ART | Festival of Sound & Light 

I often wish I had been present to witness phenomenal artistic events in the past. For example, beginning in 1915, renowned Rochester architect Claude Bragdon dramatically transformed his architectural work throughout New York State by designing theatrical events and settings, which he called Festivals of Light and Song. The events took place at night and transformed previously familiar parks and spaces into wonderlands of music and lights. One event in New York City drew a crowd of more than 60,000 viewers. 

On Friday, July 5, at 9:30 p.m., Writers and Books (740 University Ave.) will stage a rebirth of the Festivals of Light and Song, using images projected via 3D video mapping onto the façade of its Bragdon-designed building. This initial event in what is intended to be a "Festivals of Sound & Light" series will be a tribute to Bragdon, incorporating his images, words, and a selection of music he used in his own festival events a century ago. The event is free and open to the public. Bring lawn chairs. Prior to the light show, check out the Read, White & Blue Book Sale at Writers & Books, held 6-9 p.m. With the exception of consignment books from local authors, all paperbacks will be $1 and all hardcover books will be $3. Admission is free! For more information, call 473-2590 or visit wab.org.