HOST INTRO: This week, WXXI is looking back at the events and people that

made news in 2019. Today, the arts. Producer Veronica Volk talks with WXXI
Arts & Life editor and reporter Jeff Spevak.

VERONICA: Jeff thanks so much for talking to me about this

JEFF: Thanks for letting me in the building, Veronica.

VERONICA: Let’s start with some of the big news that happened early this
year at the Grammys:

<<Gadd drums>>

JEFF: Steve Gadd is the Irondequoit native who’s generally acknowledged as one
of the greatest drummers on the planet.

In February he won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.

VERONICA: And when the 2020 Grammy nominations were announced, we

had some more Rochester acts represented, right?

JEFF: A few Eastman alumni and one professor were recognized with
nominations. But notably, we learned that the work of the Rochester Philharmonic
Orchestra and its conductor, Ward Stare, had paid off.

They got two Grammy nominations for classical harpist Yolanda Kondonassis’
recording of Jennifer Higdon’s “Harp Concerto.”

Also this year, Stare announced he will leave the RPO to pursue other adventures.

VERONICA: 2019 felt like a big year for looking back at some legendary
music icons, particularly in Country Music it seemed.

<<Son House music>>

JEFF: Geva Theatre Center presented the musical, “Revival: The Resurrection of
Son House.” Son House was a bluesman, who spent years in Rochester before his
rediscovery.
His story mirrored that of another musician, Leslie Riddle. Riddle played a
significant role in the birth of early country music icons The Carter Family.

Riddle was featured in the Ken Burns documentary Country Music, which came
out in the fall.

VERONICA: And of course there were some notable deaths.

JEFF: The actor Robert Forster, nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor
for his role in Quentin Tarantino’s “Jackie Brown.”

The singer-songwriter Bat McGrath.

And Joe Dady, of the Dady Brothers.

Joe Dady music

VERONICA: What are some other big cultural events Rochesterians got to
enjoy this year?

JEFF: Fringe drew an estimated 100,000 people, making it one of the biggest in the
country.

We got “Hamilton, the Musical,” at the Auditorium Theater.

And Happy 90th Birthday, Little Theatre. You’re a beautiful downtown gem, all
polished up again and ready for a new century of movies and music.

And once again we sent our hometown band into the world.

<<Joywave’s “Like a Kennedy.”>>

Check out Joywave’s video for “Like a Kennedy.” It’s stunning.

VERONICA: And maybe the biggest arts news of all around WXXI anyway,
you’re with us full time, and getting a regular paycheck again.

JEFF: After two years in exile, I’m glad to be back on the scene, thanks to WXXI.
Hopefully bringing you what I do best, as comedian Lewis Black said at the end of
our phone conversation…

<<15:13 on Lewis Black interview: “That’s really the nuttiest interview I’ve had in

a while.”>>

VERONICA: And just a heads up, you can check out more arts & life on our
website, WXXINews.org. Thanks, Jeff.

JEFF: Thanks, Veronica.