STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS

Written by Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman, Damon Lindelof; directed by J.J. Abrams
With Chris Pike, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg, Benedict Cumberbatch
Rated PG-13

By Ed Symkus

It’s a grim, foreboding title. Lots of bad stuff happens. There are terrorists who cause major devastation. There are life and death situations. There are Klingons, just itching to do what they like best: go to war. Things get worse before they get better.

But for some viewers, this sequel to J.J. Abrams’ really, really good, but not quite great reboot of the franchise is going to be an absolute joyride. Here are a few reasons why: The writing has been knocked up a few notches; though Kirk and Spock still remain, as they should, at the film’s center, the rest of the crew has been given more to do; and most important, Into Darkness takes the shape of a valentine to Star Trek fans, especially those who have been into it since the original TV show. Spread generously throughout the film are little shout-outs to us. A couple of times the film just walks up and says hello to hardcore fans of the show and to a lesser degree, the first films. Newcomers to the Star Trek universe won’t realize what’s going on, while certain references will make those in the know smile wide.

But whether you’re a geek-level fan or just a casual moviegoer, the less you know about the film in advance, the more you’ll enjoy it. With that in mind, here are the very few pieces of it that it’s OK to be in on.

It takes place in 2259. No, that’s not a star date, it’s the year. Some of it happens in San Francisco, some in London, some way out in space, the final frontier. Some time is taken to provide a bit of insight into Spock’s mind. Spock is and always will be a stick-to-the-rules guy. Kirk is a freewheeling leader who does what needs to be done to get things done. Someone utters the words “acting Captain Sulu.”

Actually, there’s so much going on in this movie, I’m going to let loose with four lines of dialogue, totally out of context.

“We’re defenseless, sir!”

“Beam me out!” (Yes, that’s out, not up.)

“What are you doing with that Tribble?” (I told you there were references.)

“Dammit, I’m a doctor, not a …” (You can fill in the rest.)

Star Trek Into Darkness starts the way great action movies should start, with a lot of action. Kirk and Bones are literally on the run, Spock is busy putting his life on the line (and wearing the coolest copper colored space suit). Interplanetary rules are broken, souls are bared, fast banter is volleyed, and attitudes are very much on display, as are relationships. The romantic one between Spock and Uhura has become serious; swinging single Kirk is revealed to have a thing for alien females – yes, that’s plural (You can tell they’re aliens because they have tails!).

Even back in its early TV days, Star Trek was famous for making its stories the most important piece of the puzzle. This one’s no exception, and Into Darkness’ story really kicks into gear with the introduction of the villainous John Harrison (the deep-voiced Benedict Cumberbatch, British TV’s current Sherlock Holmes). Initially we don’t know much about this guy except that he’s responsible for what would generally be termed a terrorist attack on a major city, and that he is, according to the folks in Star Fleet, “one of our own.”

There are spectacular visuals to match the wild action, and there are moments of quiet, serious talk that nicely complement perfect segments of comic relief. Best of all, the writers have learned an important lesson from 2009’s Star Trek. This time they’ve made sure to stay away from anything resembling the time-space continuum business of that film that had even some of the most diehard fans wondering what the heck was going on.

Wilkes Booth @ Quaker Steak & Lube, July 3 and August 25

News:

•Wilkes Booth is back!  The long-running Rochester rock act has been around since the mid-nineties; surviving personnel changes and other unfavorable experiences.  Now, they have a new CD due out in June celebrating their passion for classic hard rock – Just For You.  Look for a series of upcoming performances including shows at Quaker Steak & Lube on July 3rd and August 25th.  (www.wilkesbooth.com)

•On Saturday, May 18, The Isotopes will be celebrating a new record, The Isotopes Overstay Their Welcome, with a release party at Montage Music Hall, 50 Chestnut Street.  Velvet Elvis shares the bill.  (www.theisotopes.com)

•PRS Guitars and DW Drums are coming to Rochester to look for a high-school aged guitarist and a high school drummer who rocks! Auditions will be held during an upcoming PRS Fan Day at Guitar Center of Rochester…but you need to pre-register @ http://intunemonthly.com/racetothestage.

