If you're a musical act playing a show in Genesee County, or a Genesee County music venue, send your press releases about your shows to Kara Richenberg at kara@thebatavian.com or use the "+ Add your event" button above.
A soft-spoken Tom Ryan was getting a snack before taking his turn to perform at a new event at GO ART! in Batavia. Added to a slowly growing list of open mics, this one, located at the corner of East Main and Bank streets downtown, takes place every third Friday at 6:30 p.m.
Ryan shared why he enjoys participating in open mics and why they seem to be growing in popularity, just before taking to the stage with his guitar and a song.
“It’s safe, it’s a safe space,” he said. “If I were getting paid to perform, that’s a different deal.”
GO ART! on East Main and Bank streets
Fellow crooner James Pastore set up this open mic session and hopes it will build an audience each month.
"In my experience, open mics help not only to bring people together, but they are a way in which we can support one another to be vulnerable and share a part of ourselves and our journeys. Oftentimes I find that the songs, pieces, or acts that people perform offer a glimpse into a deeper aspect of themself, whether that be one’s truth or perspective, their heart and wisdom, or one’s pain that we can all relate to in one way or another,” Pastore said. “That being said, I believe open mics can be a place for community to gather and be a light towards our greater humanity and connection. And it’s for this reason that I personally enjoy sharing and appreciate the chance to gain inspiration from others.
“GO ART! being the old historic and artistic building that it is, offers much to the local art community already, and I envision it to be another great venue for an open mic. In my opinion, music is an exceptional unifier of people,” he said. “I eagerly anticipate hearing pieces from various genres across different generations. And this open mic is not limited to only music; any poet, comedian, or spoken word artist is equally valued and would contribute to this community’s richness.”
Open mics are open
If you’ve been to an open mic, then you know the routine: musicians are on a first-come, first-served basis of performing in the order of a sign-up sheet, and depending on the venue, there may be an intro band or artist to get things going.
There are no cover charges — at least not locally — and patrons can get a beverage and food at some establishments while listening to locals strum a guitar, sing, tell jokes, or recite poetry as their own unique brand of talent.
VFW on Edward
Lee Moore has been performing in and operating an open mic at the VFW for the last decade. As much as he’s aware of these events, however, he only happened to stumble across one when he and a friend visited GO ART! for a drink one evening. That goes to show how even the most ardent followers can miss these live happenings under the cloak of modest promotion.
Moore doesn’t understand why more Batavia folks don’t attend his open mic at 6 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 25 Edwards St., Batavia. They’ve gotten up to a dozen musicians signed up to perform, he said, and the event used to be just once a month.
“It definitely grew. It was a struggle at first,” Moore said. “A couple of bands started as a result of it. It’s still vibrant, but we have a hard time getting Batavia people to come to ours. The whole band can come play, we have drums, piano, the whole set-up on stage, amplifiers and a PA system. They bring their own guitars.”
He estimated that about 25 to 30 people attend open mic nights, which used to be held in the bar and had become crowded, so the events were moved into the dining room. Musicians play five or six songs each, and are “quite talented,” Moore said.
“This is their chance to let out their talent, and quite a few folks come just to listen,” he said. “It’s a very inexpensive way to have music and bring people in. We don’t take any money, we just do it. It’s a good way to support the veterans — they serve bar food on those nights.”
Dan Dedo of Batavia goes to a lot of open mics, he said, on a Wednesday at VFW. He has also attended them at GO ART! and Iburi Photography at 35 Jackson St., Batavia.
“Those are all very great places to hear open mic. You never know what you’re going to get,” he said. “There’s a lot of great musical talent in town, and everybody has a different approach to their music, and it introduces me to new music as well. I play a little bit; I’m hoping that the open mic phenomenon continues to grow. It does encourage people to develop their musical skills, and it gets people of like interests to enjoy music.
“I think people are missing a great opportunity to hear some very talented musicians,” Dedo said. “It’s great entertainment and very inexpensive to come out and enjoy. We appreciate the musicians.”
His listening partner, Bonnie Dedo, added that “we always have a great time,” echoing Lee Moore’s question about attendance, “and we are wondering why there’s not a ton of people here, because it’s just so wonderful.”
Practicing an art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow, author Kurt Vonnegut says.
“Sing in the shower. Dance to the radio. Tell stories. Write a poem to a friend, even a lousy poem. Do it as well as you possibly can,” the writer said, according to Tom Taylor in Far Out Magazine. “You will get an enormous reward. You will have created something.”
