Hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday and a prosperous New Year!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Old Fort Niagara Colonial Christmas
OLD FORT NIAGARA HOSTS
A COLONIAL CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT
YOUNGSTOWN, NY – This holiday season discover Old Fort Niagara by candlelight and adorned with seasonal greenery. For four nights in December visitors to Old Fort Niagara will experience the holidays as they were celebrated in early America. Historical characters will bring Christmas past alive with 18th and 19th century holiday recipes and portrayals of colonial-era people. The Fort will be open from 7 p.m. through 8:30 p.m. on these Friday and Saturday evenings on December 12th, 13th, 19th and 20th.
A COLONIAL CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT
YOUNGSTOWN, NY – This holiday season discover Old Fort Niagara by candlelight and adorned with seasonal greenery. For four nights in December visitors to Old Fort Niagara will experience the holidays as they were celebrated in early America. Historical characters will bring Christmas past alive with 18th and 19th century holiday recipes and portrayals of colonial-era people. The Fort will be open from 7 p.m. through 8:30 p.m. on these Friday and Saturday evenings on December 12th, 13th, 19th and 20th.
The historic French Castle, built in 1726, will be decorated for the holidays by the Youngstown Garden Club and illuminated entirely by candles. The highpoint of the evenings will be the traditional “firing of the Christmas guns” every half hour.
Tickets to “A Colonial Christmas by Candlelight” are $8.00 per person, and will be available at the door. Guests can arrive at the Fort Niagara Visitor Center at anytime between 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. and are asked to dress for the weather, wear walking footwear and bring a flashlight.
Old Fort Niagara is located in Youngstown, NY and 14 miles north of Niagara Falls via the Robert Moses Parkway North. The Fort opens at 9 a.m. daily year round and is open until 5 p.m. during the winter months. Admissions end at 4:30 p.m. The Fort is closed December 25th and January 1st. Old Fort Niagara is a National Landmark and State Historic site operated by the Old Fort Niagara Association, a not-for-profit organization, in cooperation with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Garlock's restaurant in Lockport is great
On Friday, my husband Jim and I had the opportunity to dine at a restaurant we've been meaning to go to for some time. Everytime we drive through Lockport, we say we have to try Garlock's. It's a well established restaurant and it's been there for as long as I can remember.
Since we were going to see the performance of Scrooge the Musical at the Palace Theater and we had a coupon in our Entertainment book, we decided to give it a try. I have to admit that the restaurant doesn't look like much from the outside. But once we walked in, it was warm and cozy and decorated for the holidays, a virtual Christmas Wonderland.
Not only was the ambiance great, the food was really good. We opted for fish, which was really good. The food that we observed on other people's plates looked good too. They are noted for their steaks, so on our next visit, we will have to give it a try.
Garlock's, 35 South Transit Road, Lockport 716-433-5595
America's only ski slope trail of lights at Peek'n Peak
America’s Only Ski Slope Trail of Lights at Peek’n Peak Resort and Spa
Below is a press release I got from Peek'n Peak. They sent me the above image but it's kind of hard to see it.
Findley Lake, N.Y., December 8, 2008 – The Trail of Lights at Peek’n Peak Resort and Spa is underway again this year. The spectacular animated light display is located on Finsbury Field, the ski slope right next to Pizzaiolos Italian Restaurant. Guests ride chairlifts and are taken high above 14 separate theme areas of large, colorful and animated light displays. The 20 minute ride will leave guests with an everlasting memory of Peek’n Peak! Operation times are every Wednesday-Sunday through December 21, 2008 from 6-9pm and will also be open on Monday & Tuesday, December 22 & 23, 2008. Tickets are $5 per person.
The resort is offering several weekend family holiday packages to choose from in conjunction with the trail of lights. Whether you select the Friday night, Saturday night or the Grand Illumination Package, you and your family will enjoy many holiday traditions to include a gingerbread house making workshop and breakfast with Santa. For more information or to reserve one of these packages, please visit www.pknpk.com or call 716-355-4141 ext. 7154.
While you’re visiting, be sure to stop by the Inn at the Peak where you will find one of the largest decorated Christmas trees in the area. The giant 24 foot tall and 12 foot wide tree was grown by Heritage Evergreens of Bloomsburg, PA. The tree is covered with over 5,000 lights and has a traditional theme of red and gold decorations.
Findley Lake, N.Y., December 8, 2008 – The Trail of Lights at Peek’n Peak Resort and Spa is underway again this year. The spectacular animated light display is located on Finsbury Field, the ski slope right next to Pizzaiolos Italian Restaurant. Guests ride chairlifts and are taken high above 14 separate theme areas of large, colorful and animated light displays. The 20 minute ride will leave guests with an everlasting memory of Peek’n Peak! Operation times are every Wednesday-Sunday through December 21, 2008 from 6-9pm and will also be open on Monday & Tuesday, December 22 & 23, 2008. Tickets are $5 per person.
The resort is offering several weekend family holiday packages to choose from in conjunction with the trail of lights. Whether you select the Friday night, Saturday night or the Grand Illumination Package, you and your family will enjoy many holiday traditions to include a gingerbread house making workshop and breakfast with Santa. For more information or to reserve one of these packages, please visit www.pknpk.com or call 716-355-4141 ext. 7154.
While you’re visiting, be sure to stop by the Inn at the Peak where you will find one of the largest decorated Christmas trees in the area. The giant 24 foot tall and 12 foot wide tree was grown by Heritage Evergreens of Bloomsburg, PA. The tree is covered with over 5,000 lights and has a traditional theme of red and gold decorations.
All That Chocolate Open house
Here's a yummy press release I received
All That Chocolate Christmas Open House
Wednesday, December 10th through Friday, December 19th.
Mon.- Fri. from 12noon-5PM, Sat. from 10AM-4PM & Sun. from 12noon-4PM.
Stop by for free samples and a chance to see all our specialty holiday confections.
We have gift baskets in every price range or are ready to customize one for you.
Our chocolate caramel apples make a great hostess gift or dessert
and our boxed chocolates are always a great alternative for that hard to buy for person.
We look forward to seeing you!
Chris & Darlene
3055 Maple Road, Wilson, between Nelson & Shadigee 751-6105
All That Chocolate has a wide range of chocolates at
Shoppe On Main, 2714 Main Street Newfane
Holiday Hours at Shoppe On Main:
Tuesday & Wednesday 10am-4pm
Thursday noon – 6:30pm
Friday & Saturday 10am-7pm
December 20 5pm-7pm
B-Unique will be here to wrap,
cost is $5-$10 depending on size.
Wednesday, December 10th through Friday, December 19th.
Mon.- Fri. from 12noon-5PM, Sat. from 10AM-4PM & Sun. from 12noon-4PM.
Stop by for free samples and a chance to see all our specialty holiday confections.
We have gift baskets in every price range or are ready to customize one for you.
Our chocolate caramel apples make a great hostess gift or dessert
and our boxed chocolates are always a great alternative for that hard to buy for person.
We look forward to seeing you!
Chris & Darlene
3055 Maple Road, Wilson, between Nelson & Shadigee 751-6105
All That Chocolate has a wide range of chocolates at
Shoppe On Main, 2714 Main Street Newfane
Holiday Hours at Shoppe On Main:
Tuesday & Wednesday 10am-4pm
Thursday noon – 6:30pm
Friday & Saturday 10am-7pm
December 20 5pm-7pm
B-Unique will be here to wrap,
cost is $5-$10 depending on size.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Light up the Center (Clarence Center that is)
Looking for something special to do this Saturday? Head to the center of Clarence Center at the corner of Goodrich and Clarence Center Roads. There will be horse and buggy rides from 12-2, pictures with Santa from 2-4, carolers at 4pm and a tree lighting at 4:30.
All day you can shop at The Perfect Gift, a delightful gift shop located in a vintage building. Bring a donation of a new, unwrapped gift for Cornerstone Manor Women and Children's Shelter and get a 30% off coupon on one item at the store. The Perfect Gift is open 10am-8pm for this event
Next door, at Crossroads Books, get some fresh kettle corn and bring canned goods to L'Atelier as a donation to the food pantry and get a free cup of hot chocolate.
You can really make a day of it. Restaurants within walking distance include Clarence Center Coffee Shop, Mardees and Novel Tea.
RTPI Institute open house December 6
ROGER TORY PETERSON INSTITUTE
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
SATURDAY DECEMBER 6, 2008
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
A Special Day Just for You!
*Free Admission
*Refreshments
*Kids Nature Crafts-Make your own natural ornament
*Nature Walks 11:00Am & 2:00 PM
*Books, Gifts, Toys, Logo Products
*Gift Certificates - Buy $25 certificate, get FREE RTP notecards!
*Bird feeders - Buy a feeder, receive a FREE bag of birdseed!
*RTP Prints for sale
*RTP Centennial DVD "A Boy, A Book, A Legacy"
*Exhibit: "Letters From Eden" by Julie Zickefoose
Tour our beautiful building, designed by world class architect Robert A.M. Stern, dean of the School of Architecture at Yale University. He combines the Swedish woodworking influence of Roger's Scandinavian heritage with the adirondack camp flavor and 19th century Arts & Crafts movement that are characteristic of many of Stern's designs. Seeing our building alone is worth the trip!
WINTER
NATURE WALKS
Get to know the grounds around the RTPI by walking our 27 wooded acres and checking out animal tracks, plants, and the beauty of this winter wonderland!
11:00 AM
2:00 PM
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
SATURDAY DECEMBER 6, 2008
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
A Special Day Just for You!
*Free Admission
*Refreshments
*Kids Nature Crafts-Make your own natural ornament
*Nature Walks 11:00Am & 2:00 PM
*Books, Gifts, Toys, Logo Products
*Gift Certificates - Buy $25 certificate, get FREE RTP notecards!
*Bird feeders - Buy a feeder, receive a FREE bag of birdseed!
*RTP Prints for sale
*RTP Centennial DVD "A Boy, A Book, A Legacy"
*Exhibit: "Letters From Eden" by Julie Zickefoose
Tour our beautiful building, designed by world class architect Robert A.M. Stern, dean of the School of Architecture at Yale University. He combines the Swedish woodworking influence of Roger's Scandinavian heritage with the adirondack camp flavor and 19th century Arts & Crafts movement that are characteristic of many of Stern's designs. Seeing our building alone is worth the trip!
WINTER
NATURE WALKS
Get to know the grounds around the RTPI by walking our 27 wooded acres and checking out animal tracks, plants, and the beauty of this winter wonderland!
11:00 AM
2:00 PM
Out darn spot
This post doesn't have anything to do with western New York travel, but I'd like to pass this information along to you. I discovered a wonderful product for taking out spots. I had made a beautiful quited white tree skirt for my parents over 20 years ago. Since my mom has been in a nursing home for the past couple years, my dad has not been putting up a tree.
So I asked him if I could use the tree skirt, since we are going to put up a real tree as well as a small artificial one this year at my house. Well, when I opened the box with the tree skirt, I could have cried. It was an ugly yellowish brown color. I thought it was ruined. I washed it about 5 or 6 times, using a variety of pre-treaters, but no luck. I surfed the web for spot removing ideas, and found a post suggesting that you could soak an item in Biz overnight and then wash it.
I got some Biz ( found it in the section of the store with bleach), followed the directions and when I washed it the next morning, the tree skirt looked like new. Well, except for the 48 little red buttons I want to replace on it, but that's another story.
So I asked him if I could use the tree skirt, since we are going to put up a real tree as well as a small artificial one this year at my house. Well, when I opened the box with the tree skirt, I could have cried. It was an ugly yellowish brown color. I thought it was ruined. I washed it about 5 or 6 times, using a variety of pre-treaters, but no luck. I surfed the web for spot removing ideas, and found a post suggesting that you could soak an item in Biz overnight and then wash it.
I got some Biz ( found it in the section of the store with bleach), followed the directions and when I washed it the next morning, the tree skirt looked like new. Well, except for the 48 little red buttons I want to replace on it, but that's another story.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Lewiston Christmas Walk Dec. 6-7
CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE
41st annual Lewiston Christmas Walk set for December 6 & 7
41st annual Lewiston Christmas Walk set for December 6 & 7
I just love visiting the village of Lewiston, located about 7 miles north of Niagara Falls, NY. Here is a press release I got about their Christmas Walk set for this weekend. The tour of homes on Sunday sounds really nice, I might try to convince my hubby we should go to it! The above photo shows the 'ice bar" where you can taste wines from Niagara County vineyards.
LEWISTON, NY – The historic village of Lewiston will once again be filled with the sounds of sleigh bells and the smell of evergreens the first weekend of December. The Lower Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce will host the 41st annual Lewiston Christmas Walk on Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7 along Center Street and throughout the village.
“We invite residents and visitors alike to come early and stay late to enjoy our quaint historic village with extended holiday hours at our shops and dining in our fabulous restaurants,” said Cara Turner, interim president, Lower Niagara River Region Chamber. “What a great way to get into the Christmas spirit by wandering through our village decked out for the holidays!”
The life-size ice bar returns in front of the Village Vineyard and Wine Tours located at 467 Center Street. Sponsored by Niagara Wine Trail USA wineries Schulze Vineyards, Freedom Run, Vizcarra Vineyards, Spring Lake Vineyards and the Village Vineyard and Wine Tours, complimentary wine tastings featuring Niagara Wine Trail USA wines are available Saturday and Sunday beginning at noon.
Throughout the weekend, the village’s quaint shops, restaurants and businesses will serve warm beverages and refreshments. Hartland Carriages will be dashing through the village with complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides on Saturday, noon – 4 p.m. and Sunday, noon – 3 p.m. Compliments of CWM, the carriages will leave from the corner of North Fifth and Center Streets.
Get the children in the holiday spirit by stopping by the annual holiday arts and crafts workshop on Saturday, December 6 between 1 – 3 p.m. in the Red Brick School Gym at North Fourth and Onondaga Streets. On Sunday at 3 p.m., the boys and girls choirs of St. Paul’s Cathedral and the women’s choir from St. Peter’s R.C. Church and other area churches will perform a choral choir at St. Peter’s on Center Street. And don’t forget about the jolly old elf himself – Santa will return to Lewiston’s Academy Park by helicopter on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. with the help of Rainbow Air and The Brickyard BBQ & Pub.
Gloria Baker, branch manager of Lewiston’s First Niagara Bank is this year’s event chair. Event sponsors include CWM, e3communications, Modern Corporation, Mount St. Mary’s Hospital and Health Center, Niagara Frontier Publications and Niagara University.
Also back for another year is the Tour of Homes, presented by the Historical Association of Lewiston, featuring some of the area’s most beloved homes decorated for the holidays. For more information on this year’s tour and participating homes, call the Historical Association at 716-754-4214 or visit http://www.historiclewiston.org/.
For a complete list of all events and activities taking place during the weekend, stop by any Lewiston business beginning November 29. For more information on the Lewiston Christmas Walk and a complete schedule of events taking place throughout the Lower Niagara River Region, please visit http://www.northofthefalls.com/ or call 716-754-9500.
###
The Lower Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce is a personalized Chamber whose mission is to unify the region and to promote it as a premiere place to live work and play. The organization is responsible for coordinating efforts in the marketing and promotion of tourism, business development, quality of life and the history and culture of the region, which encompasses Lewiston, Youngstown, Porter, Ransomville and Sanborn. For more information, visit http://www.northofthefalls.com/.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Shoppe on Main in Newfane
I dropped off some books on consignment the other day at the Shoppe on Main in Newfane. Owner Susan Neidlinger has done a wonderful job of turning this century old building into a cozy shop that features the art of over 45 local artists, including paintings, sculpture, jewelry, books, pottery, chocolate and more. It’s a great place to pick up some locally-made gift items this holiday season.
Shoppe on Main 2714 Main Street, Newfane 716-778-5273 http://www.shoppeonmain.com/ Open Tuesday-Sat. 10-4.
Ohlson's Bakery Cafe
A few weeks ago my daughter and I had lunch at Ohlson’s Bakery, since I had won a free lunch by depositing my business card in their monthly drawing. They are noted for wonderful cakes and pastries. I have gotten several cakes here in the past. Their wedding cakes are very ornate. Lunch is served in their European-style café, which has free Wi-fi. The menu includes salads, sandwiches, soups and wraps. I had the roasted turkey panini sandwich, which had roasted red peppers, Muenster cheese, and spinach on it. I was very good and served with a unique sweet potato salad on the side. Jennifer opted for the fajita wrap, which was enormous. It had marinated chicken breast, sautéed onions, roasted red peppers, tomatoes, greens, salsa, cheddar cheese. I was full, but she got a smiley face cookie for dessert.
Ohlson’s Bakery Café 8500 Sheridan Drive, Williamsville, NY 716-626-7783 http://www.ohlsonsbakery.com/ Open Monday &;30 am-6pm Tuesday-Friday 6:30am-6pm, Saturday 7:30am-4pm.
Book Signing at Historical Society
ONE-STOP BUFFALO BOOK SIGNING
AT THE HISTORY MUSEUM
More than 30 Local Authors to Sign and Sell Copies of their Books
Here's a press release from the Historical Society-I won't be there as I have another commitment, but it is a great event that I have participated in for several years. Check it out.
Buffalo, N.Y. – November 20, 2008 – The Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society will present its annual One-Stop Buffalo Book Signing on Saturday, November 29 from noon to 2 p.m. at the History Museum, located at 25 Nottingham Court at Elmwood Avenue.
The event, designed for shoppers looking for personalized gifts in a relaxed atmosphere, features more than 30 local authors selling, signing, and discussing their books. This year’s event includes, but is not limited to, the following authors:
Christina Abt, Chicken Wing Wisdom
Alex Bitterman, Buffalo is A Cool Place to Live
Dawn Both-Mix, The Hauntings of Morning Point
Evelyn Brady, Peaceprints
David Bregger, Buffalo's Historic Streetcars and Buses
Frank Croisdale, Buffalo Soul Lifters
Steve Corbett, The What Was Where? Book of Buffalo's Canals
Robert Dilks, Fremont Bay, Pols Apart
Susan Dilks, Her Reason For Being
Mark Donnelly, The Fine Art of Capturing Buffalo
Rachelle Francis, Secrets Along the Niagara, Will the Real Millard Fillmore PleaseStand Up?
