Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Artpark Lassos Blue Rodeo!
Canadian Favorites Headline June 12 “Tuesday in the Park!”
(Lewiston, NY) They may not have a name as readily recognizable as the Barenaked Ladies or receive as much regional radio airplay as the Tragically Hip, yet fellow Ontarians Blue Rodeo have carved out quite an impressive career that includes eight Juno Awards and several platinum-selling albums. The band, which like the Hip has a devoted following in the region, will headline Artpark’s “First Niagara Tuesday in the Park” free outdoor concert series on June 12. All of Artpark’s free concert events include hands-on art workshops for children and begin at 6:30pm.
Formed in Toronto in the early 1980s by frontmen Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor, Blue Rodeo’s debut album, Outskirts, was an instant smash hit in Canada , selling over 200,000 copies and featuring the hits singles “Try,” “Outskirts of Love” and “Day After Day.” The band’s 1989 follow-up, Diamond Mine , sold even better and garnered the first of several Juno Awards for the band. That same year, they appeared in the Meryl Streep film Postcards From the Edge.
The 1990s brought more success for Blue Rodeo as they made a conscientious effort to sell more records in the United States. From ’90-’94, the band released a trio of albums – Casino, Lost Together and Five Days in July – which introduced several fan favorites including “Til I Am Myself Again,” “Trust Yourself,” “After the Rain,” “5 Days in May,” “Bad Timing,” “Dark Angel” and “Lost Together.” In the years since, Blue Rodeo has gone on to release a number of acclaimed records, both collectively and individually.
Blue Rodeo’s current lineup includes original members Cuddy (lead vocals/guitar), Keelor (lead vocals/guitar/drums) and Bazil Donovan (bass), along with drummer Glenn Milchem (who joined the band in 1991) and steel guitarist Bob Egan (2000).
Artpark’s June 12 concert event with Blue Rodeo is sponsored by Leisure Living.
The “First Niagara Tuesday in the Park” concert series is also sponsored by Certo Brothers Distributing Company, Sevenson Environmental Services, Modern Corporations, Hard Rock Café – Niagara Falls (USA), S&S Lawn Services, Tim Horton’s, Pine Pharmacy and DiMino’s Lewiston Tops. Children’s art activities are sponsored by the New York Power Authority.
Artpark’s Outdoor Amphitheater can be accessed via the Upper Park’s Portage Road entrance off of Center Street or through South Fourth Street nearest the Mainstage Theater.
Carry-ins (food and beverages) are prohibited at all of Artpark’s free concert events but concertgoers are welcome to bring lawn chairs.
For more information, access the Artpark website at http://www.artpark.net or call the Artpark Box Office at (716) 754-4375.
The Earl W. Brydges Artpark is being operated by Artpark & Company, Inc. for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation under a license agreement.
###
(Lewiston, NY) They may not have a name as readily recognizable as the Barenaked Ladies or receive as much regional radio airplay as the Tragically Hip, yet fellow Ontarians Blue Rodeo have carved out quite an impressive career that includes eight Juno Awards and several platinum-selling albums. The band, which like the Hip has a devoted following in the region, will headline Artpark’s “First Niagara Tuesday in the Park” free outdoor concert series on June 12. All of Artpark’s free concert events include hands-on art workshops for children and begin at 6:30pm.
Formed in Toronto in the early 1980s by frontmen Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor, Blue Rodeo’s debut album, Outskirts, was an instant smash hit in Canada , selling over 200,000 copies and featuring the hits singles “Try,” “Outskirts of Love” and “Day After Day.” The band’s 1989 follow-up, Diamond Mine , sold even better and garnered the first of several Juno Awards for the band. That same year, they appeared in the Meryl Streep film Postcards From the Edge.
The 1990s brought more success for Blue Rodeo as they made a conscientious effort to sell more records in the United States. From ’90-’94, the band released a trio of albums – Casino, Lost Together and Five Days in July – which introduced several fan favorites including “Til I Am Myself Again,” “Trust Yourself,” “After the Rain,” “5 Days in May,” “Bad Timing,” “Dark Angel” and “Lost Together.” In the years since, Blue Rodeo has gone on to release a number of acclaimed records, both collectively and individually.
