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Photos: GSO to perform holiday concert Sunday

By Howard B. Owens

The Genesee Symphony Orchestra performs its annual Christmas concert tomorrow (Sunday) at 4 p.m. at St. Mary's Church in Batavia.

The program includes "Dance of the Tumblers" from Snow Maiden by Rimsky-Korsakov, Canadian Brass Christmas, "The Snowman," by Howard Blake and narrated by Laurence Tallman,  (top photo), Holiday Favorites with a special guest vocalist: "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas," "(There’s no place like) Home for the Holidays," "White Christmas," "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," "Sleigh Ride," and "Christmas Festival."

Tickets will be available at the door.

Thanksgiving Throwback 80’s Bash with Nerds Gone Wild

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NERDS GONE WILD in WNY is coming to Batavia Downs the day after Thanksgiving! Just $5 admission and you’ll receive $5 Free Play with paid admission! Tickets available on www.bataviaconcerts.com We’ll have an 80’s Costume Contest for best-dressed guy and best-dressed gal, so look the part! Remember any costumes that obscure your face or identity cannot be worn on the gaming floor. Doors open at 7 PM Band starts around 8:18 PM Show end approximately 10:30 PM Tickets: http://bataviadownsgaming.ticketfly.com/.
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Acoustic 80’s Music at Center Street Smoke House

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Matt & Mike from Invisible Touch return to Batavia and the Center Street Smokehouse to play more radical 80’s acoustic hits! You’ll hear hits from Journey, Hall & Oates, Madonna, Rick Springfield, Tina Turner, Melencamp, Petty, Springsteen, Prince, A-Ha, Simple Minds, The Cure, The Clash, Talking Heads. . . ..the list goes on & on. Be there for great BBQ and fun 80’s! Tickets: https://www.facebook.com/events/689169437946415.
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Escaping Gravity: Genesee Symphony Orchestra

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Escaping Gravity, a Journey Through the Stars Sunday, May 7, 4 p.m. Elba Centra School Auditorium Featuring GSO String Workshop S. Shade Zajac, music director/conductor Program: And God Create Great Whales, Hovharness Music from Apollo 13 Suite from Close Encounters of the Third Kind, John Williams The Planets, Holst Tickets: http://geneseesymphony.com/buy-tickets/.
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2nd Annual Singing

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Singing and a potluck. SACRED HARP: 3-5PM; POTLUCK: 5-6; HYMN SING: 6-7 Sacred Harp is an old-time a cappella singing of sacred songs, hymns, odes, and anthems. Everyone is welcome; experience is not needed.
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A Musical Cabaret for Crossroads House

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A Musical Cabaret for Crossroads House Presented by St. Joe’s Reunion Brass Ensemble and featuring DSP Trio (jazz), No Blarney / Strummerz (Irish/Rock), & Mike Noce (Sinatra). Come share joy and happiness through music while supporting Crossroads House. Donations accepted at the door. Refreshments available for purchase. For more information, call Frank at 585-409-4364. When Sat Mar 18, 2017 2pm – 5pm Eastern Time Where Generation Center, 15 Center St., Batavia, NY
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GSO – Holiday Festival

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Guests: Emily Helenbrook, soprano, and young artist competition winner Amelia Snyder, alto saxophone. Ukrainian Bell Chorale, arrangement by Nancy Strelau Fanfare from La Perri, Dukas Concerto for Saxophone and Strings, Glazonov Christ at the Movies, arranged by Krogstag Emily Helenbrook singing several selections Canadian Brass, arrangement by Custer Sleigh Ride, Leroy Anderson Christmas Festival, Anderson. Tickets: http://geneseesymphony.com/buy-tickets/.
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New Beginnings

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Guests: GSO Young Artists Competition winners Jackie Hager, Cello, and Jarod Yap, Piano. Program: Shortcut home, Dana Willson Concerto in D Minor, Lalo Conceto in A Minor, Schumann Scheherazade, Rimsky-Korsako Tickets: http://geneseesymphony.com/buy-tickets/.
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Free organ concert featuring sacred hymns AND rock music at St. James Episcopal Church

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Crossroads House in conjunction with St. James Episcopal Church is offering a FREE Community Concert at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23, titled “A Showcase of a Local Treasure.” “Our community is fortunate to have such a rare treasure in an acoustical setting second to none,” said Crossroads House Executive Director Jeff Allen. “In keeping with St. James’ 200th Anniversary and the City of Batavia’s Centennial, this concert is given as a gift back to a generous community that has supported us since 1996.” This will NOT be your typical organ concert.
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GCC Foundation's Encore Gala is Dec. 12: 'Icicles and Pearls' -- proceeds fund scholarships

By Billie Owens

GCC Foundation Encore 2017 co-chairs Jim and Patty Pacino.

