City Magazine

06/27/2025

There’s a rumor that guitarist Nels Cline, a tremendous jazz talent who adds textures and rippling lead lines to the band Wilco, goes so hard playing the song “Impossible Germany” that he has to ice his hands after shows. True or not, inflammation is one price one can pay for virtuosity.

Thundercat may have a similar post-show regimen. The bass player and R&B/jazz performer — whose style is too porous to unpack in a sentence — has hypnotic hands. His weapon of choice is famously a gleaming Ibanez six-string low end machine that he uses like a ninja warrior training gym for his fingers.

Center stage at Kodak Hall as part of Rochester International Jazz Festival on June 26, Thundercat, his bass and his 10 digits ran through a dizzying and vibey set of space funk, jazz fusion and subterranean soul with the dazzle and charm of an enlightened extraterrestrial who knows more than you but won’t let on.

Read ’s full review online:

The bass virtuoso gave a neo-soul jazz masterclass at Kodak Hall on June 26.

06/25/2025

Headed to Rochester International Jazz Festival this weekend? Tonight, 6/25, is the first of the free Parcel 5 shows, which run nightly through 6/28.

Pick a window, or commit to the long haul like Leah Stacy does roughly once a year. (Just make sure you wear good shoes, the itinerary involves a lot of walking.)

Read her guide to spending four, eight or 12ish hours at Jazz Fest in our June issue, on stands and online now.

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Spend four, eight or 12-ish hours at Jazz Fest.

06/23/2025

Brothers Ringo, Henry and Jojo Garza of Los Lonely Boys will perform at Parcel 5 on June 26, more than 20 years after the breakout success of their biggest hit, “Heaven.”

The free 9 p.m. headliner was originally scheduled for Rochester International Jazz Festival in 2024, but family tragedy compelled the group to cancel several dates.

Patrick Hosken caught up with Jojo ahead of the show — read the full Q&A in our June issue, on stands and online now: https://m.roccitymag.com/special-sections/finding-heaven-19140488?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwLGtYlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp6K3F3u9IGjyzwMqdyYAK9tTEeNvehHusKJXM0ioFO5OQdUtBQjLaUt6qJzo_aem_VlScyVPlcGY8kr_f4yMC4w

A year after family tragedy sidelined their tour, “Texican” rock band Los Lonely Boys plays Parcel 5 on June 26.

06/21/2025

Jazz Street’s back, and each year, the region’s largest festival continues to grow in size. From headlining acts like the much-anticipated Thundercat to the return of the East Avenue and Alexander Street stage for one night, the 2025 Rochester International Jazz Festival has something for everyone — but can be a little overwhelming to navigate, whether you’re planning a one-time visit or mapping out the entire nine-day lineup.

As in years past, we’ve gathered the basics on the 22nd annual fest in one place for easy reference. Find it in our June issue, on stands and online now 🔗:

The basics on the 22nd annual fest, which runs June 20-28.

06/18/2025

Great Scott! 🏎️⚡️

While turning 40 is often jokingly equated with having a midlife crisis and “buying a sports car” cliches, it’s true that many things in life simply get better with age.

Such can be said for “Back to the Future,” the 1985 film starring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd, which has now been adapted into “BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical” for stage and plays through Sunday, June 22 as the final show in ’s 2024-25 M&T Bank Broadway Season.

Instead of a sports car, how about a DeLorean?

Read Leah Stacy’s full review online:

The wholesome 1985 film turns 40 — and gets better with age in this musical adaptation for stage, playing at RBTL through Sunday.

06/11/2025

Festival season is filled with events that celebrate flowers, music, cultural heritage, regional history and the arts. Last June, a new category joined the roster when Writers & Books hosted the city’s first annual Poetry Festival at the Highland Park Bowl. 📖

The second annual Poetry Festival will take place beginning tonight through June 13; read Rebecca Rafferty’s full story online: https://www.roccitymag.com/arts-entertainment/oral-tradition-19135773

06/03/2025

What does it sound like when fish fall in love?

“The Hundred Windows,” a new program presented by Mount Hope World Singers on June 5 and June 7, cannot answer this question. But the show presents it, along with explorations of the northern lights, Ecuadorian folk melodies and extrasensory perception.

The rest is up to the audience.

Read Patrick Hosken’s full story online:

Mount Hope World Singers present the highly ambitious "The Hundred Windows" on June 5 and 7.