Herbert A. Hauptman,On the Beauty of Science
Rose Hirsch, Crystal Memories: 101 years of Fun
Bill Kae, Steamers of the Crystal Beach Line
John Koerner, The Mysteries of Father Baker, Supernatural Power
Ken Kraemer, Buffalo Central Terminal: A Picture Book, LeHigh Valley Railroad
Betty Leader, Buffalo Snow
Elizabeth Licata,Jim Charlier, Garden Walk
Nancy Mingus, Buffalo: Good Neighbors, Great Architecture
Mike Mulley, Buffalo in Black and White, The First Ward, Allentown
Laura Pedersen, Buffalo Gal
John Percy, Buffalo-Niagara Connections
Joseph Radder, Remembering Old Buffalo
Joseph P. Ritz, I Never Looked for My Mother
Erno Rossi, Crystal Beach: The Good Old Days, White Death: Blizzard of ’77
Lynda Schneekloth,Tom Yots, The Power Trail
Lynda Schneekloth, Rediscovering Concrete Atlantis
Kevin Siepel, Joseph Bennett of Evans and the Growing of NewYork’s Niagara Frontier, Rebel:The Life and Times of John Singleton Mosby
Wanda Slawinska,Edward Szemraj, The Polonian Legacy ofWNY
Traveling PictureShow, Matted Images
Mason Winfield, A Ghosthunter’s Journal, Haunted Places of Western New York, Shadows of the Western Door, Village Ghosts of Western New York, Spirits of the Great Hill
Jocelyn Saint James,Serenade the Moon
Dan Starr, The Golden Age of Buffalo Sports
In addition to books, the Historical Society’s museum shop offers unique Buffalo-themed gifts, including jewelry, fine art prints, maps, educational toys, and exclusive 1901 Pan-American Exposition-themed items.
The One-Stop Buffalo Book Signing is free and open to the public and parking is complimentary and plentiful. For more information, the public may call the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society at (716) 873-9644 ext. 301 or visit www.bechs.org.
The One-Stop Buffalo Book Signing receives media support from WBFO 88.7-FM.
Also on Saturday
St. Gregory the Great Craft Show
November 28, 10-4, November 29 10-3. There will be over 140 vendors (including yours truly, selling my book) at this annual show that is in both the ministry center and school. Admission is only $2, children 12 and under are free.
AT THE HISTORY MUSEUM
More than 30 Local Authors to Sign and Sell Copies of their Books
Here's a press release from the Historical Society-I won't be there as I have another commitment, but it is a great event that I have participated in for several years. Check it out.
Buffalo, N.Y. – November 20, 2008 – The Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society will present its annual One-Stop Buffalo Book Signing on Saturday, November 29 from noon to 2 p.m. at the History Museum, located at 25 Nottingham Court at Elmwood Avenue.
The event, designed for shoppers looking for personalized gifts in a relaxed atmosphere, features more than 30 local authors selling, signing, and discussing their books. This year’s event includes, but is not limited to, the following authors:
Christina Abt, Chicken Wing Wisdom
Alex Bitterman, Buffalo is A Cool Place to Live
Dawn Both-Mix, The Hauntings of Morning Point
Evelyn Brady, Peaceprints
David Bregger, Buffalo's Historic Streetcars and Buses
Frank Croisdale, Buffalo Soul Lifters
Steve Corbett, The What Was Where? Book of Buffalo's Canals
Robert Dilks, Fremont Bay, Pols Apart
Susan Dilks, Her Reason For Being
Mark Donnelly, The Fine Art of Capturing Buffalo
Rachelle Francis, Secrets Along the Niagara, Will the Real Millard Fillmore PleaseStand Up?
Herbert A. Hauptman,On the Beauty of Science
Rose Hirsch, Crystal Memories: 101 years of Fun
Bill Kae, Steamers of the Crystal Beach Line
John Koerner, The Mysteries of Father Baker, Supernatural Power
Ken Kraemer, Buffalo Central Terminal: A Picture Book, LeHigh Valley Railroad
Betty Leader, Buffalo Snow
Elizabeth Licata,Jim Charlier, Garden Walk
Nancy Mingus, Buffalo: Good Neighbors, Great Architecture
Mike Mulley, Buffalo in Black and White, The First Ward, Allentown
Laura Pedersen, Buffalo Gal
John Percy, Buffalo-Niagara Connections
Joseph Radder, Remembering Old Buffalo
Joseph P. Ritz, I Never Looked for My Mother
Erno Rossi, Crystal Beach: The Good Old Days, White Death: Blizzard of ’77
Lynda Schneekloth,Tom Yots, The Power Trail
Lynda Schneekloth, Rediscovering Concrete Atlantis
Kevin Siepel, Joseph Bennett of Evans and the Growing of NewYork’s Niagara Frontier, Rebel:The Life and Times of John Singleton Mosby
Wanda Slawinska,Edward Szemraj, The Polonian Legacy ofWNY
Traveling PictureShow, Matted Images
Mason Winfield, A Ghosthunter’s Journal, Haunted Places of Western New York, Shadows of the Western Door, Village Ghosts of Western New York, Spirits of the Great Hill
Jocelyn Saint James,Serenade the Moon
Dan Starr, The Golden Age of Buffalo Sports
In addition to books, the Historical Society’s museum shop offers unique Buffalo-themed gifts, including jewelry, fine art prints, maps, educational toys, and exclusive 1901 Pan-American Exposition-themed items.
The One-Stop Buffalo Book Signing is free and open to the public and parking is complimentary and plentiful. For more information, the public may call the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society at (716) 873-9644 ext. 301 or visit www.bechs.org.
The One-Stop Buffalo Book Signing receives media support from WBFO 88.7-FM.
Also on Saturday
St. Gregory the Great Craft Show
November 28, 10-4, November 29 10-3. There will be over 140 vendors (including yours truly, selling my book) at this annual show that is in both the ministry center and school. Admission is only $2, children 12 and under are free.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Burchfield Penney Art Center opens
"This place is amazing!" That's the comment I heard many people saying this evening when my husband and I attended the members only preview of the Burchfield Penney Art Center. I swear that everyone in Buffalo must be members, as it was a real mob scene. Not only is the building beautiful, the artwork is great. The museum unveiled 12 new exhibits that celebrate western New York art.
Starting at 10 am tomorrow, Saturday Nov. 22, they will be open for 31 hours straight, until 5 pm Sunday. There will be all sorts of hourly events, including tours, lecturers, dance performances, poetry readings, musical performances and more. Admission to the museum will be free from now until Nov. 30. There will be a special Elmwood Museum District event on Friday Nov. 28 from 3-10pm. Visit http://www.yournewburchfieldpenney.com/ for more information.
Looking for a place to take those out-of-town visitors that will blow them away? This would be the place to take them. This is truly a world-class museum.
The museum is located at 1300 Elmwood Avenue, right next to Buffalo State College and across the street from the Albright Knox Art Gallery.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Some sharmeless self-promotion, my booksigning on Nov. 22
AAA HOSTS BOOK SIGNING EVENT FOR LOCAL AUTHOR
Christine Smyczynski to sign “Western New York: An Explorer’s Guide” at AAA Amherst Travel and Insurance Center
BUFFALO, N.Y., November 12, 2008 – AAA Western and Central New York is inviting members and the general public to a special book-signing and conversation with local author, Christine Smyczynski, on Saturday, November 22nd from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the AAA Amherst Travel and Insurance Center Travel Store located at 100 International Drive in Williamsville.
Smyczynski will be signing the second edition of “Western New York: An Explorer’s Guide,” a comprehensive directory of unique and popular destinations throughout Western New York. From Niagara Falls and Southern Ontario to the Western edge of the Finger Lakes, the book highlights major tourist attractions and places to visit off the beaten path, including historical facts, museums, and architectural points of interest. The book also contains information on the nearly 30 designated National Historic Landmarks in the region and a complete list of theaters, art galleries, cultural institutions, recreational activities, restaurants, parks, wineries, and festivals.
Reservations are recommended for the event. For more information or to RSVP, please call AAA at (888) 320-3060, click http://www.aaa.com/ , or visit any AAA Travel and Insurance Center.
Christine A. Smyczynski is a native western New Yorker with a longtime interest in regional history and local attractions. She is a contributor to the travel section of The Buffalo News, Western New York Family Magazine, and the Democrat & Chronicle. Smyczynski is a former reporter for the Metro Source Community News and a member of the Niagara Frontier Tourism Task Force and the New York State Travel and Vacation Association.
As Upstate New York’s largest member services organization, AAA provides over 880,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive related services. Since its founding in 1900, AAA has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA can be visited at http://www.aaa.com/.
Christine Smyczynski to sign “Western New York: An Explorer’s Guide” at AAA Amherst Travel and Insurance Center
BUFFALO, N.Y., November 12, 2008 – AAA Western and Central New York is inviting members and the general public to a special book-signing and conversation with local author, Christine Smyczynski, on Saturday, November 22nd from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the AAA Amherst Travel and Insurance Center Travel Store located at 100 International Drive in Williamsville.
Smyczynski will be signing the second edition of “Western New York: An Explorer’s Guide,” a comprehensive directory of unique and popular destinations throughout Western New York. From Niagara Falls and Southern Ontario to the Western edge of the Finger Lakes, the book highlights major tourist attractions and places to visit off the beaten path, including historical facts, museums, and architectural points of interest. The book also contains information on the nearly 30 designated National Historic Landmarks in the region and a complete list of theaters, art galleries, cultural institutions, recreational activities, restaurants, parks, wineries, and festivals.
Reservations are recommended for the event. For more information or to RSVP, please call AAA at (888) 320-3060, click http://www.aaa.com/ , or visit any AAA Travel and Insurance Center.
Christine A. Smyczynski is a native western New Yorker with a longtime interest in regional history and local attractions. She is a contributor to the travel section of The Buffalo News, Western New York Family Magazine, and the Democrat & Chronicle. Smyczynski is a former reporter for the Metro Source Community News and a member of the Niagara Frontier Tourism Task Force and the New York State Travel and Vacation Association.
As Upstate New York’s largest member services organization, AAA provides over 880,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive related services. Since its founding in 1900, AAA has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA can be visited at http://www.aaa.com/.
Buffalo Friends of Folk
Here's an excerpt from a press release I received.
Buffalo Friends of Folk are a wonderful group of people, and their concerts are welcoming, personal, talk-with-the-artist events – and they book great performers for their concerts. Their home page is www.bffm.org.
This week, the performer is Joe Crookston. He is "one of ours," grew up in northeast Ohio. He has traveled all over the states, growing and sharing his music. Last year he traveled across New York State, collecting stories and writing the "Songs of the Finger Lakes." His latest CD, "Able Baker Charlie and Dog" shot to #1 on the acoustic folk radio charts. I have been listening to his music (over and over) and reading his bio online. His music is deep, insightful, real - and not without humor! Listen and find out more at www.joecrookston.com.
His concert is this Saturday, November 22nd, 8 P.M., at the Village Meeting House (formerly a small church), 5658 Main Street, Williamsville. Doug Yeomans, local bluegrass artist, is opening.
Buffalo Friends of Folk are a wonderful group of people, and their concerts are welcoming, personal, talk-with-the-artist events – and they book great performers for their concerts. Their home page is www.bffm.org.
This week, the performer is Joe Crookston. He is "one of ours," grew up in northeast Ohio. He has traveled all over the states, growing and sharing his music. Last year he traveled across New York State, collecting stories and writing the "Songs of the Finger Lakes." His latest CD, "Able Baker Charlie and Dog" shot to #1 on the acoustic folk radio charts. I have been listening to his music (over and over) and reading his bio online. His music is deep, insightful, real - and not without humor! Listen and find out more at www.joecrookston.com.
His concert is this Saturday, November 22nd, 8 P.M., at the Village Meeting House (formerly a small church), 5658 Main Street, Williamsville. Doug Yeomans, local bluegrass artist, is opening.
Events this week at the Fredonia Opera House
Here are a couple of press releases I received from the Fredonia Opera House
Opera House Cinema Series to Feature “Flash of Genius”
FREDONIA – The David vs. Goliath true story, “Flash of Genius,” is the next featured film in the Cinema Series at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House. It will be screened Sat., Nov. 22, at 8 p.m. and Tues., Nov. 25, at 7:30 p.m.
Based on the true story of college professor and part-time inventor Robert Kearns’ long battle with the U.S. automobile industry, “Flash of Genius” tells the tale of one man whose fight to receive recognition for his ingenuity would come at a heavy price. But this determined engineer refused to be silenced; and he took on the corporate titans in a battle that nobody thought he could win.
The Kearns were a typical 1960s Detroit family trying to live their version of the American Dream. Local university professor Bob (Greg Kinnear) married teacher Phyllis (Lauren Graham) and by their mid-30s had six kids who brought them a hectic but satisfying Midwestern existence. When Bob invents a device that would eventually be used by every car in the world, the Kearns think they have struck gold. But their aspirations are dashed after the auto giants who embraced Bob’s creation unceremoniously shunned the man who invented it.
Ignored, threatened and then buried in years of litigation, Bob is haunted by what was done to his family and their future. He becomes a man obsessed with justice and the conviction that his life’s work – or for that matter, anyone’s work – be acknowledged by those who stand to benefit. And while paying the toll for refusing to compromise his dignity, this everyday David tries the unthinkable – to bring Goliath to his knees.
Peter Hartlaub of the San Francisco Chronicle calls the film “an enjoyable way to start the Oscar season.” Claudia Puig of USA Today notes “the film’s strength lies in its fact-based story of a wronged man turned crusader.” Peter Travers of Rolling Stone says “Kinnear takes the star spot in ‘Flash of Genius’ and rides it to glory.” Steven Rea of the Philadelphia Inquirer says “Kinnear does what he’s done in the past: you underestimate the guy’s acting chops, and suddenly, strikingly, he floors you.” Rated PG-13 for brief strong language, “Flash of Genius” runs 119 minutes.
Tickets for the Opera House Cinema Series are available at the door for $7 (adults), $6.50 (seniors & Opera House members) and $5 (students & children) the night of each showing. For more information, call the Opera House box office at 716-679-1891. This is the last film in the Opera House Cinema Series until January.
Chautauqua County’s only year-round performing arts center, the 1891 Fredonia Opera House is a member-supported not-for-profit organization located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. For a complete schedule of events, visit http://www.fredopera.org/
Master Funnymen Circo Comedia to Appear at the Opera House
FREDONIA – Unpredictable thrills, side-splitting comedy and daredevil stunts will be the order of the evening when the 1891 Fredonia Opera House presents master funnymen and circus arts duo Circo Comedia on Friday, Nov. 21, at 7:30 p.m.
Circo Comedia is comprised of Jean Saucier and Patrick Côté from Montréal. The duo presents their own distinctive style of humor, acrobatic tricks, daring feats, magic and eccentricity in a manner reminiscent of the Quebec Circus. Saucier – master equilibrist, juggler, trick cyclist, acrobat and magician – performs his feats from dizzying heights, while Côté – burlesque clown, expert roller skater and drummer – innocently tries his best to be the (imperfect) assistant. “This is family entertainment at its finest – deliriously funny and filled with unforgettable moments!”
A unicycle launched Saucier’s career. At age 11, he cut a curious figure in his native Montréal when he delivered newspapers atop the one-wheeler. Mostly self-taught until the age of 18, Saucier attended the École National du Cirque de Montréal. Cirque du Soleil noticed his talent and hired him. In 1987, he was awarded the Bronze Medal at the Festival du Cirque de Demain in Paris, France, for his bicycle routine together with his performing ensemble.
From 1999 to 2006, Saucier performed with his first Circo Comedia partner, Lawrence Smythe, touring extensively throughout the United States at performing art centers, festivals and fairs, thrilling and entertaining audiences everywhere. Touring highlights included The Philadelphia Festival Theater for Children, Alaska Junior Theatre in Anchorage, Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach, FL, the Smithsonian Institute, Carpenter Center in Long Beach, Calif., The John F. Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival and Flint Hills International Children’s Festival in St. Paul, Minn. International touring included performances in Japan, France, Honk Kong, Italy, Mexico and Hungary.
In 2004, Smythe left Circo Comedia and Saucier began performing with Patrick Côté in Québec theaters, festivals, schools and special events. In 2005, the duo won the First Prize (Public Choice) at the Mondial des Amuseurs of Trois-Rivières Festival.
Côté is a comic stuntman, an expert on roller skates and a formidable drummer. While training as a gymnast and acrobat at Montréal’s National Circus School (École Nationale de Cirque) in 1989, Côté discovered a passion for burlesque stunts and created his own lexicon of unique, humorous and spectacular moves, becoming a true artist in the genre of physical comedy. Also in the late 1980s, he created his well known alter-ego/comic characters “PatPatinFou” for La Maison Hantée (The Haunted House) and “Le Baron Fou,” which he incorporated into 2,500 performances over a 10-year period. He continued to create several new characters for projects such as the Super Cirque, Cirque Comik, Cirque National des Clowns, Cirque du Soleil and the Fabuleux Cirque Estival tour. Together, Saucier and Côté are taking the acrobatics, clowning and theatrics of Circo Comedia that audiences world-wide, have grown to know and love, to new “heights”!
The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review asks “How small can a circus be? No smaller than the Circo Comedia, surely – two partners who mix legitimate physical dexterity and bad boy clowning for 60 some minutes of one-ring entertainment.” The Anchorage News notes “Don’t be surprised if your kid says: ‘Wow, I want to be a clown’.”