Submitted photos and press release:

The Genesee Community College Foundation is excited to share the line-up for its 2017 Encore gala: Icicles and Pearls on Tuesday, Dec. 12. All are invited to support the College Foundation by reserving tickets and enjoying this beautiful and delicious evening!

Proceeds from Encore support the GCC Foundation Scholarship Fund, which awarded over $127,000 in scholarships last year helping to keep talented students in our communities and helping students overcome financial hardships. Under the leadership of co-chairs, Jim and Patti Pacino, an amazing gala is underway to ensure the scholarship fund continues to support our deserving students.

The 2017 Encore gala will begin at 5 p.m. with a Prelude Reception accompanied by harpist Denise Duthe (inset photo, right) in the lobby of the Stuart Steiner Theatre.

The reception will feature the exhibit, "Waterworks: Water Tables & Other Aquatic Accoutrements" by artist, Jennifer Hecker, on display at the Roz Steiner Art Gallery. Guests are invited to meet the artist and view these powerful water sculptures.

A formal dinner reception featuring seasonal favorites and culinary masterpieces by American Dining Creations will begin at 6 p.m. in the William W. Stuart Forum. During dinner, guests will enjoy a contemporary jazz ensemble by the Derek Reiss Group. A cash bar with beverage service will be provided by the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel LLC and the Dibble Family & Event Center on behalf of Michael and Valerie Tomaszewski.

After dinner, at 7:45 p.m., guests will be escorted to the Stuart Steiner Theatre for a special Holiday Pops Concert performed by the two-time Grammy Award winning, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra led by resident conductor, Stefan Sanders.

Since 2014, Sanders has led more than 200 performances with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. He is also the newly appointed music director of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra and the Round Rock Symphony in Central Texas.

This year, he will serve as the principal conductor for the 2018 Hot Springs Music Festival in Arkansas. Recent guest conducting appearances have taken him from Poland to Ecuador, as well as around the United States to Virginia, Naples, Syracuse, San Antonio, Austin and Corpus Christi. He studied at the University of Texas at Austin and was a fellow at the American Academy of Conducting at Aspen. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and the Juilliard School. This will be Sanders' final season with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. 

The BPO's performance at Encore will feature principal oboist Henry Ward. A Philadelphia area native, Ward previously served two seasons as acting associate principal oboe for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Ward's solo debut was in 2012 when he performed Mozart's Oboe Concerto in C Major with the Carnegie Mellon Chamber Orchestra.

The spectacular Encore evening concludes with an exquisite dessert reception at 9:30 p.m. held in the Wolcott J. Humphrey III Student Union.

"This year's Encore gala is sure to be a special evening for all. From the 'Waterworks' exhibit in the art gallery, to the delicious meal and the moving musical performances, Encore is truly an evening to celebrate all that the GCC Foundation brings to our communities," says Encore Chairperson Patti Pacino. "My husband, Jim, and I are thrilled and honored to be a part of it this year."

Once again this year, Five Star Bank led the support for Encore as the Benefactor Sponsor. However, sponsorship opportunities are still available at the following levels: 

Conductor's Circle -- $1,000 entitles donor to six tickets to the gala and Prelude Reception

Golden Baton Society -- $600 entitles donor to four tickets to the gala and Prelude Reception

Inner Circle -- $300 entitles donor to two tickets to the gala and Prelude Reception

Patron -- to attend the gala, supporters can purchase tickets for $100 each

To become a 2017 Encore sponsor, please contact the Foundation Office at (585) 345-6809.

Questions regarding the Encore event can be directed to the GCC Foundation at (585) 345-6809 or via email foundation@genesee.edu

Below is principal oboist Henry Ward. Bottom photo is Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Resident Conductor Stefan Sanders.

Photos: 'Sally Cotter and the Censored Stone'

By Steve Ognibene

Opening night of "Sally Cotter and the Censored Stone" SOLD OUT its first performance at Batavia High School last evening. Students from the Drama Club performed their 16th annual show and had the crowd laughing and on their toes throughout the performance.

