A Humanities New York Reading & Discussion Program

February 22 to March 15, 2023 – Four Wednesdays– 6:00 to 8:00pm

Hallwalls Contemporary Art Center and C.S.1 Curatorial Projects are organizing their fifth Humanities New York Reading & Discussion Program entitled “Justice Talking: What Does Literature, Philosophy, and Religion Have To Say About Serving Our Community?” for four sessions from February 22 to March 15, 2020, on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00pm at various locations. Sharon Holley, esteemed community leader, storyteller, owner of Zawadi Books, and President of the Michigan Street Preservation Corp, and Stacy Hubbard, UB English Professor, will be co-facilitating this discussion. 

Why and how do we choose to serve others? What is the nature of the relationship between those who serve and those who are served? If we serve, what sustains and renews us? How does our service impact our communities? The readings in this series — drawn from literature, philosophy, and religion — invite reflection on these and other questions.

Readings will include selections from:
The Civically Engaged Reader: A Diverse Collection of Short Provocative Readings on Civic Activity    Edited by Adam Davis and Elizabeth Lynn

This anthology includes more than forty short readings that invite reflection on all kinds of civic-minded activities–from giving and serving to leading and associating–and on the vital connections between thought and service. Authors range from Aristotle to Kafka, Langston Hughes to Jane Addams, Andrew Carnegie to Pablo Neruda. 

This group grows out of four previous HNY discussion groups held in Buffalo in 2019 & 2020 on: James Baldwin, Audre Lorde, American Politics and Community Today/Ralph Ellison, and Lucille Clifton and Black Buffalo Writers.

To give a better sense of what will be involved, Claire Schneider, President, C.S.1 Curatorial Projects spoke with co-facilitator Stacy Hubbard. 

Claire Schneider: I’m excited that you both will be co-facilitating this reading and discussion group, our fifth. You have both been participants. What compelled you to join in the past and what did you most enjoy about the groups?

Stacy Hubbard: I joined initially because I was concerned about the rise in uncivil discourse in American society and looking for ways to engage in genuine discussion across differences of race, class, belief, and experience. I’m a strong believer in the role that public humanities can play in opening up greater understanding between members of a community and in promoting the thoughtful and productive exchange of ideas. The HNY groups I’ve participated in during the past few years have taught me a lot about both the divisions and connections within the Buffalo community, and I’ve really appreciated the generosity, openness, and depth of conversation among the participants. Plus, I’ve made  new friends!  

Claire: What made them stand out in your mind vs. other spaces that you are engaged in? Stacy, you teach literature in the university setting. Sharon, you have run other reading groups and own Zawadi books. Another way to answer might be – why did you each want to co-lead this group about this topic?

Stacy: While I enjoy teaching young people in the university, there is something special about a community-based reading group that includes people of various ages, occupations, backgrounds, and purposes. Nobody is there to get credit or credential themselves for a job. People come because they want to read, learn, discuss, debate, and meet new people. It’s really an ideal setting for engaging with texts and ideas and for expanding one’s conversational circle. 

Buffalo is the “city of good neighbors”; it’s also one of the most segregated cities in the nation. This past year Buffalo has experienced the tragedies of a racially-motivated mass shooting and a deadly blizzard, on top of more ongoing and systemic forms of inequality and injustice. Buffalonians know we need to work on making Buffalo better—more equal, more just, more sustainable. But these are difficult things to discuss. In a reading group, everyone has to get outside their own immediate experience and belief system in order to engage with an author’s words and ideas, and that can be a great first step towards really hearing the ideas of others around the table. It’s an opportunity to listen, respond, consider alternative perspectives, and find, if not common ground, then at least a basis for engaging and challenging one another with openness and respect.   

Claire: Normally “serving your community,” volunteering at a food bank, donating money to a cause, or being on a board of directors is not something that one reads literature, philosophy and religion before engaging in. Why do you think these readings are important?

Stacy: That’s such a good question. People who are involved actively in serving the community—whether as organizers, volunteers, teachers, or activists–are by necessity doers. This reading and discussion group offers those people an opportunity to step back and reflect on the motivations and methods of community engagement and the impact of what they do by serving, giving, leading. It’s a chance to explore different ideas about what the individual can contribute to the community as these have been expressed in different time periods and by different kinds of writers—religious thinkers, fiction writers, poets, philosophers, and social reformers. We hope the discussions will enrich the work that people are already doing, and inspire those who may be looking to take on more active roles. 

Claire: Can you describe how the four sessions will unfold? We will be using The Civically Engaged Reader: A Diverse Collection of Short Provocative Readings on Civic Activity, which  is divided into four sections: associating, serving, giving, and leading. These are related but different ideas. How do they build on each other? 

Stacy: Well, the question of how those things—associating, serving, giving, and leading—relate to one another is really what we want to explore together. Sharon and I aren’t starting out with all the answers—we’re inviting participants to explore these questions and others through reading and discussion and to see where these conversations take us. How it all unfolds and where we get to remains to be seen! (Join us to find out.)

Claire: Stacy, you started to describe a series of readings around associating that begins with a unique aspect of the US, our love of founding non-government groups and volunteering, unlike some countries, as well as W.E.B. Du Bois’ selection from The Souls of Black Folk. Could you use this as an example of how things might unfold.

Stacy: One of the early readings we’ll do is a selection from Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America from 1840 in which he famously argues that American society is characterized by a tendency to voluntarily “associate” in order to improve our  communities. That idea has persisted in American culture for both good and ill; it has sometimes been used to argue against the role of government in providing infrastructure and a social safety net, and it obviously has great relevance to our interest in “serving.” However, if we read a very different view of American character such as W.E.B. DuBois’s The Souls of Black Folk from 1903, we see something that cuts across de Tocqueville’s idealistic view: racial inequality and segregation. DuBois argues that “only a union of intelligence and sympathy across the color line”—a commitment to a different kind of “association,” one not historically rooted in American culture–will enable American society to progress. Reading these texts together, we might discuss where they intersect and diverge, what they say about their own historical moments, and how they relate to our present moment. Throughout the four weeks of readings, we hope to put diverse readings into conversation in this way in order to highlight different perspectives and open up a wide range of interpretations and responses. What comes of these combinations really depends on the participants, however—the sessions will be genuine discussions, not lectures.  

Claire: Can you discuss any readings that have stuck out in your planning and why they will be compelling to possible participants who are active in serving their communities or want to?

Stacy: Well, the anthology we are using is full of wonderful selections, so that’s difficult to answer! One selection that stands out for me is Jane Addams’s “The Subjective Necessity of Social Settlements” from 1892. In it, she discusses the way that social service—in her case, helping new immigrants to acclimate to the United States—helps the one serving as much as the one served. She addresses a problem that informs many meditations on service: who has power in a serving/served relationship? What does the served community bring to the equation? Where does respect and understanding—or the lack of these qualities—enter into these relations? Gwendolyn Brooks’s scathing poem, “The Lovers of the Poor,” takes up this question from a different angle, indicting those who disdain contact with the objects of their charity. These are difficult questions, but important ones for people interested in service, giving, and leading to explore.  

Claire: Why would a Buffalo Rising reader what to attend one of these sessions?

Stacy: If you like to read, think, learn, talk, and meet new people and want to broaden or deepen your engagement with the Buffalo community, please join us. Participants of all ages, backgrounds, educational levels, neighborhoods, affiliations, etc. are welcome.

Stacy Hubbard is Associate Professor of English at the University of Buffalo. Her research and teaching focus on American literature and culture, women’s writing, and reform writing. She is a recipient of the Florence Howe Award for Feminist Scholarship  and a SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. She has participated in a number of previous Humanities New York Reading and Discussion Groups in Buffalo and run workshops and reading groups at Just Buffalo Literary Center.

