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: Looking Back: Politics

We’ve touched on politics before in this series, in photo-essays on Black Lives Matter, Flying the Flag, Coping with Covid, and Street Humor, among others. Here we take on politics as a subject all its own. Because we weren’t walking the city (and beyond) in 2016 or 2018, our coverage is concentrated on the election of 2020 (though not exclusively), as well as issues that dominated the political scene between 2020 and early 2023. Trigger warning: some of the images and language are quite explicit. 

We’ll begin with a couple of “blasts from the past.” Erie County Sheriff Timothy Howard served 17 years, beginning in 2005. The sign we found on the edge of Kaisertown appears to date to that era. The ad for Beverly Gray, on a wall on Jefferson Avenue, probably dates to 1995, when she was elected Councilmember-At-Large for the City of Buffalo.

Andrew Cuomo was a fixture of New York State politics until 2022, when he was forced to resign amid allegations that he had covered up Covid-19 deaths in nursing homes and engaged in sexual misconduct. Some called for his impeachment, others were just glad to see him go (Hertel Avenue).

During our walks, the political sphere was dominated by the 2020 presidential election. Biden’s age was an issue—but so was Trump’s, in a different way. 

The Trumpers were especially active with their signage. A Larkinville home had a standard Trump sign, and another, “Vote Freedom 1791,” referencing the year the Bill of Rights went into effect. One of the Halloween figures sports a patriotic bow. 

A standard claim of the Trump camp was that their candidate “tells it like it is,” a sentiment expressed somewhat primitively on this Middle Ebenezer (West Seneca) property. They were right about how the liberals would feel.

Although not acknowledged by the candidate, Trump’s 2020 defeat did not diminish the ardor of his supporters. The “Take America Back” sign is from the Ashley/Krupp neighborhood on the East Side. North Tonawanda is the source of the anti-Biden, Halloween “horror show.”  

In Lovejoy, we discovered that politics can be vicious and heartwarming at the same time. Next-door neighbors, one of them avidly pro-Trump, the other just as staunchly anti-Trump, posted prominent signs displaying their views. Yet when we asked one of the men whether he got along with his neighbor, he said: “Of course. We’re good friends.” We were reminded of the lyric of a song from the 1943 Broadway musical, “Oklahoma!”: “Oh, the farmer and the cowman should be friends.” Maybe they should be, but usually they aren’t. 

The “culture wars” have been a staple of politics for decades. The best expression we found—a populist version—was posted on the front porch of a house in Black Rock:

Abortion, too, has been central to American politics for decades—indeed, long before Roe v. Wade (1973). As a group, evangelicals have been opposed to abortion, as this photo, taken on Niagara Street, suggests:

When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June of 2022, an Elmwood Village homeowner offered this intense, personal response:

There was a time when the mailbox was sacrosanct, defined as separate from politics. No more. We found the pro-choice mailbox in Woodlawn; “Give Me Liberty” (generally a right-wing trope) in Tonawanda; and the flag (appropriated over the last two decades by the Republican Party) in Riverside.

As mass shootings have become commonplace, the issue of guns has intensified. We came across two different takes on the guns, both on Genesee Street, and both on the same August day in 2020. 

A Larkinville resident took issue with Byron Brown for raising taxes during the pandemic. We’re not sure if he did that or not, or whether, if he did, it was wrong to do so.

Several issues, some broader than others, aroused the citizens of the area. On the “broader” side, a mural on Elmwood Avenue found fault with the rather abstract notion of “neo-liberalism” (on the arm)—a term that generally means “too much globalization,” or capitalism run-amok. Neo-liberalism is usually identified with Republican Party policies, but also with Bill and Hillary Clinton. 

Covid wore everyone out and made some of us lonely or in need of affection, producing this West Side stencil:

A crisis in the U.S. Postal Service, the result of changes carried out in 2020 by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, a Republican appointee, produced this sign, modeled after a postage stamp, in the Babcock/Valley area:

“All politics is local” was on display in two disparate, but intensely local issues, provoking protest signs in a small town and an urban center. The global issue of climate change accelerated—and with it, the need for carbon-neutral ways of generating electricity—and produced an attack on wind farms in Grandview Bay, Angola. On Buffalo’s East Side, tenants threatened with eviction, a growing problem throughout the U.S., posted notice of a rent strike. 

Others, exasperated by a political system that seemed increasingly dysfunctional, turned inward. “Presidents are Temporary,” read one yard sign with a touch of irony, “Wu-Tang is Forever,” a reference to a legendary hip-hop band from Staten Island. The sign suggests that no matter how one votes, Americans are Americans and—especially—Staten Islanders are Staten Islanders. Tribalism, and unity, somehow joined. 

A similar sense of frustration, expressed in a child-like drawing on a wall near Larkinville:

How to Take a Walk—in Buffalo, and Beyond: Trucks and Vans

How to Take a Walk—in Buffalo: “Reading” the Signs of the City

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

How to Take a Walk—in Buffalo: Black Lives Matter

How to Take a Walk—in Buffalo: Once a Bar

How to Take a Walk—in Buffalo: Queen City Sculpture

How to Take a Walk—in Buffalo: Flying the Flag – Education 101

How to Take a Walk—in Buffalo: (Alternative) Places to Hang

How to Take a Walk—in Buffalo: Those Long Buildings, on the Corner

© William Graebner

The post How to Take a Walk—in Buffalo, and Beyond: Looking Back – Politics appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

In 2021, a historic Buffalo Creek flour-carrying rail boxcar (Boxcar BCK 1424) made its auspicious return to Buffalo. The project was spearheaded by Charlie Monte Verde of the Flour by Rail Legacy Project (FBRLP). Charlie, who works in the rail industry, has made it his mission to help reinvigorate our city’s love of the railroad. This is an important and admirable project considering that Buffalo was once the second biggest rail city in the nation.

After successfully trucking the historic boxcar to Silo City (see video), Charlie’s next goal was to create a non-profit 501(c)(3), and embark upon its restoration.

Currently there is a fundraising effort underway that will enable the team to fix the end rooflines of the boxcar, which have suffered from light rusting and rotting. Both pieces need to be torched out, upon which time they will be taken to Rigidized Metals, where two new pieces will be fabricated and reapplied to the car. Then, the boxcar (including the side door, which is also being repaired) will be painted.

Soon, the formerly in-peril – headed for the scrapyard – boxcar will look something like this:

As a way to creatively fundraise, Charlie is launching a beer that has been brewed by West Shore Brewing Co. The brewery, owned by brewer Josh Dziomba – a rail aficionado – was formerly located in Clarence, NY, along the West Shore Railroad. The brewery is in the midst of relocating its operating to a new location at the Rusty Nickel Brewing in West Seneca.