Director Caryn Leigh Wood has worked with many students but this was challenging, especially toward the finale. Sorrow was still resonating for the cast, who lost a former BHS student, Tori Nigro, in a sudden accident last week. 

The Drama Club ended the performance with a tribute honoring the memory of Tori.

There are two remaining shows, tonight at 7:30 and a matinee tomorrow at 2 o'clock. Tickets are $8, and $6 for students and seniors.

For more photos go to: http://steveognibenephotography.zenfolio.com/p419033762

Genesee Chorale performs 'Christmas Memories' this weekend

By Howard B. Owens

The Genesee Chorale performs "Christmas Memories" this Saturday and Monday in Batavia and Medina.

The program includes some new, some old and some old favorites with a new twist, sung by approximately 70 singers under the direction of Ric Jones and with accompaniment by Doug Hanson.

Concerts are at 7 p.m. Dec. 2 at St. James Episcopal Church, 405 E. Main St., Batavia, and at 7 p.m. Dec. 4 at First Presbyterian Church, 522 S. Main St., Medina.

Tickets are $8 presale, available from Chorale members or online at www.GeneseeChorale.com.

Photos by Howard Owens from Monday's rehearsal at St. James.

GCC's Forum Players stage 'Strong Kids' on Dec. 1

By Howard B. Owens

Genesee Community College's Forum Players will perform "Strong Kids" Children's Theatre at 7 p.m., Dec. 1, at the Stuart Steiner Theater. 

The musical celebrates confidence and believing in one's self while simultaneously addressing bullying, peer pressure, and rejection often faced by children today. It is a musical compilation of poems, new and original monologues, and some classic favorites from "Hairspray," "The King and I," "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," "Wicked," and "The Lion King."

The cast of "Strong Kids" are all GCC students and includes singers, dancers and soloists. 

The cast:

  • Abanoor Abdi, Vocal Ensemble, Rochester
  • Celeste Brownell, president of Forum Players 2017-2018, Vocal Soloist, Vocal Ensemble, Dance Ensemble, Bergen
  • Chrisjon Canty, Vocal Soloist, Vocal Ensemble, Rochester
  • Marissa Carbonell, Vocal Soloist, Vocal Ensemble, Dance Ensemble, Batavia
  • Emily Carey, Vocal Ensemble, Medina
  • Joseph Cartwright II, Dance Ensemble, Hunt
  • Jamie Crawford, Dance Ensemble, Mount Morris
  • Jack Diskin, Vocal Soloist, Le Roy
  • Kayla Lander, Dance Ensemble, Dance Soloist, Mayfield
  • Troy McCrorey, Vocal Ensemble, Chester, S.C.
  • Liliam Montilla, Vocal Soloist, Vocal Ensemble, New York City
  • Rebecca Naber, Dance Ensemble, Hamburg
  • Erin Phillips, Vocal Soloist, Batavia
  • Cameron Sanzo, Dance Ensemble, Batavia
  • Jennifer Schreiber, Dance Ensemble, Rochester
  • Cody Taylor, Vocal Soloist, Dance Ensemble, Vocal Ensemble, Medina
  • Taylor Wilson, Vocal Soloist, Vocal Ensemble, Dance Ensemble, Cheektowaga
  • Maki Ishikawa, Vocal Soloist, Vocal Ensemble, Japan
  • Sayaka Miura, Vocal Soloist, Chiryu City, Japan
  • Natsumi Sasabe, Dance Ensemble, Vocal Soloist, Japan
  • Akane Hagiwara, Dance Ensemble, Japan

"Strong Kids" is directed by Maryanne Arena.

Tickets to see "Strong Kids" are available now and are $8 for adults, $5 for seniors (55+) and GCC faculty/staff. Students and children pay $3, and GCC alumni with ID will receive a $2 discount on an adult ticket. To reserve seats, contact the GCC box office at boxoffice@genesee.edu or (585) 345-6814.

Five-band Jamboree on Dec. 3 at Stafford Fire Hall to benefit Mark Dougherty

By Billie Owens

There will be a Jamboree Benefit Fundraiser for Mark Dougherty at the Stafford Fire Hall from 2 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3. Admission is free; donations accepted.

Five bands will perform:

  • Scott / Ryan
  • Front Porch Pickers
  • Tonk ! Bros.
  • Rick Howe Band
  • KW Does Country

There will also be a basket raffle, 50/50 and Bell Jar tickets.

Special thanks to Bill Pitcher.

The Stafford Fire Hall is located at 6153 Main Road in Stafford.

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