Happening in Geneseo
Driftwood at Drumroll Stage
Music has guided Driftwood to hallowed ground many times since its founding members, Joe Kollar and Dan Forsyth, started making music as high schoolers in Joe's parents' basement. Whether the Upstate New York folk rock group—which today also includes violinist Claire Byrne, bassist Joey Arcuri, and drummer Sam Fishman—are converting new fans on a hardscrabble tour across the country or playing to a devoted crowd at hero Levon Helm’s Woodstock barn, the band’s shapeshifting approach to folk music continues to break new ground. And yet in many ways Driftwood's latest work, the transformative December Last Call, finds the group coming home.
Recorded in that very same basement where the Driftwood dream began, December Last Call lyrically reflects on the recent past, musing on the ways the group grew up, together and apart, through curveballs like new parenthood or pandemic shutdowns.
Elf Stroll Kickoff
The Elf Stroll Kicks off! Stroll down Main Street with Santa and the elves!
The Town Pants wsg Smilo & The Ghost at Drumroll
Come out to Drumroll Stage for an incredible night of live music from Smilo & The Ghost and the one and only The Town Pants! Get your tickets in advance to for $25 or pay $30 day of show (if any are left)!
The Town Pants started 20 years ago playing small pubs which lead to performing at music venues in over 500 cities in 15 countries and eventually to headlining Celtic, Roots and World Music festivals internationally. Three thousand shows later their own brand of Celtic roots-rock spans seven albums so far and is backed up with a legendary live show that has garnered them fans from Hawaii to Norway.
The Vancouver BC based band combines aspects of Irish traditional, folk, rock and roots Americana, fusing their signature dual lead vocals from brothers Duane and Dave Keogh. With the addition of virtuoso violinist Johanna So and backed by the solid rhythm section of Jeff Tripoli and Blake Probst the band creates a unique form of high energy "West Coast Celtic" that remains in the heart and head long after the music stops.
There are many Celtic folk-rock bands out there, but rarely does a band have this combination of passion, energy and spirit in performance coupled with some of the most imaginative songwriting you’ll find in the genre.
Smilo and the Ghost's emotionally charged lyrics and vocals are backed up by the virtuosity of Wilber (who has toured the world with American blues guitarist Bernard Allison) and McKillip. Their setlist moves between gritty, hard-luck foot stompers like “Nothing’s Changed” and “Big Guns” to triumphant ballads like “Save Me” and “There’s Nothing Left.” All of which are highlights of Smilo & the Ghost live shows. The band’s songs share Americana country/rock DNA with Trampled by Turtles, Dawes, and Ryan Bingham, while maintaining a voice all their own. The recent addition of DeCecco on banjo has allowed for a deeper exploration of the band’s bluegrass and country chops. These old-timey roots are on full display in their highly-anticipated album, Fingers Crossed and Godspeed, which has been selected as one of Erie Reader’s “Top Three Albums of 2021.” The band isn’t sitting still, though, also recording a live album in early 2022. Smilo and the Ghost combine songs meant for singing and dancing with charismatic, high-energy performing on stage. They’re as comfortable on the main stage as they are in the corner of a local bar and shouldn’t be missed at either venue.
Ric Robertson Live at Cosmic Charlie Cafe
Ric Robertson band will be performing at Cosmic Charlie Cafe.
Snowman Mason Jar Luminary
Celebrate the holiday season by making this cute craft with a mason jar, paint, and other embellishments. For ages 13 and up. Space is limited. Registration opens November 4.
Wadsworth Homestead Tavern Night
Come experience the magic of the holidays at the Wadsworth Homestead!! The Homestead will be open as a tavern, with the fire lit and the bar open!
Tables are on a first come first serve basis and the fare will be light, We hope to see you on one or more of these special nights from 5-9 PM!
Make Your Own Gingerbread House
Come out for some guaranteed holiday fun! We'll be making our own gingerbread houses from graham crackers, icing, and various candies. Open to children 4 years old and up. Registration will open Friday, November 1st. Space is limited.
Photos with Santa at The Wadsworth Homestead
Come join us for a merry good time at the Wadsworth Homestead. Santa Claus himself will be there, spreading holiday cheer and taking pictures with all the good boys and girls! Located at the picturesque Wadsworth Homestead, this event promises a festive atmosphere that will make your heart merry. A professional photographer will be on hand to capture the moment and digital files will be made available to you.