Due to his own family’s history in the rail industry, Josh has brewed a number of RR-themed beers, which is what led Charlie to his doorstep. Together, Charlie and Josh have created a Lake-to-Rail Citrus Lager that is being unveiled this coming Saturday, June 10 (1pm-5pm) at Duende at Silo City – 85 Silo City Row.

“The new beer will be a steady fundraising tool for the project,” Charlie told me. “We’ve been making numerous partnerships since we trucked the boxcar to Silo City. Rigidized Metals is a partner, and so is Explore Buffalo (Buffalo tours). Josh and West Shore Brewing are now helping this project to come to fruition.

Tickets ($25) for the Debut Party & Fundraiser for NEW Flour-by-Rail/Silo City Beer can be purchased at Eventbrite. All proceeds will be directed to the Flour-By-Rail Legacy Project.

The day will include scheduled tours of the grounds and boxcar, unlimited hop-induced merriment, live music, and fast-forging of friendships.

Family friendly – Capri Sun and loganberry for the kids

Prizes and raffles

See Facebook event

Agenda

1:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Beer Debut Event

2:00 PM – 2:30 PM – Tour of Buffalo Creek 1424 Boxcar Restoration

2:45 PM – 3:30 PM – Silo City Ground Tour by Explore Buffalo – 1st Group

3:45 PM – 4:30 PM – Silo City Ground Tour by Explore Buffalo – 2nd Group

To support the Flour by Rail Legacy Project visit this GoFundMe page.

The post Boxcar Brew Debut: Lake-to-Rail Citrus Lager, in support of the <a href="https://www.buffalorising.com/2020/11/flour-by-rail-legacy-project/">Flour by Rail Legacy Project</a> appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

For many of us, a typical day begins and ends with a digital device in hand. Sandwiched between these hours is the time spent professionally dedicated to a computer screen, which is often followed up with some quality TV time, to unwind from the day’s stresses. 

While digital technology has unlocked countless capabilities and opportunities for connection, too much screen time can lead to burnout. With this in mind, Paula Madrigal (Assistant Director of Prevention & Health Promotion at Buffalo State University’s Weigel Health Center) co-hosted an informational and interactive workshop during which Jessica Chranowski (a California-based Health Practitioner and Founder of Pure Life Therapy) provided students with helpful techniques for relieving stress commonly associated with screen time burnout. One technique that Jessica walked students through was simple massage therapy, which can include rubbing your temples and pressure points to alleviate physical strain caused by prolonged screen usage.

Although this particular event occurred during the height of the pandemic – when life was predominantly virtual – the takeaways are timelessly applicable in today’s world. 

Here are some insightful highlights from the workshop:

Q: What is burnout? 
A: Burnout is physical or mental strain caused by overwork or stress. It is from a slow build up of constant stress. 

Q: What are some signs of screentime burnout? 
A: Fatigue, exhaustion, sadness, depression, anxiety, irritability, backache, neck ache, eye strain, stomach aches, wrist pain.

Q: If screentime burnout continues, what impacts could it have on your health (mental, physical, and social)? 
A: -Mental Health Impacts: anxiety, irritability, depression, detachment, anger, avoidance, apathy, disinterest, or even grief (think about missing an important life event due to being stuck to a screen)

• Physical Health Impacts: spinal deterioration from poor posture, digestive issues, vision problems, carpal tunnel, lowered immunity

• Social Health Impacts: missing important events, avoiding bonding with loved ones, not being present when with others, forgetting social and communication skills

Q: Can you please share some helpful techniques you have for preventing screen time burnout? 
A: When you are so stressed out that you feel frazzled, exhausted, anxious, detached or in physical pain, you need to increase your self care in order to help yourself feel better. 

• Self care is as much of a skill as learning a language, sport, hobby. You want to know these skills before you have to need them. When you regularly practice taking mindful breaks throughout your classes and “shutting off” of the work day, your brain will recognize the pattern and easily switch gears. 

• Mindful breaks can include stretching, breathing and creating little rituals to signal to your brain that it’s time to switch gears. The more you practice these skills, the more you will have control over how you react when you are truly being tested, in times of high stress.  

This series is sponsored by Project Best Life. Buffalo Rising and Project Best Life have teamed up to produce a series on wellness inspiration and advice to direct readers to the people, places, and experiences in Buffalo and beyond that will help them fulfill their health, nutrition, and wellness goals. For more information on how you can live your best life, subscribe to the Project Best Life newsletter.

Project Best Life

In tough times, our efforts to maintain fitness, healthy nutrition, and personal wellness can fall by the wayside as we direct all our energy into navigating our individual storm. Yet, in the face of what’s happening in the world around us, it is essential to make space for self-care and experiences that fortify our physical and mental wellbeing.

Check out Project Best Life’s personal assessment tool. Get personalized health insights and a cancer screening checklist by completing this health assessment. This questionnaire will only take you around 10-15 minutes to complete.

Listen to the Happy & Health Podcast

Trying to manage a proper work-life balance, saving for your future while paying all your bills, all while keeping strong relationships with friends and family… We know that life can get pretty stressful, and it’s easy to forget what’s best for your health both physically and mentally. Project Best Life is here to help with our podcast: Happy and Healthy. We provide tips from experts and share stories that will inspire you to live your best life, whatever that means to you. Listen now on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google

For more on Project Best Life, Like or Follow Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

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THE BASICS:  

ICTC remounting of Oscar Wilde’s celebrated comedy, EARNEST (A Trivial Comedy for Serious People) plays weekends through June 25^th at the Andrews Theatre downtown.  Kristen Tripp Kelley directs a cast of eight.  The play runs two and a half hours with its single intermission. Tickets.

THUMBNAIL SKETCH:   

Love and (potential) marriage among the upper classes in England, 1895.  Many complications arise from the fact that both of the protagonists, Jack and Algernon, have been living sneaky double lives (country and city) for their own pleasure. The desired women, Gwendolen and Cecily,  seem quite smitten, but will have no suitors  except for ones named Earnest, and this appears to rule both of them out!  Confused identity is the order of the day. Wilde joyfully skewers the bountiful deceit and foibles of his own society, while giving his epigrammatic wit free rein.  Somehow, a happy ending is engineered before the curtain falls! 