Taylor further stated that Vonnegut’s perspective “emphasizes the transformative and healing power of engaging with music and the arts, both for individuals and society at large.”
All it takes is a live concert of any musical genre to experience that power. Perhaps that’s why there has been a revival for open mics in the area, from the VFW’s longstanding monthly Wednesday sessions to Iburi Photography's more recent once-a-month Fridays that began 18 months ago, and late bloomer GO ART!, featuring a Saturday morning, self-funded series of local musicians in addition to the third Friday of the month with Pastore, and ongoing karaoke sessions.
Iburi Photography on Jackson
For the last two years, Iburi has even branched out of its in-house jams to sponsor a larger event in Jackson Square. This year's event is scheduled for 6 to 9:30 p.m. this Friday.
"So I think the main focus is having the community come out and perform. It's run like a standard open mic, first come, first served. You come up and sign up. People can play music. We've had some comedians come up. So whether you're a musician, a performer or a poet, we're open to all forms of creative expression," sponsor Akari Lewis-Iburi said, speaking also on behalf of her husband Kevin. “With our personal open mics, my husband’s a singer and songwriter, and I know that music is such an important part of his life to connect with people. And I think the open mics for us are a way to just have a space to build a community of people who are there to support each other.
“We're a very supportive group, and we really just genuinely enjoy spending time with everyone and uplifting people and just being a part of their creative outlet. And I think it's important to have that, to build community around that, and connect, because, I think they're popular because life is just so fast and everything's online now, and I think it's really great to have a space where we physically get together and just spend time together,” she said.
“And oftentimes at the end of the night … I'd like to think it's a little different than the others, because we're not a bar, we're really just a venue, so I think people approach it a little differently too. They're not there to get a drink, they're there for the music or for the comedy or for the poets that are there," she said. "So I feel like it draws a different kind of people, and we see a lot of the same folks that come through, and it's so great. We look forward to that every month … it's nice to connect physically with people, just face to face.”
Iburi’s last event featured about 15 performers and drew nearly 50 people to listen, she said. Events at Jackson Square bring in more musicians and spectators, and this year’s open mic was moved up into June, away from the busier Fourth of July weekend. There is no fee to participate; however, Lewis-Iburi asks that performers be mindful of the family-oriented audience when making song and prose selections.
The regular Iburi open mics are at 6 p.m. (sign-ups) and music begins at 6:30 p.m. on the first Fridays of the month.
Brandie, an open mic attendee, wrote online that she has connected with “so many supernova musicians and artisans since learning about this high vibe, open, co-creative space.”
“The local community is rich and diverse with singers, songwriters, poets, and comedians,” she said. “This last visit felt like such an episode. Oh my goodness, lotsa laughter and unexpected tears from a touching song towards the end of the evening … so grateful for the opportunity to connect and share our heart.”
Saturday Morning Coffeehouse Series
Eric Zwieg, an experienced rolling stone in his own right — figuratively, that is, having played at various venues in different states — had memories of an open mic in Georgia with a strict listening policy posted in the venue to emphasize a respectful process for musician and spectator alike; and another one in Allentown, “where I cut my teeth as a writer and player,” Zwieg said.
“The evening started at 7 p.m. with a featured local artist playing a one-hour set, followed by an open mic that often lasted until 4 a.m., followed by breakfast and boozy conversation down the street at The Towne Restaurant. It was an eclectic scene of endless musical genres, poetry, street performances, comedy, dramatic readings, etc.,” he said. “Michael Meldrum mentored thousands of musicians through the years, and it was his concept of having an opening act before the open mic that I suggested to Kevin and Akari at Iburi Photography that they have implemented with Parris (Zwieg) and Holly playing the first one. Parris and Holly went on to host a three-month residency at GO ART! because of the Iburi gig that included a number of their open mic participants.”
Zwieg began a Saturday morning live music series at GO ART!, stemming from his days of being a Rochester singer-songwriter in the 80s and 90s, playing gigs at restaurants for Sunday morning brunches.
“Back then, gigs didn’t start until 10 p.m. and could last until 3 a.m. The morning show provided an opportunity to commune with friends over breakfast and hear great music. So, when GO ART! opened their bakery Audrey’s, I thought it might be a nice pairing,” he said. “Music is a great communicator that needs no introduction. I invite people constantly by word of mouth, a grassroots approach, to try new music, venues, musicians, bands, and performers to listen and share space with something/someone new and different. It’s good for the soul and good for the community.”
