Good morning, Rochester.

Venture Compassionate Ministries opened a redesigned guest choice food pantry in Henrietta (a model that lets families choose groceries by their own needs) to help meet a 55% rise in food requests.

Community partners and over 90 volunteers back the effort (including local groups and churches) as it works to restore dignified access to food.

Otis Johnson, 58, died in a head-on crash on Clifford Avenue in northeast Rochester early Wednesday when a westbound driver entered the eastbound lane and struck his vehicle (he died shortly after arriving at Strong Memorial Hospital) while the woman driver remained hospitalized with serious injuries (police continue to investigate the collision).

Webster Police are searching for missing 37-year-old Kyle Byron—last seen near Silverheel Run and Gallant Fox Lane at 9:30 p.m. on April 3rd—because he may need medical attention.

On April 4, 2025, co-host Patrick Hosken previewed the Gateways Music Festival on Connections with Evan Dawson, noting that the festival will start in Rochester at the Eastman School of Music—featuring performances in New York City at Carnegie Hall—and aims to celebrate Black musicians and the evolution of classical music.

Local musician Elvio Fernandez of Daughtry opened a new café on Empire Boulevard in Penfield that gives emerging artists a chance to work on their music skills—he started the space with family and partners after converting a former rental facility.

Live music by ROC Star Academy graduate Joseph Monti kicked off Friday night.

Brighton reached a settlement with ICON Energy—doing business as Source Power—for just under $1.4 million to settle a breach of contract lawsuit over a failed renewable power plan.

The settlement awaits judge approval and will split funds among residents, the town, and program administrators.

Rochester Spring Fling KidsFest 2025

11 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Tim Hortons Iceplex — $15 for unlimited ice skating — Enjoy a day of fun with giant playgrounds and non-stop entertainment for the whole family.

Worry Club Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Montage Music Hall — $28.34 — Experience an evening of live music with Worry Club and special guests Wakely and Scarlet Demore.

Mixology Madness

6-10 p.m. — Water Street Music Hall — $65 per person — Enjoy a hands-on mixology experience crafting cocktails with expert guidance.

Adult Easter Egg Hunt

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Blue Barn Cidery — Bring an empty egg carton and a flashlight for an exciting adults-only Easter egg hunt in the dark.

Happy Hour at Compane Trattoria

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Compane Trattoria — Reservations recommended — Enjoy an evening of social networking over drinks in Fairport.

EXTC Concert featuring Terry Chambers

8-11 p.m. — Lovin' Cup — Ticket information unavailable — Experience an evening of live music with former XTC drummer Terry Chambers and friends.

2025 Easter Brunch at Strathallan

10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — The Strathallan Rochester Hotel & Spa — Ticket required — Delight in a lavish Easter brunch with multiple serving stations and a photo op with the Easter Bunny.

Music Business 101 Workshop

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Muck Duck Studio — Class fees may apply — Explore the basics of songwriting business with a BMI songwriter and musician.

Northeast Child Abuse Conference

8 a.m. — Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center — Registration required — Attend this premier child abuse conference for essential multi-disciplinary training on child welfare.

Finger Lakes Science and Technology Showcase

8:30 AM – 6:00 PM — Memorial Art Gallery — Free entry — Engage with cutting-edge research and innovations in science and technology from local universities.