THE PLAY, THE PLAYERS, AND THE PRODUCTION:   

The script, coming to us mainly through the opinings of the roguish Algernon, is still a thing of beauty.   There are so many great “laugh lines”, its an abundance of riches! Cast-wise, Josh Wilde (as straight-arrow Jack) and  Ben Michael Moran (as the puckish Algernon) are  both particularly good, and seem very comfortable with each other.  Melinda Capeles (as Gwendolen) and Renee Landrigan (as Cecily) are likewise enjoyable as the “girls”, but lack the booming voices needed to be easily understood on the problematic Andrews stage.  Chris Kelly does solid work as Lady Bracknell, Gwendolen’s terrifying aunt.  I only wish that he were a little “bigger” and even more terrifying! The role is an absolute scene-stealer!   

There continue to be major auditory and visual issues at the Andrews.  The EARNEST patio-furniture set was lost on me.  The Tom Makar music is notably odd. Kristen Tripp Kelley keeps things rolling along pretty well, but there are the usual problems with sightlines at the Andrews’ theater-in-the-rectangle.  A parting thought: the energy of the piece does seem to wane a little near the end.  It’s a pretty long two and a half hours!  

IN SUM: 

The production has its issues, surely.  But here is a rare chance to “catch” Mr. Wilde back in 1895, as it were, at the top of his creative game…  

Lead image (Clockwise from Top L): Josh Wilde, Melinda Capeles, Renee Landrigan, Ben Michael Moran

*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 THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST  appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

Buffalo Common Council Ellicott District Candidates Forum

Candidates running for the open seat in the Buffalo Common Council’s Ellicott District will participate in a public forum just days before the start of the primary election Early Voting. To date, this is the only candidates forum specifically dedicated to Ellicott District voters and issues. See map of newly reconstituted Ellicott District, which includes East and West side neighborhoods: 

elections.erie.gov/MapPdf/Ellicott.pdf

Wednesday, June 14, 2023 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm

Meeting ID: 998 5140 4527

Dial-in option: 1-646-558-8656

Ellicott District Common Council Candidates (confirmed):

• Michael Chapman (Independent) – No website provided
• Matt Dearing (Democrat)
• Emin Eddie Egriu (Democrat)
• Leah Halton-Pope (Democrat)
• Cedric Holloway (Democrat)

Moderator: Juweria Dahir

Advocate for Communities and Entrepreneurship

To encourage the full participation of Buffalo’s Ellicott District citizens in the upcoming Primary Election for Common Council. The forum will give the public an opportunity to hear directly from the Ellicott candidates on issues of critical importance to the community.  Early Voting begins Saturday, June 17. Primary Election Day is Tuesday, June 27. See “Important Voting Information” below.

IMPORTANT VOTING INFORMATION

Voter Registration Deadlines

For the NY State Primary Election in Erie County and City of Buffalo, which takes place Tues., June 27, 2023

June 17 is the last day a voting registration application can be received by Erie County Board of Elections to be eligible to vote in primary election. Also last day to notify the Board of Elections of a change in address.

Three Ways to Register to Vote:

1.     Visit the Erie County Board of Elections page HERE to find a PDF downloadable form (in English or Spanish).  This form must be signed in ink and sent back to the Erie County Board of Elections via mail or in person. 

2.     Register to vote online HERE using the DMV Electronic Voter Registration Application.

3.     Go to the Erie County Board of Elections office located at 134 W. Eagle Street, Buffalo, NY 14202

Early Voting Dates for Primary

Saturday, June 17 – Sunday, June 25

M-F 12:00 noon to 9:00pm, Sat-Sun 9:00am to 5:00pm

Did you know that Erie County has the most early voting sites in New York State? 

Where to Early Vote in Erie County:

Click here to find a convenient location

Click here for an Absentee Ballot Application

Absentee Ballot Deadlines

June 12: Last day to apply for an absentee ballot online or by mail.

June 26: Last day to apply for an absentee ballot in person.

June 27: Last day to mail absentee ballot back to Erie County Board of Elections.

June 27: Last day to return absentee ballot in person to Board of Elections or your polling place by 9:00 pm.

Primary Election Day

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

6:00am to 9:00pm

Where Do I Vote?

voterlookup.elections.ny.gov

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Last month, HANSA workspace located at 505 Ellicott Street welcomed Brenda Turtelaub Feldstein as its new artist-in-residence, showcasing her latest exhibit, “Eyes of Wonder: A Photographic Exploration of Nature and Gratitude.” The exhibit’s goal is to inspire viewers to connect with nature, appreciate the present moment, and cherish the world around them. Highlights include stunning shots from various National Parks and local gems like Chestnut Ridge’s Eternal Flame.

“It all started with a life-changing trip to Yosemite National Park,” Brenda shared with the audience in the Great Room at HANSA Wednesday evening. She recalled driving for miles in the forest as she entered the Park, and at one point the brush cleared revealing colossal granite monoliths towering into the blue sky.  “It was awe-inspiring and I was overcome with a deep desire to capture all the beauty before my eyes, from the seemingly unimportant moss on a fallen trunk to the vast landscapes that seemed to stretch on forever,” Brenda said. Since then, she’s been exploring the outdoors, snapping pictures of the incredible wonders from near and far away destinations.

Brenda’s love for nature and photography are intrinsically connected. “Photography has trained my eyes to go beyond merely observing and allows me to truly see and acknowledge what is in front of me with a sense of wonder and gratitude,” she explained. The “Eyes of Wonder” exhibit features selected works from Siesta Key Beach, Yosemite National Park, Joshua Tree State Park, Yellowstone Park, the Sea of Galilee, Zion National Park, and Niagara Falls State Park.

As visitors explore her work at HANSA, Brenda hopes to encourage them to embark on their own journey to find wonder and gratitude around them. “Buffalo is certainly a wonderful place to start!” she noted.

In addition to photography, Brenda is an award-winning filmmaker through her video production company, A Special Story. She collaborates with organizations, brands, and people to tell inspiring stories that connect with audiences and create a positive impact in the community. Some of Brenda’s clients include Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Park School of Buffalo, Buffalo Jewish Federation, Kulture Khazana LCC, and Discover Fitness among others. View more of her impressive photography on Instagram at @ASpecialStory.

Brenda’s exhibit at HANSA will run through the summer. Her framed photographs are available for purchase, with $50 from each sale being donated to the Buffalo Urban League and Jewish Family Services of WNY in memory of the May 14th victims, as she believes her impact must stretch beyond the exhibit walls.

To enjoy this inspirational exhibit at HANSA, a vibrant hub that blends an all-inclusive flexible office with a modern coworking center, use this link:  HANSA – Artist In Residence Tour

The post Eyes of Wonder: A Photographic Exploration of Nature and Gratitude” Exhibit Opens at HANSA appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

Kleinhans Music Hall was quite full last night when JoAnn Falletta conducted a varied concert and I hope the large crowd was because some people were new to the classical concert scene.  It was the kind of concert that you always hope will be someone’s “first love.”  There was something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and it all began with something bittersweet.