Whether your child has been naughty or nice, Santa will be ready to listen to their wishes and create lasting memories. Don't forget to dress up in your favorite holiday attire to make the moment even more special! So mark your calendars and reserve your spot at the Wadsworth Homestead. Get ready to smile, laugh, and experience the joy of the holiday season with Santa. We can't wait to see you there!
Registration is required, Ticket Sales coming soon!
Handel's MESSIAH, presented by the Geneseo Chamber Singers and Geneseo Symphony Orchestra
The Geneseo Chamber Singers and Geneseo Symphony Orchestra,
conducted by Dr. Gerard Floriano, present
Handel's Messiah
Featuring professional soloists
Wadsworth Homestead Tavern Night
Come experience the magic of the holidays at the Wadsworth Homestead!! The Homestead will be open as a tavern, with the fire lit and the bar open!
Tables are on a first come first serve basis and the fare will be light, We hope to see you on one or more of these special nights from 5-9 PM!
Christmas in the Village
Join us for a day of Holiday celebrations across Main Street! Activities include:
Cookie Stroll – 12-4 PM
Holiday Open House at Body & Face by Kristin 9-5 PM
Not Dot Shop S’mores
Strolling Santa & Elves
Free Photo Booths on Main Street
Horse Drawn Wagon Rides – 12-3 PM
Candle Making Craft at St. Michael’s - 12-4 PM
Kids Crafts – 12-6 PM
Santa on the Deck at Flo’s – 2-4 PM
Cocoa Bar on the Deck at Florence’s – 2-8 PM
Merry Little Market & Mingle – 11-8 PM
Geneseo Cookie Stroll
Stroll the downtown shops, Experience the holiday magic, Collect up to 20 special cookies!
No Bake Holiday Desserts
Learn how to make easy holiday desserts that are ready in a flash and don’t even need to be baked. For ages 13 & up. Space is limited. Registration opens November 18.
Caroling in the Village
Carol around the Geneseo Main Street area, meeting first at the Livingston County Museum for starting instructions.
Wadsworth Homestead Tavern Night
Come experience the magic of the holidays at the Wadsworth Homestead!! The Homestead will be open as a tavern, with the fire lit and the bar open!
Tables are on a first come first serve basis and the fare will be light, We hope to see you on one or more of these special nights from 5-9 PM!
Maddy Walsh & The Blind Spots at Geneseo Riviera Theatre
Maddy Walsh & The Blind Spots make their Geneseo Riviera debut, and it's going to be epic (if you've been to GrassRoots, you probably know what we're talking about! Special guest to be announced.
Maddy Walsh & The Blind Spots, a tenured, original, five-piece moxy rock band steered by magnetic songstress and force of nature Maddy Walsh, celebrated its fifteen-year "bandiversary" with a sizzling east coast tour. Their recently released fourth studio album, Talk, showcases a matured grasp of songwriting, paired, as always, with the band's signature electrifying, high- energy performances characterized by soaring, powerhouse female vocals, luscious four-part harmonies, a library of modern and vintage key sounds, bold and inventive electric guitar stylings, and an incomparably tight rhythm section. Walsh has since released two solo albums, pandemic-era
SUNY Geneseo Fall Open House
SUNY Geneseo will host a Fall Open House events on October 12 or November 11, 2024, for a full day of getting to know Geneseo! Take this day to tour campus, meet professors, and get to know the true heart of Geneseo.
Square Dance with the Geneseo String Band
Sat. November 9th, in the MacVittie College Union Ballroom, SUNY Geneseo, 7 to 10 pm.
Everybody welcome, admission $5, spectators $2, students and under 12 free.
Refreshments available (enjoy the union Starbucks) and parking free in any faculty lot.
Eastern style dancing and basic instruction offered.
Sponsored by SUNY Geneseo Music Department. Info Kimball@geneseo.edu or 245-5824
First Friday Art Party feat. Jacob Taylor
Join The Gallery in the Valley’s November Art Party featuring the artwork of Jacob Taylor.
Jacob Taylor is a local multimedia artist from Geneseo, New York. His work spans across a multitude of mediums including acrylic and pastel painting, and ink illustration. In reference to his show ‘Incongruent’ Jacob claims; “There tends to be no rhyme or reason to my artistic process outside of ‘What is fun right now?’ and thus explains why I go by ADHD. Art that ebbs and flows as freely as my attention span.”
Murder Mystery Dinner Theater
1920’s mobster-themed interactive murder mystery theater including a buffet dinner and a glass of wine or beer. Each table will work together to uncover the murderer!
