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Danielle Douglas ’17 offers her selection of events and activities to check out this weekend. Find information on upcoming events at the University Events Calendar at www.rochester.edu/calendar.

#1: See ‘Dandelion Yellow’ exhibit at Rush Rhees Library

The dandelions are in bloom on the River Campus—a perfect opportunity to explore the history of the University’s official flower at the Department of Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation’s exhibition, To the Dandelion Yellow! The display is on view, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday; and open Saturday, May 13 and 20, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The exhibit is a rare chance to see objects and images in the department’s print collection as well as 18th century botanical engravings. Check out University paraphernalia with a historical perspective on the flower’s legacy through songs and architecture. In addition, check out more of the department’s collections on the second floor of Rush Rhees Library. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

#2: Step into the sights, sounds of Baroque-era Italy

Hear the authentic sounds of the Italian Baroque Organ at the Memorial Art Gallery on Sunday, May 14. The organ—the only full-sized antique organ in North American—is surrounded by 30 baroque paintings and sculptures from the museum’s permanent collection. Students from the Eastman School of Music will perform at 1 and at 3 p.m. The recitals are included with museum admission. http://mag.rochester.edu.

#3: Walk or run to support colon cancer research

“Strollin’ for the Colon” 5k Walk/Run will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 13, at Highland Park in Geneseo. The sixth annual event, organized and sponsored by the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the Medical Center, brings awareness to colon cancer, which is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the country. The event will feature a kids run, a silent auction, and raffles. Gastroenterology specialists will also be on-site to answer your questions. Participants can purchase food and hear live music by the band Trilogy. Registration is $30 on race day.

#4: Watch a German song competition

The Eastman School of Music celebrates German arts culture at the Jessie Kneisel Lieder Competition on Saturday, May 13. This year’s adjudicator is British classical pianist and lieder accompanist Graham Johnson. The annual competition of German classical music was created to honor German professor Jessie Kneisel, who served as the dean of women and taught at the Eastman School of Music until 1976. The finals, which are free and open to the public, go from 1 to 5 p.m. The event will feature a 20-minute program from each performer consisting of a repertoire chosen by the singer as well as music chosen by the panel of judges. Prizes will be awarded at the end of the competition to both the top singers and top pianists. A winner’s concert will be held Saturday, May 20, at 8 p.m. Both events will be held at Kilbourn Hall.

#5: Participate in a walk for nonviolence

The M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence will hold a six-mile walk on Sunday, May 14, to recognize the impacts and consequences of war and weapons. Participants will be able to record a message for the Afghan Peace Volunteers, a group of youth activist in Kabul who conduct nonviolence education and raise money to provide women and children with warm blankets to endure cold Afghan winters. Strollers and bikes are welcome. The walk starts at 2 p.m., rain or shine, at the Gandhi Institute, 929 South Plymouth Avenue.