BPO President and Executive Director Dan Hart came on stage along with Music Director JoAnn Falletta for a heartfelt announcement that after over 40 years, stagehand Charlie Gill was going to retire.  The onstage orchestra responded with an outpouring of love and respect for the man who has made their professional lives possible by always being there for them, onstage, backstage, and even overseas.  As Falletta said “Thank you, Charlie, for keeping us safe.”

Of course, Charlie wasn’t done just yet.  Because this concert required more than the usual rearranging of instruments.  As the evening progressed, the orchestra got smaller… and smaller.

The concert started (and will start this Sunday, June 4 at 2:30) with a work that the BPO is recording, “Festival Music” by African-American composer Adolphus (“Dolph” as Falletta calls him) Hailstork.  Reading the liner notes, it was inspired by a trip to Guyana, where Hailstork heard African rhythms and African drums.  Indeed the percussion section was expansive, with four percussionists with some unusual instruments and one tympanist, not counting the piano (technically a percussion instrument).  A celeste was next to the piano, and behind it was a synth keyboard creating a steel drum part.  All through the piece were these little explosions of new sounds.  And every once in a while we got a little blues riff.

To me, though, it sounded quite Mexican, so if you like the driving relentlessly forward-moving music of Revueltas, or Moncayo, or Márquez, all of which the BPO has performed over the years, I know you will like Hailstork’s “Festival Music.”

Then came the moving of the chairs and the exit of the percussionists and other musicians including all the brass except for a trumpeter because it was time for the return to Kleinhans of pianist Norman Krieger and the gorgeous Piano Concerto No. 4, to me, his most intimate concerto.  Sure, I love the bombastic Beethoven of concertos 3 and 5 (“The Emperor”) but there’s something so emotional about No. 4 that gets me every time.

The thought I had listening was that I was with my grandfather (who used to take me to Kleinhans).  I know that in our youth-obsessed culture, that might sound like a diss, but I felt when Krieger played that I was with someone, like my grandfather, who could do anything and do it well.  (One of my German grandfather’s favorite expressions was “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.”)  There was no flash, no “look at me!” that you get from younger pianists.  In fact, Krieger even had the music in front of him.  It was just perfect. 

After multiple curtain calls, the audience got an encore, a Chopin Etude.  Then intermission and the removal of even more chairs, so that when we came back it was a tiny orchestra of only 38 people, “all soloists” as Falletta told us from the stage.  That’s a Falletta thing.  She loves to program music where her musicians get to strut their stuff, and that was the case for the final work, the Suite (from the incidental music to) Le bourgeois gentilhomme by late 19^th, early 20th-century composer Richard Strauss.

When you go you can read the excellent (as always) program notes by Chaz Stuart and Falletta also explains the story from the stage, but this is quintessential Strauss, blending combinations of instruments, and giving each a little moment in the sun.  In a way, it was a perfect bookend to the Hailstork piece, which also moved the music all around the orchestra.

So we got something old (the venerable Beethoven), something new Hailstork’s “Festival Music,” something borrowed (Strauss quotes from his inspiration, Lully’s 1670 version of Le bourgeois gentilhomme) and something blue, or at least bluesy, those riffs in the Hailstork piece.

Runtime: 2 hours 15 minutes

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.

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BASICS — The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes, Vol. 3 — Alleyway Theatre, 1 Curtain Up Alley, Buffalo;  716-852-2600; June 1 – 24— 7:30 performances on Thursdays – Sundays. Call box office for tickets or go to www.alleyway.com

RUNTIME — 2 hours – including one intermission

THUMBNAIL SKETCH — This is a parody of the sitcom The Golden Girls. The hit comedy returns with two new “episodes” of naughty drag hilarity just in time for Pride. If you haven’t been able to snag a ticket the last two times these girls have hit the stage, here’s your warning: this production will sell out. Join Dorothy, Rose, Blanche and Sophia for another definitely-leave-the-kids-at-home night out. Script by David Cerda. Directed by Todd Warfield.

THE PLAYERS, THE PLAY, AND THE PRODUCTION —

The Golden Girls was an award winning sitcom that aired from 1985 – 1992 and is still popular in reruns. Four 50+ year old women share a house in Miami and support each other through both happy and hard times. Golden Girls drag parodies have been popping up all over the country. There are musical versions and there is even a puppet show version. We are fortunate here in WNY to get David Credo’s new “volumes” regularly.

As Dorothy, the leader of the pack, Mike Seitz is never over the top. His is a believable interpretation of the role. Mr. Seitz does a fine job and slings out those caustic one-line putdowns in true Bea Arthur fashion.

Michael (BeBe Bvlgari) Blasdell is a luscious Blanche who especially shines in Act 2 when the plot takes an incredible twist! No spoilers here, but the show builds to a really fun and unexpected sequence.

I believe that Joey Bucheker has been Rose in every incarnation of Golden Girls at Alleyway Theatre. Mr. Bucheker has absolutely nailed this character – a dewy-eyed darling in a dirndl – and he is always endearing as the perpetually befuddled Rose.

This production sports the best Alleyway Theatre Sophia to date. Matt Rittler looks and sounds just like Estelle Getty and he does amazing work throughout the show.  The mambo sequence is sensational and it left me agog with glee!

In supporting roles are genial Tim Goehrig, lively Michael Wells, and zany Collin Ranney. 

The script full of quips is by Chicago playwright, David Cerda, and it is one of the series of his Golden Girls productions. Built into his plays are Golden Girls trivia games and TV commercials to help the audience go back in time and get into the mood. Welcome to the 80’s!

Director Todd Warfield is known around town as The Go To Guy for directing imaginative campy parodies. I remember Posiedon: The Upside Down Musical and L’imitation Of Life with great fondness. Golden Girls 3 is fast-paced and very funny and another feather in Mr. Warfield’s cap.

Adding to this entertaining evening are interactive choreography by Joey Bucheker, the well detailed Golden Girls set by Christopher Rhoton, and fabulous costumes by Todd Warfield. 

For an amusing (albeit adult’s only) evening – perfect for a summer night — I recommend The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes, Vol. 3. A laugh filled evening of theatre is one of life’s greatest treasures.

*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 <strong>“GIRLS” GONE WILD!</strong> appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

Some of the first visitors to the newly expanded, updated, and renovated Buffalo AKG Art Museum campus, have come away with sensational reports of what it’s like to venture into a couple of the gallery spaces.

