Suggested post holiday events to help brighten your January

Daily Record (Rochester, NY), Jan 2, 2004 by Staff

As the holidays come to a close and three (plus) months of winter weather lie ahead, what's on your calendar that you are looking forward to? Below are a few area events that may help to brighten your January.

* Ice skating. When did you last go ice skating? There is free skating at Rotary Rink at Fountain Plaza. Since this activity is weather dependent, call ahead to make sure the rink is open. Typically, the hours are Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call (716) 856-3150.

* Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Lancaster Opera House will host a musical: Back to Bacharach and David on Jan. 2-4 and 9-11. For times and prices, call (716) 683-1776.

* Schelomo & the Chorus in Bernstein's Chichester Psalms. Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra performs at Kleinhans Music Hall at 8 p.m. on Jan. 3 and 2:30 p.m. on Jan. 4. Call (716) 855-5000 for tickets.

* Millard Fillmore's Birthday Party. The Greater East Aurora Chamber hosts a birthday party for the 13th U.S. President with a reception, buffet and political satire. The event is at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8. For more information, call (716) 652-8444.

* Buffalo Chamber Music Society - Pacifica Quartet. Works by Mozart, Carter and Dvorak will be presented by a prize-winning young quartet at Kleinhans Music Hall on Tuesday, Jan. 13. Call (716) 838- 2383 for time and price.

* If Music Be the Food of Love, Play On. Concert by the Buffalo Gay Men's Chorus at the Unitarian Universalist Church on Friday, Jan. 16 and at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church on Saturday, Jan. 17. Barbara Wagner is the music director and conductor. For more information, call (716) 883-1277.

* Icewine Festival. Throughout the Niagara Region from Jan. 16- 25, the Ninth Annual Niagara Icewine Festival celebrates a favorite Canadian product: Ontario Icewine. From gala evenings, ornate ice bars and winemakers' dinners, there are dozens of icewines featured at the various events. For details, call (905) 688-0212.

* Symphonic Night at the Movies: Hitchcock. The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra performs the film scores made famous by the master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock. Jan. 23 and 24 at Kleinhans Music Hall. For tickets, call (716) 885-5000.

* Ice Sculpture Competition. As part of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Celebration, 14 wineries are hosting an Ice Sculpture Competition on Jan. 24 and 25. View the carvings and sample the wine. For more information, call (888) 609-4442.

* Tribute to Charles Burchfield. Hear the beautiful reflections of American composer Morton Gould inspired by the works of Buffalo native Charles Burchfield's watercolors. Performances will be on Jan. 30 and 31 at Kleinhan's Music Hall. Call (716) 885-5000 for details.