Tickets to this night of family entertainment are $10 general admission, $8 for seniors & students and $5 for children 12 & under. Tickets may be purchased in person at the Opera House Box Office or by phone at 716/679-1891 Tuesday through Friday, 1-5 p.m. and Saturday, 2-5 p.m. They also may be purchased online any time at http://www.fredopera.org/.
This performance is part of the Opera House Carousel Family Series and is made possible, in part, with public funds from NYSCA, a state agency, and the United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County.
Chautauqua County’s only year-round performing arts center, the 1891 Fredonia Opera House is a member-supported not-for-profit organization located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. A complete schedule of events is available at http://www.fredopera.org/.
Contact: Rick Davis, APR
Executive Director
716/679-0891
Opera House Cinema Series to Feature “Flash of Genius”
FREDONIA – The David vs. Goliath true story, “Flash of Genius,” is the next featured film in the Cinema Series at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House. It will be screened Sat., Nov. 22, at 8 p.m. and Tues., Nov. 25, at 7:30 p.m.
Based on the true story of college professor and part-time inventor Robert Kearns’ long battle with the U.S. automobile industry, “Flash of Genius” tells the tale of one man whose fight to receive recognition for his ingenuity would come at a heavy price. But this determined engineer refused to be silenced; and he took on the corporate titans in a battle that nobody thought he could win.
The Kearns were a typical 1960s Detroit family trying to live their version of the American Dream. Local university professor Bob (Greg Kinnear) married teacher Phyllis (Lauren Graham) and by their mid-30s had six kids who brought them a hectic but satisfying Midwestern existence. When Bob invents a device that would eventually be used by every car in the world, the Kearns think they have struck gold. But their aspirations are dashed after the auto giants who embraced Bob’s creation unceremoniously shunned the man who invented it.
Ignored, threatened and then buried in years of litigation, Bob is haunted by what was done to his family and their future. He becomes a man obsessed with justice and the conviction that his life’s work – or for that matter, anyone’s work – be acknowledged by those who stand to benefit. And while paying the toll for refusing to compromise his dignity, this everyday David tries the unthinkable – to bring Goliath to his knees.
Peter Hartlaub of the San Francisco Chronicle calls the film “an enjoyable way to start the Oscar season.” Claudia Puig of USA Today notes “the film’s strength lies in its fact-based story of a wronged man turned crusader.” Peter Travers of Rolling Stone says “Kinnear takes the star spot in ‘Flash of Genius’ and rides it to glory.” Steven Rea of the Philadelphia Inquirer says “Kinnear does what he’s done in the past: you underestimate the guy’s acting chops, and suddenly, strikingly, he floors you.” Rated PG-13 for brief strong language, “Flash of Genius” runs 119 minutes.
Tickets for the Opera House Cinema Series are available at the door for $7 (adults), $6.50 (seniors & Opera House members) and $5 (students & children) the night of each showing. For more information, call the Opera House box office at 716-679-1891. This is the last film in the Opera House Cinema Series until January.
Chautauqua County’s only year-round performing arts center, the 1891 Fredonia Opera House is a member-supported not-for-profit organization located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. For a complete schedule of events, visit http://www.fredopera.org/
Master Funnymen Circo Comedia to Appear at the Opera House
FREDONIA – Unpredictable thrills, side-splitting comedy and daredevil stunts will be the order of the evening when the 1891 Fredonia Opera House presents master funnymen and circus arts duo Circo Comedia on Friday, Nov. 21, at 7:30 p.m.
Circo Comedia is comprised of Jean Saucier and Patrick Côté from Montréal. The duo presents their own distinctive style of humor, acrobatic tricks, daring feats, magic and eccentricity in a manner reminiscent of the Quebec Circus. Saucier – master equilibrist, juggler, trick cyclist, acrobat and magician – performs his feats from dizzying heights, while Côté – burlesque clown, expert roller skater and drummer – innocently tries his best to be the (imperfect) assistant. “This is family entertainment at its finest – deliriously funny and filled with unforgettable moments!”
A unicycle launched Saucier’s career. At age 11, he cut a curious figure in his native Montréal when he delivered newspapers atop the one-wheeler. Mostly self-taught until the age of 18, Saucier attended the École National du Cirque de Montréal. Cirque du Soleil noticed his talent and hired him. In 1987, he was awarded the Bronze Medal at the Festival du Cirque de Demain in Paris, France, for his bicycle routine together with his performing ensemble.
From 1999 to 2006, Saucier performed with his first Circo Comedia partner, Lawrence Smythe, touring extensively throughout the United States at performing art centers, festivals and fairs, thrilling and entertaining audiences everywhere. Touring highlights included The Philadelphia Festival Theater for Children, Alaska Junior Theatre in Anchorage, Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach, FL, the Smithsonian Institute, Carpenter Center in Long Beach, Calif., The John F. Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival and Flint Hills International Children’s Festival in St. Paul, Minn. International touring included performances in Japan, France, Honk Kong, Italy, Mexico and Hungary.
In 2004, Smythe left Circo Comedia and Saucier began performing with Patrick Côté in Québec theaters, festivals, schools and special events. In 2005, the duo won the First Prize (Public Choice) at the Mondial des Amuseurs of Trois-Rivières Festival.
Côté is a comic stuntman, an expert on roller skates and a formidable drummer. While training as a gymnast and acrobat at Montréal’s National Circus School (École Nationale de Cirque) in 1989, Côté discovered a passion for burlesque stunts and created his own lexicon of unique, humorous and spectacular moves, becoming a true artist in the genre of physical comedy. Also in the late 1980s, he created his well known alter-ego/comic characters “PatPatinFou” for La Maison Hantée (The Haunted House) and “Le Baron Fou,” which he incorporated into 2,500 performances over a 10-year period. He continued to create several new characters for projects such as the Super Cirque, Cirque Comik, Cirque National des Clowns, Cirque du Soleil and the Fabuleux Cirque Estival tour. Together, Saucier and Côté are taking the acrobatics, clowning and theatrics of Circo Comedia that audiences world-wide, have grown to know and love, to new “heights”!
The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review asks “How small can a circus be? No smaller than the Circo Comedia, surely – two partners who mix legitimate physical dexterity and bad boy clowning for 60 some minutes of one-ring entertainment.” The Anchorage News notes “Don’t be surprised if your kid says: ‘Wow, I want to be a clown’.”
Tickets to this night of family entertainment are $10 general admission, $8 for seniors & students and $5 for children 12 & under. Tickets may be purchased in person at the Opera House Box Office or by phone at 716/679-1891 Tuesday through Friday, 1-5 p.m. and Saturday, 2-5 p.m. They also may be purchased online any time at http://www.fredopera.org/.
This performance is part of the Opera House Carousel Family Series and is made possible, in part, with public funds from NYSCA, a state agency, and the United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County.
Chautauqua County’s only year-round performing arts center, the 1891 Fredonia Opera House is a member-supported not-for-profit organization located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. A complete schedule of events is available at http://www.fredopera.org/.
Contact: Rick Davis, APR
Executive Director
716/679-0891
Let it snow. Peek'n Peak to open for season
Peek’n Peak Resort Opens for 45th Winter Season
Findley Lake, N.Y., November 19, 2008 – Peek’n Peak Resort and Spa will open for its 45th winter season on Wednesday, November 26, at 9:30 a.m. with seven-ten slopes, three lifts and a 6-12” packed powder surface base.
Snowmaking began on Monday, November 17th at 6pm. The temperatures have been favorable and the resort will continue to make snow. As the long-term forecast calls for cold temperatures and additional snowfall, more trails will open as soon as possible.
The Peak gets an average snowfall of more than 200 inches a year. During the 2007-2008, the ski season lasted for a record 128 days and 201,000 people hit the slopes. The resort is open seven days a week, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays, and from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekdays. The Peek offers 27 slopes and trails, night skiing, a tubing area, the best learning facilities for all skill levels and 10 miles of cross country and snowshoe terrain, as well as an exquisite spa, fine dining and resort style lodging.
The resort is offering a $37 adult and $27 junior lift tickets through December 24, 2008. The resort will offer a free night stay at the Inn at the Peak with every 2 adult tickets purchased through December 23rd! The free night coupon can be redeemed anytime December 1-23, 2008. Peak Five Passes are also available until December 15. Buy four anytime lift tickets and receive the fifth free. These can be used anytime the resort is open and they are transferable.
New this year, Peek’n Peak is offering a discount card named the Peak Advantage Card. Cardholders save 40% every time on lift ticket and group lessons. An optional rental add on is available. “The Peak Advantage Card is an option suitable for guests who visit the area frequently, but not frequent enough for the season pass to be cost effective.” notes Steve Lempke, President of Peek’n Peak Resort and Spa. “Offering a savings of 40% anytime on lift tickets is something that we have never done before and hope that everyone will see that we are trying to make skiing and riding cost effective, given the current state of the economy.”
About Peek’n Peak Resort and Spa
Established in 1964, Peek’n Peak Resort and Spa, in Findley Lake, NY, is a regional destination for golf and snow sports, 30 minutes east of Erie, PA and 30 minutes west of Jamestown, NY. The resort features 27 ski slopes and trails, 10 miles of cross country terrain, two highly acclaimed golf courses, exquisite day spa, fine dining, and a vast selection of accommodations and other amenities, as well as a prestigious RCI Gold Crown rating. Each year, the Peek welcomes over 450,000 visitors. For more information, visit http://www.pknpk.com/.
Findley Lake, N.Y., November 19, 2008 – Peek’n Peak Resort and Spa will open for its 45th winter season on Wednesday, November 26, at 9:30 a.m. with seven-ten slopes, three lifts and a 6-12” packed powder surface base.
Snowmaking began on Monday, November 17th at 6pm. The temperatures have been favorable and the resort will continue to make snow. As the long-term forecast calls for cold temperatures and additional snowfall, more trails will open as soon as possible.
The Peak gets an average snowfall of more than 200 inches a year. During the 2007-2008, the ski season lasted for a record 128 days and 201,000 people hit the slopes. The resort is open seven days a week, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays, and from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekdays. The Peek offers 27 slopes and trails, night skiing, a tubing area, the best learning facilities for all skill levels and 10 miles of cross country and snowshoe terrain, as well as an exquisite spa, fine dining and resort style lodging.
The resort is offering a $37 adult and $27 junior lift tickets through December 24, 2008. The resort will offer a free night stay at the Inn at the Peak with every 2 adult tickets purchased through December 23rd! The free night coupon can be redeemed anytime December 1-23, 2008. Peak Five Passes are also available until December 15. Buy four anytime lift tickets and receive the fifth free. These can be used anytime the resort is open and they are transferable.
New this year, Peek’n Peak is offering a discount card named the Peak Advantage Card. Cardholders save 40% every time on lift ticket and group lessons. An optional rental add on is available. “The Peak Advantage Card is an option suitable for guests who visit the area frequently, but not frequent enough for the season pass to be cost effective.” notes Steve Lempke, President of Peek’n Peak Resort and Spa. “Offering a savings of 40% anytime on lift tickets is something that we have never done before and hope that everyone will see that we are trying to make skiing and riding cost effective, given the current state of the economy.”
About Peek’n Peak Resort and Spa
Established in 1964, Peek’n Peak Resort and Spa, in Findley Lake, NY, is a regional destination for golf and snow sports, 30 minutes east of Erie, PA and 30 minutes west of Jamestown, NY. The resort features 27 ski slopes and trails, 10 miles of cross country terrain, two highly acclaimed golf courses, exquisite day spa, fine dining, and a vast selection of accommodations and other amenities, as well as a prestigious RCI Gold Crown rating. Each year, the Peek welcomes over 450,000 visitors. For more information, visit http://www.pknpk.com/.
Various events this week 11/20-27
Christmas Weekend
Description: Arts and crafts show and luncheon, holiday bazaar and Victorian tea and annual Holly House tour.
Times: Nov. 22-23
Various locations
Westfield, NY
716-326-3614
13th Annual Delaware YMCA Turkey Trot
Description: The oldest foot race in North America. Festivities include a lively post race party. Entry fees will help provide scholarship assistance to needy families who participate in YMCA.
Times: Nov. 27, 9 a.m.
Delaware Ave. & Shoreham
Buffalo, NY
716-875-1283
www.ymcabuffaloniagara.org
Christmas Food Fair
Description: Offering a unique selection of ethnic delicacies, seasonal sweets, holiday decorations and distinctive stocking stuffers, with an emphasis on locally made products and small businesses. Live entertainment will add to this celebration.
Times: Nov. 28-29, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Broadway Market 999 Broadway
Buffalo, NY
716-893-0705
www.broadwaymarket.org/christmas/
Description: Arts and crafts show and luncheon, holiday bazaar and Victorian tea and annual Holly House tour.
Times: Nov. 22-23
Various locations
Westfield, NY
716-326-3614
13th Annual Delaware YMCA Turkey Trot
Description: The oldest foot race in North America. Festivities include a lively post race party. Entry fees will help provide scholarship assistance to needy families who participate in YMCA.
Times: Nov. 27, 9 a.m.
Delaware Ave. & Shoreham
Buffalo, NY
716-875-1283
www.ymcabuffaloniagara.org
Christmas Food Fair
Description: Offering a unique selection of ethnic delicacies, seasonal sweets, holiday decorations and distinctive stocking stuffers, with an emphasis on locally made products and small businesses. Live entertainment will add to this celebration.
Times: Nov. 28-29, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Broadway Market 999 Broadway
Buffalo, NY
716-893-0705
www.broadwaymarket.org/christmas/
Monday, November 17, 2008
Book Review of The Birdwatcher: The Life of Roger Tory Peterson
Here’s my review of a new book of local interest sent to me by author, Elizabeth Rosenthal. Ms. Rosenthal, an avid birder, reads everything about them that she can find and goes on field trips whenever possible. She writes for the New Jersey Audubon Magazine and Snowy Egret. Her first book, “His Song: The Musical Journey of Elton John,” was published in 2001.
“The Birdwatcher: The Life of Roger Tory Peterson” by Elizabeth Rosenthal (The Lyons Press, 2008) is a very comprehensive biography of a man often considered the greatest naturalist of the 20th Century. Given that 2008 is the 100th anniversary of Peterson’s birth, this book is very timely.
Jamestown, NY native, Roger Tory Peterson (1908-1996) played a major role in the expansion of birding in the United States, as well as in Europe and other nations. Rosenthal’s book covers every aspect of the conservationist’s life from when he first became “hooked” on birds as eleven year old school boy during one of his youthful explorations in Jamestown, NY, to creating his first field guide, to his passion for photography, his artwork and his sense of adventure.
As a writer, I can appreciate the time and effort that Liz Rosenthal put into this book. She interviewed over 100 people from all over the world who shared their memories of Peterson with her. She also did extensive research, combing through books, periodicals, correspondence and other documents. The book has numerous photos of Peterson and his colleagues from the 1930’s through the 1990’s.
This book is a must read for anyone interested in natural science, ornithology and conservation. It has been estimated that there are over 70 million birdwatchers in the United States alone, so this book has wide appeal. With the holidays coming up, this would make a perfect gift for the birdwatcher on your list.
For more information about the book, visit the book’s website http://www.petersonbird.com/. The book, which retails for $29.95 is available in bookstores and other retailers, including Barnes & Noble, Borders, The Roger Tory Peterson Institute in Jamestown, and from online booksellers like http://www.amazon.com/
“The Birdwatcher: The Life of Roger Tory Peterson” by Elizabeth Rosenthal (The Lyons Press, 2008) is a very comprehensive biography of a man often considered the greatest naturalist of the 20th Century. Given that 2008 is the 100th anniversary of Peterson’s birth, this book is very timely.
Jamestown, NY native, Roger Tory Peterson (1908-1996) played a major role in the expansion of birding in the United States, as well as in Europe and other nations. Rosenthal’s book covers every aspect of the conservationist’s life from when he first became “hooked” on birds as eleven year old school boy during one of his youthful explorations in Jamestown, NY, to creating his first field guide, to his passion for photography, his artwork and his sense of adventure.
As a writer, I can appreciate the time and effort that Liz Rosenthal put into this book. She interviewed over 100 people from all over the world who shared their memories of Peterson with her. She also did extensive research, combing through books, periodicals, correspondence and other documents. The book has numerous photos of Peterson and his colleagues from the 1930’s through the 1990’s.
This book is a must read for anyone interested in natural science, ornithology and conservation. It has been estimated that there are over 70 million birdwatchers in the United States alone, so this book has wide appeal. With the holidays coming up, this would make a perfect gift for the birdwatcher on your list.
For more information about the book, visit the book’s website http://www.petersonbird.com/. The book, which retails for $29.95 is available in bookstores and other retailers, including Barnes & Noble, Borders, The Roger Tory Peterson Institute in Jamestown, and from online booksellers like http://www.amazon.com/
Friday, November 14, 2008
Open House at Present Tense Books
Start your shopping in fun and festive style at Present Tense! Don't miss our Holiday Open House, 10 am to 6 pm today and 10 am to 4 pm tomorrow.
Three authors will visit tomorrow, November 15, at 1 pm (signed books make great gifts!):
Christopher Norment, author of Return to Warden's Grove: Science, Desire, and the Lives of Sparrows
Jennifer Ford Berry, author of Organize Now!: A Week-by-Week Guide to Simplify Your Space and Your Life
Peggy Thomas, author of several children's books including Snow Dance, Joshua the Giant Frog, and Farmer George Plants a Nation
Santa will visit tomorrow from noon to 2 pm as well!
--
Present Tense
101 Washington Avenue
Batavia, NY 14020
585.815.7640
www.presenttensebooks.com
Three authors will visit tomorrow, November 15, at 1 pm (signed books make great gifts!):
Christopher Norment, author of Return to Warden's Grove: Science, Desire, and the Lives of Sparrows
Jennifer Ford Berry, author of Organize Now!: A Week-by-Week Guide to Simplify Your Space and Your Life
Peggy Thomas, author of several children's books including Snow Dance, Joshua the Giant Frog, and Farmer George Plants a Nation
Santa will visit tomorrow from noon to 2 pm as well!
