Buffalo NY Best of WNY Band, Music and Entertainment Event News

2 Time Grammy Nominated Jerry Darlak & The TOUCH

Performance Schedule:
For more information visit our web site : http://www.jerrydarlakandthetouchcom/

The First National Blues Festival sponsored by Toyota & the Western New York Blues Society. Hosted at Creekside Banquet Facility Cheektowaga, NY March 9th & 10th. For more information please go to www.bluesnmarch.com.

2 Days, 2 Stages of National Acts

• Roomful of Blues
• Kelley Hunt
• Jimmy Thackery & the Drivers
• Willie “Big Eyes” Smith
• Joe Filisko
• Patti Parks Band - Winner of the 2006 Memphis Bound Competition
• Eden “Little Boogaloo” Brent
• Cephas and Wiggins
• T. Broussard & the Zydeco Steppers
• Sharrie Williams & the Wise Guys

Venue Presents Three Sessions of Art Camp, One Session of Theater Camp! (Lewiston, NY)

Artpark is opening enrollment immediately for its 2007 schedule of professionally-instructed, interactive children’s summer art and theater camps. Each of Artpark’s quartet of week-long workshops – which includes three sessions of Art Camp (July 9-13, July 16-20 and July 30-August 4) and one session of Theater Camp (July 23-27) – offers children an opportunity to enhance their creativity, imagination and technique in an inspirational summertime environment. All Artpark camps include a theater performance/art show on the final day in front of family and friends, are limited to children ages 9-14, and cost $200.

Heading Artpark’s Theater Camp for the second consecutive year is Dina Sarno Slawson, the artistic director/owner of Williamsville’s award-winning Academy of Theatre Arts. Slawson has effectively incorporated over 20 years of experience in producing theater for children and young adults into a wonderful week-long program which exposes campers to everything from costume design to script writing. Kids will perform scenes and musical numbers from Broadway shows which provides an air of professionalism and familiarity, while lending a launching pad for creativity. Singing, dancing and improvisational games are playful, entertaining ways to build confidence and make new friends. Theater Camp is ideal for any aspiring thespian or simply for any youngster who enjoys playing make-believe and desires an audience.

Artpark’s portfolio of Art Camps receives an infusion of fresh ideas this year as Tanis Winslow takes over the reigns as Artpark’s Park Programs Director. Winslow, a graduate of SUNY Purchase who has recently interned at prestigious New York City area art galleries such as the Luhring Augustine Gallery and the Bonni Benrubi Gallery, has applied her well-rounded artistic background towards designing a camp itinerary that integrates core artistic endeavors such as painting, drawing and clay work with new and exciting projects like textiles, assemblages and cyanotype. Art campers will be welcome to take their works with them at the end of the week, so that they may be displayed at home.

Enrollment is limited as one-on-one instruction is emphasized. For an informational brochure and registration form, call the Artpark Box Office at (716) 754-4375 or go online to www.artpark.net.

Lakeside Blues Band Upcoming Gigs
Saturday February 24th the band will be entertaining at the Elks' Lodge in Niagara Falls, NY this Saturday for their installation dinner. Friday March 23rd, we'll be at Players (328 Niagara Street Niagara Falls, NY 14303) from 7-11 PM. This is a great place to hang out after work and it's nearby Seneca Niagara Casino, for a great night out !!==========================================
FRIDAY February 23rd we're at The Vineyard Inn (383 Davison Road Lockport, NY 14094 716-434-8444). This is always an outstanding night with the wine, the fireplace and great, great food ! And of course, mixing your favorite martini (or whatever),the incomperable Tommy Barber ! We'll see you..................
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Having a Party or Event?
Keep the Lakeside Blues Band or Lakeside Blues Duo in mind for your upcoming event! Whether it's a backyard get-together or a company holiday party, whatever, make it memorable by having the Lakeside Blues Band or Lakeside Blues Duo a part of it. Concert Sound and Lighting rentals are also available.For booking information, call (716) 751-6980 (evening/weekend) or go to:http://www.lakesidebluesband.com/Book-the-Band.html
Lakeside Blues Band: Tom Keefer: Vocals/Guitar/Keyboards Stan Tryninewski: Vocals/Keyboards/Percussion John Lynch: Vocals/Drums Norman Bock: Bass Guitar
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Lakeside Blues Duo: Tom Keefer: Vocals/Guitar/Keyboards Stan Tryninewski: Vocals/Keyboards/Percussion Nominated For 2005 & 2006 Buffalo Music Awards
http://www.lakesidebluesband.com/http://www.lochsidecelticband.com/

Naughty Dawg will be performing at:
Friday, February 16th
Buckin' Buffalo Saloon
294Franklin Street, Buffalo
9 - 1 AM - Country

Naughty Dawg will be performing at:
Saturday, February 17th
Rough Kutts
5 Park Avenue, South Dayton
9 - 1 AM - Rock

February 2007 Dates
Friday February 9th
CK Entertainment Inc. & DotCom Ent.Present:
Winter LoveThe Pre-Valentines Day AffairPerforming
Live:The World Famous Black Revue!Doors at 8pm/Show 9pm/ 21+
Tickets on sale now at all Ticketmaster locations, charge by phone 852-5000, Doris Records, the Tralf Box Office, or BUY NOW!
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Saturday February 10th
The Maria Aurigema Blues Band Featuring Mike Fitzpatrick, Gary Kendall, Mike Fonfara
8pm doors/9pm show/21+$10
Tickets available at all Ticktmaster locations, charge by phone 852-5000, New World Record, or BUY NOW!
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Friday February 16th
WBLK Cupid Jam II
American Idol Ruben Studdardwith Special Guest Jazz Man Will Holton
7pm doors/8pm show$20.00 per person*Lite Buffet available for additional charge*
Tickets available at all Ticketmaster locations, charge by phone 852-5000, or BUY NOW!
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Stone Row will perform at the Great Guinness Toast on Friday, February 16th at the Buffalo Irish Center, 245 Abbott Road in South Buffalo. Stone Row will take the stage at 7 PM. This has always been a truly memorable event and proceeds directly benefit the BIC renovation fund. An official press release follows:

GUINNESS TOAST FEST
On Friday, February 16 starting at 7PM,the Buffalo Irish Center will Host its annual Guinness Toast Fest. Entertainment will be provided by: Penny Whiskey , Dustmen, Stone Row, The Leftovers, Seanache, Mullingar, Poor Ould Goat, Rince na Tiarna Dancers and Woodgate Dancers.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Center’s renovation fund. Basket raffles and door prizes will add to the fun. Food will be available for purchase and Chinese auctions and door prizes
The highlight of the evening is the annual Guinness Toast held at 11PM all over the World.
Doors open at 6:00PM
Tickets are available at the Tara Gift Shoppe, 250 Abbott Rd. Pre-sale : $10.00 At Door: $12.00

Also, later that same evening, Stone Row will perform at Shogun Restaurant, 7590 Transit Road in Williamsville. This is an amazing Japanese restaurant located adjacent to the old Hennessey's. If last month's outrageous show was any indication, this will become a regular event. Many fans, both old and new, were treated to an evening of solid musical entertainment and good fun. This establishment serves first rate food including sushi, sake and of course the incredibly theatrical hibatchi table preperation. The lounge area is spacious and very conducive to a great night out. The show begins at 9:00 PM.

Elton John & Tim Rice’s AIDA Features Cast of Many Ethnicities

(Lewiston, NY) Artpark & Company, Inc. is pleased to announce auditions for their 2007 Mainstage Season production of Elton John & Tim Rice's AIDA.

Local auditions will be held on Saturday, February 17 from 9am-3pm at Alleyway Theatre. Singers, dancers, and actors of all ethnicities, AGE 18 and older are sought. An accompanist will be provided and it is recommended that actors bring sheet music.

Callbacks will be held on Sunday, February 18. Appointments are mandatory to audition. To schedule an appointment, please call 754-9000 ext. 242 on February 14, 15 or 16 between 9am and 11am.

There are NO CHILDREN'S AUDITIONS for this production.

Artpark remains one of the area's few highly-recognized performing arts centers to fully-produce all of its own theatrical shows, from casting to set design, to direction and choreography.

From “Ain't She Sweet” to “Walk On By,” Uptown plays unique blend of pop standards for appreciative audiences Buffalo, N.Y. (February 8, 2007)

Uptown is a new band in the Buffalo area playing music from the 1920s through the 1960s. Featuring Mark Weber on vocals, his dad, Joe, on vibes, and Jim Mosier on the digital piano, Uptown started in June 2006, and has already had a steady string of gigs, especially at adult care facilities like Orchard Heights and Orchard Brooke in Orchard Park, Garden Gate in Cheektowaga, St. Elizabeth’s in Lancaster, Brothers of Mercy in Clarence, and Beechwood, Asbury Pointe, and the Weinberg Campus in Getzville. Uptown also played outdoor, three-hour sets at the Blocher Homes family picnic in Williamsville and Cheektowaga Family Days in Cheektowaga Town Park this past summer.

“I really didn’t expect to be singing the classic American songbook in public,” says Mark Weber, the young one in the group. “One day, I was visiting my parents in East Amherst when my dad was practicing music with Jim, the guy who tuned our piano. I sang the words to a song they were playing as I was casually walking by, and my dad said I should join them on a few more tunes. Our casual rehearsals evolved into what has since become Uptown.”

One of the main reasons Uptown has gained popularity among seniors in the region involves its versatility.

“For some places, Uptown just provides ‘background music,’” says Weber, “but for most gigs, audiences are getting a very entertaining, engaging show that involves them singing along, dancing, answering trivia questions, and hearing my dad’s jokes and stories.”

Besides being versatile, Uptown is an unusual band for several reasons.

“First of all, not too many bands feature a father and son making music together,” says Weber. “Next, you rarely see the vibraphone (vibes) played in public anymore, so when my dad brings his ‘jazz xylophone’ to gigs, people are always fascinated by that. Also, Jim, the piano player, has a digital piano that also includes a way to add both the bass and drum sounds, so Uptown offers a fuller sound than most bands. Finally, the group is not afraid to tackle really different sounding songs—not too many bands around here can or would play Dionne Warwick’s ‘Walk On By’ followed by Dean Martin’s ‘Volare.’"

Some of the other songs Uptown features include: “When I Fall In Love,” “You Took Advantage Of Me,” “Ain’t She Sweet,” “Bye, Bye Blackbird,” “All Of Me,” “The Lady Is A Tramp,” “Fly Me To The Moon,” “Dream A Little Dream Of Me,” “Old Cape Cod,” “Till There Was You,” and “Five Foot Two.”

Uptown is now scheduling future gigs. They will travel to places within Erie and Niagara Counties, bringing their own equipment with them (excluding lighting). If you would like to book Uptown, please email Mark Weber at primopr716@juno.com with your event date/time/details and/or call Jim Mosier at 716-631-5129.