Justice Talking: 

What Does Literature, Philosophy, and Religion Have To Say About Serving Our Community?

Wednesdays from 6:00 pm to 8:00pm

• Feb.  15 – Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave., Buffalo, NY 14208
• Mar. 1 – TBD – service organization 
• Mar. 8 – TBD – service organization  
• Mar. 15 – Hallwalls – 341 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202

The group is purposely meet in different Buffalo locations / neighborhoods as a means to know the city better.

The program is FREE and emailed reading materials will be provided. Organizers can also help facilitate rides as needed.

Funded by Humanities New York this program encourages friends, colleagues, and strangers to “make time for thinking deeply about a single idea from a variety of perspectives, allowing texts to become catalysts for civic engagement, cultural understanding, and personal reflection.” 

This group grows out of four previous HNY discussion groups held in Buffalo in 2019 & 2020 on: James Baldwin, Audre Lorde, American Politics and Community Today/Ralph Ellison, and Lucille Clifton and Black Buffalo Writers.

For more information on Humanities New York’s Reading & Discussion Groups.

More information on Hallwalls: here & C.S.1 Curatorial Projects: here.

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THE BASICS:  THE MAI, a play by Marina Carr, directed by Josephine Hogan, presented by the Irish Classical Theatre Company, starring Kate LoConti Alcocer in a cast of eight, runs only through February 5, Thursdays – Saturdays at 7:30, also Saturdays at 3:00, Sundays at 2:00, 625 Main Street Buffalo NY 14203 716-853-4282 irishclassical.com

Runtime: Two hours fifteen minutes with one intermission

THUMBNAIL SKETCH:  The Mai (say “May”) is an accomplished, savvy, middle-aged woman, who has been successfully navigating after her husband abandoned her and her children.  But now he has returned.  That might seem like a good thing, but it opens wounds and leads to revelations among four generations of women.  

THE PLAYERS, THE PLAY, AND THE PRODUCTION:

Playwright Marina Carr is steeped in Greek myth and has long been fascinated by the homecomings of men after the Trojan War.  She spoke at Canisius College last fall and read from another play about that awkward moment when Agamemnon, who had sacrificed his daughter Iphigenia in order to gain favorable winds for his fleet to set off to Troy, now returns to his wife, Clytemnestra.  And was it all lollipops and roses when Odysseus returned to Penelope, especially after sleeping with Circe and then spending seven passionate years with Calypso?  Carr thinks not. 

The title character, “The Mai” (Kate Alcocer) presents as the buttoned-up “I’ve got this” woman who, as Clytemnestra and Penelope did before her, has thrived and run an efficient household after her husband Robert (Chris Avery) deserted the family.  The Mai’s deep infatuation with Robert and her apparent immediate forgiveness of his transgressions upon his sudden return seemed quite authentic, but this is The Irish Classical Theatre folks, not The Hallmark Channel.  Soon enough The Mai tells her sister “You don’t know what it’s like, the humiliation of it.  The ground is gone from under me. I’m forty years of age, Connie, I’m on the downward slope.” 

We are distracted from these thoughts, however, by the comings and goings of a variety of relatives, and what a noisy group they are!  They include The Mai’s two sisters – Cassie Cameron as the “problem child” Beck and Megan Callahan as the more even-keeled Connie.  Then, for comic relief, there are The Mai’s two opinionated aunts – Mary Moebius as Julie and Lisa Ludwig as Agnes; reminding me of the hyper-critical aunts in the Geico commercial.  Moebius and Ludwig are a hoot.  But some great comic lines go to Grandma Fraochlán played here by Pamela Rose Mangus who has portrayed “tough broad” comic roles many times in the past.  Grandma enjoys her mulberry wine and her pipe and often drifts off to speak with ghosts, including the Sultan of Spain. “Now Sultan! You give me one good reason why women can’t own harems full of men when it is quite obvious that men owns harems full of women! G’wan! I’m listenin’!”

In the role of the returning Odysseus, we have Chris Avery as the wandering cellist/husband Robert who has returned after five years.  The acting was excellent and so it was particularly delicious at the final curtain when there were loud “boos” from the audience, not for the actor of course, but for the character.  It’s always fun when the audience is fully engaged like that.

Speaking of actors, when you go this final weekend keep your eyes on Christine Turturro as the Mai’s daughter Millie who is constantly on stage, sometimes acting in the present time, but also providing narration of the past, most poignantly when she was 16 and her father left.  We have been following Turturro’s career since she was at Niagara University and she has wowed audiences and critics in roles at Road Less Traveled Productions (Artie nominated), Shakespeare in Delaware Park, The Alleyway Theatre, and previously at Irish Classical.  

Each of those actors listed has graced a number of stages here in Western New York and it was a great joy to see them all work together so seamlessly in this ensemble play.  The direction by ICTC co-founder Josephine Hogan was solid and consistent and very much believable.  She also made the play softer and gentler and more of the “lilting” Irish than how it seemed to me reading the published script, where it came across as more of the finger-in-your-eye Irish.  I don’t know how she accomplished that trick but I appreciated it immensely.

Kudos to Production Stage Manager Leyla Gentil and her assistant Ryan Wilke because there are a lot, and I mean a lot of cues.  The Sound Design by Tom Makar matched the mood set by Director Hogan to a tee, avoiding the stereotypical Irish music we get at St. Patrick’s Day and instead discovering music that enhanced the performances.  Also a quick shout-out to Dialect and Speech Coach Megan Callahan who was able to get some very consistent performances.  Much appreciated.

For an interview with Marina Carr, click here.  

Rating:  Four Buffalos

*HERD OF BUFFALO (Notes on the Rating System)

ONE BUFFALO: This means trouble. A dreadful play, a highly flawed production, or both. Unless there is some really compelling reason for you to attend (i.e. you are the parent of someone who is in it), give this show a wide berth.

TWO BUFFALOS: Passable, but no great shakes. Either the production is pretty far off base, or the play itself is problematic. Unless you are the sort of person who’s happy just going to the theater, you might look around for something else.

THREE BUFFALOS: I still have my issues, but this is a pretty darn good night at the theater. If you don’t go in with huge expectations, you will probably be pleased.

FOUR BUFFALOS: Both the production and the play are of high caliber. If the genre/content are up your alley, I would make a real effort to attend.

FIVE BUFFALOS: Truly superb–a rare rating. Comedies that leave you weak with laughter, dramas that really touch the heart. Provided that this is the kind of show you like, you’d be a fool to miss it!

The post Stellar cast presents THE MAI at Irish Classical but it’s up for only a few more shows. appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

We continue the series on walking Buffalo, from the intrepid couple who walked every day—no matter the weather—in the first 30 months of Covid. They think (without being systematic) they walked every street in Buffalo, and many in other cities and towns, taking some 20,000 photos, some of which are shared in this series. While not itineraries, we hope to encourage others to “walk the walk,” to see, observe and appreciate Buffalo—and beyond. William Graebner and Dianne Bennett are also 5 Cent Cine’s film critics, here.

Today’s Photo-Essay: Abandoned Buildings: Sacred Heart Church, the King Sewing Machine Factory, Central Terminal 

We don’t make it a point to go into abandoned buildings. Most of our walking is of the on-the-sidewalk (or maybe down-the-alley) variety. We poked our heads inside one of the wide-open apartments of the derelict Perry Projects, but didn’t go in. And just the other day, we turned down a mostly roofless abandoned building on E. Balcolm Street, just steps from Main Street—not a significant structure, not worth whatever risk there might be.

Nor do we recommend going into abandoned buildings.

