Connections With Evan Dawson

Clarissa Street was once the cultural heartbeat of Rochester’s Third Ward. It was home to legendary jazz clubs, thriving businesses, and a tight-knit community. Urban renewal and highway construction dismantled that neighborhood, but its legacy lives on through the annual Clarissa Street Reunion. In this hour, we hear from community leaders and elders about the history of Clarissa Street, why it matters in 2025, and how remembering the past can shape our future.Our guests: George Fontenette, finance committee member and elder for the Clarissa Street Legacy Bryce Long, youth representative for the Clarissa Street Legacy Renee Long, president of the Clarissa Street Legacy Patricia Mason-Williams, vice president of the Clarissa Street Legacy

Photographer David Liittschwager and a team from the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History are back in the Genesee documenting one cubic foot of the river’s environment.In studio: David Liittschwager, freelance photographer and contributor to National Geographic and other publications Chris Meyer, curator and chair of Invertebrate Zoology at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History Pamela Reed Sanchez, president and CEO of the Seneca Park Zoo Society Tom Snyder, director of programming and conservation action for the Seneca Park Zoo Society

The new horror film, "Together," starring real-life couple Alison Brie and Dave Franco, focuses on a struggling relationship and features Cronenberg-levels of body horror ...but it has also been marketed as a date movie. This year has featured lots of films that eschew the typical formula of a date movie. Guest host Scott Pukos and his panel of movie lovers will explore this trend — is it just marketing or are audiences craving something beyond the standard rom-com?Our guests: Sarah Antao, rom-com expert and teaching staff member at the Focus Theater Roemer Johansson, copywriter and member of the Little Theatre Roberto Lagares, multimedia reporter for CITY Magazine Adam Lubitow, projectionist and programmer at the Little Theatre and programming director for Anomaly: The Rochester Genre Film Festival Dave Palmer, film critic for the Greater Western New York Film Critics Association (GWNYFCA)

Host Racquel Stephen takes us to this multi-faceted city on Owasco Lake to learn what makes Auburn unique. Once called “Prison City,” Auburn has embraced its history and developed a rich cultural and artistic scene.Our guests: Maria Coleman, director of development at The Seward House Geoffrey Starks, director of development and outreach at Cayuga Museum of History and Art David Wilcox, executive editor of The Auburn Citizen Ahna Wilson, superintendent at Harriet Tubman National Historical Park

Host Racquel Stephen examines the trend of using travel nurses to fill gaps in health care systems and talks to travel nurses about their experiences.In studio: Brandy Brumfeld, RN, BSN, director of nursing for Wesley Gardens Jeri Hayes, LPN, travel nurse Shante Hill, RN, BSN, travel nurse Daniel Ireland, executive vice president, chief nursing executive and patient care officer at Rochester Regional Health

The diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes has a huge impact on families. We’ll discuss the condition with the family of a 10-year-old who will tell us how they’re managing. We’ll also learn about community resources offering support and advocacy.Our guests: Cai Eloi-Evans, child with Type 1 diabetes Sasha Eloi-Evans, Ed.D., parent of child with Type 1 diabetes LaShara Evans, parent of child with Type 1 diabetes Marianna Seefeldt, community engagement manager with Breakthrough T1D’s Upstate New York Chapter Karina Vattana, MD, FAAP, medical director of pediatrics at Trillium Health

Today we’re headed to the classroom. But the lessons are outdoors for some kids who attend environmental and sustainability camps in the area. We’ll see how kids in Sodus are making their own version of Baywatch, and how young people in Rochester are learning about everything from growing food to bee pollination.In studio: Frank Keophetlasy,  community farm manager at Foodlink Donald Riling, president of Save Our Sodus Kyra Stephenson,  nature-based learning coach and consultant Chris Widmaier, executive director of Rochester Ecology Partners

The death of Rochester musical icon Chuck Mangione was a huge loss for countless fans around the world — felt especially keenly here in his hometown. Let's celebrate the man and his music, with favorite musical and personal memories. Guest host Mona Seghatoleslami is joined in the studio by his niece Ardis Mangione-Lindley and an "alum" of his band. And we want to hear from you — the community of musicians, fans, and friends who experienced iconic concerts like "Friends and Love," played alongside him, and more.Our guests: Ardis Mangione-Lindley, niece of Chuck Mangione Bob Sneider, associate professor of jazz studies at Eastman School of Music and alum of Chuck Mangione Band

We continue our tour of the Finger Lakes with a visit to Seneca Falls – a small town with a big legacy. Seneca Falls is home to just under 9,000 people, but it holds a major place in American history. It was here, in the summer of 1848, that a group of women gathered for tea and changed the world. More than 175 years later, the legacy of the Seneca Falls Convention and the women’s rights movement is foundational to the town’s identity. But this town isn’t something out of a history book. It’s a living place shaped by the people who live and work there, and keep its stories alive. Guest host Veronica Volk talks to four of those people.In studio: Pam Becker, historian of Seneca County Nellie Ludemann, museum and community relations manager for the National Women's Hall of Fame Andrew Olden, Ph.D., executive director of the Seneca Falls Museum and Tourism Center and Home of the Seneca Museum of Waterways and Industry Ahna Wilson, superintendent of the Women’s Rights National Historical Park and Harriet Tubman Na

Seneca Nation is thought to be the first sovereign Native Nation to own a major professional lacrosse team. This is a game they say the Creator gifted their people, centuries ago, and they started playing here in New York and bordering parts of Canada. The Knighthawks President and GM says that this development will strengthen the connection between the Rochester team and the roots of the sport. Guest host Brian Sharp and his panel discuss what this means for the team, for the Seneca Nation, and for the sport.Our guests: JC Seneca, president of Seneca Nation Dan Carey, president and general manager of the Knighthawks Eli Hackett, contributing writer for CITY and Knighthawks fan