The series features two artists on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the main gallery hosted by Henry Grace, Zwieg’s stage persona. Dialogue is encouraged between musicians and audience members via questions, stories, song selections, the writing process. There are three shows left before the next series begins in September.
There is also another open mic for a variety of talents, hosted by Dave Mollahan, every fourth Friday night at GO ART! Sign ups start at 6:30 and show opens at 7 p.m.
NEW: Deal of the Day Bundle, Family Fun Downtown!! This special will be included at random in Deal of the Day posts during May. There are only four packages available. Members of Early Access Pass have exclusive access to the Deal of the Day during the first four hours the post is available. To join Early Access Pass, click here. For a discount on EAP, use the promo code SUMMER2025.
Batavia Players bring "Jesus Christ Superstar," a pioneering rock opera, to the Main St. 56 Theater with four shows this weekend.
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice wrote and scored "Jesus Christ Superstar." It dramatizes the final week of Jesus’ life, focusing on his relationships with his disciples, especially Judas Iscariot and Mary Magdalene. The story is told largely from Judas’ perspective, exploring his concerns about Jesus’ growing influence and the potential consequences from Roman authorities.
The musical began as a concept album released in 1970, with the stage musical debuting on Broadway in 1971. The show broke new ground by blending rock music with theater, helping to establish the rock opera genre.
The production is directed by Patrick Burk.
Showtimes:
The Genesee Chorale will sing its "greatest hits" from its first 20 seasons in a concert on May 18 called Reflections.
The Chorale will highlight chorale-member favorites at St. James Episcopal Church, 405 East Main St., Batavia, at 4 p.m.
The song selection surveys a range of styles and genres, including pop, classical, sacred, spiritual, and folk music.
"We are really thrilled at how beautiful this concert is shaping up to be," said member Caryn Wood.
For tickets, click here.
Photos by Howard Owens.
NEW: Deal of the Day Bundle, Family Fun Downtown!! This special will be included at random in Deal of the Day posts during May. There are only four packages available. Members of Early Access Pass have exclusive access to the Deal of the Day during the first four hours the post is available. To join Early Access Pass, click here. For a discount on EAP, use the promo code SUMMER2025.
While it’s nice to memorialize someone after death, a group of Broadway actor John Bolton’s friends and colleagues decided to forego that route and do something while the living can also soak in how much he is appreciated, Jackie McLean says.
That’s why Bolton, a Le Roy High School graduate who has never forgotten his humble roots, is instead being honored — alive and in person — with a Lifetime Achievement Gala next month.
“Millie Tomidy is a community member in Le Roy and one of John’s very best friends from high school, and she also graduated in 1980 with John. She had been talking to retired music teacher Denise Duthe about how she wants to do something for John; he’s had such an impact on the community and in the school itself and the students in the region,” said McLean, Le Roy Central School’s music director. “And it just always felt like we always wait to celebrate people often until after they’ve passed away, and we’re honoring their life, and Millie and Denise are like, why are we waiting?
“We want to celebrate him, and we bounced a bunch of ideas around, and we talked to the school and (Superintendent) Merritt Holly and colleagues, because we wanted to have the school involved,” she said. “And we wanted to do a gala ceremony to just show John how much we appreciate him and how much he’s given back to the community, but also to celebrate all of his achievements.”
The Gala has been set for 3 p.m. May 18 at Le Roy Central High School, 9300 South Street Road, Le Roy. Doors open at 2 p.m., and a Taste of Le Roy Reception is to follow the ceremony. There is no charge, however, donations are welcome at the door.
Other Le Roy faculty, students, residents and alumni have jumped on board, including Laura Williams and Jim Bonacquisti, McLean said. There are to be speeches from a variety of community members “to make John realize how important he is to all of us,” she said.
A committee has been formed and everyone is “throwing our different expertise together,” she said, for the different components of the event, including speakers, performances and some “secret surprises.” There will be a Taste of Le Roy, featuring a dish from several local restaurants for a reception after the ceremony.
Will there be music? Oh yes. “A good amount of music,” she said, with a performance from current students from the musical “because John has so graciously attended our shows over the last few years and shown that support to those kids,” plus “some special shout-outs via videos, and a bio and video about John so that anyone who doesn’t know him can get a taste of why we’re celebrating him.”