MENU
Mixed Green Salad
Dinner Rolls
White Veggie Lasagna
Chicken French
Mashed Potatoes
Cookies & brownies for dessert
Sign Unveiling in Geneseo's Village Park
JOIN US FOR SIGN UNVEILING IN GENESEO’S VILLAGE PARK. Acknowledging Seneca Land Rights, Recognizing Past Wrongs, and Cultivating Values for a Sustainable Future. This event is free, but please RSVP to paulkreher@gmail.com.
Two outdoor public signs will be unveiled at Geneseo’s Village Park (intersection of Main Street and 20A) on Saturday November 2nd, 2024, at 1:00pm. Thanks to a grant from the Genesee Valley Council on the Arts (GVCA) awarded to the Association for the Preservation of Geneseo (APOG), new interpretive signs will be erected in the Park that acknowledge Seneca people and culture in the Genesee Valley, both past and present. With inspiration from community member Paul Kreher, this project engaged a collaborative research team of exhibit design consultant, representatives from Indigenous communities, community members, and the Livingston County Historical Society to create two interpretive signs.
The first sign engages the reader to learn more about how to cultivate values for a sustainable future based on Indigenous ways of knowing, such as the Seventh Generation Philosophy and the Thanksgiving Address, which embodies gratitude, respect, and reciprocity. The second sign acknowledges Seneca (Onödowá'ga') land rights, past wrongs against them, and rights stolen from them, and suggests ways to be an ally to Seneca people in the present and future.
The Village Park is located near to the site of the signing of the 1797 Big Tree Treaty, whereby the Seneca were dispossessed of their homeland and displaced to eleven reservations. After the treaty, the US Government continued to coerce the Seneca to leave their lands, and today only four of the original eleven reservations remain: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Tonawanda, and Oil Springs.
The signs will be unveiled during National Native American Heritage Month.
The goals and objectives for this community project are multi-fold. First, the project acknowledges that Indigenous people were the original stewards of the land on which we now live. The second goal is to educate and invite the community to think about what we can learn today about the history and culture of those who called this land their home long before usA third goal is to make this project accessible to as many people as possible and to comply with ADA standards. The Park is frequented by thousands each year who will have access to the information presented on the signs. With upcoming additions to the signs, the community will be able to hear the Seneca language, which is making a resurgence, as they listen to audio components of the exhibit and additional information about Seneca culture and values
Lastly, of utmost importance to the project, is the goal to educate the community about Native American land dispossession. More and more communities in the United States and Canada are incorporating Land Rights Acknowledgements into public programming and spaces. As examples, SUNY, our community neighbor, begins programs with a Land Rights Acknowledgement, and the Livingston County Museum is currently developing a Land Rights Acknowledgement to accompany special imagery near the entrance of the Museum. Some might argue that a simple acknowledgment may not be enough; however, it is an important starting point.
Traditionally, Indigenous Peoples are an underrepresented group, and much of the history of Indigenous communities is unknown by those now living on their ancestral land. But the Seneca people still survive today as a sovereign, independent nation, maintaining its own distinct laws, language, customs, and culture.
In addition to raising awareness of Ingenious history in our community, this project aims to awaken a community understanding about how the collective “we” have lost touch with Indigenous wisdom that could be a critical guide to combatting global warming. “Our relationship to the Earth is broken and must be restored. If the land is our teacher, we have to show up for class (Robin Wall Kimmerer).”
Ric Robertson Band at Geneseo Riviera
Ric Robertson brings an all-star band back to the Riviera as part of the 2024 fall tour, after a monster show as part of the Ric Robertson Band spring run. A guaranteed excellent night of music is in store!
Ric Robertson is an American original, pulling influences from the greats that came before, but wholly responsible for creating his own creative universe. Robertson’s voice and lyrics hold a soft Southern burr, a Zen acceptance of humanity’s failings, and, most importantly, a sense of pure playfulness in the music. This is John Prine by way of New Orleans, Harry Nilsson in a Nudie suit, a stoned Dr. John lost in Nashville, Bill Monroe on mushrooms listening to Bessie Smith. Step into his boundlessly creative multi-verse and you’ll find nothing short of American songbook excellence. When Ric’s not writing songs or playing music, his polymath personality fills time learning
L.S.T.N 90s Halloween Costume Party
This year we are bringing our Halloween costume party back to Geneseo 👽 To celebrate we will be performing our first all 90s dance party set 🤯 To top it off we will be having a best 90s costume contest!
🚪Doors 9pm
🎶 Music 10pm - 1 set 90s/1 set Original
🎟️ $10 Cover ($5 with Student ID)
Brooms & Brews - Magic Held Here at Strange Design
In honor of the season come craft and take flight!