--
Present Tense
101 Washington Avenue
Batavia, NY 14020
585.815.7640
www.presenttensebooks.com
Open House at RTPI
Here's a press release I received from RTPI
Please join us to get a head start on your holiday shopping this year!
Fall Open House
On Saturday November 15, we will open our doors with free admission, and offer new and exciting RTP products to make your gift-giving meaningful and easy this year!
Tour our beautiful building and the exhibit "Letters From Eden" featuring the artwork of writer, illustrator and NPR contributor Julie Zickefoose.
*Free Admission
*Cider & Donuts
*Books, Gifts, Logo products
*Gift Certificates
*RTP Prints for Sale
"Letters From Eden"
by Julie Zickefoose
Tour our beautiful building, designed by world class architect Robert A.M. Stern, dean of the School of Architecture at Yale University. Shown here is the RTPI library, which combines the Swedish woodworking influence of Roger's Scandinavian heritage in its quartersawn white oak shelving and woodwork, with the adirondack camp flavor and elements of the 19th century Arts & Crafts movement that are characteristic of many of Stern's designs. Seeing this building alone is worth the trip!
Peter Aaron/ESTO
To commemorate the centennial of Roger Tory Peterson's birth in 1908, we have created a souvenir DVD about his life...
"A Boy, A Book, A Legacy"
is now available for purchase, and be sure to view the DVD when you visit! To order contact: information@rtpi.org
"A Boy, A Book, A Legacy"
Give the "Friend Pack"
...Make that special someone a Friend of RTPI!
They will receive special Friend Rewards including free admission, discounts, and much more!
Click here for the form:
Print & Mail Sign-Up Form
GIVE A GIFT CERTIFICATE...ONE SIZE FITS ALL!
Special: For each $25 gift-certificate you purchase, receive a box of RTP notecards free!
Value of notecards $4.00
Please join us to get a head start on your holiday shopping this year!
Fall Open House
On Saturday November 15, we will open our doors with free admission, and offer new and exciting RTP products to make your gift-giving meaningful and easy this year!
Tour our beautiful building and the exhibit "Letters From Eden" featuring the artwork of writer, illustrator and NPR contributor Julie Zickefoose.
*Free Admission
*Cider & Donuts
*Books, Gifts, Logo products
*Gift Certificates
*RTP Prints for Sale
"Letters From Eden"
by Julie Zickefoose
Tour our beautiful building, designed by world class architect Robert A.M. Stern, dean of the School of Architecture at Yale University. Shown here is the RTPI library, which combines the Swedish woodworking influence of Roger's Scandinavian heritage in its quartersawn white oak shelving and woodwork, with the adirondack camp flavor and elements of the 19th century Arts & Crafts movement that are characteristic of many of Stern's designs. Seeing this building alone is worth the trip!
Peter Aaron/ESTO
To commemorate the centennial of Roger Tory Peterson's birth in 1908, we have created a souvenir DVD about his life...
"A Boy, A Book, A Legacy"
is now available for purchase, and be sure to view the DVD when you visit! To order contact: information@rtpi.org
"A Boy, A Book, A Legacy"
Give the "Friend Pack"
...Make that special someone a Friend of RTPI!
They will receive special Friend Rewards including free admission, discounts, and much more!
Click here for the form:
Print & Mail Sign-Up Form
GIVE A GIFT CERTIFICATE...ONE SIZE FITS ALL!
Special: For each $25 gift-certificate you purchase, receive a box of RTP notecards free!
Value of notecards $4.00
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Harvest dinner at Roycroft Inn November 21
The 2008 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau
Harvest Dinner
Friday November 21st, 2008
Six o’clock in the Roycroft Lounge
Beer, Wine, Hors d'oeuvres and polite repartee
Seven O'clock in the restaurant
Chicken Corn Tortilla Soup
with a sliced tortilla strip garnish
Candied Beet and Walnut Salad
over field greens with maple vinaigrette
Salmon en Croute
oven roasted salon in a puff pastry crust with truffled wild mushrooms and leeks topped with a roasted red pepper sour cream
or
Tournedos of Beef
seared and served over whole wheat crostini with gorgonzola and apple brandy demi glace
and for dessert
Inn Made Carrot Cake
$50.00 per person, tax and gratuity is additional. Reservations required call 652-5552
Harvest Dinner
Friday November 21st, 2008
Six o’clock in the Roycroft Lounge
Beer, Wine, Hors d'oeuvres and polite repartee
Seven O'clock in the restaurant
Chicken Corn Tortilla Soup
with a sliced tortilla strip garnish
Candied Beet and Walnut Salad
over field greens with maple vinaigrette
Salmon en Croute
oven roasted salon in a puff pastry crust with truffled wild mushrooms and leeks topped with a roasted red pepper sour cream
or
Tournedos of Beef
seared and served over whole wheat crostini with gorgonzola and apple brandy demi glace
and for dessert
Inn Made Carrot Cake
$50.00 per person, tax and gratuity is additional. Reservations required call 652-5552
Upcoming events at the Fredonia Opera House
Opera House to Screen “Horton Hears a Who” FREE
as part of Family Night at the Movies
FREDONIA – The 1891 Fredonia Opera House will present the animated film “Horton Hears a Who” on Fri., Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by the D.R. Barker Library as part of Family Night at the Movies, admission to the film is FREE.
Family Night at the Movies features films based on or that inspire books for children. The series was developed as a way for adults to share the excitement of reading and great family entertainment with the children in their lives. The Book Nook has donated several copies of the book, which will be given away in a drawing before the film.
A new CG animated feature film from the makers of the “Ice Age” films, “Horton Hears a Who” is based on the beloved Dr. Seuss book first published in 1954. Among the defining works of family literature, Seuss books have sold more than 200 million copies and have been translated into 15 languages. The “Horton” series (“Horton Hears a Who” and “Horton Hatches an Egg”) are consistently among the top-selling of all Seuss titles generation after generation.
“Horton Hears a Who” is about an imaginative elephant who hears a cry for help coming from a tiny speck of dust floating through the air. Suspecting that there may be life on that speck and despite a surrounding community that thinks he has lost his mind, Horton is determined to help.
Voiced in the film by comic actor Jim Carrey, Horton the elephant is that rare grown-up that never lost the rich imagination he had as a child. It is that imagination along with his unwavering dedication that makes Horton a great techer, unconditional friend and a force to be reckoned with. Horton holds strong to his belief that “a person’s a person, n matter how small,” so much so that he promises to risk everything for a world of people so tiny he can’t even see them. Horton says it best: “I meant what I said, I said what I meant; an elephant’s faithful 100%.” The film also features the voices of Steve Carrell, Amy Poehler, Will Arnett, Seth Rogen and the legendary Carol Burnett.
-- more --
Horton Hears a Who
Nov. 7, 2008
Page Two
Random drawings at the start of each film award gift bags to lucky winners. The bags not only include copies of the book on which the movie is based, but other related prizes as well.
For more information, contact the Opera House at 716/679-1891 or visit www.fredopera.org. Chautauqua County’s only year-round performing arts center, the 1891 Fredonia Opera House is a member-supported, not-for-profit organization located in the Village Hall in downtown Fredonia.
-- 30 --
FREDONIA – The beautifully filmed period melodrama, “The Duchess,” is the next featured film in the Cinema Series at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House. It will be screened Sat., Nov. 15, at 8 p.m. and Tues., Nov. 18, at 7:30 p.m.
Long before the concept existed, the Duchess of Devonshire, Georgiana Spencer (Keira Knightley), was the original “It Girl.” Like her direct ancestor Princess Diana, she was ravishing, glamorous and adored by an entire country. Determined to be a player in the wider affairs of the world, she proved that she could out-gamble, out-drink and outwit most of the aristocratic men who surrounded her. She helped usher in sweeping changes to England as a leader of the forward-thinking Whig Party. But even as her power and popularity grew, she was haunted by the fact that the only man in England she seemingly could not seduce was her very own husband, the Duke (Ralph Fiennes). And when she tried to find her own way to be true to her heart and loyal to her duty, the resulting controversies and convoluted liaisons pushed her to the brink of risking banishment by her husband, family and all of London society.
“The Duchess” is the story of an extraordinary woman who rose to fame by staying true to her passions in a world of protocol, gossip and social rules – and paid the price. Academy Award winner Fiennes and nominee Knightley head an international cast that also includes Dominic Cooper (“The History Boys”), Hayley Atwell and Charlotte Rampling.
Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun Times calls the film “a handsome historical film, impeccably mounted, gowned, wigged and feathered.” J.R. Jones of the Chicago Reader calls it “scandal-mongering fun that also lays bare the deforming power of the male aristocracy.” David Edelstein of New York magazine calls it “an uncommonly well-crafted historical feminist tearjerker – both anti-patriarchal and a monument to motherhood.” Linda Barnard of the Toronto Star adds “Fiennes and Knightley are exceptional in their roles.” Rated PG-13 for sexual content, brief nudity and thematic material, “The Duchess” runs 110 minutes.
Tickets for the Opera House Cinema Series are available at the door for $7 (adults), $6.50 (seniors & Opera House members) and $5 (students & children) the night of each showing. For more information, call the Opera House box office at 716-679-1891. The Series continues with “Flash of Genius” on Nov. 22 & 25.
Chautauqua County’s only year-round performing arts center, the 1891 Fredonia Opera House is a member-supported not-for-profit organization located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.fredopera.org.
-- 30 --
Contact: Rick Davis, Executive Director, 716/679-0891
Master Funnymen Circo Comedia to Appear at the Opera House
FREDONIA – Unpredictable thrills, side-splitting comedy and daredevil stunts will be the order of the evening when the 1891 Fredonia Opera House presents master funnymen and circus arts duo Circo Comedia on Friday, Nov. 21, at 8 p.m.
Circo Comedia is comprised of Jean Saucier and Patrick Côté from Montréal. The duo presents their own distinctive style of humor, acrobatic tricks, daring feats, magic and eccentricity in a manner reminiscent of the Quebec Circus. Saucier – master equilibrist, juggler, trick cyclist, acrobat and magician – performs his feats from dizzying heights, while Côté – burlesque clown, expert roller skater and drummer – innocently tries his best to be the (imperfect) assistant. “This is family entertainment at its finest – deliriously funny and filled with unforgettable moments!”
A unicycle launched Saucier’s career. At age 11, he cut a curious figure in his native Montréal when he delivered newspapers atop the one-wheeler. Mostly self-taught until the age of 18, Saucier attended the École National du Cirque de Montréal. Cirque du Soleil noticed his talent and hired him. In 1987, he was awarded the Bronze Medal at the Festival du Cirque de Demain in Paris, France, for his bicycle routine together with his performing ensemble.
From 1999 to 2006, Saucier performed with his first Circo Comedia partner, Lawrence Smythe, touring extensively throughout the United States at performing art centers, festivals and fairs, thrilling and entertaining audiences everywhere. Touring highlights included The Philadelphia Festival Theater for Children, Alaska Junior Theatre in Anchorage, Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach, FL, the Smithsonian Institute, Carpenter Center in Long Beach, Calif., The John F. Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival and Flint Hills International Children’s Festival in St. Paul, Minn. International touring included performances in Japan, France, Honk Kong, Italy, Mexico and Hungary.
In 2004, Smythe left Circo Comedia and Saucier began performing with Patrick Côté in Québec theaters, festivals, schools and special events. In 2005, the duo won the First Prize (Public Choice) at the Mondial des Amuseurs of Trois-Rivières Festival.Côté is a comic stuntman, an expert on roller skates and a formidable drummer. While training as a gymnast and acrobat at Montréal’s National Circus School (École Nationale de Cirque) in 1989, Côté discovered a passion for burlesque stunts and created his own lexicon of unique, humorous and spectacular moves, becoming a true artist in the genre of physical comedy. Also in the late 1980s, he created his well known alter-ego/comic characters “PatPatinFou” for La Maison Hantée (The Haunted House) and “Le Baron Fou,” which he incorporated into 2,500 performances over a 10-year period. He continued to create several new characters for projects such as the Super Cirque, Cirque Comik, Cirque National des Clowns, Cirque du Soleil and the Fabuleux Cirque Estival tour. Together, Saucier and Côté are taking the acrobatics, clowning and theatrics of Circo Comedia that audiences world-wide, have grown to know and love, to new “heights”!
The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review asks “How small can a circus be? No smaller than the Circo Comedia, surely – two partners who mix legitimate physical dexterity and bad boy clowning for 60 some minutes of one-ring entertainment.” The Anchorage News notes “Don’t be surprised if your kid says: ‘Wow, I want to be a clown’.”
Tickets to this night of family entertainment are $10 general admission, $8 for seniors & students and $5 for children 12 & under. Tickets may be purchased in person at the Opera House Box Office or by phone at 716/679-1891 Tuesday through Friday, 1-5 p.m. and Saturday, 2-5 p.m. They also may be purchased online any time at www.fredopera.org.
This performance is part of the Opera House Carousel Family Series and is made possible, in part, with public funds from NYSCA, a state agency, and the United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County.
Chautauqua County’s only year-round performing arts center, the 1891 Fredonia Opera House is a member-supported not-for-profit organization located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. A complete schedule of events is available at www.fredopera.org
as part of Family Night at the Movies
FREDONIA – The 1891 Fredonia Opera House will present the animated film “Horton Hears a Who” on Fri., Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by the D.R. Barker Library as part of Family Night at the Movies, admission to the film is FREE.
Family Night at the Movies features films based on or that inspire books for children. The series was developed as a way for adults to share the excitement of reading and great family entertainment with the children in their lives. The Book Nook has donated several copies of the book, which will be given away in a drawing before the film.
A new CG animated feature film from the makers of the “Ice Age” films, “Horton Hears a Who” is based on the beloved Dr. Seuss book first published in 1954. Among the defining works of family literature, Seuss books have sold more than 200 million copies and have been translated into 15 languages. The “Horton” series (“Horton Hears a Who” and “Horton Hatches an Egg”) are consistently among the top-selling of all Seuss titles generation after generation.
“Horton Hears a Who” is about an imaginative elephant who hears a cry for help coming from a tiny speck of dust floating through the air. Suspecting that there may be life on that speck and despite a surrounding community that thinks he has lost his mind, Horton is determined to help.
Voiced in the film by comic actor Jim Carrey, Horton the elephant is that rare grown-up that never lost the rich imagination he had as a child. It is that imagination along with his unwavering dedication that makes Horton a great techer, unconditional friend and a force to be reckoned with. Horton holds strong to his belief that “a person’s a person, n matter how small,” so much so that he promises to risk everything for a world of people so tiny he can’t even see them. Horton says it best: “I meant what I said, I said what I meant; an elephant’s faithful 100%.” The film also features the voices of Steve Carrell, Amy Poehler, Will Arnett, Seth Rogen and the legendary Carol Burnett.
-- more --
Horton Hears a Who
Nov. 7, 2008
Page Two
Random drawings at the start of each film award gift bags to lucky winners. The bags not only include copies of the book on which the movie is based, but other related prizes as well.
For more information, contact the Opera House at 716/679-1891 or visit www.fredopera.org. Chautauqua County’s only year-round performing arts center, the 1891 Fredonia Opera House is a member-supported, not-for-profit organization located in the Village Hall in downtown Fredonia.
-- 30 --
FREDONIA – The beautifully filmed period melodrama, “The Duchess,” is the next featured film in the Cinema Series at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House. It will be screened Sat., Nov. 15, at 8 p.m. and Tues., Nov. 18, at 7:30 p.m.
Long before the concept existed, the Duchess of Devonshire, Georgiana Spencer (Keira Knightley), was the original “It Girl.” Like her direct ancestor Princess Diana, she was ravishing, glamorous and adored by an entire country. Determined to be a player in the wider affairs of the world, she proved that she could out-gamble, out-drink and outwit most of the aristocratic men who surrounded her. She helped usher in sweeping changes to England as a leader of the forward-thinking Whig Party. But even as her power and popularity grew, she was haunted by the fact that the only man in England she seemingly could not seduce was her very own husband, the Duke (Ralph Fiennes). And when she tried to find her own way to be true to her heart and loyal to her duty, the resulting controversies and convoluted liaisons pushed her to the brink of risking banishment by her husband, family and all of London society.
“The Duchess” is the story of an extraordinary woman who rose to fame by staying true to her passions in a world of protocol, gossip and social rules – and paid the price. Academy Award winner Fiennes and nominee Knightley head an international cast that also includes Dominic Cooper (“The History Boys”), Hayley Atwell and Charlotte Rampling.
Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun Times calls the film “a handsome historical film, impeccably mounted, gowned, wigged and feathered.” J.R. Jones of the Chicago Reader calls it “scandal-mongering fun that also lays bare the deforming power of the male aristocracy.” David Edelstein of New York magazine calls it “an uncommonly well-crafted historical feminist tearjerker – both anti-patriarchal and a monument to motherhood.” Linda Barnard of the Toronto Star adds “Fiennes and Knightley are exceptional in their roles.” Rated PG-13 for sexual content, brief nudity and thematic material, “The Duchess” runs 110 minutes.
Tickets for the Opera House Cinema Series are available at the door for $7 (adults), $6.50 (seniors & Opera House members) and $5 (students & children) the night of each showing. For more information, call the Opera House box office at 716-679-1891. The Series continues with “Flash of Genius” on Nov. 22 & 25.
Chautauqua County’s only year-round performing arts center, the 1891 Fredonia Opera House is a member-supported not-for-profit organization located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.fredopera.org.