While the Gundlach Building is still underwraps, the Ralph Wilson Town Square is a real showstopper. The glass canopy overhead – Common Sky, by Olafur Eliasson (Icelandic, born Denmark, 1967) and Sebastian Behmann (German, born 1969) of Studio Other Spaces – is as magical as one could ever hope for.

“… as if it was a crystal palace,” noted one visitor.

Between the kaleidoscopic sunburst refractions, and the cast prism shadows beamed onto the floor of the shimmering Town Hall, there is “an immense sense of ethereal joy, to be in a space of such light and reflection.”

“Upon seeing it for the first time – a visual experience that will last forever after leaving that space. Just stand and take in the reflections, shadows, a magical tree covered in icicles, let your imagination soar…. It’s like being inside a giant kaleidoscope of crystals, brilliant as the sun reflecting on ice crystals on a winter day.”

Another item of intrigue is the significant update to the historic Sculpture Court and ancillary gallery spaces, where marble floors have been swapped for wood.

Overhead, numerous square sunbursts framing the massive skylight have been restored.

Then there’s the thirty-foot-long glass mosaic wall by Firelei Baez (Dominican, born 1981) – Chorus of the Deep – inside Cornelia restaurant.

Historic elements once again gleam with pride, while new artistic and architectural additions evoke a renewed sense of pride for Buffalo’s beloved museum.

Visitors will find unanticipated visual delights around every corner – a phenomenal experience that will soon be exponentially heightened by the unveiling of the “still in the works” Gundlach Building.

To learn about Buffalo AKG Art Museum’s Opening Weekend (Knox and Wilmers buildings) – FREE to the Community, click here. The Gundlach building is anticipated to open July 20.

The post Glimpse: Buffalo AKG Art Museum appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

THE BASICS:  THE MEDIUM and THE TELEPHONE, two operas by Gian Carlo Menotti, written in English, conducted by Nick DelBello, stage directed by Joseph S. Spann, presented in a double bill format by Buffalo Opera Unlimited, Friday, June 2nd at 7:30 pm and Saturday, June 3rd at 5:00 pm in the Warren Enters Theatre in Upton Hall at Buffalo State University (enter Iroquois Road and follow the “OPERA” signs on campus).  Tickets (and complimentary ice water) at the door. This is not a student production.  Tickets are $35 General, $25 Seniors, $10 Students  For information, contact (716) 882-1692 or visit www.buffalooperaunlimited.org/

THUMBNAIL SKETCHES: In THE MEDIUM, a tragic opera, a phony but successful medium, “Madame Flora,” is conducting a séance when she herself feels “touched” (actually grabbed around the neck).  She becomes obsessed with this memory and by the end of the opera has accused then shot her innocent young assistant.

In THE TELEPHONE, a comic opera, a young man is trying to propose, but every time he’s about to pop the question, she is digital-device-distracted, answering the telephone or, in this updated version her cellphone, or looking something up on her iPad, or responding to an email on her laptop.  Finally, he has an inspiration and calls her from the street on his cell phone, and digging her “Princess” phone out of the couch cushions, she says yes, on what we might call an actual telepone.

Certainly, both gun violence and people overly focused on their digital devices are two topics that remain quite contemporary.

RUNTIME: Two hours with one intermission

THE PLAYERS, THE PLAY, AND THE PRODUCTION:  Everything about this double bill is first-rate.  It’s only up for two performances, which is the fate of opera these days.  If it were a musical presented by, say, Second Generation Theatre (and the whole evening had a very satisfying 2^nd Gen vibe) or perhaps MusicalFare or The Kavinoky, it would have a successful multi-week run.  So musical theater peeps, if you want to see an opera, this would be a great way to start.  It will feel “right.”  The music is accessible, the voices are clear and bright, the acting is quite realistic, the plots are easy to follow, and it’s sung in English.

The 13-person chamber pit orchestra (actually on a raised platform to the audience’s right) was the best that BOU and Orchestral Contractor Carl Lam have assembled in my memory.  It’s your basic wind quintet plus string quintet expanded by trumpet, percussion, and piano and they gave composer Menotti’s music a whole lotta love.  It’s a tricky score in that every part is “exposed” meaning that no instrumentalist can “hide” behind a big orchestra.  Yes, there are some sweeping lyrical passages, but for the most part, it’s a series of charming little musical explosions one after the other.  Conductor Nick DelBello was on top of things.

If all you’ve ever seen of Menotti’s 25 operas is an amateur production of his Christmas opera AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS and you think that “once you’ve seen one night visitor you’ve seen ‘em all” [rim-shot] then this will be an ear-opening treat.  His music sounds very much like that of Samuel Barber with whom you may be more familiar.  This is no surprise since they were partners for many years.  And both were “out” composers, making this a very appropriate choice for Pride Month.

The set by David King was ideal, with an enormous circular object against the back wall in THE MEDIUM which at first looked like a mandala or zodiac wheel (or a clock with no hands) but when illuminated from behind during the séance was both spooky and stunning.  In the second opera, THE TELEPHONE, it became a circular window through which we saw a hyper-realistic telephone pole.  None of that would have worked without the excellent lighting by  Harry Mandris.  Costumes were by Artie-Award-winning Jenna Damberger who designs all around town.  Daniel Warman was the stage manager. 

Without a doubt, soprano Gabrielle LaBare as “Madame Flora” the title character in THE MEDIUM was a force to be reckoned with.  Her big voice was able to match and soar over the orchestra.  As much as I loved the orchestra, some singers were not quite as able to rise above it as I would have liked.  My strong advice when you go this afternoon is to sit as close as possible to the stage.  That’s where I moved to after intermission.  Not only will the balance of voices and pit be better but, since heat rises and the Enters Theatre isn’t air-conditioned, it’s cooler down in front.

Kate Fruchterman sang “Monica,” the medium’s dutiful daughter, with a beautiful crystalline voice.  I would have appreciated super-titles since a lot of her words were drowned out by the orchestra.  Again, my advice is to sit down front.  High school student AJ Govenettio, just a senior at Williamsville South, was Toby, her mute assistant, with some serious acting chops.  We hope to see him around for a while.  Andrea Bickford, Daniel Kamalić, and Joelle Lachance, rounded out the cast admirably as the séance attendees.  

The acting was first rate and considerable credit goes to Joseph S. Spann for staging that worked organically and didn’t seem at all, well…. “stagey.”