Magic Held Here and Strange Design Public House present Brooms and Brews, an enchanting broom making workshop, to the Haunted Harvest Physic Fair and Fall Festival!
Enjoy a seasonal flight from Strange Design Public House while learning how the broom has been transformed through history into a symbol of cleansing, protection, and even travel. The Wise Women of Magic Held Here will lead the crafting workshop, you will learn to bind broom corn and adorn your creation with dried flowers and colorful ribbons, infusing it with your own personal flair. All supplies needed will be provided, but of course you can bring anything that is calling to you as adornment!
Whether you plan to use your handcrafted broom for practical purposes, as a decorative piece, or as a ritual tool, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn ancient traditions and express your creativity.
Join us for an afternoon of history, crafting, and community, and leave with not only a beautiful broom but also a deeper appreciation for the magic that resides in everyday objects.
We have two ticket options:
General: Includes a seasonal flight, instruction and supplies needed.
Pint Plus: Enjoy a $2 discount on your first pint by including it in your ticket purchase. Includes a seasonal flight, a pint, instruction and supplies needed.
SUNY Geneseo Breast Cancer Awareness Swim Meet
The SUNY Geneseo Swimming and Diving Team are currently fundraising for Breast Cancer Research through the American Cancer Society's "Fighting Breast Cancer Together" campaign. The meet will be holding a raffle with gift certificates and items to local businesses and shops. On October 26, at 1:00 pm, join to cheer on the SUNY Geneseo team and participate in an evening for a great cause. Donations are accepted at the team’s fundraising page below.
Haunted Harvest Fall Festival & Psychic Fair
3rd annual fall festival! Readers, Healers, Tattoos, Massage, Food, Beverages, Crafters, Vendors, Metaphysical Shop, Haunted History Tour, Broom Making Workshop and all of the fun things!
“Clash of the Titans”
“Clash of the Titans”
Titanic works by Mozart and Franck
Overture to ‘Don Giovanni’ – W. A. Mozart
Symphony in D minor - César Franck
Beg Steal or Borrow in Concert
Welcome to Beg Steal or Borrow!
Tightly knit since 2013, these pickers have been awarded "best new band" at the Thomas Point Festival, Grey Fox, and Podunk for the "triple crown of bluegrass". Come join us at The Geneseo Riviera for a night of fun, music, and excitement.
Sponsored by Dublin Corners Farm Brewery, the Quality inn of Geneseo NY, and Mike Smith of Howard Hanna Real Estate.
Faculty Recital: Beata Golec
Join our piano professor Dr. Beata Golec in a solo recital of her own compositions, set to image installations by local photographers!
This exciting presentation will include the composer talking about her musical language, compositional techniques, emotional content of each composition as well as explanation of each photographer’s image interpretation of the piece. The photographers were not provided with the composer’s program notes and their interpretations are based solely on the sound landscape of each musical piece.
SUNY Geneseo Greek Alumni Networking Dinner
SUNY Geneseo Greek Life Alumni will be coming to campus to meet current students for professional development.
SUNY Geneseo Fall Open House
SUNY Geneseo will host a Fall Open House events on October 12 or November 11, 2024, for a full day of getting to know Geneseo! Take this day to tour campus, meet professors, and get to know the true heart of Geneseo.
Geneseo Community Players Presents a Sondheim Tribute Revue
Geneseo Community Players brings a Sondheim Tribute Revue to the historic Geneseo Riviera Theatre on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
The New York Times considers Stephen Sondheim "theater's most revered and influential composer-lyricist of the last half of the 20th century and the driving force behind some of Broadway's most beloved and celebrated shows." This October 5 at 7:30 pm, Geneseo Community Players (GCP) will highlight Sondheim's amazing music and clever lyrics in their one-of-a-kind revue performed in Geneseo's historic Riviera Theatre. Patrons can buy tickets for this one-night-only evening of entertainment by visiting www.geneseocommunityplayers.org or at the Riviera box office on the evening of the performance. The ticket prices are $15 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens.
