Community Calendar

Oct. 16 – 25, 2026 | Opening Night: Oct. 17

Produced by The Department of Drama in Syracuse University's College of Visual and Performing Arts, performed at Syracuse Stage.

Jonathan Larson's Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical follows a year in the lives of a group of artists and friends scraping by in Manhattan's East Village, grappling with love, loss, and creativity in the shadow of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Directed by Melissa Crespo, with music direction by Brian Cimmet.

Fresh off winning the SAMMY Award in 2026 for Best Blues CD, bassist Todd Shuffler recounts his inspiration for enlisting Mark Doyle to produce and provide his band, The Maniacs, for the recording of "Stoned and Lonesome":

"In 2009, Mark Doyle and The Maniacs released 'Shake 'Em On Down - A Salute to the '60s British Blues Boom.' On the back cover was a note from Mark: 'Special thanks to my wife Liz for pushing me for years to make a record like this.' My wife Kitty saw this and said, 'You know, you really should do a Stones album.'"

With a great band, great material, and engineer Jocko Randall, Mark and Todd enlisted former Maniacs alumni Pete McMahon and Michael P. Ryan to sing on the album. The musicians reunited in early spring 2026 to record a follow-up album, "Stoned and Lonesome Again," featuring Mark's longtime partner from Free Will and Jukin' Bone, Joe Whiting.

The Rolling Stones have been an inspiration for more than 60 years, introducing Black blues and rhythm 'n' blues to a whole new generation. The emphasis of both "Stoned and Lonesome" albums is to shine a light on the band's earlier, more obscure, and bluesy repertoire from 1963 to 1966.

The performance on Sunday, Oct. 18, at Auburn Public Theater will feature both albums in their entirety and serve as an official album release party for "Stoned and Lonesome Again."

Event Details & Performers

• Date: Sunday, Oct. 18
• Location: Auburn Public Theater

• Featured Musicians:

  • Mark Doyle (guitar, producer)
  • Todd Shuffler (bass)
  • Joe Whiting (vocals)
  • Pete McMahon (vocals)
  • Michael P. Ryan (vocals)
  • Terry Quill (guitar, harmonica)
  • Frank DeFonda (drums)
  • Dave Liddy (piano)

Oct. 16 – 25, 2026 | Opening Night: Oct. 17

Produced by The Department of Drama in Syracuse University's College of Visual and Performing Arts, performed at Syracuse Stage.

Jonathan Larson's Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical follows a year in the lives of a group of artists and friends scraping by in Manhattan's East Village, grappling with love, loss, and creativity in the shadow of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Directed by Melissa Crespo, with music direction by Brian Cimmet.

Oct. 16 – 25, 2026 | Opening Night: Oct. 17

Produced by The Department of Drama in Syracuse University's College of Visual and Performing Arts, performed at Syracuse Stage.

Jonathan Larson's Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical follows a year in the lives of a group of artists and friends scraping by in Manhattan's East Village, grappling with love, loss, and creativity in the shadow of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Directed by Melissa Crespo, with music direction by Brian Cimmet.

Oct. 16 – 25, 2026 | Opening Night: Oct. 17

Produced by The Department of Drama in Syracuse University's College of Visual and Performing Arts, performed at Syracuse Stage.

Jonathan Larson's Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical follows a year in the lives of a group of artists and friends scraping by in Manhattan's East Village, grappling with love, loss, and creativity in the shadow of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Directed by Melissa Crespo, with music direction by Brian Cimmet.

Oct. 16 – 25, 2026 | Opening Night: Oct. 17

Produced by The Department of Drama in Syracuse University's College of Visual and Performing Arts, performed at Syracuse Stage.

Jonathan Larson's Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical follows a year in the lives of a group of artists and friends scraping by in Manhattan's East Village, grappling with love, loss, and creativity in the shadow of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Directed by Melissa Crespo, with music direction by Brian Cimmet.

Oct. 16 – 25, 2026 | Opening Night: Oct. 17

Produced by The Department of Drama in Syracuse University's College of Visual and Performing Arts, performed at Syracuse Stage.

Jonathan Larson's Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical follows a year in the lives of a group of artists and friends scraping by in Manhattan's East Village, grappling with love, loss, and creativity in the shadow of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Directed by Melissa Crespo, with music direction by Brian Cimmet.

Join FOCUS Greater Syracuse for a hybrid public forum exploring the structural and historical roots of financial hardship in Onondaga County and what current data reveals about regional economic conditions. This session is the first in a three-part fall series on economic instability; attendance at all three is not required.

Event Details

• Date & Time: Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, from noon to 1 p.m.
• Format: Hybrid (In-person and via Zoom)
• Registration: Advance registration is required at FOCUS Greater Syracuse.

Featured Speakers

• Frank M. Ridzi: Vice president of community investment, Central New York Community Foundation
• Robert J. Searing: Curator of history, Onondaga Historical Association

Program Highlights

• Historical Arc & Regional Data: Panelists will examine the institutions, policies, and economic forces that have shaped Central New York over time.
• Moderated Q&A: Attendees can submit questions, discuss emerging priorities, and discover ways to engage with local civic initiatives.
• Community Engagement: A welcoming space for residents to build shared knowledge and explore active involvement in shaping local civic life.

In collaboration with the Center for Aging Resources and Enrichment at LeMoyne College, NOPL will be hosting this 4-part discussion around the book “The Years of Ripening" by Joyce Rupp. Books are available for pickup at the North Syracuse branch. Limited to 10 participants.

Registration is required on the NOPL Event Calendar or call 315-458-6184. (Registration opens at noon on Friday, Sept. 18.)

Dates for this book group are October 2, 9, 16, & 23. Participants will receive a free book to begin before the discussion sessions and make a commitment to try to attend all four sessions.

"The Years of Ripening: Reflections on Aging in the Later Years" by Joyce Rupp, 2026: This book presents a candid and conversational style encouraging introspection and discussion about what it feels like to be an older adult — not always easy! Addressed to people 70+ rather than younger retirees, it considers the practical and spiritual perspectives for dealing with these later years when time has taken a toll, but, as we can learn, experience acceptance and even joy are very possible.

Join us this summer for sketching in the galleries!

Grab a sketchbook and pencil and get ready to learn more about the practice of sketching with Hiram Cray, a professional artist and educator. Learn how to capture on paper the amazing properties of glass or simply follow along and discover the Corning Museum of Glass through the eyes of an artist, Fridays through July 24 to August 28. Note: Friday, August 21 is the only Friday this event will not be held.

Participants of all ages are welcome and will meet in the Admissions Lobby. Paper and pencils will be provided. Free with admission.