THE TELEPHONE cast includes Julia Anne Cordani and Christopher Wagner.  Cordani was an absolute delight as “Lucy,” the ditzy distracted young woman who just can’t get her nose and her mind out of the damn phone!  Never missing a beat while singing with a clear, sparkling soprano, she jumps, leaps, spins, and tumbles over furniture, as well as over her boyfriend “Ben.”  Mr. Wagner’s voice is pleasing, but his vocal role here is not designed to compete with Lucy’s but mostly to bear it all stoically with an occasional exasperated eye roll.  Besides excellent staging, Spann slightly updated the script (seamlessly I might add) to include references to “digital” and “fiber optics” etc. which got a lot of laughs from the audience.

Note: this double bill is not at the larger, traditional BOU Rockwell Hall theater space.  And I know that for many of us, the thought of finding your way anywhere on a college campus is daunting.  But they’ve made it easy.  Enter the Buffalo State campus off Elmwood Avenue at the Iroquois Drive entrance, immediately south of the Scajaquada Expressway (Route 198).  Don’t go to Rockwell Road.  Enter at Iroquois Drive.  Parking is available in lots all along Iroquois Drive.  AND THERE ARE “OPERA” SIGNS WITH ARROWS POSTED ABOUT EVERY 100 YARDS.  Parking Lot I-37 is located adjacent to the handicap-accessible entrance to Upton Hall and the Enters Theatre (follow the red arrow on the campus map).  You can also enter Upton to access the Enters Theatre from Lots I-34 and I-35, but this entrance is not handicap-accessible (see the red dot on the campus map).

Lead image: L-R Gabrielle LaBare, Daniel Kamalic, Joelle Lachance, Andrea Bickford

*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 High production values in Menotti’s MEDIUM and TELEPHONE with Buffalo Opera Unlimited.  Final show today at 5 pm (!). appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

Get your bikes ready, and bring your family and friends along, to the inaugural Larkinville Day of Fitness! All day long, on Saturday, June 3, guests to Larkinville will be able to participate in Zumba, pickleball, yoga, and a four mile run. Not to mention hooping, a lounge by Lululemon, the Breezy Bowl Food Truck, a health market, and Barre… and the list goes on!

There’s so much to see and do, while getting fit, having fun, and enjoying some amazing sunny weather at one of Buffalo’s most coveted urbanist retreats.

Included in the mix is the opening of Fitness in the Parks classes in Larkin Square which will continue through the end of August. 

All of the following events are free, including parking, thanks to the support of KeyBank and Independent Health.

9 AM – 10 AM, Pickleball Round Robin Larkin Square was the first outdoor venue in Buffalo to offer pickleball courts and now it is the fastest growing sport in the country. Larkinville Day of Fitness will begin with a pickleball round robin at 9 am on the newly resurfaced courts. Players should bring their own paddles for an hour of pickleball playing. 

10 AM – 11 AM  Fitness in the Parks ZUMBA ® This is the kick-off to the Fitness in the Parks season of free classes in Larkin Square. Enjoy ZUMBA ® each Saturday at 10AM and Cardio-kickboxing on Mondays at 6 PM through the end of August.

11 AM – 11:45 AM  Yoga on the Boardwalk with Space on Seneca’s, Colleen Heidinger.  During the summer season, Colleen teaches fee based class on Sunday mornings and Thursday evenings. Enjoy this free class with Colleen today. Bring your own yoga mat.

11 AM Four Mile Run lead by the Urban Run Series beginning and ending in Larkin Square.

Market: From 10 AM – 1 PM all are welcome to stop by a healthy oriented vendor market in Larkin Square. Featured vendor offerings will include:

Breezy Bowl Food Truck  Enjoy healthy and delicious food from Breezy Bowl Food Truck.

Hooping Heals, hula hoops for sale and demos.

Neighborhood Barre Offering tips and info on Barre classes.

Independent Health will have fun giveaways and share more about their summer programming throughout Western New York, including Fitness in the Parks.

ReddyBike Learn more about the Reddy Bikes available to ride throughout the Buffalo and Niagara region and sign up for a membership.

LuLu Lemon will be setting up a lounge for all to enjoy at the event.

Buffalo Police Athletic League, sharing all about their PLAYSTREETS program.

Women’s Post Natal Health with Ashley Schaab, a female oriented and pelvic floor physical therapist as well as Heather Chapp who specializes in massage and postnatal massage. They will talk about at home stretching and their other services.

Dan Boza Acupressure and Massage 

Donna’s Pepper Jelly and Jams, selling home made jams and jellies

The Drunken Candle Shop, selling artisans soaps and plants inside recycled liquor bottles

Sunrae Love Jewelry, selling artisan made jewelry

Cityview Creations, selling “716” Buffalo shirts and sweatshirts

For more information on Larkinville and upcoming events, including Food Truck Tuesday starting on June 6^th and KeyBank Live at Larkin starting on June 7^th please visit LarkinSquare.com or follow Larkin Square on social media for frequent updates.

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Here’s a real opportunity to do something great on Main Street. At this stage in the game, we need to looking at better infill opportunities, whether we’re looking at a sprawling surface lot or any other underutilized property. I would have to say that 1458 Main Street falls into the latter category. The single story 5,536 square foot office-with-retail warehouse is prime for a complete redevelopment. It’s going to take someone with some vision to understand the potential here.

With a 12 car garage (3,087 square feet), a 3,974 square foot detached warehouse, a 48 vehicle on site parking lot, and 91 feet of frontage along Main Street… the opportunities are endless, especially for a developer that wants to go “up.”

As for the location of 1458 Main Street, there’s a lot of upside at the moment. The Flexlume building is for sale next door, Unapologetic Coffee and Vasilis opened nearby, Jericho Road purchased the former Bristol Home site, and Canisius College and the Medical Campus are in close proximity. The site is also situated along the Metro Rail route, for added convenience.

Investing in Buffalo’s Main Street is a good idea. We’re starting to see some significant changes, which will only be enhanced and sped up by a (coming soon) Middle Main Smart Corridor.

Middle Main (Goodell Street to Kensington Avenue): The City has secured $50.52 million in funding to complete a streetscape work on Main Street from Goodell Street to Kensington Avenue. The city is currently designing phase 1 of the project, which includes Main Street from Goodell to Ferry Street. Phase 2 of the project features streetscape work on Main Street from Ferry to Kensington Avenue.

1458 Main Street is on the market for $885,000.

Hanna Commercial Real Estate | Listing agent: Gregory Zadrozny | (716) 830-8943

The post Opportunity “Knocks” – 1458 Main Street appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

With one building completed and leased in Lackawanna’s Renaissance Commerce Park and strong interest in a second building under construction, Uniland Development is working on plans for a third. Located on the former site of the Bethlehem Steel plant in Lackawanna, the 230-acre Renaissance Commerce Park along Route 5 has undergone a significant industrial transformation in recent years. 