GCP's “Sondheim Tribute Revue” will take audiences on an incomparable journey through songs from over 20 titles from the Sondheim songbook, including "Company," "Follies," "The Frogs," "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," "Into the Woods," "A Little Night Music," "Sunday in the Park with George," "Saturday Night," "Sweeney Todd" and the recent Tony Award Winner, "Merrily We Roll Along." When asked about the choice of Sondheim for Players's October slot, director Kurt Fletcher highlighted the influence of Sondheim's music on other composers. He said, "Sondheim's music often combines complex melodies with wise and thought-provoking lyrics. His shows have inspired the next generation of Broadway composers and creators. For example, Lin-Manuel Miranda — the creator of "Hamilton" — considers Sondheim one of his mentors. It's hard to think of any American musical theater composer who has been more influential in the last fifty years than Stephen Sondheim." Musical director Sarah Whittel concurred, noting that Stephen Sondheim's music is unique. "Sondheim has a harmonic language that can only be described as iconic."
Whittel and Fletcher have gathered some of the best talent in Livingston County to pay homage to the brilliance of Stephen Sondheim. The cast includes GCP performers Lindsey Buckel, John Costik, Chandra Downs, and Felicity Houston-Thomas, recently seen in GCP's July production of “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” along with prior GCP performers Sophie Houseman (“Pirates of Penzance”-2018), Casey Whittel (“Sound of Music”-2004) and Michael Capel (“A Musical Scrapbook”-2023). Newcomer to GCP but no stranger to Livonia Community Players audiences is cast member Margaret Crabb, who rounds out the group that music director Sarah Whittel believes has the talent and artistry to pull off Sondheim's music. "The lyrics. The voices. Every rehearsal gives me the chills."
Geneseo Community Players chose the historic Geneseo Riviera Theatre for its October 5 “Sondheim Tribute Revue” due to its intimate, beautiful setting and comfortable seating. Tickets are guaranteed to go fast for this one-night-only event, so people are encouraged to act fast to ensure they don't miss this evening of Sondheim specially curated for this group of performers and local audiences.
Scarecrow Contest
Stroll through town to check out these creative characters and vote for your favorite in our annual Scarecrow Contest.
Voting cards and a scarecrow map can be picked up at Not Dot Shop, Shear FX, and ENVY Salon. Cast your votes and share your photo ops with us, these scarecrows are ready for their close-up
Cool Club and the Lipker Sisters
Cool Club and the Lipker Sisters will be jumpin' and jivin' at Drumroll on Saturday September 28, 2024!
EVENT DETAILS:
Cool Club and the Lipker Sisters
Drumroll Stage + Sushi Pub, 86 Court Street, Geneseo, NY 14454
Doors: 7:00 p.m. │ Show: 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $15 at the door
Ages 21+
ABOUT:
Cool Club and the Lipker Sisters
www.coolclubandlipkersisters.com
CCLS are a down-home group that provides up-beat and high energy original music and covers that you'll love from the 1930s to now. They love being the soundtrack to your evening of dancing and fun all around the Finger Lakes and beyond!
Weird Phishes
Weird Phishes returns to Drumroll on Friday, September 27!
Ages 21+
$10 at door
Doors 7pm
Show 8pm
WEIRD PHISHES
www.weirdphishes.com
Weird Phishes is exactly what it sounds like - the iconic melancholy rock songs of Radiohead completely reborn as
danceable, crunchy jams. With full-album performances, unexpected mashups, and gluey funk-driven improvisation, their jam-heavy take on alt-rock classics has sparked an
unexpected energy in audiences across the Northeast.
Cleverly avoiding the "tribute" trope, Weird Phishes continues to push the envelope of what a mashup band can be, delivering performances that need to be experienced to believe.
Geneseo Farmers Market
The Geneseo Farmers Market occurs weekly on Thursdays from 3-6:30pm on Center Street. Full of fresh produce, local crafts and creation, goods, and more.
Friends of Wadsworth Library Annual Meeting
Join us for the Friends of Wadsworth Library Annual Meeting on Tuesday, September 24th, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at 24 Center St, Geneseo, NY 14454. Enjoy refreshments, live music by special guest Michael Smith, and the presentation of the Volunteer of the Year Award. For more information about the Friends of Wadsworth Library and how to support their efforts, visit https://wadslib.com/giving-to-the-library/friends-of-wadsworth-library or email friendsofwadslibrary@gmail.com.
Drumroll Presents: GRUB
GRUB will be performing at Drumroll on Saturday, September 21, 2024! Grub is a true wildcard in today's music scene. With the intent of drawing in music-lovers of all sorts, the boys continue to push the envelope in modern musical expression.
EVENT DETAILS:
GRUB
Fri Sept 21
Drumroll Stage + Sushi Pub, 86 Court Street, Geneseo, NY 14454
Doors: 7:00 p.m. │ Show: 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10 at the door ($5 w/ student ID)
Ages 21+