Instore Events:

•The metal band, Spika will play live at the House of Guitars, 645 Titus Avenue, on Saturday, May 18 at 7 p.m…And on Saturday, May 25, guitarist/songwriter/author James Greco will offer a book signing and meet & greet at 1 p.m.  He’ll sign his book of lyrics & poems, Love and Other Anger.  (585-544-3500)

Drop Us A Line:

•So, what’s your latest?  New releases?  Special shows?  New band members? We’d love to help get your information out there.  Mail the details to us at 1255 University Avenue, Suite 270, Rochester NY 14607; or email to freetime@frontiernet.net.

By Mark Tichenor

The one-year-old Fairport Brewing Company, which produces its beers one half-barrel at a time, is renovating the old Pure Oil service station at the corner of Fairport Road and South Main Street in Fairport Village. The new facility will serve as a tasting and retail room, freeing up space at their existing Turk Hill Park facility to increase production capacity.

The expansion is a case study in how thirsty people are for local beer. In addition to making their own investments, and banging the turf hosting beer samplings around town, partners Tim Garman and Paul Guarracini turned to the crowdfunding website Kickstarter to raise capital for the new building and new brewing equipment. With six days to go at the time of this writing, the campaign exceeded its funding goal, leaving a smile on Garmin’s drywall dust-stained face.

So now it’s business as usual for the self-described “picobrewers,” as they continue to pump out six taps worth of beer at a time, along with the added responsibilities of opening the new shop and figuring out how to shoehorn a newly ordered  three-barrel brewing system into their current boutique-size space.

Nanobrewing (or picobrewing in this case) is the latest wave of growth in the brewing industry. Brewing on an extremely small scale obviates the massive capital investment costs of the typical craft brewery, but the low output of beer makes it hard to grow a commercial customer base and expand the business.

Fairport Brewing works on the latter problem by brewing several times a day. Guarracini, an award-winning veteran of the Rochester homebrewing scene, serves as the company’s brewmaster but is canny enough not to try to do it all himself. Unusually for a nanobrewery, FBC took on two part-time brewers, allowing for shift changes and extra hands to take care of unglamorous but critical tasks like cleaning and sanitation.

Garman and Guarracini have also learned to use the brewery’s low output as an advantage, using the small system’s flexibility to gush forth a dizzying array of creative beers and keeping them in a constant rotation in their six-tap retail area. FBC beers span a wide gamut, from powerful double IPAs to a soon-to-be-released Kölsch. Many of these are quite good, and almost all of them are solid, respectable craft beers.

The new retail space is a result of Garman, a lifelong Fairport local, staying true to his vision of slow, organic growth. Apart from the occasional guest tap at Fairport bars and restaurants, it will be the only place to buy FBC beer for the time being. The new brewery may change that however, more than tripling capacity. Even when regular retail keg distribution becomes a possibility, Garmin still holds to his “think Fairport” approach.

So far, that strategy paid off. Not only have Garman and Guarracini built the foundations of a dream for themselves, but they’ve earned the respect and trust of Fairporters who are proud to have their own local brewery, and they created a few jobs along the way. It looks like someone else is about to become New York State’s smallest brewery, because Fairport Brewing Company just got a little bigger.

Mark owns a laptop and likes beer. For more on beer, check out the beercraft blog, updated regularly, at beercraft.wordpress.com. Find him on Twitter @beercraft. Send your questions, suggestions, or comments to beercraft@rochester.rr.com.

