named programs · 4 · from sources
What they call their work
Ewing Forum Series
Public lecture series featuring experts on civic issues, health, and national security, including election integrity, Parkinson’s disease, and cybersecurity
Fiddlers of the Genesee
Presents traditional fiddle music including Appalachian, Irish, and Bluegrass styles for community audiences
Live Music Performances
Hosts tribute bands and musicians performing classic rock, jazz, and holiday music, including acts like Turn to Stone (ELO), Noise Pollution (AC/DC), and Connie Fredericks-Malone (jazz)
The Nutcracker by Rochester City Ballet
Annual holiday ballet performance bringing Tchaikovsky’s classic to life for local audiences
activities · 5 groups
What they do
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Live Music Performances & Concerts 2 activities
- Presenting tribute performances to major rock bandsProduces and hosts professional tribute concerts that recreate the music, stage presence, and visual experience of iconic rock bands including Electric Light Orchestra, AC/DC, The Doors, Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks, and Chicago, performing for sold-out audiences across the United States, Canada, Latin America, the UK, and Germany. These performances include authentic costumes, vintage instruments, live string sections, and light shows to replicate original concert experiences.
- Producing and presenting live music and film eventsPresents a variety of live performances beyond tribute acts, including collaborations with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra for annual Holiday Pops concerts, old-time fiddle music showcases, drag performances such as "The Big Wigs!" starring Mrs. Kasha Davis and Aggy Dune, and silent film screenings with live organ accompaniment by Dennis James, launching an ongoing theatre organ concert series.
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Curated Art Exhibitions and Public Displays 1 activity
- Curating visual art exhibitionsPresents rotating gallery exhibitions featuring regional and local artists, including fiber artist Judi Rogers Cermak and painter Philip Probst, showcasing immersive installations and career-spanning works in partnership with the Ontario County Arts Council.
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Museum Volunteer Engagement & Operations Support 1 activity
- Engaging volunteers in operations and programmingRelies on volunteer support for key operational functions including ushering, ticket sales, patron services, administrative tasks, and docent-led tours of the art collection, enabling community involvement in the center’s daily activities and public programs.
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Public Awareness and Educational Outreach 1 activity
- Hosting public education forums and community eventsHosts public forums and special events focused on civic and health education, including discussions on election security featuring cybersecurity experts and panels on Parkinson’s disease with medical professionals, providing audiences with information on prevention, care, research, and democratic safeguards.
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Performing Arts Venue Rental 1 activity
- Operating a regional performing arts centerOperates the Fort Hill Performing Arts Center as a public venue with 427 seats, offering scheduled performances, in-person and online ticketing via ThunderTix, box office services, concessions (including wine, beer, snacks), ADA-compliant hearing assistance with Bluetooth support, and designated handicapped parking. The center opened to the public on January 10, 2020, and hosts a diverse lineup of musical, theatrical, and cultural events for all ages.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$494K
Contributions & grants$240K49%
Program service revenue$202K41%
Investment income$4K1%
Other revenue$48K
expenses
Total expenses$603K
Program expenses79%
Admin / overhead17%
Fundraising5%
Salaries & benefits$192K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$2.07M
Cash$175K
Investments$1.53M
Liabilities$106K
Net assets$1.96M
Liquid reserves33.9 mo
4 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +11.5%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| GORDON ESTEY | PRESIDENT | 20 | $36K |
board members · 7
- BENJAMIN WILLMOTT — SECRETARY
- DEBORAH WILBUR — TREASURER
- ELLEN POLIMENI — MEMBER
- JAMES TERWILLIGER — MEMBER
- ROSEMARY PARK — VICE PRESIDENT
- SCOTT KESEL — MEMBER
- WILLIAM KENYON — CORPORATE COUNSEL
relationships · 22
Who they work with
- Archer Communications Partner — Provides marketing and advertising services for FHPAC.
- Chicago Partner — Received recognition from the band Chicago for their tribute performance in the 1990s.
- Conifer Realty, LLC Partner — Purchased the west end of the annex from Conifer Realty in December 2018 to develop the performing arts center.
- Dr. Ray Dorsey Partner — Featured speaker at the Ewing Forum on Parkinson's disease.
- Dr. Sara Ann Whittingham Partner — Featured speaker at the Ewing Forum on Parkinson's disease.
- Fiddlers of the Genesee Partner — Performing group featured in a concert hosted by Fort Hill PAC.
- Flaherty-Salmin Partner — Provides accounting services for FHPAC.
- IATSE Rochester Local 25 Partner — Provides stagehand services for productions at the venue.
- J.D. Chapman Agency Partner — Provides insurance services for FHPAC.
- Janus Services Partner — Provides custodial services for the venue.
- Kenyon & Kenyon Partner — Provides legal counsel for FHPAC.
- Mailstar Partner — Provides printing and mailing services for FHPAC.
- New York State Board of Elections Partner — Co-hosts Ewing Forum events featuring officials from the New York State Board of Elections.
- New York State Board of Elections Partner — Co-hosts a public forum with officials from the New York State Board of Elections to discuss election security.
- Noise Pollution Partner — Hosts the tribute band Noise Pollution performing AC/DC music at Fort Hill PAC.
- Ontario County Arts Council Partner — Collaborates on art programming, with FHPAC docents giving tours of the Council's art collection.
- Rochester Oratorio Society Partner — Hosted a performance by the Rochester Oratorio Society titled "Freedom Song - When Gospel Came to the Empire."
- Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra Partner — Collaborates with Don Potter on annual Holiday Pops concerts.
- Theatre Historical Society of America Partner — Hosted members of THS as part of their 2026 Conclave tour of historic theaters in Western and Central New York.
- ThunderTix Partner — Official ticketing service provider for FHPAC, handling online ticket sales and electronic ticket distribution.
- ThunderTix Partner — Third-party ticketing service used exclusively for FHPAC performance and event ticket sales.
- University of Rochester Medical Center Partner — Hosts events featuring experts from the University of Rochester Medical Center.
strategies · 3
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Authentic Recreation for Cultural Preservationmethodology: authentic_recreationBy meticulously recreating the music, look, and stage experience of iconic bands using period-accurate instruments, costumes, and staging, the organization preserves cultural heritage and strengthens audience connection, because authenticity fosters emotional resonance and historical continuity.
- Community-Supported Arts Sustainability Modelmethodology: community-supported_arts_hubBy relying on community donor support to sustain programming, the organization maintains a regional cultural hub, because local investment fosters ownership, long-term engagement, and resilience in arts provision.
- Cultural Enrichment Through Historic Venue Programmingmethodology: cultural_enrichment_through_historic_venue_programmingBy presenting diverse performing and visual arts in a preserved historic landmark venue, the organization strengthens community engagement and regional cultural enrichment, because the unique setting enhances audience experience and symbolizes enduring cultural value.