-- 30 --
Contact: Rick Davis, Executive Director, 716/679-0891
Master Funnymen Circo Comedia to Appear at the Opera House
FREDONIA – Unpredictable thrills, side-splitting comedy and daredevil stunts will be the order of the evening when the 1891 Fredonia Opera House presents master funnymen and circus arts duo Circo Comedia on Friday, Nov. 21, at 8 p.m.
Circo Comedia is comprised of Jean Saucier and Patrick Côté from Montréal. The duo presents their own distinctive style of humor, acrobatic tricks, daring feats, magic and eccentricity in a manner reminiscent of the Quebec Circus. Saucier – master equilibrist, juggler, trick cyclist, acrobat and magician – performs his feats from dizzying heights, while Côté – burlesque clown, expert roller skater and drummer – innocently tries his best to be the (imperfect) assistant. “This is family entertainment at its finest – deliriously funny and filled with unforgettable moments!”
A unicycle launched Saucier’s career. At age 11, he cut a curious figure in his native Montréal when he delivered newspapers atop the one-wheeler. Mostly self-taught until the age of 18, Saucier attended the École National du Cirque de Montréal. Cirque du Soleil noticed his talent and hired him. In 1987, he was awarded the Bronze Medal at the Festival du Cirque de Demain in Paris, France, for his bicycle routine together with his performing ensemble.
From 1999 to 2006, Saucier performed with his first Circo Comedia partner, Lawrence Smythe, touring extensively throughout the United States at performing art centers, festivals and fairs, thrilling and entertaining audiences everywhere. Touring highlights included The Philadelphia Festival Theater for Children, Alaska Junior Theatre in Anchorage, Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach, FL, the Smithsonian Institute, Carpenter Center in Long Beach, Calif., The John F. Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival and Flint Hills International Children’s Festival in St. Paul, Minn. International touring included performances in Japan, France, Honk Kong, Italy, Mexico and Hungary.
In 2004, Smythe left Circo Comedia and Saucier began performing with Patrick Côté in Québec theaters, festivals, schools and special events. In 2005, the duo won the First Prize (Public Choice) at the Mondial des Amuseurs of Trois-Rivières Festival.Côté is a comic stuntman, an expert on roller skates and a formidable drummer. While training as a gymnast and acrobat at Montréal’s National Circus School (École Nationale de Cirque) in 1989, Côté discovered a passion for burlesque stunts and created his own lexicon of unique, humorous and spectacular moves, becoming a true artist in the genre of physical comedy. Also in the late 1980s, he created his well known alter-ego/comic characters “PatPatinFou” for La Maison Hantée (The Haunted House) and “Le Baron Fou,” which he incorporated into 2,500 performances over a 10-year period. He continued to create several new characters for projects such as the Super Cirque, Cirque Comik, Cirque National des Clowns, Cirque du Soleil and the Fabuleux Cirque Estival tour. Together, Saucier and Côté are taking the acrobatics, clowning and theatrics of Circo Comedia that audiences world-wide, have grown to know and love, to new “heights”!
The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review asks “How small can a circus be? No smaller than the Circo Comedia, surely – two partners who mix legitimate physical dexterity and bad boy clowning for 60 some minutes of one-ring entertainment.” The Anchorage News notes “Don’t be surprised if your kid says: ‘Wow, I want to be a clown’.”
Tickets to this night of family entertainment are $10 general admission, $8 for seniors & students and $5 for children 12 & under. Tickets may be purchased in person at the Opera House Box Office or by phone at 716/679-1891 Tuesday through Friday, 1-5 p.m. and Saturday, 2-5 p.m. They also may be purchased online any time at www.fredopera.org.
This performance is part of the Opera House Carousel Family Series and is made possible, in part, with public funds from NYSCA, a state agency, and the United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County.
Chautauqua County’s only year-round performing arts center, the 1891 Fredonia Opera House is a member-supported not-for-profit organization located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. A complete schedule of events is available at www.fredopera.org
Monday, November 10, 2008
In the mood for Thai? Try Spicy Thai in Tonawanda
Saturday my daughter and I tried Spicy Thai, a restaurant located on Sheridan Drive in Tonawanda, since we had a coupon for it in our Entertainment book. It is located in a small strip plaza between a Subway and a T-Shirt shop. However, don't be fooled by it's size (only about 12 tables) or location, as the food is really great. we started out with our favorite, Thai iced tea. We really have to learn how they make it! My daughter tried the Pataya Chicken, which was served on a bed of broccoli and topped with a peanut sauce. Being a teenager, she ate all of it except for the broccoli! I opted for the Dynasty Duck, which was well seasoned and topped with a garlic sauce. The restaurant wasn't too crowded when we arrived, but by the time we left, it was full, with a number of people coming in for take-out.
Spicy Thai is located at 2865 Sheridan Drive (near Eggert) Tonawanda 716-831-3921 http://www.spicythaibuffalo.com/
Some of our other favorite Thai restaurants include Saigon Bankok, located just around the corner from Spicy Thai at 512 Niagara Falls Blvd 716-837-2115. Another is the King and I, 2188 Kensington Ave. in Amherst 716-8392950 and another restaurant also called the King and I, located in the Rochester area at 1455 East Henrietta Road 585-4278090
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Lana's Tea on the Road
Here's an e-mail I received from Lana Lewis from Lana's the Little House, a beautiful little cottage that is open for tours in Franklinville. I've yet to visit the cottage, but I have met Lana, a lovely lady, and sampled her products, which are wonderful. If you are in downtown Buffalo on Monday, check out some of her wares.
Announcing:
Lana's Tea on The Road
HSBC CENTER - Buffalo - Monday, November 10, 2008
One HSBC Center - Main Lobby - Downtown Buffalo - Main at Seneca
It's Wednesday, November 5, 2008. Yesterday was Election Day and one of the joys of living in a small town is walking into the little building where I vote and everyone knows everyone. Your page in the registry book is open and ready for your signature before you get to the table. No lines -- no stress. Another plus is -- the big long table filled with homemade pies, cakes and cookies for local fundraisers - compliments of neighbors. The Little House is located in Chautauqua County. Chautauqua County may be on its way to billing itself as the next grand seer of presidential elections. Data from 1984-2008 shows Chautauqua County is on a streak of seven elections long, choosing the winner of the White House every time and as Chautauqua County goes so does the national result..
Last week, I received my National Weather Service Snowspotter instructions for the 2008-2009 season. We are celebrating our 15th season. There are over 200 spotters throughout western and central New York. During the winter season, one of our most important needs continues to be "ground truth", or actual surface reports to verify what is really happening. The weather report for the next two days is 70 degrees and sunny. The week before Thanksgiving is usually when snowspotter duties kick in. My Amish friends had 8 inches of snow last week much to their surprise.
Lana's The Little House next TEA ON THE ROAD will be at the One HSBC Center lobby in Downtown Buffalo (Main at Seneca) Monday, November 10, 2008 until 4:00 p.m. selling world class TEAS, memorable SCONES, TEAPOTS, AMISH RUGS, TEA ACCESSORIES, GIFT CERTIFICATES and more. This is a great opportunity if you live in Buffalo and surrounding suburbs for your tea and upcoming holiday shopping. Some folks get confused with the location and head to the HSBC Atrium or the HSBC Arena. We are in the lobby at One HSBC Center the tall building at the foot of Main Street at Seneca.
60 TEA BLENDS
We have over 60 blends of the finest world class teas.
TEAPOTS
We have a wide selection of beautiful teapots.
Lana's Scones, Gift Certificates, Amish Rugs and Tea Accessories -- great for holiday gift giving.
Announcing:
Lana's Tea on The Road
HSBC CENTER - Buffalo - Monday, November 10, 2008
One HSBC Center - Main Lobby - Downtown Buffalo - Main at Seneca
It's Wednesday, November 5, 2008. Yesterday was Election Day and one of the joys of living in a small town is walking into the little building where I vote and everyone knows everyone. Your page in the registry book is open and ready for your signature before you get to the table. No lines -- no stress. Another plus is -- the big long table filled with homemade pies, cakes and cookies for local fundraisers - compliments of neighbors. The Little House is located in Chautauqua County. Chautauqua County may be on its way to billing itself as the next grand seer of presidential elections. Data from 1984-2008 shows Chautauqua County is on a streak of seven elections long, choosing the winner of the White House every time and as Chautauqua County goes so does the national result..
Last week, I received my National Weather Service Snowspotter instructions for the 2008-2009 season. We are celebrating our 15th season. There are over 200 spotters throughout western and central New York. During the winter season, one of our most important needs continues to be "ground truth", or actual surface reports to verify what is really happening. The weather report for the next two days is 70 degrees and sunny. The week before Thanksgiving is usually when snowspotter duties kick in. My Amish friends had 8 inches of snow last week much to their surprise.
Lana's The Little House next TEA ON THE ROAD will be at the One HSBC Center lobby in Downtown Buffalo (Main at Seneca) Monday, November 10, 2008 until 4:00 p.m. selling world class TEAS, memorable SCONES, TEAPOTS, AMISH RUGS, TEA ACCESSORIES, GIFT CERTIFICATES and more. This is a great opportunity if you live in Buffalo and surrounding suburbs for your tea and upcoming holiday shopping. Some folks get confused with the location and head to the HSBC Atrium or the HSBC Arena. We are in the lobby at One HSBC Center the tall building at the foot of Main Street at Seneca.
60 TEA BLENDS
We have over 60 blends of the finest world class teas.
TEAPOTS
We have a wide selection of beautiful teapots.
Lana's Scones, Gift Certificates, Amish Rugs and Tea Accessories -- great for holiday gift giving.
Events at the Riviera Theater
The Riviera Theater in North Tonawanda is one of our region's hidden treasurers. There are many shows and evetns happening there in the next few months. Below is some information from their latest press release.
Great seats are still available for O'Connell & Co.'s production of THE ANDREWS BROTHERS.
THE ANDREWS BROTHERS is set on an island in the South Pacific in 1945. Three soldiers & a pinup-girl find themselves giving the USO performance of a lifetime when a certain singing trio of siblings fail to arrive at their USO gig. Featured is the great music of the 1940s including, “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” “Slow Boat To China,” "Shoo Shoo Baby", "Stuff Like That There" and “Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree”. This sweet & hilarious show is a tuneful 1940's Valentine to the heroes of World War II.
THE ANDREWS BROTHERS stars STEPHANIE BAX, MICHAEL BLASDELL, MICHAEL A. TOSHA &
MICHAEL J. WAH. The production is directed by MARY KATE O'CONNELL and choreography by MATTHEW CLARK, music direction by CINDY CONNOR, with Costumes by PAM SNYDER, Sound by LARRY SCHEUR and Lights/Technical Direction by JIM PRITCHARD
Saturday Nov 8th @ 11am and 1:30pm the YWCA Film Series continues with "WALL-E" Rated G the price of admission is only $2.00
Sunday night at 7:30pm We are proud to host a Veteran's Day Concert featuring the American Legion Band of the Tonawandas. Tickets are $10.00
The American Legion Band of the Tonawandas, Post 264, is an award-winning concert band based in Tonawanda, NY. Formed in 1929 by World War I veterans and Post 264 members, the band draws its membership from Western NYers with diverse occupations and backgrounds.
Tuesday, November 11 at 7:00pm join us for the
Buffalo movie premiere of "America the Beautiful."
In almost 40,000 media messages a year, youthful Americas are being told that, unless you look like supermodels and rock stars, you’re not good enough for anyone to love. This is a message that too many people are buying.
Filmmaker Darryl Roberts, in a unique partnership with the YWCA, goes on a two year journey to examine America’s new obsession; physical perfection. In America the Beautiful, secrets, confessions, and strikingly harsh realities are learned as Roberts unearths the origins and deadly risks of our nation’s quest for physical perfection
Tickets are $10.00 Proceeds will go to help fund our local YWCA's in WNY.
Don't miss these other great shows for the holidays! Tickets to the Riviera Theatre make GREAT holiday gifts!
"Diva By Diva" a Celebration of Women
Oct 29/08—Dec 10/08 Presented by O'Connell & Company Join us for Western New York's longest running show & Buffalo's favorite DIVA-licious cabaret style production. This award winning hit is filled with songs, readings, poetry, humor & quotes by, for and about women.
The Andrews Brothers
Nov 7/08—Nov 16/08 Presented by O'Connell & Company Mistaken identities, madcap comedy, and the greatest music of the 1940's fill this sweet and hilarious show. Three soldiers find themselves giving the performance of a lifetime when a certain singing trio of siblings fail to arrive at their USO gig. "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy", "Slow Boat To China, "Shoo Shoo Baby", "Stuff like That There" and "Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree" are some of the favorites in this valentine to the heroes of World War II.
An Evening of Cheer
Nov 20/08 Come and support the Historic Riviera Theatre by attending a benefit cocktail party at Crazy Jake's Restaurant, 26 Webster St. North Tonawanda from 6:00pm - 7:30pm. Price includes a complimentary drink, h'ors doeurves, and VIP seating for the "Christmas With The Vogues" concert at 8:00pm.
Christmas With "The Vogues"
Nov 20/08 The Vogues remain one of the top vocal groups on the oldies scene today. Even though their first hit "You're the One" was released over 40 years ago, the Vogues continue to attract sellout audiences at concerts and club appearances around the country. Their outstanding talent, stylish delivery and excellent choice of material, makes this group one of the world’s top oldies acts. The return of original tenor Hugh Geyer and original lead singer Bill Burkette to the band only serves to enhance that authentic Vogues sound.
The Nutcracker
Dec 5/08—Dec 7/08 The Nutcracker Every December, the Lockport City Ballet presents the beloved Christmas ballet, The Nutcracker. With music by the great Russian composer Peter Tchiakovsky and original choreography by William Gentes and Susannah Dwyer, the production is comprised of seventy- five to one hundred local children, teenagers, adults and guest artists. The Nutcracker is entertaining for the entire family, complete with beautiful sets and costumes and exciting choreography.
Christmas Carousel
Dec 11/08—Dec 15/08 Presented by O'Connell & Company A seasonal musical journey saluting some of the most endearing classic and entertaining family Christmas movies and TV specials. From Grinch to Charlie Brown and from George Bailey to Andy Williams - this is a musical holiday gift that will bring back fond memories of childhood - for kids of all ages!
WINNIE THE POOH CHRISTMAS TAIL
Dec 18/08 WINNIE THE POOH CHRISTMAS TAIL – Produced by Coop’s Spotlight Productions (pre-K –3) Thursday, December 18, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m. Winnie the Pooh is based on the stories of A.A. Milne, with the book, music and lyrics by James W. Rogers. Spend an hour or so with Pooh and his friends as they help Eeyore have a Merry Christmas. Bring a camera for the meet and greet following the performance. All seats: $6
The Musical Box "Trick of the Tail"
Jan 10/09 AFTER INTERNATIONAL ACCLAIM FOR THEIR RE-ENACTMENT OF GENESIS’ FOXTROT, SELLING ENGLAND BY THE POUND AND THE LAMB LIES DOWN ON BROADWAY, THE MUSICAL BOX WILL NOW PRESENT WORLDWIDE, WITH THE HELP OF GENESIS AND ARTISTS INVOLVED IN THE ORIGINAL SHOW, A TRICK OF THE TAIL IN PAINSTAKING DETAIL INCLUDING ORIGINAL SLIDES, FILMS, LASER EFFECTS, SPECIAL EFFECTS AND ORIGINAL SONG LIST AS PRESENTED BY GENESIS IN 1976 TO CAPTURE THIS IMPORTANT MOMENT IN GENESIS HISTORY.
4 Guys Named Jose And Una Mujer Named Maria
Feb 5/09—Feb 15/09 Presented by O'Connell & Company A celebration of Latino song and dance...Four young Latino men have a chance meeting at Burrito World in Omaha and discover they share the same name! Not only do they share a common name, they share a common dream; to stage a show of Latin standards that puts forth a positive image to counteract Latino sterotypes. Enter Maria, a beautiful woman who provides romantic interest as the gentlemen vie for her attentions. Performed in Spanish and English, it features so....
The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged)
Mar 26/09—Apr 5/09 Presented by O'Connell & Company An affectionate, irreverent roller coaster ride from fig leaves to Final Judgement as the entire Bible is re-created right before your very eyes. Whether you are Catholic or Atheist, Muslim or Jew, Protestant or Purple People Eater, you will be tickled by this romp through old time religion.
Tintypes
May 7/09—May 16/09 Presented by O'Connell & Company Tintypes is a patriotic salute to America, a high-spirited brew of popular songs from 1890 to 1917, performed by five archetypes of the period: Anna Held, the beautiful music hall star; Emma Goldman, the notorious socialist; a black domestic worker; a Chaplin-esque Russian immigrant; and the outrageous Teddy Roosevelt, the youngest man ever to be elected President. The play features lovable old melodies of the 1900's.
Riviera Theatre & Performing Arts Ctr - 67 Webster Street, North Tonawanda, NY, 14120, (716) 692-2413
Great seats are still available for O'Connell & Co.'s production of THE ANDREWS BROTHERS.
THE ANDREWS BROTHERS is set on an island in the South Pacific in 1945. Three soldiers & a pinup-girl find themselves giving the USO performance of a lifetime when a certain singing trio of siblings fail to arrive at their USO gig. Featured is the great music of the 1940s including, “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” “Slow Boat To China,” "Shoo Shoo Baby", "Stuff Like That There" and “Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree”. This sweet & hilarious show is a tuneful 1940's Valentine to the heroes of World War II.
THE ANDREWS BROTHERS stars STEPHANIE BAX, MICHAEL BLASDELL, MICHAEL A. TOSHA &
MICHAEL J. WAH. The production is directed by MARY KATE O'CONNELL and choreography by MATTHEW CLARK, music direction by CINDY CONNOR, with Costumes by PAM SNYDER, Sound by LARRY SCHEUR and Lights/Technical Direction by JIM PRITCHARD
Saturday Nov 8th @ 11am and 1:30pm the YWCA Film Series continues with "WALL-E" Rated G the price of admission is only $2.00
Sunday night at 7:30pm We are proud to host a Veteran's Day Concert featuring the American Legion Band of the Tonawandas. Tickets are $10.00
The American Legion Band of the Tonawandas, Post 264, is an award-winning concert band based in Tonawanda, NY. Formed in 1929 by World War I veterans and Post 264 members, the band draws its membership from Western NYers with diverse occupations and backgrounds.