The Rochester Red Wings @ Frontier Field, May 15-17 and May 23-30

FULL HOME SCHEDULE FOR THE WINGS

The Rochester Red Wings are facing the Durham Bulls at Frontier Field, One Morrie Silver Way, thru Friday, May 17 with games scheduled at 7:05 p.m. each day except Thursday, May 16 when a 3:35 p.m. start is planned.  Then, the Charlotte Knights stop in Rochester from May 23 thru 26 with games planned at 7:05 p.m. on Thurs., Fri., and Sat.; and at 1:05 p.m. on Sunday.  Next up are four matches against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs on May 27 (1:05 p.m.), May 28 & 29 (7:05 p.m.) and May 30 (11:05 a.m.).  Fireworks will light up the sky after the Friday and Saturday night games. For tickets, visit www.rochesterredwings.com; or call (585) 423-WING.

PEPSI MAX MLB FIELD OF DREAMS GAME

For the second year, Pepsi MAX will host the largest gathering of Major League Baseball legends at the 2013 Pepsi MAX MLB Field of Dreams Game – played this season right here in Rochester on Saturday, May 18 at Frontier Field, One Morrie Silver Way.  The event features an American League vs. National League match-up with MLB legends and the consumer winners from the Pepsi MAX MLB Field of Dreams promotion.  Representing the American League are Wade Boggs, Rickey Henderson, Reggie Jackson, Pedro Martinez and Frank Thomas.  The National league will includes Johnny Bench, Trevor Hoffman, Fred McGriff, Mike Schmidt and Ozzie Smith.  For tickets and information, visit www.redwingsbaseball.com; or call (585) 454-1001.

Rochester Rhinos vs. Orlando City @ Sahlen’s Stadium, May 18, 7:05pm

RHINOS FACE ORLANDO

Our Rochester Rhinos United Soccer League PRO team will be on their home field at Sahlen’s Stadium, 460 Oak Street, on May 18 at 7:05 p.m. for a match against Orlando City.  For tickets, visit www.rhinossoccer.com or call (585) 454-KICK.

RAZORSHARKS HOST THREE

Our Professional Basketball team, the Rochester RazorSharks, will be on their home court in the Blue Cross Arena, One War Memorial Drive, on Friday, May 17 to face the Albany Legends at 7:05 p.m.  The following week, on Friday, May 24, the Sharks will take on the New Jersey G-Force, also at 7:05 p.m.  Later that weekend, the Kankakee Soldiers will be in town for a game against Rochester that starts at 2:05 p.m. on Sunday, May 26.  Visit www.razorsharks.com.

WNY FLASH vs. CHICAGO

On Friday, May 24 at 7:05 p.m., our Western New York Flash National Womens’s Soccer League team will take on the Chicago Red Stars in Sahlen’s Stadium, 460 Oak Street.  Call (585) 454-KICK for tickets.

ROC CITY THUNDER @ SAHLEN’S STADIUM

Rochester’s indoor arena football team, the Roc City Thunder, will take part in an inter-squad charity 7 on 7 challenge at 4 p.m. on May 26 in Sahlen’s Stadium, 460 Oak Street.  Visit www.roccitythunder.com for more details.

FINGER LAKES STAKES

The Finger Lakes Casino and Racetrack at 5857 Rt. 96 in Farmington NY will open its 2013 Stakes Schedule on May 27 with the George W. Barker Handicap, featuring NY Bred 3-year-olds & up.  A $50,000 purse is set.  Call (585) 742-7300.

CHARITY SPORTS

•On Monday, May 27, Urology Associates of Rochester will host the 3rd annual Dash for Dad 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Walk starting and finishing at Frontier Field. The event supports the non-profit group, ZERO – The Project to End Prostate Cancer and the Lipson Cancer Center.  Call (716) 491-3121.

“Snaps” – XRIJF Retrospective @ The Center at High Falls Gallery, Opening May 23

Snaps – XRIJF Retrospective

Snaps, the first ever exhibit of retrospective images from the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival, will open on May 23 in the Center at High Falls Gallery, 60 Brown’s Race.  The show features the work of thirteen photographers who have covered the festival from 2002 thru 2012, and will offer nearly 200 select works.  Call (585) 325-2030.