These are not itineraries; this photo-essay simply describes walks we took. We are not recommending these walks to anyone, and we disclaim any responsibility of any kind for anyone who takes a walk based on this article.

Sacred Heart Church

That said, we have found our way inside a few abandoned, and special, places. Our first example—the Sacred Heart Church at 198 Emslie on the East Side–may be familiar to Buffalo Rising readers; it was profiled on the website by Phillip Szal in January 2021. As Szal notes, the church was built in 1912 and abandoned in 2008. Like many of Buffalo’s more than 300 churches, it was the victim of suburbanization, inner-city population decline, and an increasingly secular society. 

We came upon it just days after Szal’s article was published, and not having read the piece. A basement door was open on the north side, and Dianne posed as if she were exiting, but we don’t do basements. Around the back, a doorless opening beckoned, and we couldn’t resist. 

Like many abandoned buildings, Sacred Heart Church inevitably invokes nostalgia for what was, a sense of tragic loss. But the space remains spectacular in its own way, combining a once-glorious past with a messy, trashed, looted, graffitied present. 

The King Sewing Machine Factory

Douglas Jemal has done some great things for Buffalo, including purchasing and renovating abandoned buildings and renovating them. Unfortunately (for us, anyway), his purchase of the historic King Sewing Machine Factory on Crowley Avenue in Riverside has not only produced significant (if inevitable) demolitions on the site, but has made what remains of the complex inaccessible. We used to crawl in through a hole in the fence on Crowley or enter through a sloping “road” off the Lackawanna Belt Line, just to the east. No more. 

The King Factory opened in circa 1910, making low-cost sewing machines for consumers. When factory-made clothes dried up that market, the company (under a different name) made radios for sale through Sears, Roebuck, employing over 1500 people in 1940, then turned to the production of Sylvania television sets. The plant remained viable into the 1970s, but it has been vacant for at least 15 years. 

Despite the demolitions, it appears that the administration tower of the complex, with the KSMCO initials, will be spared. 

The Central Terminal

We’re headed now to the Central Terminal, opened in 1929, just about the time when trucks, buses, automobiles and the Great Depression began to cut into the rail business, and active for (only) 50 years. 

But it’s not the iconic tower that’s we’re interested in exploring; it’s not open to the public except on special occasions, and it’s not “abandoned.” Our goal is to have a look inside two structures: a long building that housed what was the Railway Express Agency, where trains would pull in and load and unload goods; and a complex that includes the Train Concourse (until 1982 connected by a second-story walkway over the Belt Line tracks), stairways, and ground-floor platforms, where passengers would board the trains. 

Our routine (we’ve been there several times) begins at Thomas Street (off William Street, to the east of Fillmore Avenue), where we park the car in the first block. Down to William, west under the bridge, then a (cautious) crossing to the north side of the street, where there’s a short, narrow, usually muddy, debris-filled path leading to our first objective: the old Railway Express Agency. This building is owned by the City of Buffalo, which apparently has plans to demolish it. We hoist ourselves up onto one of the platforms—and there we are! Ahead, a couple hundred yards of loading platforms and side rooms, complete with shards of glass and metal, holes to fall into (or break a leg in), lots of graffiti, an old boiler. Gorgeous in its decadence. Once a thriving commercial hub, now an alternative play space for the young and restless. 

We returned, after crossing the multiple, live tracks, via a long, straight asphalt road/path, just to the north of the loading docks building. Time for a beer at G & T Inn, across Paderewski Drive. 

Because we’re walkers, we usually park some distance away from whatever our goal is on that day. And when we’re exploring abandoned buildings, we wear boots.

How to Take a Walk in Buffalo – Look Up! Roofs and Roofers

How to Take a Walk in Buffalo – Buffalo’s Mini-Marts

How to Take a Walk in Buffalo – Remembering 9/11

How to Take a Walk in Buffalo – Street Humor

How to Take a Walk in Buffalo – The Yard as Spectacle

How to Take a Walk in Buffalo – Beware of (the) Dog

How to Take a Walk in Buffalo — Halloween

How to Take a Walk in Buffalo: Little-Known Trails and Paths

How to Take a Walk in Buffalo: Church Board Advice

How to Take a Walk—in Buffalo: Coping with Covid

How to Take a Walk—in Buffalo: Planters

How to Take a Walk—in Buffalo: Christmas Tidings

How to Take a Walk—in Buffalo: Murals… Off-the-Beaten Path

How to Take a Walk—in Buffalo: Scajaquada Creek

How to Take a Walk-in Buffalo: Block Clubs

© William Graebner 

The post How to Take a Walk—in Buffalo, and Beyond: 3 <strong>Abandoned Buildings</strong> appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

February is upon us.  The days are starting to get longer and brighter, and although the cold and snow are not leaving anytime soon, spring is on its way.  This week’s event calendar features an Ewok parody musical, a romantic Valentine’s Day walk, and events that honor Black History Month, including a must see talk by Sherrilyn Ifill. 

Theater: Wicket: The Untold Story of the Ewoks of Bright Tree Village

O’Connell & Company, Shea’s Smith Theater, 
February 3-19
Evening: 7:30 pm, Matinee 3:00 pm
$38, plus fee
Tickets

O’Connell & Company presents this Regional Premiere! This original parody musical is for the casual and die hard fans of the Star Wars franchise.  See the untold story of the Ewoks of Endor in this soon to be classic musical comedy.  This night promises laughs, cheers, and adults in adorable space bear costumes. 

Event: 100 Years from Mississippi Documentary Screening and Discussion 

Burchfield-Penny Art Center 
SUNY Buffalo State College, 1300 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY
February 4
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm 
Burchfield Penny

The screening and discussion of 100 Years from Mississippi is presented in conjunction with the LEROI: Living in Color exhibition. The documentary tells the story of Mamie Lang Kirkland, whose life was irrevocably shifted after the violent lynching of her father in 1919. Mamie, in 2015 at 107 years old, was urged by her son to return to Mississippi to confront the past, and begin the healing process. This event features the documentary showing, and a discussion with director Tarabu Betserai Kirkland and artist LeRoi Johnson.

Event: Valentine’s Day Candle Lantern Walk 

DeVeaux Woods State Park, 3180 DeVeaux Woods Drive, Niagara Falls, NY
February 14
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm 
Candle Lantern Walk

Delve into the romance of the holiday by making a lantern and walking the park at night.  Bundle up, and bring a sweetie, and get your steps in. 

Concert: Dan Rodriguez 

Babeville Buffalo, Asbury Hall
341 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY
February 15 
Doors: 7:00 pm, Show: 8:00 pm
$25.36 
Tickets

Singer-Songwriter Dan Rodriguez has had his music featured in two Super Bowl ad campaigns.  He self identifies as a “whiskey and beer drinking, fishing and hunting loving, motorcycle riding, quality food eating, hippie sympathizing, people loving, husband and father.” His soulful, heartfelt, and acoustic sound might be the warmth you need on a cold February evening. 

Event: Sherrilyn Ifill

UB Center for the Arts
103 Center for the Arts, Buffalo, NY
February 16
7:00 pm
Tickets 

Sherrilyn Ifill is the Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Keynote Speaker.  Ifill served as the seventh president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund (LDF) from 2013 to 2022, and currently serves as president and director-counsel emeritus, and was recently named one of TIME magazine’s Women of the Year.  Her voice, vision, and leadership have influenced and affected national dialogue around racial justice issues and continue to do so. 