Tuesday, November 11 at 7:00pm join us for the
Buffalo movie premiere of "America the Beautiful."
In almost 40,000 media messages a year, youthful Americas are being told that, unless you look like supermodels and rock stars, you’re not good enough for anyone to love. This is a message that too many people are buying.
Filmmaker Darryl Roberts, in a unique partnership with the YWCA, goes on a two year journey to examine America’s new obsession; physical perfection. In America the Beautiful, secrets, confessions, and strikingly harsh realities are learned as Roberts unearths the origins and deadly risks of our nation’s quest for physical perfection
Tickets are $10.00 Proceeds will go to help fund our local YWCA's in WNY.
Don't miss these other great shows for the holidays! Tickets to the Riviera Theatre make GREAT holiday gifts!
"Diva By Diva" a Celebration of Women
Oct 29/08—Dec 10/08 Presented by O'Connell & Company Join us for Western New York's longest running show & Buffalo's favorite DIVA-licious cabaret style production. This award winning hit is filled with songs, readings, poetry, humor & quotes by, for and about women.
The Andrews Brothers
Nov 7/08—Nov 16/08 Presented by O'Connell & Company Mistaken identities, madcap comedy, and the greatest music of the 1940's fill this sweet and hilarious show. Three soldiers find themselves giving the performance of a lifetime when a certain singing trio of siblings fail to arrive at their USO gig. "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy", "Slow Boat To China, "Shoo Shoo Baby", "Stuff like That There" and "Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree" are some of the favorites in this valentine to the heroes of World War II.
An Evening of Cheer
Nov 20/08 Come and support the Historic Riviera Theatre by attending a benefit cocktail party at Crazy Jake's Restaurant, 26 Webster St. North Tonawanda from 6:00pm - 7:30pm. Price includes a complimentary drink, h'ors doeurves, and VIP seating for the "Christmas With The Vogues" concert at 8:00pm.
Christmas With "The Vogues"
Nov 20/08 The Vogues remain one of the top vocal groups on the oldies scene today. Even though their first hit "You're the One" was released over 40 years ago, the Vogues continue to attract sellout audiences at concerts and club appearances around the country. Their outstanding talent, stylish delivery and excellent choice of material, makes this group one of the world’s top oldies acts. The return of original tenor Hugh Geyer and original lead singer Bill Burkette to the band only serves to enhance that authentic Vogues sound.
The Nutcracker
Dec 5/08—Dec 7/08 The Nutcracker Every December, the Lockport City Ballet presents the beloved Christmas ballet, The Nutcracker. With music by the great Russian composer Peter Tchiakovsky and original choreography by William Gentes and Susannah Dwyer, the production is comprised of seventy- five to one hundred local children, teenagers, adults and guest artists. The Nutcracker is entertaining for the entire family, complete with beautiful sets and costumes and exciting choreography.
Christmas Carousel
Dec 11/08—Dec 15/08 Presented by O'Connell & Company A seasonal musical journey saluting some of the most endearing classic and entertaining family Christmas movies and TV specials. From Grinch to Charlie Brown and from George Bailey to Andy Williams - this is a musical holiday gift that will bring back fond memories of childhood - for kids of all ages!
WINNIE THE POOH CHRISTMAS TAIL
Dec 18/08 WINNIE THE POOH CHRISTMAS TAIL – Produced by Coop’s Spotlight Productions (pre-K –3) Thursday, December 18, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m. Winnie the Pooh is based on the stories of A.A. Milne, with the book, music and lyrics by James W. Rogers. Spend an hour or so with Pooh and his friends as they help Eeyore have a Merry Christmas. Bring a camera for the meet and greet following the performance. All seats: $6
The Musical Box "Trick of the Tail"
Jan 10/09 AFTER INTERNATIONAL ACCLAIM FOR THEIR RE-ENACTMENT OF GENESIS’ FOXTROT, SELLING ENGLAND BY THE POUND AND THE LAMB LIES DOWN ON BROADWAY, THE MUSICAL BOX WILL NOW PRESENT WORLDWIDE, WITH THE HELP OF GENESIS AND ARTISTS INVOLVED IN THE ORIGINAL SHOW, A TRICK OF THE TAIL IN PAINSTAKING DETAIL INCLUDING ORIGINAL SLIDES, FILMS, LASER EFFECTS, SPECIAL EFFECTS AND ORIGINAL SONG LIST AS PRESENTED BY GENESIS IN 1976 TO CAPTURE THIS IMPORTANT MOMENT IN GENESIS HISTORY.
4 Guys Named Jose And Una Mujer Named Maria
Feb 5/09—Feb 15/09 Presented by O'Connell & Company A celebration of Latino song and dance...Four young Latino men have a chance meeting at Burrito World in Omaha and discover they share the same name! Not only do they share a common name, they share a common dream; to stage a show of Latin standards that puts forth a positive image to counteract Latino sterotypes. Enter Maria, a beautiful woman who provides romantic interest as the gentlemen vie for her attentions. Performed in Spanish and English, it features so....
The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged)
Mar 26/09—Apr 5/09 Presented by O'Connell & Company An affectionate, irreverent roller coaster ride from fig leaves to Final Judgement as the entire Bible is re-created right before your very eyes. Whether you are Catholic or Atheist, Muslim or Jew, Protestant or Purple People Eater, you will be tickled by this romp through old time religion.
Tintypes
May 7/09—May 16/09 Presented by O'Connell & Company Tintypes is a patriotic salute to America, a high-spirited brew of popular songs from 1890 to 1917, performed by five archetypes of the period: Anna Held, the beautiful music hall star; Emma Goldman, the notorious socialist; a black domestic worker; a Chaplin-esque Russian immigrant; and the outrageous Teddy Roosevelt, the youngest man ever to be elected President. The play features lovable old melodies of the 1900's.
Riviera Theatre & Performing Arts Ctr - 67 Webster Street, North Tonawanda, NY, 14120, (716) 692-2413
Upcoming events at Fredonia Opera House
Below are a couple events happening this week at the Fredonia Opera House (These are from the press releases I received)
Opera House Cinema Series to Feature “Bottle Shock”
FREDONIA – “Bottle Shock,” the comedy being lauded as “the next ‘Sideways’ or ‘Little Miss Sunshine’,” is the next featured film in the Cinema Series at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House. It will be screened Sat., Nov. 8, at 8 p.m. and Tues., Nov. 11, at 7:30 p.m.
Based on a true story, “Bottle Shock” chronicles the events leading up to the famous 1976 “Judgment of Paris” wine-tasting, in which a group of small California wineries dared to challenge the exalted French wines of the times in a head-to-head taste-test. Told through the lives of father and son, Jim and Bo Barrett, the competition is credited with putting the California wine industry on the map.
A former real estate attorney, Jim Barrett (Bill Pullman) sacrifices everything to realize his dream of creating the perfect hand-crafted chardonnay. His business, however, is struggling; and he’s not only fighting off the creditors but also is trying to overcome differences with his slacker son (Chris Pine). Meanwhile in Paris, unwitting British wine shop owner Steven Spurrier (Alan Rickman) hopes to revive his own failing business by sponsoring a wine-tasting competition. Little do Steven and Jim realize that the resulting contest pitting the traditional French powerhouse against the California upstarts would change the history of wine forever.
Rex Reed of the New York Observer calls the film “a marvelous, beautifully made, feel-good movie that is guaranteed to revive everyone’s flagging faith in American pride at home and abroad.” Stephen Farber of the Hollywood Reporter calls it “Rocky for wine aficionados.” Manuel Mendoza of the Dallas Morning News notes “the characters are vivid, the scenery is lovely, and lines like, ‘I detect bacon fat laced with honey lemon,’ establish the silly seriousness of wine snobs.” John Anderson of Newsday adds “a winning cast and a magnum’s worth of subplots make ‘Bottle Shock’ extremely watchable, perhaps a bit fruity, with grace notes of leather, oak and no ham.” Rated PG-13 for brief strong language, some sexual content and a scene of drug use, “Bottle Shock” runs 110 minutes.
Tickets for the Opera House Cinema Series are available at the door for $7 (adults), $6.50 (seniors & Opera House members) and $5 (students & children) the night of each showing. For more information, call the Opera House box office at 716-679-1891. The Series continues with “The Duchess” on Nov. 15 & 18 and “Flash of Genius” on Nov. 22 & 25.
Chautauqua County’s only year-round performing arts center, the 1891 Fredonia Opera House is a member-supported not-for-profit organization located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.fredopera.org.
Folk Legend Jonathan Edwards to Play Fredonia Opera House
FREDONIA – Folk Legend Jonathan Edwards, best known for his 1971 No. 1 hit, “Sunshine,” will make a rare western New York concert appearance at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House on Friday, Nov. 7, at 8 p.m. He will be joined by Stuart Schulman on keyboard, violin and bass, and Taylor Armerding on mandolin and guitar.
The word “legend” is often used to describe veteran folk/rocker Jonathan Edwards, whose 1971 million-selling song “Sunshine” (“go away today...”) brought him instant fame. He was born in Minnesota and detoured into blues and rock before realizing he was hooked on folk music.
“My inspiration came from the soul of people, not so much the technique,” Edwards says. “My influences came from Ray Charles, Gladys Knight, Van Morrison and even some of the more popular folk people like the Kingston Trio and Peter, Paul and Mary. But there’s no one I ever tried to sing like.”
Edwards has acquired an enviable track record; and he has done it while keeping intact his ear for a strong melody and love of a beautifully crafted song. During his 36-year career he has recorded 15 albums and penned such notable hits as “Shanty” and “Sunshine,” which earned him a gold record. This classic song, covered by Paul Westerberg, is included in the 1995 release of “Friends,” a compilation of music for the hit NBC-TV show, and is heard in the 2004 Will Ferrell film “Anchorman” and included on its soundtrack. His 1987 children’s album, “Little Hands,” selected by the National Library Association as a “Notable Children’s Recording,” has sold more than 20,000 copies and is still going strong.
Edwards’ natural ability to sing and compose as well as produce has garnered him a reputation as a “musician’s musician.” He’s produced albums for other artists, such as Cheryl Wheeler, including “Driving Home” and “Mrs. Pinocci’s Guitar.” He takes great pride in having shared the stage with B. B. King, Emmylou Harris, Rod Stewart, Willie Nelson, The Allman Brothers, The Judds, James Taylor, Roger Miller, Mary Chapin Carpenter and The Seldom Scene, to name just a few.
His varied career has included theater, highlighted by a 1980s tour of the Broadway musical “Pumpboys and Dinettes” with Henry Gross and Nicolette Larson, as well as commercials, record production and two movie soundtracks. In 1994 he joined Don McLean, Tom Rush, Jesse Colin-Young, Steve Forbert and Al Stewart in a “Back to the Future” tour that played in major venues from coast to coast and earned him rave reviews. In 2000 he narrated and performed in the Media Artists series “Cruising America’s Waterways,” a 13-week travel series which started airing on PBS-TV stations in 2001. A second 13-week series aired in 2004.
Edwards’ most recent CD, “Live in Massachusetts” was released in December 2006; and Media Artists released a 90-minute documentary of his career, “That’s What Our Life Is.” He scored the soundtrack for the romantic comedy “Chatham,” starring Charles Durning, David Carradine and Bruce Dern and scheduled for release this month. He also has a small role as a reformist preacher in the film.
“I’ve been a very lucky guy,” he says. “And I’ve seen it all – black limos, red carpets, blue nights and green money. Success is being able to sing your heart out no matter what else is going on in your life and to follow each song to where it may lead without regard to category, market niche or radio format.”
Tickets to Jonathan Edwards are $18 general admission ($15 for Opera House members) and may be purchased in person at the Opera House Box Office or by phone at 716/679-1891 Tuesday through Friday, 1-5 p.m. and Saturday, 2-5 p.m. They also may be purchased online any time at www.fredopera.org.
This performance is part of the Folk in Fredonia Music Series, which is generously sponsored by The Gilman Family. It also is made possible, in part, with public funds from NYSCA, a state agency, and the United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County.
Chautauqua County’s only year-round performing arts center, the 1891 Fredonia Opera House is a member-supported not-for-profit organization located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. A complete schedule of events is available at www.fredopera.org.
Opera House Cinema Series to Feature “Bottle Shock”
FREDONIA – “Bottle Shock,” the comedy being lauded as “the next ‘Sideways’ or ‘Little Miss Sunshine’,” is the next featured film in the Cinema Series at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House. It will be screened Sat., Nov. 8, at 8 p.m. and Tues., Nov. 11, at 7:30 p.m.
Based on a true story, “Bottle Shock” chronicles the events leading up to the famous 1976 “Judgment of Paris” wine-tasting, in which a group of small California wineries dared to challenge the exalted French wines of the times in a head-to-head taste-test. Told through the lives of father and son, Jim and Bo Barrett, the competition is credited with putting the California wine industry on the map.
A former real estate attorney, Jim Barrett (Bill Pullman) sacrifices everything to realize his dream of creating the perfect hand-crafted chardonnay. His business, however, is struggling; and he’s not only fighting off the creditors but also is trying to overcome differences with his slacker son (Chris Pine). Meanwhile in Paris, unwitting British wine shop owner Steven Spurrier (Alan Rickman) hopes to revive his own failing business by sponsoring a wine-tasting competition. Little do Steven and Jim realize that the resulting contest pitting the traditional French powerhouse against the California upstarts would change the history of wine forever.
Rex Reed of the New York Observer calls the film “a marvelous, beautifully made, feel-good movie that is guaranteed to revive everyone’s flagging faith in American pride at home and abroad.” Stephen Farber of the Hollywood Reporter calls it “Rocky for wine aficionados.” Manuel Mendoza of the Dallas Morning News notes “the characters are vivid, the scenery is lovely, and lines like, ‘I detect bacon fat laced with honey lemon,’ establish the silly seriousness of wine snobs.” John Anderson of Newsday adds “a winning cast and a magnum’s worth of subplots make ‘Bottle Shock’ extremely watchable, perhaps a bit fruity, with grace notes of leather, oak and no ham.” Rated PG-13 for brief strong language, some sexual content and a scene of drug use, “Bottle Shock” runs 110 minutes.
Tickets for the Opera House Cinema Series are available at the door for $7 (adults), $6.50 (seniors & Opera House members) and $5 (students & children) the night of each showing. For more information, call the Opera House box office at 716-679-1891. The Series continues with “The Duchess” on Nov. 15 & 18 and “Flash of Genius” on Nov. 22 & 25.
Chautauqua County’s only year-round performing arts center, the 1891 Fredonia Opera House is a member-supported not-for-profit organization located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.fredopera.org.
Folk Legend Jonathan Edwards to Play Fredonia Opera House
FREDONIA – Folk Legend Jonathan Edwards, best known for his 1971 No. 1 hit, “Sunshine,” will make a rare western New York concert appearance at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House on Friday, Nov. 7, at 8 p.m. He will be joined by Stuart Schulman on keyboard, violin and bass, and Taylor Armerding on mandolin and guitar.
The word “legend” is often used to describe veteran folk/rocker Jonathan Edwards, whose 1971 million-selling song “Sunshine” (“go away today...”) brought him instant fame. He was born in Minnesota and detoured into blues and rock before realizing he was hooked on folk music.
“My inspiration came from the soul of people, not so much the technique,” Edwards says. “My influences came from Ray Charles, Gladys Knight, Van Morrison and even some of the more popular folk people like the Kingston Trio and Peter, Paul and Mary. But there’s no one I ever tried to sing like.”
Edwards has acquired an enviable track record; and he has done it while keeping intact his ear for a strong melody and love of a beautifully crafted song. During his 36-year career he has recorded 15 albums and penned such notable hits as “Shanty” and “Sunshine,” which earned him a gold record. This classic song, covered by Paul Westerberg, is included in the 1995 release of “Friends,” a compilation of music for the hit NBC-TV show, and is heard in the 2004 Will Ferrell film “Anchorman” and included on its soundtrack. His 1987 children’s album, “Little Hands,” selected by the National Library Association as a “Notable Children’s Recording,” has sold more than 20,000 copies and is still going strong.
Edwards’ natural ability to sing and compose as well as produce has garnered him a reputation as a “musician’s musician.” He’s produced albums for other artists, such as Cheryl Wheeler, including “Driving Home” and “Mrs. Pinocci’s Guitar.” He takes great pride in having shared the stage with B. B. King, Emmylou Harris, Rod Stewart, Willie Nelson, The Allman Brothers, The Judds, James Taylor, Roger Miller, Mary Chapin Carpenter and The Seldom Scene, to name just a few.
His varied career has included theater, highlighted by a 1980s tour of the Broadway musical “Pumpboys and Dinettes” with Henry Gross and Nicolette Larson, as well as commercials, record production and two movie soundtracks. In 1994 he joined Don McLean, Tom Rush, Jesse Colin-Young, Steve Forbert and Al Stewart in a “Back to the Future” tour that played in major venues from coast to coast and earned him rave reviews. In 2000 he narrated and performed in the Media Artists series “Cruising America’s Waterways,” a 13-week travel series which started airing on PBS-TV stations in 2001. A second 13-week series aired in 2004.
Edwards’ most recent CD, “Live in Massachusetts” was released in December 2006; and Media Artists released a 90-minute documentary of his career, “That’s What Our Life Is.” He scored the soundtrack for the romantic comedy “Chatham,” starring Charles Durning, David Carradine and Bruce Dern and scheduled for release this month. He also has a small role as a reformist preacher in the film.