So why are they celebrating him?
"For years he has given back to the Le Roy Community as well as the Rochester area," she said. "Working with students, budding actors, and schools, we are all so fortunate to know him."
According to Bolton’s bio, he is best known as a Broadway theater actor, starring on Broadway and nationally in "Anastasia," "Wicked," "Hello, Dolly!," "A Christmas Story: The Musical," "Dames At Sea," "Curtains," "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," "Young Frankenstein" and "Damn Yankees."
He was in the original Broadway productions of "Titanic," "Contact" and "Spamalot," all three of which won the Tony Award for Best Musical. Nominated for Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, Lortel, Astaire, and Rivera awards, Bolton headlined sold-out concerts at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. The world of TV has not ignored him, with appearances in "The Good Wife," "Gossip Girl," "Madam Secretary," "Belles du Jour," "Con Heir," "Boardwalk Empire," and "Where the Vile Things Are."
Perhaps not quite as well known were his roles as a soloist with the NY Philharmonic in 2012, or appearances in the David Letterman Show skits about a singing cowboy, an accountant guarding Oscar ballots, and a crazed Letterman fan.
Similar to the myriad past and present students and community members, McLean has her own story of how Bolton was gracious with his time and earned wisdom while in Buffalo touring with “Hello Dolly.” The Covid pandemic shut his show down, and a day later also shut down Le Roy’s musical.
“However, we were able to do what we called an open dress rehearsal for the Stars of Tomorrow judges, and John didn't know what was happening, nor did any of us, obviously. And he was in Le Roy with a friend, and he said, ‘I really I want to go over to the high school and see these kids. You know, their show is closing,’ and on a night that was kind of the worst for a bunch of teenagers thinking all this work they'd put in for five months and the school year ending with barely being able to open the show,” she said. “And John shows up and gives them this amazing speech and comes into the theater and talks to them about, how this might just be a pause, and how theater will be back. And obviously, he was right. It was a very inspiring speech. It really meant a lot to the students. Several of the students who were part of that cast are actually coming back for this event to share their talents.”
His gesture to offer them some words of comfort “was so kind,” McLean said, and the two have become good friends since. He supported student Evan Williams, a 2023 Stars of Tomorrow winner who went to the Jimmy awards, and was very supportive of McLean, an inspiring teacher award recipient, she said.
Bolton also came to Batavia in 2023 to help support a Main St. 56 Theater fundraiser and to teach a master class for Batavia Players.
“He is a special, special teacher and a good friend,” she said. “He is humble, but look at all the people he’s worked with, the shows he’s been in … the idea of legacy is so important to John, and he has definitely left one.”
RSVPs are requested by May 1 to ensure an accurate count for food. Go HERE to register.
It's time for "Lights, Camera, Action" at Main St. 56 Theater in Batavia.
The Batavia Players are presenting a show tunes showcase, a cabaret, this weekend.
Show times are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Tickets are $22 online and $24 at the door. Students and seniors pay $20/$22.
For more information or tickets, click here.
Photos by Howard Owens.
This weekend, Batavia Players presents at the Main St. 56 Theater Shakespeare's "The Winter's Tale."
The production is directed by Patrick D. Burk with a script adapted by Burk and Tess Uline.
The Players promise a play of romance that is filled with surprises, modern-day twists, and glam. The play is a tale of love, jealousy, and redemption, and staged by the Players in a contemporary way, bringing characters to life for today's world.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Tickets are $22 for adults ($24 at the door) with discounts for students and seniors. Tickets are available at bataviaplayers.org.
The Batavia Business and Professional Women’s Club is a not-for-profit organization in Batavia and invites you for their annual Meat Raffle on Saturday March 29th at Notre Dame High School Gym, 73 Union St. Batavia.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m., first spin is at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets are available until sold out at $15 each or $100 for a table of eight. Includes beer, wine, pop and water.
Bring your own snacks, cooler and dollar bills. Must be 21 or older to attend and no outside alcohol.
There will be many side raffles, including meat packages, gift cards, a 50/50 and a chest freezer for the grand prize.
All proceeds are to benefit Genesee County high school scholarships and service organizations in May.
Event flyer: BBPWC Meat Raffle 2025
For Tickets, contact Sara Balbi at 585-734-6437 or sarajane6677@yahoo.com
Who can't use a little stress relief these days?