Mortal

Running May 24 thru August 25 in the Lockhart Gallery at the Memorial Art Gallery, 500 University Avenue, is Mortal:  A Portfolio of Woodcuts by Kiki Smith.  This suite of twelve prints was a gift of the Gallery Council.  Self-published and printed in black on Japanese paper, Mortal (2007) depicts the final stages of the life of the artist’s mother.  Call (585) 276-8900.

Champions of the Season

An exhibit focusing on PGA Championship History– Celebrating the Champions of the Season’s Final Major – will open on May 24 at the Rochester Museum & Science Center, 657 East Avenue.  Commemorating the Championship’s return to New York for its 95th annual event (Aug. 5-11 @ Rochester’s Oak Hill Country Club), this exhibit is a treat for golf enthusiasts and history lovers, offering a tour of some of the rarest artifacts and memorabilia that uncover the tradition of the PGA Championship.  As part of the exhibit, which runs thru Labor Day, a display of defending PGA Champion Rory McIllroy will be unveiled on June 3.  Call (585) 271-4320.

“Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” @ The Dryden Theatre, May 17

Dryden Theatre at George Eastman House,

900 East Ave.; 271-4090 / eastmanhouse.org
(All films shown at 8 pm unless otherwise noted.)

5/15 Ruggles of Red Gap
5/16 The Thin Red Line
5/17 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
5/18 To the Wonder (7 pm & 9:30 pm)
5/19 To the Wonder (2 pm & 5 pm)
5/21 Confidentially Yours *French w/ subtitles
5/22 If You Could Only Cook
5/23 The New World
5/24 Bowfinger
5/25 & 26 Hendrix 70: Live at Woodstock (Sat. @ 8 pm; Sun. @ 2 pm)
5/28 Il Sorpasso *Italian/Latin/German w/ subtitles
5/29 The Rules of the Game

Reel Mind Film Series Screening,

Cinema Theatre, 957 S. Clinton Ave.; 325-3145 x100
www.reelmindfilmfest.org

5/28 Praying With Lior 7 pm

“Day Out with Thomas” @ Medina Railroad Museum, May 17-19

by Sue Cannon

The fun continues for our little ones.  There are still clowns, music, and taste-treats galore in Highland Park at the Rochester Lilac Festival which runs thru May 19; and the “Go Go Thomas Tour” will take youngsters on the ride of their lives on May 17, 18 & 19!  It’s great to be young when it’s spring in our beautiful Finger Lakes Region!

•Bring your preschoolers to get in on the fun May 17, 18 & 19 at the Medina Railroad Museum, 530 West Avenue in Medina NY.  Thomas the Tank Engine will stop at the museum as part of  THE GO GO THOMAS TOUR, 2013.  The ride is about 25-minutes long; and kids can meet Sir Topham Hatt and visit the Thomas & Friends Imagination Station.  Call (585) 798-6106.

•The annual KID’S TROUT FISHING DERBY, sponsored by Pittsford Rotary, is planned on May 18.  Various age groups can participate; and there will be fish hatchery tours and refreshments.  Visit pittsfordrotaryclub.org.

•On May 18, the FINGER LAKES REGIONAL INVENTION CONVENTION, featuring the 100 best ideas from young inventors between the ages of 5 and 14, will be on display at our Rochester Museum & Science Center, 657 East Avenue.  Call (585) 697-1942.

Celebrate “World Turtle Day” @ Seneca Park Zoo, May 18

•WORLD TURTLE DAY is celebrated at the Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St. Paul Street, on May 18 with talks by zookeepers, crafts, a scavenger hunt, face painting and more.  Also on that day, you can join staff in a “Happy Birthday” song (2 p.m.) at the Amur Tiger Exhibit and watch as Anastasia and Katya receive treats for their special day!  Call (585) 336-7200.