The Erie County Industrial Development Agency [ECIDA] is developing the site through its land development arm, the Industrial Land Development Corporation [ILDC]. The redevelopment of the park has involved a complete remediation under the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Brownfield Cleanup Program, expanding water and sewer extensions and public roads onto the site, the relocation of rail lines, and the enhancement of the multi-use Shoreline Trail bike pathway along Route 5 to expand access and usability at the site.

The first warehouse building at 8 Dona Street is occupied by Total Quality Assurance International (TQAI) with 108,000 sq.ft. of space and Max Advanced Brakes headquartered in Toronto in the remaining 42,000 sq.ft.

Uniland is constructing a second spec building, adjacent to and north of 8 Dona Street, at 2 Steelworkers Way. That building is expected to also be 150,000 sq.ft. but can be expanded to 170,000 sq.ft. With strong interest in the second building, Uniland is working with the ECIDA on purchasing additional land in the business park to construct another 150,000 sq.ft. warehouse building to the west of 2 Steelworkers Way. The facilities include options for customized interior buildouts for first-generation tenants.

Warehouse and flex space is at a premium with a vacancy rate on existing space under one percent which can inhibit business growth and encourage new job creators to bypass the region in favor of other states.

The post Uniland Finds Taps Into High Demand for Warehouse Space appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

The highly anticipated Outer Harbor Concert Series (Strictly Hip, Dark Star Orchestra, etc.) is just one of the many live music showcases taking place at the Outer Harbor this summer.

For those who are looking for something a little more intimate, there’s the Sounds of Buffalo Live Music Series, which takes place at the “fully revamped” Wilkeson Pointe Beer Garden.

Following is the lineup for the live music series:

• June 16th: Night of the Grateful Dead featuring Dead Alliance of Buffalo
• June 30th: Buffalo Tango Orchestra
• July 21st: Blaised and Confused
• August 19th: Buffalo Music Club Live (An All-Star Affair)

Along with the live music, and the serene waterfront setting, food and drinks will be offered at the Wilkeson Pointe Beer Garden, the Nosh and Nibble Food Truck, and the Lakeside Bike Park Café.

From water sport rentals to hikes up the spiral hill (topped with wind sculptures), Wilkeson Pointe has become one of the rallying flags of the Buffalo waterfront.

To get a better picture, of all of the events and activities taking place at the waterfront this summer, click here.

The Sounds of Buffalo Live Music Series is presented by Hartman’s Distilling, with support from Upstate Honda Dealers.

The post 2023 Sounds of Buffalo Live Music Series appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

For nine years, Renew Bath + Body has been dutifully providing the Western New York area with all-natural bath, body, and skincare products from its Elmwood Village retail location (with online shopping available as well). Renew’s mission is to “bring clean beauty and sustainability to all communities,” and their latest initiatives are evidence for accountability.

Across the nearly 30 different product lines carried by Renew Bath + Body, 1,600 unnatural and unpronounceable ingredients are avoided, resulting in better-for-you skincare items you can feel good about. 

Beyond the wholesome ingredients within its products, Renew has most recently launched a hand soap starter kit with 100% plastic-free packaging. Each hand soap starter kit includes a reusable bottle and three refill pods that are encased in a water-soluble film. Within six months of using the product, the packaging will completely biodegrade, leaving no waste. These kits are now available to purchase and are offered in Gardenia + Lemon scent – a perfect aromatic combination to ring in the warmer months.

The creation of this hand soap line was three years in the making due to the complexities involved in ensuring a truly eco-friendly product that will stand the test of time. Production of the hand soap starter kit is made possible by the advanced technology at Junk Free Skin – the manufacturing center on Great Arrow Avenue that is co-founded by Renew’s President, Tom Akers. Within the facility is a machine capable of churning out 600 Renew hand soap pods every minute! The noteworthy efficiencies of Junk Free Skin’s technology have had a hand in earning them preferred co-packer status for an international water-soluble film company.

Opened in 2019 with long-term sustainability in mind, Junk Free Skin seeks to assist other small and medium businesses in making their eco-friendly products a reality. In describing the origins of Junk Free Skin, Akers has said, “When I started this, I quickly realized that the smaller people are not going to be allowed in this [sustainability] arena because [the other co-packers] have such high minimums – above 1 million per item.” 

At that rate, Akers weighed the financial factors and determined, “I could have just bought the machine, so what I did was I bought the machine and now I want to offer small and medium-sized companies the chance to compete and come into the arena with very low minimums.”

Junk Free Skin supports businesses every step of the way, from formula testing, production, branding, and distribution. A major Junk Free Skin focus as of late has been to work closely with large hotel amenity groups to ensure compliance with impending legislative changes. Beginning in 2024, it will be illegal for hotels within New York State to provide single-use plastic toiletries to their guests. Utilizing their water-soluble film solution, Junk Free Skin will be able to offer hotels unique alternatives to these cosmetic commodities, thus “changing hotel amenities” as we know it.

The combined efforts of Junk Free Skin and Renew Bath + Body are paving the way for fellow businesses to follow suit and are putting Buffalo on the map for state-of-the art sustainability actions.

Renew Bath + Body
927 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222 | 716-881-0177
Hours: Mon-Sat: 11am-4pm, Sun: Closed
Website | Facebook | Instagram

Junk Free Skin
Website | Instagram

The post A Renewed Promise to Skincare and the Environment: Renew Bath + Body’s Latest Product Line is State-of-the-Art appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

The Downtown Country Market (est. 1982) has officially opened. Today is the first Thursday of the Market’s 41st season. Every Thursday, throughout October, office workers, downtown residents, and visitors to the core of the city are invited to attend the market, which features a vast selection, ranging from tubs of strawberries to hanging flower baskets. Seasonal delights include beans, corn, cukes, watermelon, cherries, apples, pears, peppers, kettle corn, sauces, and even donuts.

This year, the organizer of the Downtown Country Market – Buffalo Place – is running the market from 10am through 2:30pm, which gives people plenty of time to shop for their favorite fruits and produce. Plus, since the market takes place on Thursdays, everything is perfectly fresh heading into the weekend.

The farmer vendors that appear each week at the Downtown Country Market come from within 30 miles of downtown Buffalo. That means that the pickings are as fresh as can be. It also means that shoppers are supporting the regional economy, while being kind to the planet. The closer to home that our food is sourced, the better.

Anyone interested in vending at the Downtown Country Market can email info@buffaloplace.com for an application.