In selecting this year's annual "Rochester Ten" cohort, CITY looked to the helpers — those who are impacting our region daily; many doing it quietly. CITY's annual "Rochester Ten" issue hit stands last week, and the crew is here to talk about all the design, storytelling and photography that happens behind-the-scenes. CITY editor Leah Stacy guest hosts this discussion.Our guests: Roberto Lagares, multimedia reporter for CITY Magazine Matt Rogers, editor of The Lost Borough and contributor to CITY Magazine Jacob Walsh, art director for CITY Magazine

What does your elected official do all day? We usually hear about our state lawmakers when there’s a big vote or controversy. This hour, guest host Veronica Volk is going behind the scenes with two Assemblymembers – a Republican and a Democrat – to hear how they spend their time, what constituents don’t see, and how they work across party lines.In studio: Assemblymember Jen Lunsford, District 135 Assemblymember Josh Jensen, District 134 

The New York Times recently reassigned four of its arts critics to other gigs in the newsroom. The roles aren’t going away; the company is searching for new candidates fluent in “new story forms, videos and experimentation with other platforms,” per a memo. This language prompted the worker-owned publication Hell Gate NYC to ask: “Does the NYT want culture writing or TikTok videos?” The question could be extended to the entire media ecosystem. In an age when information travels faster than ever before and competition for audience attention is cutthroat, what is the role of the arts critic? And what does the future of arts criticism look like in that landscape? Guest host Patrick Hosken and his panel discuss it.In studio: Eric Grode, associate professor at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School Mona Seghatoleslami, music director, host, and producer for WXXI Classical 91.5 FM, and music coordinator for the Little Cafe Katherine Varga, theatre critic and arts educator

We continue our summer series highlighting communities across the Finger Lakes region. Seneca Lake is the deepest of the Finger Lakes and one of the most well-known, both for its natural features and for the communities along its shores. And at its northern tip: Geneva. Geneva has deep Indigenous and agricultural roots, a complex history, and a diverse range of identities today. It's been called the “Lake Trout Capital of the World,” and is also known for its arts scene, culinary offerings, and sustainability efforts.Our guests: Susie Monaghan, executive director of Smith Center for the Arts Jan Regan, photographer, board member of Geneva Industrial Development Agency and president of ReUse Systems, Inc. Steve Valentino, mayor of Geneva Jessica VanDeMar, marketing director for Visit Finger Lakes

This year marks the 39th anniversary of CariFest, Rochester’s signature celebration of Caribbean heritage and unity. But beyond the costumes, music, and the food, CariFest tells a story of migration, perseverance, and the richness of cultures that have shaped this city for over a century. We’ll explore the history, the music, the meaning of Carnival, and what it means to celebrate multiculturalism at a time when immigrants and communities of color are still under threat.In studio: Alan Prescod, president of the Rochester West Indian Festival Organization (RWIFO) Kadya Donadelle, vice president and parade coordinator of the Rochester West Indian Festival Organization(RWIFO)

WXXI's Racquel Stephen sits down with Commissioner of Public Health Dr. Marielena Vélez de Brown, for a conversation about some of the community's most pressing health issues. They discuss the persistent asthma crisis in city schools, the roots of childhood obesity, and the impact of poverty, housing conditions, and neighborhood safety on kids' wellbeing. Dr. Vélez de Brown also shares how Rochester is leading the way in preventing lead poisoning, and why federal funding cuts could threaten the region’s ability to respond to future public health emergencies.

From measles scares to shifts around COVID guidelines, vaccine conversations have gotten more complicated. Parents have questions about what’s required for school, who qualifies for exemptions, and how to navigate conflicting advice from the CDC, social media, and their own doctors. The Commissioner of the Monroe County Department of Public Health joins us to cut through the noise and talk about vaccines and public health, and how her department is building trust in a time of science skepticism. In studio: Dr. Marielena Vélez de Brown, Commissioner of the Monroe County Department of Public Health Dr. Andrew Cox, associate director of Center for Infectious Disease and Immunology Research for RRH

One year ago, families gathered for a summer barbecue in Maplewood Park. It was a moment meant for joy and connection that turned into tragedy. More than 40 shots rang out. Five people were wounded. Two people were killed: 25-year-old Tyasia Manning, and 34-year-old Phylicia Council. The incident left the community reeling. This hour, we reflect on what happened, what it means, and where we are now.Our guests: Alex Council, father of Phylicia Council Keyvo Owens, CERV coordinator at Rise Up Rochester, Inc. Laquita Roundheart, mother of Tyasia Manning Chiara Smith, MHR program officer of Racial Health Equity at Greater Rochester Health Foundation

Artists have always helped society make sense of complex, overwhelming realities — and climate change is no exception. Local artists and educators explore how creative practices deepen understanding, foster dialogue and inspire action in response to the climate crisis. From dance and photography to digital media and public art, we’ll examine how creativity can open new avenues of hope, connection and meaningful action.Our guests: Stephanie Ashenfelder, director of digital media studies at University of Rochester, co-director of echolab.art Andrea Gluckman, civic artist, photographer and educator Rose Pasquarello Beauchamp, professor of dance at University of Rochester

Climate change isn’t just reshaping the planet; it’s also reshaping our emotional landscapes. Climate-inclusive psychologist Emma Nelson joins host Jasmin Singer to explore "eco-anxiety," climate grief and the rising emotional toll of environmental uncertainty. We’ll discuss how climate change affects our mental health — and how acknowledging these feelings can become a powerful tool for personal and collective resilience.Our guest:Emma Nelson, PhD, clinical psychologist working at the intersection of climate change and mental health