East Pembroke resident Don Thomas is here to help. His recently released album (CD and streaming) is his ninth, and like all prior releases, it's all acoustic guitar instrumentals with an emphasis on melody.
"I'm very excited about it," Thomas said about the new release, Sunset. "I like the way it turned out. There was a lot of rewriting, re-recording coming down to the end. It's meant to be another chill pill in my catalog."
Thomas is from New Berlin, Wis., not far from Milwaukee, and has been a performing musician most of his life. He spent some time on the road with a band called Snapshot, mostly as the keyboard player, opening for acts such as Journey, REO Speedwagon and Cheap Trick.
"I still once in a while get to talk with Rick (Nielsen, of Cheap Trick)," Thomas said. "I haven't talked with Robin (Zander) in quite a long time. When they were still touring, I'd bump into him at the House of Guitars. Whenever they would come by, I'd make a point to be able go and say, 'Hi.'"
When Snapshot stopped touring, Thomas came to Western New York looking for work with bands in the area and wound up working in studios.
"I've been in studios for 50 years, working, producing people, recording people," Thomas said.
He ended up with a studio on Goodman Street in Rochester, a design and music studio.
"My wife came down with ovarian cancer, and we shifted gears on everything," Thomas said. "We moved back here to East Pembroke, near her family. At that time, I built a studio and started working on music here and with different groups and individuals in the area. I started recording my own music, which is this guitar style, which I say is stripped of style. It's a melody-driven finger style, peaceful guitar playing."
He said he wasn't sure what he was going to do with his music. He handed out a few CDs to friends and one of them said he should participate in a show at a museum in Rochester.
"It was basically a craft show and he says, 'Get a booth and sell CDs,' and I went, 'oh, okay,'" Thomas said. "At that point, I had one Christmas CD, and I went to that show, got a six by six spot, and put two speakers on a table, and sold 350 CDs in two days."
That set Thomas and his wife on a path of traveling the country, particularly in the northeast and south, visiting trade shows, craft shows, vendor shows, selling his CDs.
He did that for 20 years. Then COVID-19 hit.
"We came home to care for our two mothers, and this is what we've been doing since 2020, so in between arriving at home and readjusting at home, in between, all that is where I recorded this new CD."
With all that going on, recording this CD took a bit longer than his prior albums.
"This CD marks another expression of style and is very carefully meant to entertain lightly," Thomas said.
The title of the new album is "Sunset," with a photo of an ocean sunset on the cover, which sums up the album nicely - music to carry you off to a warm, breezy, late afternoon along on a beach.
"My catalog is completely guitar instrumentals," Thomas said, though he is working on a larger project that involves a band and vocals.
"It's new material, and I have been working on this project for about six years, trying not to sound like everything else on the market," Thomas said. 'I have a fresh approach."
The new CD is streaming on Spotify and Apple Music. Thomas also has CDs for sale. Links to the streaming platforms and CD purchases can be found at donthomas.com.
The high school musical version of The Wizard of Oz has all the elements of the classic tale of dreams and wishes and a newfound appreciation for home and family.
Le Roy Jr./Sr. High presents the L. Frank Baum classic this weekend in three performances.
The musical version of The Wizard of Oz follows the tale of Dorothy Gale, a young girl from Kansas who dreams of adventure beyond her mundane life.
Swept away by a tornado, Dorothy lands in the magical land of Oz, where she kills the Wicked Witch of the East and frees the Munchkins.
Guided by Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, Dorothy embarks on a journey along the Yellow Brick Road to find the Wizard of Oz, who she hopes can help her return home. Along the way, she meets a Scarecrow seeking a brain, a Tin Man wanting a heart, and a Cowardly Lion desiring courage.
Together, they face challenges from the Wicked Witch of the West and ultimately discover that the Wizard is a humbug, but Dorothy learns the true power to return home lies within herself. With a newfound appreciation for her life, Dorothy clicks the heels of her magical ruby slippers and says, “There’s no place like home,” returning to her family and friends in Kansas.
All three performances this week are at 7 p.m., Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Tickets are $13 at the door for adults and $12 for students and seniors. Tickets can also be purchased online at a slight discount.
Photos by Howard Owens.
Jason Ostrowski dazzled and electrified a near-capacity crowd at Batavia Downs on Thursday night, playing the best songs of two iconic rock and roll piano players, singers, and songwriters, Elton John and Billy Joel.