“I’ve been a very lucky guy,” he says. “And I’ve seen it all – black limos, red carpets, blue nights and green money. Success is being able to sing your heart out no matter what else is going on in your life and to follow each song to where it may lead without regard to category, market niche or radio format.”
Tickets to Jonathan Edwards are $18 general admission ($15 for Opera House members) and may be purchased in person at the Opera House Box Office or by phone at 716/679-1891 Tuesday through Friday, 1-5 p.m. and Saturday, 2-5 p.m. They also may be purchased online any time at www.fredopera.org.
This performance is part of the Folk in Fredonia Music Series, which is generously sponsored by The Gilman Family. It also is made possible, in part, with public funds from NYSCA, a state agency, and the United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County.
Chautauqua County’s only year-round performing arts center, the 1891 Fredonia Opera House is a member-supported not-for-profit organization located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. A complete schedule of events is available at www.fredopera.org.
Check out Main Street Mercantile in Fairport
Fairport is a really cute village along the Erie Canal in the Rochester area. There are a number of shops and restaurants. One of the shops is Main Street Mercantile. Below is information on their open house this weekend.
Main Street Mercantile
invites you to a
Christmas Open House
Come & celebrate the season with us!
November 7th, 8th, & 9th
Sales throughout the store!
Door prizes & Refreshments!
Exciting New Merchandise for Holiday Gift Giving and Decorating!
62 N Main St, Fairport
377-4140
Mon - Sat 10-6
Sun 12-4
Thurs 'til 8pm
Main Street Mercantile
invites you to a
Christmas Open House
Come & celebrate the season with us!
November 7th, 8th, & 9th
Sales throughout the store!
Door prizes & Refreshments!
Exciting New Merchandise for Holiday Gift Giving and Decorating!
62 N Main St, Fairport
377-4140
Mon - Sat 10-6
Sun 12-4
Thurs 'til 8pm
Art event at UB Gallery
Here's some information from three press releases I received recently from the UB Gallery
UB Anderson Gallery Arts presents Harvey Breverman, Bruce Jackson and Terri Katz-Kasimov
October 18, 2008 through January 18, 2009
Buffalo, N.Y.— The UB Anderson Gallery is pleased to present Harvey Breverman, Bruce Jackson, Terri Katz-Kasimov in a group exhibition featuring paintings, drawings, collages, prints & photographs inspired by the life and works of Raymond Federman.
Federman@80, the special exhibition which opened at UB Anderson Gallery in conjunction with the day-long critical symposium and celebration, Federman@80: From Surfiction to Critifiction (which took place at UB and Medaille College on October 18, 2008) continues through January 18, 2009, concurrent with the main gallery exhibition Ode to Michael Goldberg (1924–2007): Selective Thievery & The Practice of Looking.
Federman@80, which takes up the Anderson Gallery’s entire second floor, including the atrium, features a large selection of large paintings and drawings, small prints, and sketchbook reproductions by Harvey Breverman portraying Federman (alone and with other international literary figures who have passed through Buffalo); a selection of Bruce Jackson’s photographs of Federman (also, in some cases, with other literary figures, such as Michel Foucault and Leslie Fiedler), taken between 1971–1997; and the entire Federman Series created by Terri Katz-Kasimov in collaboration with the author and first exhibited at the Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University in 2000.
Both Breverman (a SUNY Distinguished Professor, now retired from teaching but still active as an exhibiting artist) and Jackson (SUNY Distinguished Professor and Samuel P. Capen Chair in American Culture) were long-time colleagues of Federman’s on the faculty of UB, where Federman (b. 1928) was himself a Distinguished Professor and held the Melodia E. Jones Chair of Romance Languages.
Several of Breverman’s works now on view in Federman@80 were first exhibited at the UB Anderson Gallery as part of the artist’s major 2004 retrospective Harvey Breverman: Humanist Impulses. Jackson (an author, filmmaker, and scholar, as well as photographer) contributed an essay to the extensive catalogue for that exhibition entitled “Breverman as Impresario, Breverman as Jew.”
Katz-Kasimov’s Federman Series is based on Federman’s 1979 The Voice in the Closet that tells his personal story of escaping the French militia and the German Gestapo at age 14, when he was shoved into a closet by his mother. When he came out, his family was gone, and he was left on his own to survive. According the artist’s statement from her web site (terrikatzkasimov.com), “The mixed media collages of this series are based on the writings of Raymond Federman…a Holocaust survivor whose family was exterminated at Auschwitz. His numerous post-modernist novels and poems, published in fourteen languages, are inspired by his life. We have collaborated closely and I [was] privileged to have access to Federman’s manuscripts as well as precious French and German documents and memorabilia pertaining to the fate of his family. Copies of this material are incorporated in my artwork. The paintings are an attempt to interpret one person's story of an incredibly horrific time that is impossible to comprehend.”
Now retired from teaching but writing and publishing prolifically in San Diego, California, Raymond Federman lived in Buffalo for thirty years, where he taught creative writing, comparative literature, and English (especially the oeuvre of his special subject and personal friend Samuel Beckett) at UB. He is the author of numerous novels, books of poetry and short prose, and critical studies, many of which have been widely translated and published in Europe as well as North America. His novels include Double or Nothing (1971), Amer Eldorado (1974), Take It or Leave It (1976), The Voice in the Closet (1979), The Twofold Vibration (1982), the American Book Award-winning Smiles on Washington Square (A Love Story of Sorts) (1985), To Whom It May Concern (1990), La Fourrure de ma Tante Rachel (novel in French, 1996), Aunt Rachel’s Furs (in English, 2001), My Body in Nine Parts (2005), and Return to Manure (2006).
This exhibition was organized by the UB Anderson Gallery, in collaboration with Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center.
UB Anderson Gallery is supported with funds from the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Anderson Gallery Program Fund, and UB Collection Care and Management Endowment Fund.
UB Anderson Gallery, located at One Martha Jackson Place near Englewood and Kenmore, is open Wednesday through Saturday 11am-5pm and Sunday 1-5pm. For more information, please call (716) 829-3754 or contact: Sandra Q. Firmin, Curator, 716-645-0570, sfirmin@buffalo.edu
MicroCosmic
November 13, 2008 through February 7, 2009
Buffalo, N.Y.—The UB Art Gallery is proud to present MicroCosmic, an exploration of the permanent collection of the UB Art Galleries. MicroCosmic opens with a public reception in the First Floor Gallery on Thursday, November 13, 2008 from 5 to 7pm. The exhibition is co-curated by Sandra Q. Firmin and Robert Scalise.
UB Art Gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday 11 AM to 5 PM with extended hours on Thursday until 7 PM. For information, please call 716-645-6912. The installation, which is free and open to the public, will be on view in the First Floor Gallery through February 7, 2009. The UB Art Gallery will be closed for winter session, December 9, 2008 through January 10, 2009 and will reopen on Tuesday January 13, 2009.
MicroCosmic is a metaphysical journey, transporting viewers into fantastic realms. Shadowy landscapes, tumultuous and serene waters, a freefall tumble towards earth, and the threshold between microscopic scrutiny of organic matter and the long distance views inherent in cosmic wonder can be experienced in this group exhibition. Albert Pinkham Ryder once asked: “Have you ever seen an inchworm crawl up a leaf or a twig, and then, clinging to the very end, revolve in the air, feeling for something, to reach something? That's like me. I am trying to find something out there beyond the place on which I have footing.” The paintings, sculpture, prints and photography in this exhibition espouse this tenuous, yet adventuresome, point of view, beginning with a shadowy landscape by Ryder from 1881 that borders on atmospheric abstraction. Abstract paintings and prints by Mark Tobey are grounded in the ecological world while Charlie Clough’s relate more to the nebulae of outer space. In representational artworks by Roy De Forest and Salvador Dali mountains and clouds shape shift into animal forms. Elsewhere, Allan D’Arcangelo’s softly drawn road barriers are elevated into pulsating star-like constellations and Lita Albuquerque’s cast shadows on the Mojave Desert become performative gestures that produce what she refers to as terrestrial paintings.
Featured artists: Lita Albuquerque, Elaine Breiger, Charles Clough, Robert Winthrop Chanler, Salvador Dali, Elisha Davis, Roy De Forest, Allan D’Arcangelo, Thomas Eakins, Harold Eugene Edgerton, Phillip Elliott, Sam Francis, Dennis Oppenheim, Sam Richardson, James Rosenquist, Albert Pinkham Ryder, Tom Parish, Josep Guinovart, Gary Nickard, Clayton Pond, Robert Rauschenberg, Frank Roth, Tatino (Joaquin Ribes), Mark Tobey, Martha Visser't Hooft and Tino Zago.
The UB Art Gallery is located in the Center for the Arts on the North Campus just north of the I290 on Millersport Highway. Traveling east or west on the I-290 takeexit 5B to Millersport Highway North. Turn onto the campus at the Coventry entrance. As you enter the campus, the Center for the Arts is a high gabled white building directly ahead of you.
After 3 PM and on weekends, parking is free and a permit is not required. During all other times, guests must park in metered spaces, visitor parking lots, or obtain a parking permit from UB Art Gallery staff. In order to obtain a parking permit, temporarily park in the circle in front of the Center for the Arts and see a gallery attendant inside.
The UB Art Gallery is funded by the UB College of Arts Sciences, the Visual Arts Building Fund, the Seymour H. Knox Foundation Fine Arts Fund, and the Fine Arts Center Endowment.
UB ART GALLERY, Center for the Arts presents:
Noncommittal: A Prospective Glance
(Selections from Department of Visual Studies' Senior Thesis 2008)
November 13, 2008 through February 7, 2009
Buffalo, N.Y.—The UB Art Gallery is proud to present Noncommittal: A Prospective Glance, a group exhibition featuring three recent graduates from the Department of Visual Studies at the University at Buffalo: Chris Bettencourt, Christine Goerss and Colin Griffin. This exhibition, an inaugural collaboration between the UB Art Gallery and the Department of Visual Studies, opens with a public reception in the Second Floor Gallery on Thursday, November 13, 2008 from 5 to 7pm. Formal remarks by Bruce D. McCombe, Dean of UB College of Arts and Sciences at 5:30 pm. The artists will be in attendance.
UB Art Gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday 11 AM to 5 PM with extended hours on Thursday until 7 PM. For information, please call 716-645-6912. The installation, which is free and open to the public, will be on view in the Second Floor Gallery through February 7, 2009.
Baby Books: Chris Bettencourt received her BFA from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 2008 with a concentration in Emerging Practices. Her work utilizes a variety of media, and through the frequent use of satire concentrates on personal aspects of wider social issues. As Bettencourt anticipates the birth of her first child, she finds herself overcome with fears. Some of them are rational, some of them are not. For Baby Books, she categorized her fears, keeping only the ones she felt were widely experienced by expectant parents such as abnormalities that are undetectable by prenatal scans and the hazards of a un-baby-proofed house.
Neoplasticisms: Christine Goerss was born and raised in Buffalo, New York where she completed double degrees at the State University of New York at Buffalo in May 2008, receiving a BFA in Visual Studies and a BA in Art History. Goerss's interest in art history is visible in her artwork as she clashes concepts from the past with new materials and meaning. Neoplasticisms refers back to the art movement of the same name while looking ahead to suggest that there is a new plasticity that underlies the structure of our material world. The different types of assemblages Goerss arranges examine the way color and shape as previous essential forms have been trumped by byproducts of consumption. Central to her work is the collection and manipulation of material waste as it represents consequences of the existence that we have built up around us. The artist uses littered boxes, bags, and junk mail to reflect the imaginary concepts of branding, corporate identity, and credit, while her unsecured modular sculptures serve as a reminder that what is built up must eventually come down.
A real if fleeting instance of rapport: Colin Griffin bought his first camera the day after he first set foot in a darkroom, so beguiled was he. It was all so perfect, and so obviously suited to his quiet demeanor and romantic inclinations, that he never looked back. After a while he began experimenting with combining this newfound love with his other passions: storytelling, singing, and playing instruments. He found that he could create moving pictures to tell his stories, and use his own songs to set the mood. This ability to shape an entire world, no matter how brief and idealized it may be, is a powerful one. Griffith is beginning to realize this, is wary of it, but embraces it doggedly. For A real if fleeting instance of rapport, Griffin purchased a Super-8 movie camera. He goes on: “Two, actually. Why not?? I bought the necessary stock and a dozen batteries. I found a lab in Kansas that still processes the type of film I chose. I’ve also written a journal entry that is fictional, though parts of it bear a not insubstantial likeness to journal entries that are nonfictional. I began recording myself playing borrowed instruments with a borrowed microphone, and drew many little drawings that look perhaps like the second of a ten step “how to draw” lesson. I’ve talked to a number of people about this project, without ever really telling them very much about it at all. Each time I do, however, I learn a little bit more about why I do what I do. I’m just not going to tell you….”
The UB Art Gallery is located in the Center for the Arts on the North Campus just north of the I290 on Millersport Highway. Traveling east or west on the I-290 takeexit 5B to Millersport Highway North. Turn onto the campus at the Coventry entrance. As you enter the campus, the Center for the Arts is a high gabled white building directly ahead of you.
After 3 PM and on weekends, parking is free and a permit is not required. During all other times, guests must park in metered spaces, visitor parking lots, or obtain a parking permit from UB Art Gallery staff. In order to obtain a parking permit, temporarily park in the circle in front of the Center for the Arts and see a gallery attendant inside.
Organized by the UB Art Galleries with generous support form the Department of Visual Studies. The exhibition is accompanied by a catalogue featuring essays by Jennifer Griffith, Anna Kuehl and Megan Leight, graduate students in the Department of Visual Studies with art history concentrations.
The UB Art Gallery is funded by the UB College of Arts Sciences, the Visual Arts Building Fund, the Seymour H. Knox Foundation Fine Arts Fund, and the Fine Arts Center Endowment.
UB Anderson Gallery Arts presents Harvey Breverman, Bruce Jackson and Terri Katz-Kasimov
October 18, 2008 through January 18, 2009
Buffalo, N.Y.— The UB Anderson Gallery is pleased to present Harvey Breverman, Bruce Jackson, Terri Katz-Kasimov in a group exhibition featuring paintings, drawings, collages, prints & photographs inspired by the life and works of Raymond Federman.
Federman@80, the special exhibition which opened at UB Anderson Gallery in conjunction with the day-long critical symposium and celebration, Federman@80: From Surfiction to Critifiction (which took place at UB and Medaille College on October 18, 2008) continues through January 18, 2009, concurrent with the main gallery exhibition Ode to Michael Goldberg (1924–2007): Selective Thievery & The Practice of Looking.
Federman@80, which takes up the Anderson Gallery’s entire second floor, including the atrium, features a large selection of large paintings and drawings, small prints, and sketchbook reproductions by Harvey Breverman portraying Federman (alone and with other international literary figures who have passed through Buffalo); a selection of Bruce Jackson’s photographs of Federman (also, in some cases, with other literary figures, such as Michel Foucault and Leslie Fiedler), taken between 1971–1997; and the entire Federman Series created by Terri Katz-Kasimov in collaboration with the author and first exhibited at the Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University in 2000.
Both Breverman (a SUNY Distinguished Professor, now retired from teaching but still active as an exhibiting artist) and Jackson (SUNY Distinguished Professor and Samuel P. Capen Chair in American Culture) were long-time colleagues of Federman’s on the faculty of UB, where Federman (b. 1928) was himself a Distinguished Professor and held the Melodia E. Jones Chair of Romance Languages.
Several of Breverman’s works now on view in Federman@80 were first exhibited at the UB Anderson Gallery as part of the artist’s major 2004 retrospective Harvey Breverman: Humanist Impulses. Jackson (an author, filmmaker, and scholar, as well as photographer) contributed an essay to the extensive catalogue for that exhibition entitled “Breverman as Impresario, Breverman as Jew.”
Katz-Kasimov’s Federman Series is based on Federman’s 1979 The Voice in the Closet that tells his personal story of escaping the French militia and the German Gestapo at age 14, when he was shoved into a closet by his mother. When he came out, his family was gone, and he was left on his own to survive. According the artist’s statement from her web site (terrikatzkasimov.com), “The mixed media collages of this series are based on the writings of Raymond Federman…a Holocaust survivor whose family was exterminated at Auschwitz. His numerous post-modernist novels and poems, published in fourteen languages, are inspired by his life. We have collaborated closely and I [was] privileged to have access to Federman’s manuscripts as well as precious French and German documents and memorabilia pertaining to the fate of his family. Copies of this material are incorporated in my artwork. The paintings are an attempt to interpret one person's story of an incredibly horrific time that is impossible to comprehend.”
Now retired from teaching but writing and publishing prolifically in San Diego, California, Raymond Federman lived in Buffalo for thirty years, where he taught creative writing, comparative literature, and English (especially the oeuvre of his special subject and personal friend Samuel Beckett) at UB. He is the author of numerous novels, books of poetry and short prose, and critical studies, many of which have been widely translated and published in Europe as well as North America. His novels include Double or Nothing (1971), Amer Eldorado (1974), Take It or Leave It (1976), The Voice in the Closet (1979), The Twofold Vibration (1982), the American Book Award-winning Smiles on Washington Square (A Love Story of Sorts) (1985), To Whom It May Concern (1990), La Fourrure de ma Tante Rachel (novel in French, 1996), Aunt Rachel’s Furs (in English, 2001), My Body in Nine Parts (2005), and Return to Manure (2006).
This exhibition was organized by the UB Anderson Gallery, in collaboration with Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center.
UB Anderson Gallery is supported with funds from the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Anderson Gallery Program Fund, and UB Collection Care and Management Endowment Fund.
