Music

Gaelynn Lea's music is haunting. It's no wonder she won NPR Music's 2016 Tiny Desk Contest. She recently visited Nazareth College and we were there to capture her performance. Aired 1/12/18.

Austin Lake is a 24 year-old musician from Rochester, New York. His alter-ego is Aweful Kanawful, a musical virtuoso backed by his Rubber Husband’s Band. What audiences see as a ten-piece ensemble begins in the solitude of Austin’s basement, where he records each instrument on their own, and later combines them to create the sound of a full band. Take a look inside the creative genius of this local talent.

Music has a way of reaching the seemingly unreachable. There's plenty of evidence that proves how powerful music can be for people suffering from Alzheimers and dementia. And it can brighten the day of just about anyone who is feeling down. Local singer, Andy Nahas, specializes in performing for this audience, let's take a look. 

Local artists, David Cowles and Maria Friske, have collaborated for over two decades. They started out working together as illustrators for the Democrat & Chronicle and have been thick as thieves ever since. David has gained notoriety around the world for his animation and illustration work and Maria has gained a following for her depictions of Rochester and it's residents. Take a look at their most recent collaboration, Rhythm and Hues. Aired 3/10/17.

When it comes to the soulful voices of Rochester musicians, it's impossible to ignore Cammy Enaharo. She pairs her soothing vocals with her trusty ukulele to provide simple but beautiful melodies. We caught her at the recent First Niagara Rochester Fringe Festival. Take a look. Aired 10/14/16.

Have you ever experienced a deep sense of calm after listening to soothing music? I'm sure you can relate when I say that listening to music can bring peace in stressful or uncertain times. Well, local doctor, Jefferson Svengsouk is putting this into practice at Strong Memorial Hospital's Palliative Care Unit. He's combining his two passions, caring for people in need and playing the Native American flute. We recently visited him as he played at the bedside of someone in need. Aired 9/16/16.

We were lucky to be able to sit down with Matt Merritt and Alyssa Coco from the Rochester band, Roses & Revolutions. Take a look! Aired 6/24/16.

Earlier this year we were visited by a true master of the banjo. Bela Fleck dropped by Rochester to work with students at the Eastman School of Music and while he was in town he visited us here at WXXI to speak with our very own Julia Figueras. The conversation touched on the back story of the instrument and Bela Fleck's place in that history. Take a look. Aired on 5/13/16

It may sound obvious, but music has a way of touching every one of us. Some of us may have a deep appreciation for the artistry in making music, others may appreciate it's ability to convey emotion and transport us to a different place. Well, music can also be used as a form of therapy and at the Hochstein School of Music there are some people who appreciate it for just that very reason. Aired 5/6/16

We were fortunate to witness a performace by the talented Amenda Quartet at Live from Hochstein. The quartet was founded here in Rochester. Join us as we explore the world of Beethoven's string quartets. Aired 11/6/15.