Previously: Rochester native returns to Batavia Downs on Feb. 27 with a high-energy homage to Elton John and Billy Joel
Photos by Howard Owens.
Batavia High School Production Club’s musical, set to debut for three days this weekend, is quite relevant to current events, Director Caryn Wood says, but she and her cast didn’t really intend it to be.
It just so happens that they all love “Newsies,” and Wood grew up a massive fan of the original movie in 1992.
Based on the real-life Newsboy Strike of 1899, this Disney musical tells the story of Jack Kelly, a rebellious newsboy who dreams of a life as an artist away from the big city. After publishing giant Joseph Pulitzer raises newspaper prices at the newsboys’ expense, Kelly and his fellow newsies take action. With help from the beautiful female reporter Katherine Plumber, all of New York City soon recognizes the power of “the little man.”
“I knew every word of every song as a kid. The Broadway musical keeps all the original music and adds even more,” she said to The Batavian. “It’s a show that I have wanted to do for a long time and hadn’t felt the time was right yet. This show was selected after the students themselves really campaigned for it.”
Campaigned, you ask? Her students would stand outside Wood’s office door singing the show’s songs, and make tiny replica newspapers and slide them underneath her door. They would stick post-it notes on her door and deliver fortune cookie messages, only about “Newsies” instead of love or fortune.
“Gentle nudges, we will say. I had narrowed a list down of my top three show choices and polled the students. ‘Newsies’ was most everyone’s first or second choice,” she said. “Timing is everything. I was already interested in doing it and the kids were overwhelmingly in favor of it. And so here we are.”
The show is set for 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at BHS, 260 State St., Batavia.
How can it not be relevant, though, she asked, with songs and lyrics like:
“We're watching a group of young people actively organize a strike on stage, and having said that, though, there's plenty of fun and comedy too. This production is powerful, moving, funny, and extremely engaging,” she said. “I think, though, that maybe themes in this show reflect a recurring theme throughout history, highlighting the need to rise up against corruption and oppression and that coming together in support of a just cause can affect positive change. Honestly, when isn't that relevant?”
Spectators have described rehearsals as dynamic and passionate, high-spirited and heartwarming. Wood said that people can look out for high energy dance numbers, “beautiful and powerful” vocals, and exceptional acting.
“And more than anything, a group of high school performers (cast, crew, and musicians) who are giving their all, and who believe in what they can achieve together,” she said. “Every person will find something to like about this show; it's truly wonderful.”
Tickets can be purchased online for $10.50 here or at the door $10/$12.
To view or purchase photos, click here.
Jason Ostrowski is definitely excited about his upcoming concert at Batavia Downs.
Why? He loves playing rock and roll. He loves Elton John and Billy Joel. With a background in musical theater, he loves performing. He loves meeting people. And, he won't be far from his hometown, Rochester.
More than once during an interview with The Batavian about his Feb. 27 show (doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m.), Ostrowski said about performing, "I love it. I absolutely love it.
Ostrowski isn't sure where this love for music and performance came from but it started young.
"Nobody in my family is in entertainment at all," Ostrowski said. "(Starting in) kindergarten, I was bothering my parents for lessons, and then I took classical for about six years. I hated taking it. I loved my teacher, but I hated classical piano. And then I learned rock and roll."
In high school, at Greece Athena, he discovered musical theater. He was inspired to get his degree from SUNY Fredonia in musical theater and he chased a career as an actor.
His resume includes roles on Broadway, cast on national tours for major Broadway productions, and regional musical theater. His TV roles include co-starring roles on FBI: Most Wanted, Bull, The Detour, WeCrashed, and A Crime to Remember.
"I've been very lucky working for as long as I have in the entertainment industry and being able to support myself," Ostrowski said. "And the piano playing has always been there for me."
Ostrowski's path toward doing concerts featuring the music of the likes of Elton John and Billy Joel began when he was on Broadway in a show where cast members played their own instruments; then, on his own, he started playing more rock and roll on piano.
"I always thought, 'Oh, that would be fun to do for people. But I guess I was a little too shy or something," Ostrowski said. "In 2014, I learned how to do dueling pianos in Orlando, Florida. From there, I was just hooked on performing behind the piano."