The market is held on Main Street, between Court and Church Streets.

The post 2023 Downtown Country Market appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

Work continues at the Heritage Point project at Main and Scott streets which should start vertical construction shortly. Sinatra and Company Real Estate is developing the two-building mixed-use project.

In December 2019, the developer paid the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation $1 for the project parcels. The development will include restaurant, retail and office space plus 61 apartments. It is being constructed on the South Aud Blocks located between the Explore & More Children’s Museum and Main Street.

The project includes 103,000 sq.ft. of space in two buildings separated by an open space area following a portion of the route of the former Prime Slip. Each building will be six stories that includes a mansard roof level and basement level. The project was designed by Carmina Wood Design.

The post Construction Watch: Heritage Point appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

A new shop by the name of Made for Good is opening on Friday, June 9 at 7 Warren Avenue in Kenmore (near the corner of Delaware Avenue).

When choosing the shop name, Made for Good, the curators – volunteers of the Kenmore Village Improvement Society (KVIS) – knew that they were really onto something with the wholesome concept. And who doesn’t like supporting local artists and crafters? The only problem is, it can be hard to track down the makers and artists in person. So often we must resort to shopping online at sites like Etsy, or wait for art festivals and indie pop-ups to take place. But now there is a brick and mortar outlet for artists and makers, featuring a wide array of handmade items ranging from socks to music boxes.

Grand Opening Celebration being held on the following dates:

Friday June 9th from 3-7 pm (ribbon cutting at 3pm)

Saturday June 10th from 10am-4pm

Items available at Made for Good include pottery, jewelry, knitted and crochet items, stained glass and art glass, bags, paintings, felted items, books of local interest and by local authors, greeting cards, music boxes, towels, tea, jams, clothing, socks, hats for dogs and cats, and cake toppers.

The public is invited to join in the opening celebration which includes:

• A free gift to everyone who stops in
• Pet friendly with treats at the counter for dogs
• Demonstrations by Artist/Makers, and a ‘Make your Own’ area to create various free projects
• Free gift wrap for sales over ten dollars
• A drawing each hour for a free gift card, along with raffles and other prize drawings
• Refreshments

The Made for Good shop is attached to the new KVIS office space - the demonstrations and raffles will take place in this space throughout the grand opening.

“For 15 years, KVIS funding has been through sponsorship of our events and initiatives; securing sponsorship funding is challenging and very time consuming,” said KVIS President, Melissa Foster. “Several years ago, we decided that in order to grow and continue to serve our community, we needed to find an additional way of bringing in greatly needed funds. We developed a business plan that helps local Makers do what they love to do while helping them and the KVIS financially. The KVIS then takes the funds we make through the shop, and we put them right back into the community. This is why we say that the Made for Good shop features locally handmade gifts that give twice!”

It’s not often that a store opens with such a local-minded mission. A lot of heart went into this business concept, which is why we should all feel good supporting it.

Lead image: Signage for Made for Good will be installed this week.

The post Grand Opening: Made for Good appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

It’s an interesting time for art festivals in Buffalo. First, the Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts (EAFA) announced that it was disbanding. Then Allen West Festival stated that local artists from EAFA were welcome to enlist for their well-established festival. Shortly thereafter, the Elmwood Village Association (EVA) announced that it was running with its own version of EAFA. It was a little bit of a cultural rollercoaster there for a while.

For all of those aforementioned reasons, and a lot more, it’s good to hear that the Allentown Art Festival is raring to go, with business as usual. The 66^th annual show Saturday will be held Saturday, June 10 and Sunday June 11, 2023 (11 am to 6 pm). Per usual, upwards of 300 artists and crafts people will be in attendance.

In 2023, visitors to the Allentown Art Festival will find a few new additions to the artistic lineup, including:

• Displays and demonstrations from the Corning Glass Museum
• CEPA Gallery’s photo lab
• A children’s art station from the Burchfield Penney Art Center
• Displays from emerging artists sponsored by the Hunt Gallery and the Allentown Art Festival
• The addition of food trucks
• A new music tent and a welcoming tent for the Visit Buffalo Niagara organization

The Allentown Art Festival is considered a Buffalo “Rite Of Spring.” And as we are all keenly aware, it’s more important than ever to support our art festivals, so that they will continue to thrive for years to come.

Allentown Art Festival (Click for additional info and to view the artists)

Formerly named the Allentown Village Society and formed in 1958, the Allentown Art Festival is a non-profit all-volunteer organization fostering participation and support of local artists and cultural institutions as well as offering prize awards, art scholarships, projects and neighborhood art classes.

The post 2023 Allentown Art Festival appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

Starting on Thursday, June 1, all of Explore Buffalo’s downtown tours will be free on Thursdays for the 2023 summer season, thanks to generous support from Ciminelli Real Estate Corporation. 

“Our companies connection to the City of Buffalo and The Central Business District made a partnership with Explore Buffalo to offer free downtown tours a natural fit,” said Paul Ciminelli, President & CEO of Ciminelli Real Estate. “These tours provide a great opportunity to discover Buffalo’s rich history while contributing to a vibrant downtown. I get excited about partnering with groups that promote the fabric of the city and understand the importance of bringing the community together through top notch programming.”

“We’re excited to be partnering with Ciminelli Real Estate Corporation this summer to provide free tours of downtown every Thursday,” said Explore Buffalo Executive Director Brad Hahn, adding “downtown Buffalo is the heart of our region, and everyone should take a downtown tour to discover our incredible architecture. Even if you’ve been downtown many times, you’ll see and learn something new on one of our downtown tours this summer – and while you’re downtown, be sure to visit one of the many fantastic downtown restaurants for lunch, dinner, or happy hour.” 

Explore Buffalo’s downtown tours highlight the unique architecture and history of our city. Some of the downtown tours that will be offered for free on Thursdays this summer include: 

• Architecture Timeline: a chronological look at the evolution of office building design from the mid-1800s to the present. 
• Canalside: a walking tour around Buffalo’s waterfront that was the western end of the Erie Canal when it opened in 1825. 
• Downtown Deco: a tour showcasing buildings designed in the popular architectural style of the 1920s. 
• Downtown Murals: a frequently-changing tour that highlights murals that have recently been painted downtown. 
• Presidents in Buffalo: a walk in the footsteps of presidents who have visited or lived in Buffalo. 

Each Thursday during the summer will offer a unique selection of free downtown tours. The tour calendar, updated monthly, is available at explorebuffalo.org. 2023 is Explore Buffalo’s 10th anniversary tour season, and in addition to downtown tours, Explore Buffalo provides more than 80 different tours of our region’s history and architecture. 

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