CANANDAIGUA, NY — The George M. Ewing Canandaigua Forum’s 14th season opens with a conversation with a Rochester area fan favorite who has made a name for herself nationally.
Musical artist Danielle Ponder, a former public defender turned singer-songwriter, will open the lecture series with the program, “From Law to Lyrics: A Brave Leap of Faith and Reinvention.”
The event is scheduled for 4 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Fort Hill Performing Arts Center, 20 Fort Hill Ave., Canandaigua.
Evan Dawson, host of WXXI’s Connections, will be the moderator.
Who is Danielle Ponder?
Ponder’s transition from lawyer to full-time artist is an inspiration to many. Ponder, a former public defender in the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office, explores themes of purpose, risk-taking, and authenticity, offering a message that is both deeply personal and empowering.
Ponder began her music career in 2018.
“Leaving my career in law wasn’t about abandoning my passion for justice,” Ponder said in a statement. “It was about finding a new way to advocate — through music, through stories, and through human connection.”
Her music is a blend of soul and rhythm and blues infused with lyrical storytelling.
Why is this Ewing Forum season special?
This event marks the beginning of a season dedicated to the memory of George McClellan Ewing Jr., former president and publisher of the Canandaigua Daily Messenger and the weekly Messenger Post Newspapers in the Rochester area.
Ewing passed away earlier this year. He was 72.
Organizers said this season honors his family’s legacy of civic engagement, intellectual inquiry and cultural enrichment.
What other speakers are coming to Canandaigua?
Environmental journalist and author Dan Egan will present, “The Fight for Freshwater: Protecting the Finger Lakes and the Great Lakes.” Andy Zepp, president and co-founder of the Finger Lakes Land Trust, will moderate the event, which is set for 4 p.m. Nov. 9, also at Fort Hill Performing Arts Center.
Retired Lt. Col. Amy McGrath will speak on “Strength Under Fire: Women in Military Combat” at 4 p.m. March 15, 2026. Michael O’Hanlon, director of research and senior fellow of the foreign policy program at the Brookings Institution, will be the moderator.
The series concludes with “Profit vs. People: Healthcare, Morality and the Cost of Care” with health care reform advocate Wendell Potter. Renowned journalist and social justice advocate Michael Winship will moderate the event, which is 4 p.m. April 19.
Ewing Forum ticket information
Tickets are $30 per event or $100 for a season package. Tickets can be purchased at gmeforum.org or by calling the box office at 585-412-6043.
All events will be held at the Fort Hill Performing Arts Center, 20 Fort Hill Ave., Canandaigua.
For more information about the speakers, venue or season details, visit gmeforum.org or contact the Ewing Forum at 585-313-8443.
Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Popular singer-songwriter to open Canandaigua lecture series
Reporting by Mike Murphy, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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