Ostrowski was more of a Billy Joel fan (he's even met him a couple of times) but people always told him he looked like Elton John, so he explored his music and found it compelling, so he developed a live act around John's music. He said it's not exactly a tribute show.
"I started putting on my Nana's costume jewelry and some sparkly clothes and doing an Elton John show," Ostrowski said. "It's not an impersonator show because you already know it's not him. I look enough like the guy. I'm not going to try to pretend to be him but to capture the essence of his music and performance. What I do live hopefully translates, and that gives people an experience that, if they haven't seen him, can come close to what it would be like to hear that music live by him. And I love doing it. I love it."
The Feb. 27 show will feature both the music of John and his idol, Joel.
He said Joel is his biggest influence as a singer, piano player, and writer. Ostrowski has singles and EPs of his original music on streaming platforms and is anticipating releasing an album later in 2025.
"I've always written. I've always been, I guess, I've always been a little timid about it, like, uh, nobody's gonna like this or whatever," Ostrowski said. "But now, as I reach 50, I'm like, 'Well, who cares?' So I actually started work on an album in December, and in March, I'm going back to recording in New York City with this producer who was Bruce Hornsby's guitar player for 16 years, and he's worked with Dave Matthews and Ben Folds. He really likes my writing, so we started work on just a little album, four or five songs, but it's exciting, and it's gotten me excited about my own music again."
Ostrowski isn't surprised the music of legendary rockers like John and Joel remains popular, not just with the generation that grew up with John's songs on AM radio.
"I'm on ships quite a bit, and generally, the crowds are people who grew up with Elton John, but every now and then, I get young people and young teenagers out in the audience, and they're singing along to every single song," Ostrowski said. "There's some kind of magic in performing some of this music that's 56 years old now, much older than some of these people listening to it, and they know every single lyric. It really is a rush to just play this rock and roll music."
John, he said, is particularly thrilling.
"He's such a theatrical performer in how he dresses and presents himself," Ostrowski said. "So to be able to do that and sit behind the piano and play this amazing music with incredible bands is all I need. I love it. Absolutely love it."
Tickets are available through Eventbrite, starting at $13.37.
Opening Friday at the Main St. 56 Theater in Batavia is the Batavia Players' production of Agatha Christie's "The Mousetrap."
A murder mystery, it is Christie's most popular play and is directed by Sophie Houseman.
Set in a cozy guesthouse nestled in the snowy English countryside, run by a husband and wife new to the hospitality business, a group of strangers become trapped by a snowstorm. When a police detective arrives with chilling news—a killer is among them—secrets begin to unravel, and tensions rise.
Everyone is a suspect in this classic whodunit, filled with Christie’s signature twists and turns.
Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $24 for adults at the door and $22 for students and seniors. Tickets are $2 cheaper if purchased online.
Photos by Howard Owens.
The "Musical Fireworks" will be flying Sunday at Genesee Community College when the Genesee Symphony Orchestra plays its February concert at 4 p.m.
Featured works conducted by Music Director S. Shade Zajac:
Tickets are $17 for adults, $12 for seniors, and students with an ID can attend for free.
Audience members who arrive at 3 p.m. can meet the orchestra.
Photos by Howard Owens.
A new Paul McCartney tribute band, Band on the Run, from Rochester, played its debut concert on Thursday at Batavia Downs.
Photos by Howard Owens.
Press release:
Batavia Downs President and CEO Byron Brown has announced the eighth Rockin’ the Downs concert series lineup. The shows, eight in all, will be held on Friday nights outside in the middle of the Batavia Downs horse racing track. Concerts will start in June and run into August of 2025.
Kicking off the series on Friday, June 20, will be Queensrÿche. With over 30 million albums sold worldwide, Queensrÿche continues to tour the globe to sold-out audiences. The band has earned multiple Grammy Award nominations and consistently delivers high-octane live shows, combining the hungry fire of a new band with the tempered experience of master showmen. Hear songs like the #1 chart-topping hit Silent Lucidity, Queen of the Reich and Eyes of a Stranger.
Making their Summer Concert Series debut on Friday, June 27, is the Allman Betts Band. Devon Allman and Duane Betts, the sons of Allman Brothers co-founders keyboardist Gregg Allman and guitarist Dickey Betts, have formed a supergroup anchored by sharp songwriting, fiery fretwork, and a historical legacy. Having toured all over the United States, they’ve created a new soundtrack for the American South, blurring the lines between genres. Come hear great original songs, along with some made famous by their fathers.