Event: Say Their Names: Honor Their Legacies 

The Buffalo History Museum 
1 Museum Ct, Buffalo, NY
February 17
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Buffalo History Museum 

Uncrowned Queens Institute founders, Dr. Barbara A. Seals Nevergold and Dr. Peggy Brooks-Bertram will be spreading awareness about a new program entitled, Say Their Names: Honor Their Legacies.  The program will feature a photographic exhibit and oral history videos that capture stories of a group of Buffalo’s venerable community builders. 

PLUS, tickets are now on sale for Rainbow Kitten Surprise
June 7, 2023 | Artpark Amphitheater

The post February Event Guide | Ewoks, Lantern Walks, Music, Screenings, Lectures, and more appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

HES Properties III, LLC is proposing a three-story mixed-use building on a pair of vacant lots at 382 and 386 Grant Street.  This will be the development team’s third project along the Grant Street corridor, joining the complete gut rehab of the former Martino Appliance Store located at 368 Grant Street and followed by the award-winning new building located at 363 Grant Street. The new building proposed for 386 Grant will continue HES’s commitment to filling in gaps in the West Side landscape.

The 6,000-square foot, wood-framed new building at 386 Grant will have one commercial space measuring approximately 700 square feet; one accessible apartment unit on the first floor measuring approximately 800 square feet; and four additional residential apartments on the second and third floors, each measuring approximately 950 square feet. The overall building footprint is anticipated to be approximately 2,000 square feet, and its height is anticipated to be approximately 40 feet, matching the buildings in the immediate area.

Continuing HES’s extensive commitment to green, eco-friendly development, 386 Grant will feature complete geothermal heating and cooling, extensive solar panels and two bicycle racks. 386 Grant will also feature six new parking spaces, with three EV car chargers. The site design also calls for new street trees, matching landscape plantings, new sidewalks and new site lighting. 386 Grant’s design will feature masonry brick, composite wood panels, hardie plank siding, stone sills, anodized aluminum frame storefront windows, and extensive apartment windows.

The launch of 386 Grant represents the culmination of over four years of tireless design, planning and adjustment work by HES, during which time HES had to find creative ways to overcome Covid-19, supply chain challenges, interest rate hikes, increased construction costs, and the loss of Section 485-a tax abatements.

“We had to contend with an awful lot to get to this point, but Matt and I were determined to bring this beautiful new building to life no matter what the challenges,” said Christopher Siano, member of HES. “We certainly had to adjust and pivot many things from when we first discussed doing this project, but in the end, Matt and I used all of our talents to put our company in a position to continue to improve Buffalo’s Westside and develop these vacant lots.”

HES will be holding an information session at The Law Office of Stephanie Adams, 363 Grant, at 6 pm to solicit neighborhood input.  The project requires two variances including one for a 2’-6” setback on the first floor and for the commercial storefront entrance not being located on the front façade. The City will start its review of the project later this month.

The post Infilling: 386 Grant Street appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

French Girl has officially opened in the Five Points neighborhood. After a number of years in Allentown, owner Dani Weiser decided that she wanted to be in a neighborhood that she considers small, rustic, cute, and quaint… “and that’s exactly what I got,” said Dani.

Not only is this great news for the Five Points neighborhood, where Dani lives, it’s also delicious news for fans of Blue Table Chocolates. The chocolatier recently vacated the small-rustic-cute, and quaint storefront to expand its operation in Larkinville. The move freed up the ideal space for Dani, who can’t quite believe her good fortune.

Dani, who has been watching the foot traffic steadily grow in Five Points, is over-the-moon about her new setup. She plans to collaborate with as many businesses in the neighborhood as possible, Including Paradise Wines, which she hopes to team up with for wine and chocolate pairings.

“While her store is a boutique filled with women’s clothing lines, jewelry, and fashionable items from around the world, Dani has always sold delectable treats such as vegan salted caramel and chocolate toppings for coffee, desserts, etc. Her decadent truffles are completely nut free and vegan. Right now, she’s prepping for a rush on Valentine’s Day boxes and gift cards.

“I sell parasols (see lead image), funky teapots, and even awesome pepper sprays from the UK, which can’t be shipped directly to people’s houses,” said Dani, who has never shied away from carrying some far out merchandise.

Then again, there’s a time and a place for everything. The place is French Girl. The time? Well, right now she’s open throughout the week, from 10am to 4pm (closed Mondays). She’s also going to have hours on Saturday and Sunday. After all, with so much foot traffic in Five Points, she doesn’t want to miss out. And just think of the warmer months, with the outdoor concerts, the streetside cafés, and the lot (make it permeable). Not to mention all of the new businesses that have opened, such as Extra Extra pizza.

If you ever want a textbook example on how to properly build a desirable neighborhood, look no further than Five Points.

Dani is kicking off her Grand Opening this coming weekend, with celebratory mimosas. So be sure to stop on by and say “bonjour!”

French Girl Boutique | 44 Brayton St, Buffalo, NY 14213 | (716) 348-1239

The post Everything that you love about French Girl… in Five Points appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

While an apartment building at 507 Niagara Street returns to life, a three-story commercial building could have an opposite fate. The Buffalo Preservation Board will make a recommendation on a demolition permit filed for 510 Niagara Street. The building was the subject of an “Opportunity Knocks” post three years ago.

Hannah Demolition applied for the permit on behalf of property owner Flaneur Niagara LLC. The 9,214 sq.ft. building suffers from fire damage according to the application.  A photo submitted with the application shows a portion of the building’s roof and façade have collapsed.

The post Wrecking Buffalo: 510 Niagara Street appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

No need to belabor the obvious.  The Bills were a disappointment as the season wore down.  Josh Allen said they “ran out of gas.”  Well, okay.  You have an indicator signal in your car when you are getting close to empty.  It means it’s time to fill up the tank.  Didn’t the coaching staff notice the team was getting close to “E” before they stalled out?

Damar Hamlin’s near tragedy and miraculous recovery to date certainly has been difficult for the team, the community, and even the nation.  I disagree, however, with the recent Buffalo News headline:  “The year Bills’ fans learned the hard way that football is not life and death.”  Not true.  Most fans have always known that.  Family and health always come first.  The sun always comes up the next day (okay, that is when the clouds let it shine.)  As to football wins and losses, disappointing ends to previous games and seasons have also made keeping football-in-proper-perspective notion part of this community’s DNA for a long time.

Maybe it was all the hype about being the Super Bowl favorite, starting even before the season began, that makes the loss to Cincinnati all the more difficult to accept.  The hype wasn’t just local.  National pundits and oddsmakers drummed that into us for many months.

I posted at the beginning of the season that I thought the team would only lose three or four games, but I was also looking for a season that would end with a Super Bowl win.  Maybe we should have paid more attention to the awful way that playoff game in Kansas City ended last season – poor strategizing and clock management when it was needed the most.  I also thought the Bills could beat the Bengals, but like many others I was stunned by how they were manhandled  on both sides of the ball.

A friend noted to me that sometimes you can be deceived by a team’s previous record to give credibility to wins the following season.  This season many took a lot from the big wins against  LA and Tennessee, but  in reality those teams were not good, nor was Green Bay.  They clobbered the Steelers, but that was Kenny Pickett’s first game and they were without T.J. Watt.  They struggled with both the Jets and Miami and also had close games against the Browns and Lions.  Their best wins were against KC and New England.  What would have happened if Hines didn’t have two kickoff TD’s?

All season long  they were saying that Allen should take the shorter completions, but against the Bengals he seemed to take or look for the long ones, which take longer to set up and depend on better line protection.  Allen missed Beasley, who was previously dependable on short routes.  Crowther got hurt early, McKenzie wasn’t dependable, and Shakir was a rookie finding his way.  Gabe Davis didn’t live up to expectations after three years invested in development. 