UB Anderson Gallery, located at One Martha Jackson Place near Englewood and Kenmore, is open Wednesday through Saturday 11am-5pm and Sunday 1-5pm. For more information, please call (716) 829-3754 or contact: Sandra Q. Firmin, Curator, 716-645-0570, sfirmin@buffalo.edu
MicroCosmic
November 13, 2008 through February 7, 2009
Buffalo, N.Y.—The UB Art Gallery is proud to present MicroCosmic, an exploration of the permanent collection of the UB Art Galleries. MicroCosmic opens with a public reception in the First Floor Gallery on Thursday, November 13, 2008 from 5 to 7pm. The exhibition is co-curated by Sandra Q. Firmin and Robert Scalise.
UB Art Gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday 11 AM to 5 PM with extended hours on Thursday until 7 PM. For information, please call 716-645-6912. The installation, which is free and open to the public, will be on view in the First Floor Gallery through February 7, 2009. The UB Art Gallery will be closed for winter session, December 9, 2008 through January 10, 2009 and will reopen on Tuesday January 13, 2009.
MicroCosmic is a metaphysical journey, transporting viewers into fantastic realms. Shadowy landscapes, tumultuous and serene waters, a freefall tumble towards earth, and the threshold between microscopic scrutiny of organic matter and the long distance views inherent in cosmic wonder can be experienced in this group exhibition. Albert Pinkham Ryder once asked: “Have you ever seen an inchworm crawl up a leaf or a twig, and then, clinging to the very end, revolve in the air, feeling for something, to reach something? That's like me. I am trying to find something out there beyond the place on which I have footing.” The paintings, sculpture, prints and photography in this exhibition espouse this tenuous, yet adventuresome, point of view, beginning with a shadowy landscape by Ryder from 1881 that borders on atmospheric abstraction. Abstract paintings and prints by Mark Tobey are grounded in the ecological world while Charlie Clough’s relate more to the nebulae of outer space. In representational artworks by Roy De Forest and Salvador Dali mountains and clouds shape shift into animal forms. Elsewhere, Allan D’Arcangelo’s softly drawn road barriers are elevated into pulsating star-like constellations and Lita Albuquerque’s cast shadows on the Mojave Desert become performative gestures that produce what she refers to as terrestrial paintings.
Featured artists: Lita Albuquerque, Elaine Breiger, Charles Clough, Robert Winthrop Chanler, Salvador Dali, Elisha Davis, Roy De Forest, Allan D’Arcangelo, Thomas Eakins, Harold Eugene Edgerton, Phillip Elliott, Sam Francis, Dennis Oppenheim, Sam Richardson, James Rosenquist, Albert Pinkham Ryder, Tom Parish, Josep Guinovart, Gary Nickard, Clayton Pond, Robert Rauschenberg, Frank Roth, Tatino (Joaquin Ribes), Mark Tobey, Martha Visser't Hooft and Tino Zago.
The UB Art Gallery is located in the Center for the Arts on the North Campus just north of the I290 on Millersport Highway. Traveling east or west on the I-290 takeexit 5B to Millersport Highway North. Turn onto the campus at the Coventry entrance. As you enter the campus, the Center for the Arts is a high gabled white building directly ahead of you.
After 3 PM and on weekends, parking is free and a permit is not required. During all other times, guests must park in metered spaces, visitor parking lots, or obtain a parking permit from UB Art Gallery staff. In order to obtain a parking permit, temporarily park in the circle in front of the Center for the Arts and see a gallery attendant inside.
The UB Art Gallery is funded by the UB College of Arts Sciences, the Visual Arts Building Fund, the Seymour H. Knox Foundation Fine Arts Fund, and the Fine Arts Center Endowment.
UB ART GALLERY, Center for the Arts presents:
Noncommittal: A Prospective Glance
(Selections from Department of Visual Studies' Senior Thesis 2008)
November 13, 2008 through February 7, 2009
Buffalo, N.Y.—The UB Art Gallery is proud to present Noncommittal: A Prospective Glance, a group exhibition featuring three recent graduates from the Department of Visual Studies at the University at Buffalo: Chris Bettencourt, Christine Goerss and Colin Griffin. This exhibition, an inaugural collaboration between the UB Art Gallery and the Department of Visual Studies, opens with a public reception in the Second Floor Gallery on Thursday, November 13, 2008 from 5 to 7pm. Formal remarks by Bruce D. McCombe, Dean of UB College of Arts and Sciences at 5:30 pm. The artists will be in attendance.
UB Art Gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday 11 AM to 5 PM with extended hours on Thursday until 7 PM. For information, please call 716-645-6912. The installation, which is free and open to the public, will be on view in the Second Floor Gallery through February 7, 2009.
Baby Books: Chris Bettencourt received her BFA from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 2008 with a concentration in Emerging Practices. Her work utilizes a variety of media, and through the frequent use of satire concentrates on personal aspects of wider social issues. As Bettencourt anticipates the birth of her first child, she finds herself overcome with fears. Some of them are rational, some of them are not. For Baby Books, she categorized her fears, keeping only the ones she felt were widely experienced by expectant parents such as abnormalities that are undetectable by prenatal scans and the hazards of a un-baby-proofed house.
Neoplasticisms: Christine Goerss was born and raised in Buffalo, New York where she completed double degrees at the State University of New York at Buffalo in May 2008, receiving a BFA in Visual Studies and a BA in Art History. Goerss's interest in art history is visible in her artwork as she clashes concepts from the past with new materials and meaning. Neoplasticisms refers back to the art movement of the same name while looking ahead to suggest that there is a new plasticity that underlies the structure of our material world. The different types of assemblages Goerss arranges examine the way color and shape as previous essential forms have been trumped by byproducts of consumption. Central to her work is the collection and manipulation of material waste as it represents consequences of the existence that we have built up around us. The artist uses littered boxes, bags, and junk mail to reflect the imaginary concepts of branding, corporate identity, and credit, while her unsecured modular sculptures serve as a reminder that what is built up must eventually come down.
A real if fleeting instance of rapport: Colin Griffin bought his first camera the day after he first set foot in a darkroom, so beguiled was he. It was all so perfect, and so obviously suited to his quiet demeanor and romantic inclinations, that he never looked back. After a while he began experimenting with combining this newfound love with his other passions: storytelling, singing, and playing instruments. He found that he could create moving pictures to tell his stories, and use his own songs to set the mood. This ability to shape an entire world, no matter how brief and idealized it may be, is a powerful one. Griffith is beginning to realize this, is wary of it, but embraces it doggedly. For A real if fleeting instance of rapport, Griffin purchased a Super-8 movie camera. He goes on: “Two, actually. Why not?? I bought the necessary stock and a dozen batteries. I found a lab in Kansas that still processes the type of film I chose. I’ve also written a journal entry that is fictional, though parts of it bear a not insubstantial likeness to journal entries that are nonfictional. I began recording myself playing borrowed instruments with a borrowed microphone, and drew many little drawings that look perhaps like the second of a ten step “how to draw” lesson. I’ve talked to a number of people about this project, without ever really telling them very much about it at all. Each time I do, however, I learn a little bit more about why I do what I do. I’m just not going to tell you….”
The UB Art Gallery is located in the Center for the Arts on the North Campus just north of the I290 on Millersport Highway. Traveling east or west on the I-290 takeexit 5B to Millersport Highway North. Turn onto the campus at the Coventry entrance. As you enter the campus, the Center for the Arts is a high gabled white building directly ahead of you.
After 3 PM and on weekends, parking is free and a permit is not required. During all other times, guests must park in metered spaces, visitor parking lots, or obtain a parking permit from UB Art Gallery staff. In order to obtain a parking permit, temporarily park in the circle in front of the Center for the Arts and see a gallery attendant inside.
Organized by the UB Art Galleries with generous support form the Department of Visual Studies. The exhibition is accompanied by a catalogue featuring essays by Jennifer Griffith, Anna Kuehl and Megan Leight, graduate students in the Department of Visual Studies with art history concentrations.
The UB Art Gallery is funded by the UB College of Arts Sciences, the Visual Arts Building Fund, the Seymour H. Knox Foundation Fine Arts Fund, and the Fine Arts Center Endowment.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Chautauqua Suites: a great place to get away to
I attended a meeting last week at the Chautauqua Inn and Suites and was really impressed with what I saw. The AAA Diamond Hotel, which overlooks Chautauqua Lake, has 91 guest rooms, including several two-room suites. I had a tour of the facility and the guest rooms looked nice, as did the banquet facility and restaurant. The food was really good too. I think that this would make a great place for a mini-vacation or weekend getaway any time of year.
They're located at 215 West Lake Road, Mayville. For more information call 716-269-7829 or e-mail stay@chautauquasuites.com
They're located at 215 West Lake Road, Mayville. For more information call 716-269-7829 or e-mail stay@chautauquasuites.com
Halloween trick or treat at Amherst Museum
Children ages 3 – 10 will trick-or-treat at the Amherst Museum’s gently spooky, historic buildings Friday, October 24 and Saturday, October 25. Each of the buildings will be decorated, but not frightening, for Halloween. Costumed volunteers will hand out candy and prizes to the children as they follow the route around the grounds. Children and their parents will finish trick-or-treating with refreshments. This is a popular annual event and tickets sell out quickly.
Admission is $4 for Adults, $7.00 for Children and reservations are required. Call 716-689-1440 for information and tickets.
The Museum is open to the public Tuesday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. Open year-round, Amherst Museum is located at 3755 Tonawanda Creek Road, corner of New Road, in Amherst, midway between Buffalo and Niagara Falls. The Museum is just minutes from I-990 or Millersport and Transit Road. Visit the Museum at www.amherstmuseum.org .
Amherst Museum
3755 Tonawanda Creek Road
Amherst, NY 14228
Phone: (716) 689-1440
Fax: (716) 689-1409
Admission is $4 for Adults, $7.00 for Children and reservations are required. Call 716-689-1440 for information and tickets.
The Museum is open to the public Tuesday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. Open year-round, Amherst Museum is located at 3755 Tonawanda Creek Road, corner of New Road, in Amherst, midway between Buffalo and Niagara Falls. The Museum is just minutes from I-990 or Millersport and Transit Road. Visit the Museum at www.amherstmuseum.org .
Amherst Museum
3755 Tonawanda Creek Road
Amherst, NY 14228
Phone: (716) 689-1440
Fax: (716) 689-1409
Queen of Bingo at Fredonia Opera
Here's another press release for an event at the Fredonia Opera House.
The Queen of Bingo is a Real Hoot! –
Zany, Interactive Comedy to Play Fredonia Opera House
FREDONIA – In the tradition of the hilarious Harvey Korman/Tim Conway sketches from the classic “Carol Burnett Show,” the 1891 Fredonia Opera House will present the hit stage comedy The Queen of Bingo, hailed as a real “hoot” by the “Sacramento News and Review,” on Friday, Oct. 24, at 8 p.m.
Sis and Babe are two sisters “on the other side of 50,” who want to add a little zest, fun and excitement to their lives … but where to find it? BINGO! Sis is a good loser who just loves to play; Babe is a player who must always win. Sis is fit and trim; Babe fights the battle of the bulge. Sis is a widow; Babe is still looking for love. Together, these seemingly opposite siblings will keep you in stitches.
In this interactive comedy the audience gets to join in on the fun during the “Middle Bird Special” – a real Bingo game where one lucky audience member wins a 10-pound frozen turkey! Theatergoers of all ages will howl with laughter as two zany guys (portraying two crazy gals) light up the stage in this madcap comedy hit.
Written by Jeanne Michels and Phyllis Murphy, “The Queen of Bingo” had its world premiere in November 1993 at Chicago’s Buckingham Theatre and opened off-Broadway at the Greenwich House Theatre in November 1996. The show began a national tour in October 2004 which continues through the Opera House performance and beyond.
Shane Partlow, who plays Sis, has been starring in “The Queen of Bingo’s” national tour for the past two seasons. He also has appeared in numerous notable stage productions including “Superzeros” with Noah Wylie’s Blank Theatre Company and “The Sunshine Boys” starring Dick Van Patten & Frank Gorshin at Garry Marshall’s Falcon Theatre. He also has the distinction of playing “Roper” in 22 separate productions of “The Will Rogers Follies” with such stars as John Schneider, Tom Wopat, Perry Stephens and John Davidson.
Partlow also has appeared on television on the hit series “Will & Grace” and “Gilmore Girls.” His feature film work includes roles in the low-budget cult classic “Beauty Queen Butcher” and more recently in “Princess Diaries 2” and in “Georgia Rule” with Jane Fonda and directed by Garry Marshall.
Rowan Joseph stars as Babe. Joseph has worked with seven Academy Award-winning best actors during the course of his diverse career, including Anthony Hopkins, Kevin Spacey, Holly Hunter, Geraldine Page, F. Murray Abraham, Julie Andrews and the legendary Katharine Hepburn. His off-Broadway credits include Soroyan’s “The Time of Your Life” and Gorky’s “Children of the Sun” at the Mirror Repertory Company and in the New York premiere of “The Queen of Bingo.” In Los Angeles, he has played in the Falcon Theatre production of “An Evening with Jack Klugman.” He made his big screen debut as used car salesman Ralphy Newman in the feature film “Raising Helen” starring Kate Hudson. He also played Lord Periot in Disney’s box office hit “The Princess Diaries 2.” On television, he has played guest-starring roles on “Gilmore Girls,” “Arrest & Trial” and “Boston Legal.
Variety calls “The Queen of Bingo” a “terrific group outing, suitable for the entire family!” and says “the laughs are plenty.” The Chicago Tribune calls it “a 90-minute charmer!” Tickets to this one night only-comedy are selling fast at $22 Reserved Seating ($20 for seniors and $18 for Opera House members). Tickets may be purchased in person at the Opera House Box Office or by phone at 716/679-1891 Tuesday through Friday, 1-5 p.m. and Saturday, 2-5 p.m. They also may be purchased online any time at www.fredopera.org.
This performance is part of the DFT Communications Spotlight Series, sponsored by DFT Communications. It also is made possible, in part, with public funds from NYSCA, a state agency, and the United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County.
Chautauqua County’s only year-round performing arts center, the 1891 Fredonia Opera House is a member-supported not-for-profit organization located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. A complete schedule of events is available at www.fredopera.org
The Queen of Bingo is a Real Hoot! –
Zany, Interactive Comedy to Play Fredonia Opera House
FREDONIA – In the tradition of the hilarious Harvey Korman/Tim Conway sketches from the classic “Carol Burnett Show,” the 1891 Fredonia Opera House will present the hit stage comedy The Queen of Bingo, hailed as a real “hoot” by the “Sacramento News and Review,” on Friday, Oct. 24, at 8 p.m.
Sis and Babe are two sisters “on the other side of 50,” who want to add a little zest, fun and excitement to their lives … but where to find it? BINGO! Sis is a good loser who just loves to play; Babe is a player who must always win. Sis is fit and trim; Babe fights the battle of the bulge. Sis is a widow; Babe is still looking for love. Together, these seemingly opposite siblings will keep you in stitches.
In this interactive comedy the audience gets to join in on the fun during the “Middle Bird Special” – a real Bingo game where one lucky audience member wins a 10-pound frozen turkey! Theatergoers of all ages will howl with laughter as two zany guys (portraying two crazy gals) light up the stage in this madcap comedy hit.
Written by Jeanne Michels and Phyllis Murphy, “The Queen of Bingo” had its world premiere in November 1993 at Chicago’s Buckingham Theatre and opened off-Broadway at the Greenwich House Theatre in November 1996. The show began a national tour in October 2004 which continues through the Opera House performance and beyond.
Shane Partlow, who plays Sis, has been starring in “The Queen of Bingo’s” national tour for the past two seasons. He also has appeared in numerous notable stage productions including “Superzeros” with Noah Wylie’s Blank Theatre Company and “The Sunshine Boys” starring Dick Van Patten & Frank Gorshin at Garry Marshall’s Falcon Theatre. He also has the distinction of playing “Roper” in 22 separate productions of “The Will Rogers Follies” with such stars as John Schneider, Tom Wopat, Perry Stephens and John Davidson.
Partlow also has appeared on television on the hit series “Will & Grace” and “Gilmore Girls.” His feature film work includes roles in the low-budget cult classic “Beauty Queen Butcher” and more recently in “Princess Diaries 2” and in “Georgia Rule” with Jane Fonda and directed by Garry Marshall.
Rowan Joseph stars as Babe. Joseph has worked with seven Academy Award-winning best actors during the course of his diverse career, including Anthony Hopkins, Kevin Spacey, Holly Hunter, Geraldine Page, F. Murray Abraham, Julie Andrews and the legendary Katharine Hepburn. His off-Broadway credits include Soroyan’s “The Time of Your Life” and Gorky’s “Children of the Sun” at the Mirror Repertory Company and in the New York premiere of “The Queen of Bingo.” In Los Angeles, he has played in the Falcon Theatre production of “An Evening with Jack Klugman.” He made his big screen debut as used car salesman Ralphy Newman in the feature film “Raising Helen” starring Kate Hudson. He also played Lord Periot in Disney’s box office hit “The Princess Diaries 2.” On television, he has played guest-starring roles on “Gilmore Girls,” “Arrest & Trial” and “Boston Legal.
Variety calls “The Queen of Bingo” a “terrific group outing, suitable for the entire family!” and says “the laughs are plenty.” The Chicago Tribune calls it “a 90-minute charmer!” Tickets to this one night only-comedy are selling fast at $22 Reserved Seating ($20 for seniors and $18 for Opera House members). Tickets may be purchased in person at the Opera House Box Office or by phone at 716/679-1891 Tuesday through Friday, 1-5 p.m. and Saturday, 2-5 p.m. They also may be purchased online any time at www.fredopera.org.
This performance is part of the DFT Communications Spotlight Series, sponsored by DFT Communications. It also is made possible, in part, with public funds from NYSCA, a state agency, and the United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County.
Chautauqua County’s only year-round performing arts center, the 1891 Fredonia Opera House is a member-supported not-for-profit organization located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. A complete schedule of events is available at www.fredopera.org
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