After a one-week break for Independence Day, the concert series continues when Almost Queen, a tribute to Queen, takes the stage on Friday, July 11th. Experience Queen's magic comes alive with stunning four-part harmonies and electrifying precision. Donning authentic costumes, they'll transport you back to Queen's glory days with every legendary hit. Don't miss this spectacular return to our concert series.
On Friday, July 18, Batavia Downs welcomes back America’s top Pink Floyd Show, The Machine. Over 30 years, they have extended the legacy of Pink Floyd while creating another legacy all their own. Over the years, The Machine has touched the hearts and souls of many with its stellar musicianship, dramatic lighting, lasers and video performances.
On Friday, July 25, Batavia Downs welcomes Little River Band. Formed in Melbourne, Australia in 1975, this blend of musicians achieved success with good songwriting, powerful vocals, and guitar harmonies. They immediately claimed their place as one of the great vocal bands of the ‘70s and ‘80s. Hear their hits like Take It Easy On Me, It’s a Long Way There, Help Is on Its Way, Happy Anniversary, Lonesome Loser, and more. The opening will be the American Rock Band Ambrosia, playing hits like How Much I Feel and Biggest Part of Me.
On August 1st, Batavia Downs proudly welcomes Rochester Native and 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Lou Gramm. The Grammy-nominated original voice of Foreigner has brought his amazing voice to the rock scene for more than 40 years. With Gramm at the helm, Foreigner's first eight singles cracked the Billboard Top 20, making them the first band since The Beatles to achieve this. Come hear the hits he made famous, like Hot Blooded, Feels Like the First Time, Cold as Ice, Double Vision, Head Games, Juke Box Hero and more.
Legendary Motown artists, The Commodores, roll into Batavia Downs on Friday, August 8th. With over 70 Million Albums sold, including 7 #1 hits, these Pop and Motown Icons will surely delight. One of the most successful vocal groups of all time, The Commodores continue to thrill audiences with their Greatest Hits Tour. Be sure to hear hits like Easy, Three Times a Lady, Sail On and Brick House among many others.
The legendary rock band Kansas will be closing out the concert series on Friday, Aug. 15. With a legendary career spanning five decades, KANSAS has firmly established itself as one of America’s iconic classic rock bands. This "garage band" from Topeka released their debut album in 1974 and have gone on to sell more than 30 million albums worldwide. Kansas has played to sold-out arenas and stadiums throughout North America, Europe and Japan. Their iconic hits include Carry on Wayward Son, Point of Know Return, Dust in the Wind, and many more.
“I’m excited about the 2025 Summer Concert Series at Batavia Downs, especially with legendary bands like Kansas and the Commodores coming here for the very first time,” said Brown. “The Concert Series at Batavia Downs has quickly become a Western New York summertime destination. I want to thank the Board of Directors for approving the concert series and I look forward to seeing all our fans starting in June.”
“As Chairman of the Board, I’m thrilled with the eight concerts that will be coming to Batavia Downs this summer,” said Dennis Bassett, Chairman of the WROTB Board of Directors. “As a Rochester resident, I’m especially happy that Rochester native Lou Gramm will be returning to perform at Batavia Downs in August.”
“I want to thank the great staff here at Batavia Downs for creating such a great line up in 2025,” said Ed Morgan, Vice-Chairman of the WROTB Board of Directors. “I look forward to seeing record crowds this year.”
Tickets for all eight concerts will be available only at www.BataviaConcerts.com beginning on Friday, Dec. 20 at 1 p,m. All tickets can be redeemed at Player’s Club at any time in the three days following the concert for $10 Free Play to be used on one of Batavia Downs Gaming’s 920+ gaming machines.
Season Tickets are also back and will also go on sale for General Admission and VIP Sections. A Season pass for General Admission will be $145 (a savings of $20) Season Passes for VIP tickets are $220 (a savings of $20). Season passes may ONLY be purchased online.
Concerts are held rain or shine. Additional information may be found at www.BataviaDownsGaming.com.
The Genesee Chorale presents its annual Christmas concert at 2 p.m. on Saturday at St. James Episcopal Church, 405 E. Main St., Batavia, featuring baritone Joseph Finetti.
Finetti is featured in the performance of "Fantasia on Christmas Carols," composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams.
The chorale will also perform "Magnificat" by Taylor Scott Davis.
Tickets are $10.
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