Name: Bill Pugin: Fly on the Wall
Start: 2026-10-17
End: 2026-10-17

The 9-day Rochester International Jazz Festival is one of the world’s leading jazz festivals. From legendary performers and familiar favorites to rising stars and new discoveries, this Festival navigates all genres of creative improvised music from all corners of the world and brings together unique musical sounds from many countries, and highlighting international artists' take on the only true American art form - jazz. The 9-day multi-dimensional nine-day festival is held in downtown Rochester, NY in 20 venues, all within walking distance and presents more than 1500 artists performing in 320+ shows. The festival features: Headliner Series Club Pass Series of 220+ shows, 100+ free shows and events Workshops for music students Nightly jam sessions See the full schedule and more at RochesterJazz.com

CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival

Founded in 1929, The Little Theatre is the premier cultural center for the presentation of American independent, international, and classic films — as well as music and visual arts — for the greater Rochester community. The Little has five screens, plus a café. Also, their popcorn is magic.

The Little

Based in Rochester, NY, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) has been committed to enriching and inspiring the community through the art of music since 1922. Today, the RPO presents at least 130 concerts per year, serving an estimated quarter of a million people through concerts, education and community activities throughout our region. Whether it's Beethoven, Broadway, or the Beatles- the RPO has something for everyone! Join us for a concert! rpo.org

Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra - RPO

Living Roots is a winery in both the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York and the Adelaide Hills region of South Australia. Our Aussie family has made wine for six generations, and we’re following in their footsteps making styles we love to drink, with varietal and regional expression, minimal inputs and maximum quality. In the Finger Lakes, our focus is on rich whites and sparklings, and in South Australia, it’s vibrant reds. Visit us in Rochester or Hammondsport for flights, glasses, local beers and snacks. For current hours, menus or to book a tasting, visit livingrootswine.com.

Living Roots Wine & Co.

Your Neighborhood of Play destination for food, drinks, and play. Meet me in the Lobby. https://lilasint helobby.com/

Lila's

Gio’s Prime 26 is Rochester’s destination for classic steakhouse dining in a modern setting. Guests enjoy prime cuts, seafood specialties, and an acclaimed wine program, all crafted under the expertise of our culinary team. Located within The Inn on Broadway, Gio’s offers an elevated dining experience for celebrations, corporate dinners, and everyday occasions.

Gio's Prime26

Our classes, services, exhibits and special programs in the visual arts are available for people of all ages and abilities. Photography, pottery, printing, printmaking, letterpress and book arts are our specialties.

Flower City Arts Center

We create dialogue & build community through contemporary art. Rochester Contemporary Art Center (RoCo) is a venue for the exchange of ideas and a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) that was founded in 1977. As a center for thoughtful contemporary art, RoCo provides unique encounters for audiences and extraordinary opportunities for artists.

Rochester Contemporary Art Center (RoCo)

Family-owned NY style pizzeria serving up slices, wings, subs and other delicious items all day and night! At 3 Daughters Pizzeria, we pour our passion into crafting the city's best handmade dough and fresh tomato sauce made daily so you can enjoy your favorite classic pizzas. We also serve up bold, creative specialty pies like our beloved Steak and Cheese and BLT pizza. All of this is made to bring friends and family together in Rochester. We're dedicated to delivering an authentic, unforgettable pizza experience that keeps you coming back for more. We are open every day with late-night hours on weekends, making it easy to grab food when you need it. Pick up in-store, dine in, or get delivery straight to your door in Rochester. Our website online ordering is built to save time and keep things easy, so you can enjoy fresh food without the hassle of calling or waiting in line.

3 Daughters Pizzeria

Roc City Circus is Rochester, NY's newest circus arts training facility. We offer aerial classes for beginners and advanced students. We are also home to Western, NY only full size Flying Trapeze. We offer birthday parties as well as team building events.

Roc City Circus

Rochester, NY, is the third-largest metropolitan area in New York State, nestled along the southern shore of Lake Ontario. With a proud sports tradition, Rochester is home to iconic teams like the Rochester Red Wings (MiLB), Rochester Americans (AHL), Rochester Knighthawks (NLL), and Flower City Union (NPSL). Our vibrant sports culture thrives across all levels, from youth clubs and high schools to elite collegiate programs, creating a strong, year-round foundation for athletic excellence.

The Rochester NY Sports Commission champions Monroe County through the power of sports tourism. By attracting championships, invitationals, and tournaments across a wide range of disciplines, we help fuel the region’s economy and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Each year, Rochester welcomes a growing roster of sporting events, showcasing our top-tier facilities, supportive community, and dedication to teamwork on and off the field.

We invite event organizers, rights holders, and sports professionals to discover why Rochester and Monroe County are ideal destinations for your next competition or tournament. Let’s play in Rochester!

Visit Rochester

*This is a hybrid event, taking place in person at Writers & Books and online via Zoom. All registrants will receive a Zoom link in the registration confirmation email that is automatically sent to your email after checkout.*

For over five decades, Bill Pugin has stood at the crossroads of two languages and cultures—bridging communication between the Deaf and hearing worlds. In this heartfelt and often humorous memoir, Pugin takes readers on a journey from his small-town Southern childhood to the global stages and studios where he built a lifetime of stories as a sign language interpreter, performer, and advocate.

From his first exposure to American Sign Language through his Deaf sister, to interpreting alongside Oscar-winner Marlee Matlin, Fly on the Wall celebrates the beauty of connection, the art of interpretation, and the human spirit’s unshakable drive to be understood. Pugin’s reflections reveal not just the life of one man, but the evolution of a profession—and a culture—rooted in empathy, expression, and resilience.

A moving tribute to the Deaf community and a master class in compassion, this memoir is a must-read for anyone interested in language, accessibility, and the extraordinary power of understanding.

**Bill Pugin** believes people can master the skills of powerful communication by being open to life’s experiences and developing natural tools of social observation. Signing started Pugin on his road to discovery. His sister, Mary Anne, is deaf and his great affection toward her inspired him to learn sign language. He attended Gallaudet University, a university for the Deaf in Washington DC, where he completed his formal training in Sign Language Interpreting in 1979. Along the way, Bill earned certifications with the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, National Association of the Deaf, California Association of theDeaf, and numerous other awards and recognitions.

Bill has traveled the world providing exceptional sign language interpreting services for four U.S. Presidents, His Holiness The Dalai Lama, World Leaders and Entertainment Industry Icons. He founded The Sign Language Company in order to offer the industry a higher level of talent and service. Bill is ‘hands on’ with the day-to-day operations at The Sign Language Company, ensuring his company maintains the high standards and industry reputation he established over 35 years ago. He is also a published author having penned his memoir in recently released Fly on the Wall.

**Join the conversation! [Buy your copy at Ampersand Books today](https://ampersandbooks.org/book/9798994264904)**

Bill Pugin: Fly on the Wall

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