Culture

‘The Party at the Place at the Time,’ reviewed

In the post-Snowden era, the omnipresence of digital surveillance is a constant, menacing threat. That's why I went to Alpha Delta Phi this weekend for its annual "The Party at the Place at the Time." Let's start with concept. I guess "The Party at the Place at the Time" is funny in a benevolent Caucasian […]

Rock Repertory Ensemble jams through history

The Rock Repertory Ensemble’s show started informally enough — just an introduction by the group’s director, Chris Meeker, a round of applause for the technical staff on the lights and audio, and the first group came out to perform. But nobody could accuse the Rock Repertory Ensemble of being unserious — from the first song […]

OSSIA New Music presents new composers

Many would argue that attending a contemporary music concert is a different experience than going to see a Beethoven symphony or a Mozart opera. Even for a musician, these concerts are always a new surprise. (Literally, the music is new.) Works often go far beyond what typical “classical music” is like, using dissonance, strange rhythms, […]

UR Symphony Orchestra tackles immigration

UR Symphony Orchestra’s concert last Saturday wore its message on its sleeve. As emphasized in a speech by director and conductor Rachel Waddell, the concert dealt heavily with immigration and the immigrant experience, noting in the programme that “many of us, or our ancestors, once had to make the brave leap to leave their own […]

‘We Don’t Live On Mars Yet’ is touching, if confusing

“We Don’t Live on Mars Yet,” without any context, would seem like a play about the environment or our society as a whole. Instead, it is an extremely creative demonstration of immigrants, aliens, and diversity in Rochester. Unlike most plays, which are prewritten and given to actors who are then told how it should be […]

Sustainability and style collide in ‘Recycle the Runway’

Truthfully or not, the fashion industry is known for its tensity, but the mood was relaxed at the “Recycle the Runway” competition last Saturday at Drama House. “Recycle the Runway” is an annual fundraising event that GreenSpace, a special interest floor in Burton that focuses on the environment and sustainability, puts on. The idea is […]

And the Best Picture Oscar nominees are…

We asked different writers to review the Academy Award Best Picture nominees. These are their responses. Luis Nova| Columnist 'Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri' “Three Billboards” has been called racist for its lack of black representation and (some say) forgiveness of a racist police officer. While those are real issues in cinema as a whole, […]

Vogueing: more than just the magazine

“Vogue Through the Ages” was a mind-blowing culture demonstration and a confidence-inspiring show I had the privilege of attending this past Saturday night. Though most would have varying plans on a Saturday night, I found mine filled with fascinating people, an intimate view into a dance movement that has been around for over 20 years, […]

Tyler, the Creator, Vince Staples explore isolation, paranoia, and Wegmans

Tyler, the Creator fucks with Wegmans. “Y’all aint got shit, but goddamn, y’all got the greatest grocery store I’ve ever seen,” the California rapper said during his tour appearance with Vince Staples at the Main Street Armory last Wednesday. Tyler had only found out about Wegmans that day, but what set him apart from other […]

Four groups shine at Strong concert

Four different music groups played last Friday evening in the Wind Symphony, Brass Choir, and Jazz Ensemble concert in Strong Auditorium, all of them conducted by director William Tiberio. In general, I space out a lot, but instrumental music makes me really meditative. I like the sort of music offered up by the Wind Symphony, […]