Going forward, everyone has their own ideas about what is needed to do better next season. Another prime receiver; a better running back; help on the D line; a healthy Von Miller; and a few other holes to fill. Brandon Beane reports that the team is currently millions over on the NFL’s new $224.8 million salary cap . We will likely say goodbye to several of this year’s players. Some contracts will need to be re-negotiated to spread out the costs.

Free agency shopping will not help much because the available stars will not be affordable.  We will draft late in the league lineup so the pickings there may not be all that great either.

The statistics of the season suggested we had a great team.  The offense Allen ran up some impressive numbers.  The defense was ranked high.  So what?

Because of those stats, it is not likely that there will be any significant changes in the coaching staff; the team dropped their safeties coach last week.  Standing pat after three successive disappointing, too-early ends to the season makes a fan wonder if it is really a good idea to avoid hard decisions about the coaches.

In football lore, when thinking about head coaches, there has been a category of HCs that should be noted.  Marty Schottenheimer and Chuck Knox, both with Buffalo connections, come to mind.  They were great regular season coaches.  They got their teams into the playoffs.  But they could never win a championship.  Sean McDermott is not going anywhere at the moment, but he has yet to emerge from the Schottenheimer/Knox category of coaches.

There has been a lot written and spoken about how Stefon Diggs carried on near the end of and after the Bengals game.  I think he got the frustration part perfectly right.  Everyone connected with the team – the coaches, players, administration – should have the same fire.  Despite what they have said about Diggs, that is not really evident.

Hope springs eternal.  In two short weeks the focus will shift to the 2023 season.  For this fan, though, it is going to be hard to jump on the Super Bowl bandwagon again.  The Eastern Division will be much more challenging.  The Bills are no better than third best in the conference as the 2022 season ends.  That may or may not be true next season.

I think the Bengals would have won the AFC championship but for a bad referee call or two. Eagles by four in the Super Bowl.

Go Sabres!

Ken Kruly writes about politics and other stuff at politicsandstuff.com

Follow on Twitter @kenkruly

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Each year, the Buffalo Auto Show features the newest cars to hit the road, but there’s a lot more than simply cars to check out.

In 2023, visitors can look forward to an array of cool installations and events, including EVs, a pet rescue organization, and street legal Low Speed Vehicles* (LSVs). Here are some of the show’s spotlight attractions:

• ENERGY ZONE: The ENERGY ZONE is back for the 2023 Buffalo Auto Show. Come see the latest in Electric (EV) vehicles, presented by the New Car Dealers of Western New York, your Electric (EV) headquarters. There will be renewable energy companies on-site to support the push for alternative energy sources incorporated into the auto industry. Sponsors include Clean Communities of WNY, NYSERDA, NY Power Authority, NYSDEC, National Grid, Solar Liberty, LED Energy Solutions, Solar by CIR, PPR Energy Solutions and Bintelli Carts of Westfield/Dave Warren Powersports (street legal golf carts/LSVs & electric E bikes).
• Subaru Pet Adoption: the Subaru Loves Pets crew will be at the Show – visit www.Subaru.com/pets for more info & the charity for this year’s show with Subaru is Buffalo Underdog Rescue
• Maserati will have the 2023 Maserati Grecale on display!
• Toyota will have Martin Truex Jr.’s NASCAR race car on display at the Marquee Level
• On Saturday from Noon to 2p, “Billy Buffalo” will be with us at the Toyota display. It’s never offseason for this lovable mascot!
• Chance to Win a Car a Day: A daily chance to win One (1) of Four (4) vehicles on display in conjunction with Buffalo’s own AAA professional baseball franchise the Buffalo Bisons – Chevrolet Silverado, Lexus RX350, Toyota Rav4, and Volkswagen Tiguan.
• The US Army National Guard “Humvee” & the Erie County Sheriff’s Office “BearCat” will be on display at the Exhibit Level

The Buffalo Auto Show is fun for the whole family. With plenty of food and drinks available, why not make it an outing with the kids? There’s plenty to see and do in the Convention Center setting.

Buffalo Auto Show

February 2nd – 5th, 2023

Buffalo Niagara Convention Center

153 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY 14202

buffaloautoshow.com

*For a low speed vehicle (LSV) to be registered in New York:

• it must meet federal motor vehicle safety standard 500 (49 CFR 571.500)
• its maximum performance speed must be certified by the manufacturer
• it must appear on the list of approved limited use vehicles

You can contact NYS DMV Technical Services (518-474-5282, select option #4) to determine if a particular LSV or LSVT is certified and approved.

Click here to learn more about NYS golf cart and LSV laws.

The post 2023 Buffalo Auto Show appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

Renting accommodations in ski country has never been so much for, or convenient. A new “way of living” is now being offered in the form of four-season vacation-style rentals, situated at the base of Holimont Ski Club and minutes from the Village of Ellicottville and Holiday Valley Resort. Instead of the traditional lodge offerings, a cluster of 11 cabins, called Basecamp Tiny Cabins, is now available for people who are looking for a quick getaway or a long-term play. According to the operational group, the small-scale lodgings is considered “The first tiny home village in WNY.”

“Ellicottville has become a four season destination with attractions that change by the season,” said Bob Carbone, co-founder, who envisioned the rentals for a range of occupants, from couples to larger groups. “The unique thing about design for tiny living is it has the flexibility to accommodate everything from season-long ski renters to people coming in town for a wedding or other special event.  We wanted to do that with a design and interior finishes that distinguishes itself from anything else in the area.”

Packaged within the modern but rustic exteriors of the cabins are four layout options, with inviting features such as oversized windows and 10-14 foot tall ceilings.

Basecamp Tiny Cabins is not only the perfect getaway for those looking for a quick winter excursion, the 400 – 800 square foot “cabins” are available year round, for anyone looking to take advantage of Ellicottville’s four seasons. These days, the town is home to some of the region’s best mountain biking treks, festivals, weddings, concerts, golfing, spas, zip-lining, etc., not to mention the bars, restaurants, and shops that are all close at hand.

When booking accommodations, there are four options to choose from:

Studio Cabins offer the most authentic tiny-living experience with a cozy lofted sleeping area above the main living area.

Bungalow Cabins offer similar comforts as the studio cabins but with a more living space and full bedroom instead of the loft.

Loft Cabins offer the most diverse living experience in Basecamp featuring a full bedroom and lofted living/sleeping space.

Chalet, the most premium design and most stunning option in the village features two bedrooms and a sleeper sofa to accommodate up to 6 guests. This open floor plan provides a hangout area for up to 12 people.

Basecamp boasts views of Plum Creek which runs along the wooded slope in the back of the property.

New York Times once said of Ellicottville, that it was “the ski town that Aspen used to be like.” Boasting both Holiday Valley and HoliMont resorts, the town attracts skiers and snowboarders from far and wide, including many Canadians who have come to call the resort town a “home away from home.”

Now, it’s easier than ever for everyone to be able to set up camp in Ellicottville, thanks to the Basecamp group, which spared no expenses when it came to amenities such as queen beds, streaming-ready televisions, kitchenettes, full bathrooms, and a washer and dryer in each unit. 

The hardest part in the whole equation could simply be, who to bring? Basecamp takes care of the rest.

Rental options vary from single cabin rentals to multiple cabin rentals to complete village buyouts. For reservations or booking options please visit www.basecamp.ski.

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Renovation work at 507 Niagara Street is ongoing.  Cedarland Development is substantially upgrading the formerly vacant apartment building. Elev8 Architecture designed the $2.2 million project.

Plans call for 16 apartments including 13 one-bedroom units, two two-bedroom, and one studio.  Apartments will include an intercom system, keyless entry, and in-unit washer/dryers.