•Kids can meet Olivia, the lovable piglet on May 18 & 19 during a LITERATURE LIVE presentation at Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square.  Call (585) 263-2700.

•Michael Butterman and Jenifer Carsillo conduct the next OrKIDStra Series concert in Hochstein Performance Hall, 50 N. Plymouth Avenue, on May 19.  For this one, Eudora Welty’s charming children’s book, EUDORA’S FABLE:  THE SHOE BIRD is set to music by former RPO conductor Samuel Jones. Call (585) 454-7311.

•The TODDLER BOOK CLUB meetings for May at Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, have been centered on “Color Me Happy.”  The final session, held on May 20, features the reading of a classic children’s tale as well as music and movement.  Call (585) 263-2700.

•On May 20, the touring production of THE TRUE STORY OF THE 3 LITTLE PIGS by the Dallas Children’s Theatre will be presented at the Smith Opera House, 82 Seneca Street in Geneva. Adapted for the book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith, the play finds A. Wolf finally getting to tell his side of the story; and the audience then will determine the ending of the play!  This rock, hip-hop musical promises to blow the hair off your chinny-chin-chin! Call (315) 781-5483.

•The 32 winners in the RBTL STARS OF TOMORROW competition in the leading male and female categories will compete in an American Idol-type competition at the Auditorium Theatre on May 23 with one male and female being chosen to compete in the national competition.  Call (585) 222-5000 for details.

•Kids can explore an out-of-this-world display celebrating Star Wars action figures starting May 25 at Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, during the STAR WARS DISPLAY OPENING.  The exhibit pays homage to the 2012 National Toy Hall of Fame inductee and includes toy vehicles, play sets and examples from a collection assembled by Fon Davis.  Call (585) 263-2700.

•A free LEARN TO CATCH A FISH FAMILY PICNIC is scheduled on May 25 at the Trailside Lodge in Letchworth State Park, Castile NY.  The carnival-style event features games, activities, workshops, fishing and lunch.  Call (585) 493-3600.

The first Zoo Brew of the season @ Seneca Park Zoo, May 24

by Sue Cannon

•A Collectors’ Show and Tell is planned on May 16 at the Memorial Art Gallery, 500 University Avenue.  The event offers you a chance to share any quirky items you’d like to learn more about; and is held in conjunction with the exhibition, “It Came from the Vault.”  Call (585) 276-8970.

•On May 17, the Victor Food & Brew Fest runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at Ravenwood Golf Club, 929 Lynough Road in Victor.  There will be a home brewing demonstration by Upstate NY Home Brewers; gourmet food pairings; and more.  Visit www.victorchamber.com.

•A Civil War Encampment, Living History and Battle Re-enactments featuring Union, Confederate and Civilian participants will all be part of Fire on the Genesee events taking place May 17 thru 19 in the Highbanks Recreation Area of Letchworth State Park in Castile NY.   Call (585) 493-3600.

•Check out two stamp shows under one roof at the Main Street Armory, 900 East Main Street, on May 17 thru 19.  Sponsored by the Rochester Philatelic Society, the ROPEX/NTSS 2013 National Stamp Shows will feature fifty dealer booths from across the country selling and buying stamps, envelopes, postcards and other paper collectibles.  There will also be exhibition pages from some of the best collections of the U.S. and Canada including the “Inverted Jenny.”  Call (585) 752-6178.

“Gathering of the Clans” @ The Finger Lakes Celtic Festival (on Collett Rd. in Farmington), May 18

•On May 18, the Community Wide Garage Sale in Palmyra will offer just about everything for you to browse through – clothes, household items, crafts and more – in the Palmyra NY Village Park.  Call (585) 597-4849.

•The 2013 Finger Lakes Celtic Festival is planned for May 18 at 4925 Collett Road in Shortsville NY.  The unique family friendly event will feature Pipe Bands, Dancers, Highland Games, Clans and Historical Groups, Food, Entertainment, Games and more.  There will be Celtic crafts and exhibits, athletic competitions, hourly performances and many vendors.  Visit http://flcelticfest.webs.com for details.

