Photo courtesy of Joel Durham, Jr.
Learn more about the City of Rochester through the eyes of your Examiners! Joel Durham, Jr. shares some musical insights into our fair city.
Please introduce yourself and your channel.
Hi there! I'm Joel Durham, Jr., and I'm the Rochester Indie Music Examiner. I've been a passionate music fan all my life, and I'm also a longtime freelance writer; I finally managed to put the two together. Independent music doesn't get enough of a voice in mainstream press, and I'm happy to use my space to get the word out on outstanding bands and indie music resources.
How long have you lived in Rochester?
All but one year of my life. I grew up in Fairport, moved to San Francisco for one year, and then settled down in Farmington.
What are your favorite memories from Rochester?
Back when my grandmother was alive, she used to take me to Midtown. We'd ride the "city bus" from Fairport into the then-friendly Downtown Rochester and walk all around Midtown Plaza. I especially loved Midtown around Christmastime, when the monorail was running!
What are your favorite local places for outdoor family fun?
Being out in Farmington, we love the east side parks (including the Farmington parks, the Fairport parks, and sometimes even Letchworth or Stony Brook).
What are your favorite local places for indoor family fun?
We've had many a birthday party for my kids at Chuck E. Cheese's in Henrietta. We also love Village Sports in Fairport.
What are your favorite family-friendly restaurants?
My kids can't get enough Denny's. We go to the one in Victor, NY. We also love Papa Jack's Grill in downtown Victor, and Otto Tomotto's in Phoenix Hills Plaza near Farmington.
What are your favorite family-friendly events?
The Lilac Festival holds a special place in our hearts because our son was born during the festival in 1998.
Why is Rochester a great place for families?
All of the above!
Why did you choose your topic?
I love, love, love music, and indie music is my favorite. I've loved the Flaming Lips, for instance, since before they became huge. I can't get enough music in my life, and being able to share in my passion is its own reward.
What is your background?
I'm a freelance writer with deep experience in tech subjects. I've worked for nationally known publications and Web sites including PC Gamer, ExtremeTech (a Ziff Davis property) and CNET. I've always loved to write, and I've always been a computer geek, so it's nice to be able to do both at the same time!
How can families and parents benefit from reading your articles?
I've done pieces for ExtremeTech and PC Gamer on family safety in computing and the Internet. There's lots of good information in them.
Please share a few links that you specifically think parents and families should read.
Make Vista Work for the Whole Family
Lock Down Vista with Parental Controls
What else would you like to share with readers?
The music scene is huge, and caters to more specific tastes than ever before. If you really don't think there's music on par with your favorite decade, be it the 50's, 60's, 70's or whatever, you just need to look a little harder. This is an exciting time for the music scene!
Thank you so much for your time!
Thank you!!
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