Cedarland is completely redesigning the interior and exterior of the building. Facade brick work will be restored including the top fascia of the building.  One of the most significant improvements will restoration of the large, 5 ft. by 7 ft. windows and adding some color to the exterior by painting the brick.

Get Connected: Cedarland Development, 716.217.9105

The post Construction Watch: 507 Niagara Street appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

Sinatra Development has inked a deal with Westminster Economic Development (WEDI) Initiative to provide space to a number of West Side Bazaar businesses that were recently displaced by a fire. This new development at the former EXPO Market location (617 Main Street) will ensure that the refugee and immigrant business owners will have the accommodations and resources that they need to successfully open in a downtown Buffalo market setting.

This is a huge win for The West Side Bazaar and its displaced tenants. It’s also a huge win for downtown Buffalo that has not fully made a comeback from the pandemic. Many office workers are still working from home. Hopefully these types of infusions of life in the heart of downtown will persuade workers to get back to the office, and out shopping, eating, and drinking.

“We are extremely thrilled to have the West Side Bazaar expand upon its already successful model,” said Vice President of Development for Sinatra Development, Matt Connors, who hopes that this new relationship will bear fruits for years to come. “Expo is the perfect space because it was previously designed as a food hall. WEDI’s mission appeals to us – we had been looking to do something with them for a while. We’re intrigued by their concepts and mission statement.”

Downtown Bazaar’s tenants will include:

1. Pinny Boi: owned by Lloyd Ligao (Filipino restaurant)
2. Nile River: South Sudanese restaurant; owned by father and son—Akec Aguer and Garang Doar
3. JiuJiu Blue’s Bakery: Hispanic bakery owned by Jesse Collazo
4. Abyssinia Ethiopian Cuisine: Zelalem Gemmeda

Connors added that there would also be a retail presence that would include Asian Boutique (was Gadget Bazaar), and Flavia’s Business: a Rwandan shop. And to fuel the excitement, there will also be a bar, with 8am-8pm hours.

EXPO has been sorely missed since it closed during the pandemic. It won’t be long before this new project gets off the ground.

The Downtown Bazaar is anticipated to open mid-February of this year.

The post The Downtown Bazaar appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

Buffalo is a great city for birding. No matter the season, there are plenty of birds (of all feather) to spy. For those who are already into the hobby, you are aware of the potential, and plenty of the regional offerings. For people who are looking to get into birding, there are numerous ways to learn the ropes – solo, or with different groups.

One group that is looking to attract bird watchers and appreciators is the Feminist Bird Club of Buffalo (FBC). On Friday, February 17 (6pm-8pm), FBC is hosting a Meet & Greet, along with Buffalo Women of Environmental Learning and Leadership (BWELL). This is the perfect opportunity to learn about birding in Buffalo.

The Meet & Greet coincides with Birds of the Niagara – an international winter celebration that is set to be held from February 17-20. The series includes a number of different outdoor adventures, as well as plenty of indoor events that spotlight the International Niagara River Corridor. Birds on the Niagara is deemed “North America’s only international bird festival.”

“We celebrate the intersections between birds, conservation, and social justice and inclusion. This years festival will focus on the future of those important topics. All events are free. Please check out our website for schedules and updates.” – Birds on the Niagara (visit the website for a list of events and offerings) | Other organizations involved with the celebration include WNY Young Birders Club, Buffalo Ornithological Society, Pollinator Conservation Association, Lights Out Niagara, and WNY Raptor & Wildlife Care | See the birding checklist

The Birds on Niagara Meet & Greet, hosted by FBC & BWELL, will be held at Twin Petrels seltzery – 1250 Niagara Street. See Facebook event for further details.

The post Birds on Niagara Meet & Greet, hosted by FBC & BWELL appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

Spring is not that far off, when the sounds of Mardi Gras in Buffalo approach. As we slide into February, The Big Easy announces that there will be three big shows in the works for 2023’s ode to New Orleans’ musical culture and heritage…

February 18 – Mardi Graski with LeeRon Zydeco & The Buffalo Touch Polka Band – The Sportsmens Tavern – Two of Buffalo’s best reunite after last year’s sold out show to play separately and together for a special “Mardi Graski” concert that continues The Big Easy in Buffalo’s Cultural Connections series.

February 24 – The Jay#Tet & Folkfaces, the 16^th Annual Mardi Gras Jam – DHU Strand Theatre – Another Cultural Connections show, modern jazz meets Americana as each band plays their own set then joins together for a set of Mardi Gras favorites. 

March 4 – John Papa Gros Band with Randle & The Late Night Scandals – The Cave – Founder of Papa Grows Funk and a Big Easy in Buffalo favorite, Gros brings his blend of New Orleans classics and original material that spans r&b, funk, rock, and jam band music.  Opening the show is Buffalo’s own blues powerhouse Randle & The Late Night Scandals.

“Three weeks, three shows, six bands, one great celebration,” Artistic/Executive Director Tod A. Kniazuk said.  “We’re excited to showcase the music and spirit of New Orleans and Mardi Gras through so many different musical styles.”

Information including ticket links can be found at www.thebigeasyinbuffalo.org and www.facebook.com/TheBigEasyInBuffalo.

Images courtesy Jeff Tracy

The post The Big Easy announces three shows celebrating 2023 Mardi Gras season appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

JoAnn Falletta, as the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra’s Music Director, with her committee, picks the music for the year ahead and, for the annual Mozart Birthday concerts, this year has cleverly given us a look at 22-year-old Mozart’s big road trip to Paris, to, from, and back home.  Because Mozart didn’t actually land a permanent position in Paris (he apparently was a bit picky) and so ended up back home in Salzburg where his dad had to get him a job, he was sorely disappointed. But his loss is our gain.

But over a short period in 1778 and 1779 around that trip, Mozart wrote a lot, including three iconic pieces that are audience favorites and are in heavy rotation at WNED Classical.  In 1778 he wrote his Symphony No. 31 now known as the “Paris” symphony, using a larger-than-usual for Mozart but “business as usual for Paris” orchestra (a symphony where he first used clarinets).  While on the road he visited Mannheim, Germany, which had a famous orchestra and a new style of “concerto-symphony” with more than one soloist.  Always eager to try the latest trends, in 1779 he wrote his “Sinfonia Concertante” for two soloists, violin and viola (at the BPO featuring Concertmaster Nikki Chooi and Principal Violist Caroline Gilbert).  And then, later in 1779, back home in Salzburg, Austria, he wrote an Easter Mass, which was used over the years for several coronations, and became known as the “Coronation Mass.”  

I try in this space to tip you off to really special performances that you will enjoy and this concert is one of those.  Certainly, the audience at Kleinhans Music Hall was ready to enjoy themselves after the New Year’s break and the Christmas Blizzard and the mood in the hall was electric.  I had been looking forward to the “Sinfonia Concertante” for months because of the two soloists.  Concertmaster Nikki Chooi is a treasure and because his position gives him a lot of opportunities to show off his chops, you may already know that.  What you might not know is that BPO Principal Violist Caroline Gilbert is right there with him, note for note.  Those of us who attend smaller chamber music concerts around town have been completely blown away by this best-advocate-for-the-viola-ever musician.  With a few exceptions, violas don’t often get big solos in orchestral music, and if you didn’t know, I’m telling you.  She’s the real deal. 

So you’ve got these two instruments, the higher-pitched violin and the lower-pitched viola, sometimes in unison, sometimes imitating each other, sometimes in a sort of “Oh yeah? Listen to this!” contest.  I had a mental image of two eagles with locked talons in that “death spiral” you may have seen.  