•You can buy perennials and woody plants – each grown from seeds, divisions, cuttings and offshoots of the George Eastman House gardens – on May 18.  The Eastman House Spring Plant Sale will be held at the rear entrance to the museum on University Avenue.  Call (585) 271-3361.

•On May 18, a special tour of Mt. Hope Cemetery is planned, titled Searching Among the Stones.  During this tour, you are invited to explore a small section of Mt. Hope as a family group, and construct a time line to place the cemetery’s age in relation to other historical events.  Call (585) 461-3494.

•Webster Fireman’s Field at 191 W. Main Street will be the site of a fundraising event called Spring Thing – Widows Sons on May 18.  The event raises funds for Shriner’s Hospital and St. Joseph’s Villa of Hope.  There will plenty of live music featuring the 80’s music revolution band, Hall Pass, and special guest Lou Gramm – great food vendors, a silent auction, dice run, kid’s activities and more!  Call (585) 752-2650.

•The Finger Lakes Metal Fest is scheduled for May 18 at 10257 Rt. 31 in Clyde NY.  The free event promises “all the metal you can handle in one day!”  There will be continuous music from seventeen regional metal acts, plenty of food, camping, even bowling!  Call (315) 331-0235.

•At Genesee Country Village & Museum in Mumford, May 18 is set aside as Military Heritage Day.  Visitors can explore Western New York’s involvement in the nation’s various

“Military Heritage Day” @ Genesee Country Village & Museum, May 18

conflicts through displays of antique weapons and vehicles, firearm demonstrations, music, and talks by experts on the military history of our region…The following day, on May 19, Red Day will be held.  Red is a symbol of energy, excitement, strength, passion, danger and aggression.  See how the village is transformed by a “vision of red.”  Call (585) 538-6822.

•Trolleys and Diesels at Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum and New York Museum of Transportation, 6393 East River Road, will celebrate their joint season opening on May 19.  A combined ride will link the two operations and offer a unique two-mile round trip interurban trolley excursion that connects to a diesel train. Call (585) 533-1113 for details.

•On May 19, a Bird Watcher Tour of Mt. Hope Cemetery is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m.  Meet at the North Gatehouse and join Genesee Valley Audubon Society members as they seek out migratory birds.  Call (585) 461-3494.

•Starting at 1 p.m., the Henrietta Memorial Day Parade leaves from Rush-Henrietta Senior High School, heading to Veterans Memorial Park.  A memorial service immediately follows the May 19 event.  Call (585) 359-7054.

•The Lehigh Valley Railroad Historical Society Station Museum at 8 East High Street in Shortsville NY will hold a Railroad Museum Open House on May 19.  Discover a large collection of historical artifacts on display and browse their gift shop.  Call (585) 289-8022.

•Flower City Days at the Market (Rochester Public Market, 280 N. Union Street) are planned on May 19, 24, 26 & 27 and June 2 & 9.  Gardeners will find over 250 local nurseries and growers putting their best stock up for sale at this annual event; and on Sundays, Master Gardener Sessions are scheduled.  Call (585) 428-6097.

•On May 22, the William Pryor Letchworth Birthday Celebration at Letchworth State Park in Castile NY will offer learning stations about flintknapping, civil war camp life, wool spinning and more.  There will even be cake available!  Events are held around the museum area.  Call (585) 493-3600.

•The Archery Field near the Castile entrance of Letchworth State Park will be the launch site of the annual Red, White and Blue Balloon Rally.  The event, which runs May 22 thru 27, features six massed balloon flights Friday, Saturday & Sunday evenings at 6:30 p.m., and Saturday, Sunday and Monday morning at 6 a.m.  Visit www.balloonsoverletchworth.com.

