow Not Ready for Prime Time player Bill Murray in the early years of Saturday Night Live.
8. The Harlem Globetrotters | Saturday, February 1
Blue Cross Arena
One War Memorial Square
harlemglobetrotters.com
The exhibitionist basketball team known for its on-court theatrics and jazz jingle makes its annual appearance at Blue Cross Arena. With its “Fans Rule” social media campaign, the Sweet Georgia Browns hope audiences will determine the next amendment to its rule book.
9. Arsenic and Old Lace | Thursday, February 6 – Saturday, February 8
York Central School Auditorium
2578 Genesee Street, Retsof
geneseocommunityplayers.org
When Mortimer Brewster discovers the batty, murderous truth about his two spinster aunts, he begins to question his commitment to marrying the woman he loves. Genesee Community Players’ production of the the dark comedy that inspired the Cary Grant film of the same name. The modern-day takeaway? Don’t drink elderberry wine from strangers.
10. Eduardo Paolozzi’s General Dynamic F.U.N. | Opens Friday, January 31
Memorial Art Gallery at the University of Rochester
500 University Avenue
mag.rochester.edu
A psychedelic, neon-infused collection of works by British pop visionary Eduardo Paolozzi will be on view at the MAG in honor of the Averell Council, the museum’s volunteer committee composed of young professionals. Paolozzi’s youthful works are heavily influenced by American celebrity and juxtaposition reminiscent of the Dada and Surrealist movements.
Stephanie Layne Williams is a Rochester-based media gadfly and the owner of a bespoke copywriting studio called Words With Steph.