It’s apparently used by eagles for both courtship and fighting and that seems about right.  Whatever the eagle’s motivation, it’s fun to watch, and this 3-movement work by Mozart was fun to listen to, and according to the musicians, was a lot of fun to play.  They certainly looked as if they were having a hoot.

I was particularly impressed by the orchestra which really went out of its way to support its colleagues.  Yeah, sure, they’re professional musicians and are always good, but here they were perfection.  And the sudden dynamic changes that Falletta used just added to the excitement.  

The second half of the concert was a superb performance of the “Coronation” Mass.  Now, if you think that religious music is boring, you really have to hear this piece.  The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (prepared by their Music Director Adam Luebke) was explosive and all four soloists were on point, including two of my favorites, Fredonia’s Lynne McMurtry, contralto, and BPO favorite Kevin Deas, bass-baritone.  Sometimes higher voices can be problematic.  Not here, now now. Rachel Mikol, soprano and Gene Stenger, tenor, blended their very listenable voices beautifully.  

When you go, stop by the table in the lobby and pick up the schedule for the just announced 2023-2024 Classics season, which will feature favorite violinists Gil Shaham, Tianwa Yang, and Tessa Lark.  Favorite pianists included Alexander Malofeev, Fabio Bidini, Ying Li, and Steward Goodyear. And, there will be even more soloists from the orchestra, including principals Natalie Debikey Scanio, piccolo; Henry Ward, oboe; Roman Mekinulov, cello, and, in a concert titled “Chooi Brothers and Bach” we’ll get both Nikki Chooi and his kid brother, Timothy.

Every year WNED Classical holds a poll for favorite works and over the years the #1 spot has gone between Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 and Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9 “From the New World.”  Well, next season you’ll get both from the BPO including Mahler’s sweeping “Resurrection Symphony.”  

The Mozart concert encores (today) Sunday, January 29, at 2:30.

Kleinhans Music Hall is at “3 Symphony Circle” Buffalo, 14201 where Porter Avenue, Richmond Avenue, North Street and Wadsworth meet at a traffic circle.  Visit www.bpo.org or call 716-885-5000.  Full-service bar in the lobby or across the lobby in the Mary Seaton Room.  Masks are optional.

The post Mozart’s road trip ends gloriously in Buffalo with BPO this weekend.  Concert encores today, Sunday (1/29) afternoon. appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), signed into law in 2019, mandates greenhouse gas emissions reductions to 40% below the 1990 baseline level and 85% below the 1990 level by 2050.  Last month, the Climate Action Council, tasked with creating a scoping plan to meet these mandates, published their road map.  And reactions to this plan is why you are hearing a lot “they’re coming for your gas stove” from opponents.

A recent Spectrum News report had a gas industry executive talking about the resilience of natural gas during a storm like our recent Christmas blizzard, painting electricity as too unreliable.  Providing the counterpoint, Ryan McPherson, Chief Sustainability Officer at the University at Buffalo said “Our grid has been around for a long time.  It has not been invested in in the way that we need to, but that is not an excuse to address climate change.”

Assuming that both viewpoints are correct (debatable if we ask the people in Texas stranded by natural gas outages during their deep freeze in 2021), the CLCPA requires emissions from greenhouse gasses like methane and carbon dioxide to be reduced.   That leads to the conclusion that New York will need to improve the resiliency of the electrical grid.  And New York can do this without the loss of one tree or building.

Early in the Biden Administration, the Federal Highway Administration issued a guidance document to allow its division offices and state departments of transportation to use highway right of way (ROW) for “certain uses” such as climate change, equitable communication access, and energy reliability.  New York is connected by the New York State Thruway and by other limited access highways where this new usage could come into play.   

Adding new high speed transmission lines to our highway’s ROW will aid in the incorporation of renewable energy resources.  These new transmission lines would be more resilient through the use of smart grid technologies that can deliver electricity more reliably and efficiently.  The same access can also eliminate the digital divide, bringing high speed internet access to more places outside the major cities. The use of the ROW can also bring in new revenue for the NYSDOT and the Thruway Authority.   Agreements with the utilities or a solar energy developer should come with land lease payments which will add up over multiple projects and a long time span.

The transition from fossil fuels to electric is similar to the transition from the horse and buggy to the automobile.  The change happened a lot faster when consumers knew that the energy distribution system (gas stations) was reliably available.  The transition for consumers to electric vehicles, induction stoves and heat pump heating and cooling will likewise be rapid as grid reliability can be shown.  The use of highway ROW can assist in moving the additional power across the state when we need it.

Lead image: Creative Commons

The post <strong>Use Highway Right of Way to Modernize the Electric Grid</strong> appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

One of the more unusual houses in Buffalo has come up on the market, not long after it was first built.

It was back in September of 2020 that we were covering artist Ben Perrone’s efforts to construct his dream home, which was well underway at the time. The result? The Triangle House – a striking domicile, designed by eco-architect Kevin Connors (eco_logic STUDIO), and built on a formerly vacant lot at the corner of School Street and Plymouth Avenue.

The Triangle House (133 School Street) was designed to stand out in an impressive manner, while at the same time leaving behind as little of a carbon footprint as possible, thanks to the incorporation of solar panels, heat pumps, among other eco features.

“This house was in my imagination years ago when I built my first solar house in Holland NY. I pictured a mirrored triangular building in the woods that would virtually disappear. After giving up living in the country I moved back to the city resuming life as a woodworker and artist. The idea of a triangle house lay dormant until I sold my dwelling and had the money to do something new.” – Ben Perrone, from the Triangle House website

The dwelling is 2,000 square feet, with 1 bed, and 3 baths. It was built to display larger works of art, while utilizing southern exposure windows to maximize natural light. There is a flex studio/garage, and a terrace in the side yard. One of the most unique features of the building is the one-person vacuum elevator, which adds to the mobility of the home. The openness of the unusual layout creates a gallery-esque atmosphere. It’s warm and quiet, and very comfortable – akin to a modern ski chalet.

“No matter where you stand, it’s opening up,” Ben told me, during a recent visit. “I’ve incorporated a number of design features that give the illusion of space. I’ve used mirrored effects in certain places, a floating staircase, the polished and dyed concrete floors are indestructible, cork floors upstairs, the kitchen cabinets are a foot off the ground (clean and convenient), and the vacuum elevator seconds as a dumbwaiter [laughing]. There’s a small park across the street that I hope they name after me because I clean it up. And there’s a yard around the side terrace. The studio garage has a bathroom and could be converted into a living quarters.”

Perrone has outfitted his home with many of his own dramatic art pieces (2D and 3D). There are also a number of furnishings that look as if they were built for the house.

“Everything is negotiable,” Perrone told me. “I would love to have one suitcase when I walk out of this place.”

The Triangle House is for sale for $760,000. See listing.

The post Opportunity Knocks: The Triangle House appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

Buffalo is home to a new seltzery, opened by Katrina “Kat” Piechowicz and her husband Andrew ‘AP’ Piechowicz (who opened Hatchets & Hops). When I asked Kat, “Why a seltzery,” she responded that there wasn’t one in the area. She explained that as more and more people are drinking seltzers, it only made sense to go in that direction. There were already a number of breweries, distilleries, wineries, cideries, etc., which meant that the door was wide open to start making seltzers, in a brewery-esque atmosphere.

She’s right too. Have you been to a supermarket recently and walked down the beer aisle? There are boatloads of different hard seltzers being offered by numerous well-known beer companies. It’s the hottest trend, mainly because they’re tasty, refreshing, and relatively low in carbs and calories.

As for the trend? It might be trendy to drink hard seltzers at the moment, but there’s no sign that the trend is going to slow down any time soon. If anything, it continues to pick up speed, which is a good thing for Kat and Andrew’s seltzery, called Twin Petrels.