•Running May 23 thru 26 this year is the 9th annual Sterling Stage Folkfest featuring Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad and over thirty other bands.  Tent camping is part of your ticket price!  The festival takes place at the Sterling Stage Kampitheater, 274 Kent Road in Sterling NY.  Call (818) 212-9489; or visit www.sterlingstage.com.

•The May ZooBrew is scheduled for May 24 at Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St. Paul St.  These popular adult (21 & over) events will be held throughout the summer.  This one features live music by Steve Grills and the Roadmasters and Dog House.  Call (585) 336-7200.

•A Community Event at CMAC is planned on May 24 at the Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center in Canandaigua.  At this kickoff to the 2013 CMAC season, there will be live music by The Tommy Brunett Band, beer and wine, local food vendors, door prizes, backstage tours and more.  Visit www.cmacevents.com.

•Ontario Beach Park hosts the Roc City Rib Fest May 24 thru 27.  There will be cook-offs, a kid’s fun zone, and plenty of live music by local/regional blues acts – including Sophista Funk, Joe Beard, Andre Foxxe and the Psychedelic Ghetto Pimps, Spacelords and others.  Visit www.roccityribfest.com.

•In Waterloo, the Birthplace of Memorial Day, the town gathers to Commemorate Memorial Day 2013 from May 24 thru 27.  On Friday, there will be awards ceremonies, a candlelight tour on Oak Island with talks by re-enactors, and more.  Saturday features a big parade with 100 units, arts/crafts and entertainment in the park; and on Oak Island, Civil War reenactments, exhibits and a USO-style show.  Monday features a motorcycle run; and there will be wagon rides, boat tours, food concessions and more all weekend long.  Visit www.waterloony.com.

•The adult event, PlayDate will feature classic games and a one-of-a-kind experience at the Diplomat Party House, 1956 Lyell Avenue.  Enjoy card games, Scrabble, UNO, Operation, Hungry Hungry Hippos, Jenga, Monopoly and more – even play with Hula Hoops and musical chairs!  The fun is scheduled for May 25.  Visit www.playdaterochester.com.

•The 10th annual Psychic and Wellness Fair to benefit Circle Inc. will be held on May 25 at Brighton Town Park, 777 Westfall Road.  There will be psychics and Tarot Card readers on hand for personal readings; massages, energy work and wellness experiences; a craft sale and raffle; and more.  Call (585) 924-5620.

•The Veterans Memorial and Executive council have announced that the annual Rochester Memorial Day Parade honoring armed forces and those who have given their lives for our country will begin at 10:30 a.m. on May 27.  The event starts at East Avenue and Alexander, moves west onto Main Street and ends at Plymouth Avenue.  Free parking is available in city public garages.  Call (585) 544-2839.

•Starting at 10 a.m. on May 27, the Pittsford Memorial Day Parade is a traditional affair, featuring marching bands and community groups and honoring veterans and those serving in the armed services.  The parade starts in the village center and ends at the Pittsford Cemetery where a memorial service will be held.  Visit www.townofpittsford.org.

•Food Truck Rodeo Events are planned this season at the Rochester Public Market, 280 N. Union Street.  On May 29 there will be music by Miles Watts & The Brothers from Other Mothers, Out of the Blue performs on June 26, July 31 features the music of Mr. Mustard, The Front perform on August 28, and on September 25 The Coupe de Villes play.  In addition to the music, these events offer our community’s eclectic array of mobile food stands for you to sample – vendors like Le Petite Poutine, The Sammich Guy, Cheese & Confused, Potatoes to Go and others.  Call (585) 428-6907.

Rochester City Balley presents “Past, Present & Future” @ Nazareth College Arts Center, May 17-19

Rochester City Ballet

On May 17, 18 & 19, the Rochester City Ballet will celebrate 25 years of bringing contemporary ballet to our area with a program called Past, Present & Future in the Callahan Theater of Nazareth College Arts Center, 4245 East Avenue. The show will feature Jamey Leverett’s excerpts from “4Play,” “LumaVoice,” and “A Common Thread” along with a new piece from guest choreographer Bill Evans, and George Balanchine’s “Serenade.  Call (585) 461-5850.

Draper Dance Benefit

The Timothy M. Draper Center for Dance Education will present its third annual benefit performance as part of its “Keep Families Dancing” campaign on May 24 at Nazareth College Arts Center, 4245 East Avenue.  The show will include contemporary, jazz, lyrical, modern and ballet pieces, showcasing choreography by Artistic Director Jamey Leverett, Competition Director Stefanie Cheshire, and other faculty members.  Call (585) 461-2100.

National Tap Dance Day

The Hochstein School of Music & Dance will commemorate National Tap Dance Day on May 18 with a series of workshops and a performance dubbed, “Musical Feet:  Tap as an American Art Form.”  As part of this event, a lecture/demonstration is planned that will include performances of Irish Jig, Spanish Dance, African Drumming, Vaudeville, the Jazz Age, MGM Musicals, the Harlem Renaissance, and much more.  Call (585) 454-4596…And at Tango Café, 389 Gregory Street, there will be live music and a tap dance jam session from 2 to 4:30 p.m. on May 19, hosted by Cheryl Johnson.  Call (585) 766-2750.

Eva & The Dogboys @ Inspire Moore Winery, May 17

•INSPIRE MOORE FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERTS – Once again this year, the Inspire More Winery at 197 N. Main Street in Naples offers a series of Friday Night performances by regional favorites, presented in the ambiance of their lovely county setting.  Next up is a concert by Eva and the Dogboys on May 17.  Call (585) 374-5970; and visit www.inspiremoorewinery.com.

 •ROCHESTER ORATORIO SOCIETY – A special evening program, Voices of Liberation, is planned on May 18 in Hochestein Performance Hall, 50 N. Plymouth Avenue.  This event will feature a world premiere of “The Emancipation Oratorio” by Glenn McClure (commissioned by Rochester Oratorio Society); and “They Called Her Moses” by Robert Decormier.  Featured soloists will be Kenyan-born soprano Jackline Madegwa and baritone Lawrence Craig, star of Broadway and concert stages.  Call (585) 473-2234.

•AMERICAN RECORDER SOCIETY – The Rochester Chapter of the American Recorder society is offering a spring event, “A Concert of Musical Delights,” on Sunday, May 19 at the First Baptist Church of Rochester, corner of Clover and Allens Creek Road.  Bring your own dessert to this free event.  Call (585) 683-2802.

•GOSPEL CONCERT – The 42nd Anniversary of the Children of God and the 50th Birthday of Wayne Anthony Norwood will be the focus of a concert, “The Celebration,” taking place on May 19 at Calvary Spiritual Church, 25 Morgan Street.  Nearly a dozen acts will perform.  Call (585) 359-9092 for complete details.

•WESTSIDE BENEFIT – The 13th annual Ecumenical Benefit Concert, sponsored by the Westside Coalition of Christian Churches on Sunday, will be held on May 19 at Pearce Memorial Church, 4322 Buffalo Road in North Chili.  The program features choir and instrumentalists from Community Christian, Holy Ghost Catholic, Gates Presbyterian, Open Door Baptist, Pearce Memorial, Trinity Emmanuel Lutheran, St. Paul’s and Concordia Lutheran churches.  Choirs from each, and a combined vocal men’s and women’s choir, will perform with the Anderssohn Quartet serving as featured guest artist.  Call (585) 594-9488.

•ROCHESTER THEATER ORGAN SOCIETY – The next “Pops-on-Pipes” concert by the Rochester Theater Organ Society will be held on Sunday, May 26 at the Rochester Auditorium Theatre, 875 E. Main Street.  The young organist Natahn Avakian will perform music “outside the box” on the mighty Wurlitzer 4/23 theater Pipe organ.  Call (585) 234-2295.