“For the most part, seltzers have been treated as an afterthought,” Kat told me. “We wanted to bring the craft beer concept to seltzers. There are only a handful of seltzeries in the US – we believe that we are on the forefront of that wave.”

Not only does Twin Petrels offer an abundance of house-made seltzers, there’s also a full bar. The seltzery is located in the former Resurgence Brewing Company space on Niagara Street, which is super stylish.

During a recent visit, I encountered a floral arrangement event pop-up that was being conducted by neighboring business Wildroot Flora. The place was packed with people who were learning the ins and outs of assembling cut flowers into beautiful bouquets. As I sat at the bar with a few friends, I was able to chat with Kat, who was thrilled with the turnout. After she gave us the lay of the land, and steered us in the direction of some of the go-to seltzer drinks, we got to talking about the interior decor.

Not only are there vaulting ceilings with daylight factory style windows, there’s also an impressively long bar, as well as virtually limitless seating options, with more to come. Plus, come summer, there’s going to be a swanky Seltzer Garden to add to the robust atmosphere.

“We took aspects from some breweries and wineries that we visited, as well as some entertainment venues, and added our own design concepts,” Kat told me.

As for the name Twin Petrels, Kat said that it was a nod to her own twins. She added that ‘the petrel’ is a seabird that is able to easily recover when it is knocked off its flight course due to a storm. The bird readily adapts to unfamiliar territories and adjusts accordingly to get back on track. She felt that the seltzery would have that same sort of resilience and fortitude, in order to adjust to changing conditions in the market.

Even if Twin Petrels does get knocked off course a little bit, there are plenty of friends to help guide it back on track.

“We’re lucky to be surrounded by incredible business neighbors over here on Niagara Street,” said Kat. “Everyone helps each other and supports each other.”

When I asked Kat what she was looking forward to most, she responded that she was stoked for patio season, and numerous classes and events that were coming up, including movie nights shown on the projector.

It all sounds really good to me, as I’ve been a big fan of this section of Niagara Street for quite some time. I love seeing the evolution of the street underway. I’m also happy to have so many drink options under one glorious roof, including mixed drinks, beer and wine, and, of course, a wellspring of delicious seltzers (and seltzer cocktails) to choose from. What more could you ask for? Oh yeah, a patio!

Twin Petrels | Address: 1250 Niagara St Suite 400, Buffalo, NY 14213 | (716) 322-1033

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Menu ranges from: Tilapia nachos, hummus plate, beet carpaccio salad, chicken sliders, veggie street tacos, fish tacos, and seasonal pizzas.

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In his first retrospective currently on view at the Burchfield Penney Art Center, artist LeRoi Johnson invites folks to view a collection of works that embrace his experiences as a Black American. Inspired by his surroundings and global perspectives, Johnson explores narratives in identity, social justice and Afrocentrism to create works that are “Living in Color.” We caught up with Johnson to learn more about his exhibition and inspirations behind his artistry.

VIDEO: Intro of LEROI: Living in Color

Q: Hi LeRoi, can you tell us more about yourself and how you became engaged in the arts?

A: I have been involved in some form since I was at least five years old. I became formally involved in the 70’s when I lived in Paris. I spent most of my time there visiting museums and galleries for no specific purpose except to see art. While in Washington, D.C. working with arts organizations such as the Corcoran, African Arts Museum and others on the formation of the City Museum.

Q: Your exhibition at the Burchfield Penney, LEROI: Living in Color is currently on view, what is the inspiration behind this collection of work?

A: The inspiration is to show my hometown work which has been exhibited around the world and to show work which has never been shown. My personal inspiration is to heighten the visibility of Afrocentric art through art and the various periods which represent my experience.

Q: You describe your work as “electric primitive,” can you expand further on what that phrase means to you and discuss some of the themes that are central to your exhibition or artistry? 

A: This is a term I coined that expresses today’s power of color (it’s electric) and the term “primitive” both represent simplicity of an untrained artist exploring Afrocentrism.

Q: How has your artistic style evolved over the years? What has changed from when you first started to where you are now?

A: Yes, but not much. I find my earlier work more anecdotal and complex. My focus lately has been on form, lines and figurative representations. I think now more than ever about meaning and conveying thought.

Q: In recent years the fine art world has been criticized for its lack of diversity, what does being a person of color in the art world mean to you?

A: It means not only promoting a diverse world of art, but that it is also inclusive of diversity. I have always painted to fill the void of the lack of Afrocentricity in my world that extends to the world outside. Museums have always promoted western art to the exclusion of others. The challenge is to make immediate and lasting changes. Being present in exhibitions, boards and administrations in meaningful ways helps to foster change for me.

Q: Can you elaborate more about your collaboration with students from the Buffalo region and their contribution to your exhibition? What makes this an important feature to your exhibition?

A: This collaboration is the result of both the interest of the Burchfield Penney and my own long-time work with young people. Our joint vision was to give the students a meaningful experience in art which goes beyond just doing an art display, but a total art experience. The collaboration gave students a hands-on experience with museums, artists and components of the art world.

Q: Do you have any words of advice for emerging artists that are currently developing their artistic voice and careers?

A: Yes, stay true to your own creative vision. Develop your own style and work hard. When you think you have something special, see if you can reach deeper and deeper.

Q: What do you hope folks take away from your exhibition, LEROI: Living in Color?

A: That the color of one’s skin does not define the value of his work. That the color of an artist doesn’t define his soul. The exhibition represents many years of work from many different periods in my life.

Q: Seeing that the current exhibition is a retrospective of your body of work, this leads me to ask about your legacy as an artist.

How do you want to be remembered?

LEROI: Living in Color is currently on view at the Burchfield Penney Art Center through March 26. Click here for admission hours and additional information.

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Preservation Buffalo Niagara seeks nominations of places and people who made a difference in preservation across Western New York

2022 was a tough year for preservation efforts in Buffalo, with plenty of setbacks, including The Great Northern and Carr’s Cobblestone Buildings.

Although it’s a shame that we continue to lose our beloved historic buildings, we must pay tribute to the places and the people who inspire us to do better.

The Preservation Awards specifically honor places and people who uplift our communities, strengthen our region, and promote more equitable, sustainable, and vibrant neighborhoods.

To that end, Preservation Buffalo Niagara (PBN) has announced that it is seeking nominations (places and people) to be acknowledged for The 13^th annual Preservation Awards.

Awards will honor achievements in any combination of the following areas: Commercial Project, Residential Project, Legacy Businesses, Neighborhood Preservation, Preservation Craft, Preservation Leadership, and Emerging Preservation Leader.

Interim Executive Director Corey Fabian-Barrett said, “We are honored to spotlight local projects that bring our communities closer together and highlight our historic past while demonstrating preservation’s positive impact on our region’s future. We believe preservation is truly for everyone and look forward to celebrating the exceptional places and people who make our region so special together in May.”

Past Preservation Award winners have included the Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Robert T. Coles, School 77, the King Urban Life Center, Turner Brothers Lofts, SACRA Construction Skills Training Program, Hamlin Park Taxpayer and Community Association, and The Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission’s Strategic Action Plan.

Please take the time to nominate a person or place that you feel should be recognized. After all, so often we focus on the bad eggs… we must take time to acknowledge and properly commend those who continue the good fight.

To be eligible for a Preservation Awards, nominated projects or individuals must have completed, or have been active, between January 1, 2018 and January 1, 2023.

Nominations can be submitted online and must include a detailed description of the project, as well as images.

Nomination forms can be found online at www.preservationbuffaloniagara.org/preservation-awards/

All nominations are due online by Friday, February 10, 2023.

The event itself will take place in-person on Thursday, May 18, 2023.

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