Blue Rodeo’s current lineup includes original members Cuddy (lead vocals/guitar), Keelor (lead vocals/guitar/drums) and Bazil Donovan (bass), along with drummer Glenn Milchem (who joined the band in 1991) and steel guitarist Bob Egan (2000).
Artpark’s June 12 concert event with Blue Rodeo is sponsored by Leisure Living.
The “First Niagara Tuesday in the Park” concert series is also sponsored by Certo Brothers Distributing Company, Sevenson Environmental Services, Modern Corporations, Hard Rock Café – Niagara Falls (USA), S&S Lawn Services, Tim Horton’s, Pine Pharmacy and DiMino’s Lewiston Tops. Children’s art activities are sponsored by the New York Power Authority.
Artpark’s Outdoor Amphitheater can be accessed via the Upper Park’s Portage Road entrance off of Center Street or through South Fourth Street nearest the Mainstage Theater.
Carry-ins (food and beverages) are prohibited at all of Artpark’s free concert events but concertgoers are welcome to bring lawn chairs.
For more information, access the Artpark website at http://www.artpark.net or call the Artpark Box Office at (716) 754-4375.
The Earl W. Brydges Artpark is being operated by Artpark & Company, Inc. for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation under a license agreement.
###
This Week With The Strangers
The "2007 Summer Outdoor Party with The Band That Keeps the Beer Flowin' & the Party Goin' Tour" really will be heating up this coming weekend with two great places to rock it up with Buffalo's Hottest Party Rock Band, THE STRANGERS !! This will be the last chance to come on out to rock with us for a few weeks, as we have some private parties and Joel's nuptials on the horizon over the next 3 weeks....
Saturday, June 2 looks like a great day for a ride in the country-----so head down the 219 for a little shopping, a little gambling, a little dinner and a little (or a lot of) beer with THE STRANGERS appearing at one of their favorite regular stops for a 5pm-9pm show at: BALLOONS, 20 Monroe St., in the heart of lovely Ellicottville....Ellicottville---it's not just a ski town! (maybe I should work for the Chamber....lol), so remember-----"what happens in E-ville, stays in E-ville!"
On Sunday, June 3, join us for our first chance to get our toes in the sand! Take a big deep breath and breathe in that infamous Lake Erie dead fish smell, stick your face in the beer troth and head to the beach, as THE STRANGERS will be rockin' the patio at the: SOUTH SHORE BEACH CLUB, 8966 Old Lake Shore Road, Angola, from 4pm-8pm...This one is RAIN OR SHINE as that big bar next door has been shut down by the State Liquor Authority for 10 days----the South Shore is the only place to get a cold one!!!
The summer season kicked off last Saturday to a great party at Three Valley Campground in Holland.... though that early morning hot water tank fire almost put a crimp in things, everything went off without a hitch!Thanks to all of our camper friends: Sue & Norm Hartman and guests....from Queen of Heaven, Chris and Nancy....Jim Miller from Alden Hook & Ladder....and everyone else that was there to pitch a tent and pitch back a lot of beer for the holiday weekend!Plus, our own day visitors: Sue and the Sieber clan...Laurie....Debbie and Seaman Peter....Boston Norm and his date Debbie.....and from fresh out of the woods, the independent John Cox....
And, a shout out to One Man Band, Gregg Sansone, from a visit to the South Shore on Memorial Day, where Mitch joined him for a couple of Billy Joel tunes----Thanks Gregg!!
Our next public gigs coming up: FRIDAY, JUNE 29---SUNSET BAY BEACH CLUB, Irving SATURDAY JUNE 30 DOUBLEHEADER---12pm-3PM---ISLAND HAPPENINGS, Grand Island 9:30PM----THE STILLWATER, Buffalo
Don't forget to look for us at these OUTDOOR SHOWS and Beach Clubs during the summer of 2007:
Fri, July 6 at QUEEN OF HEAVEN CARNIVAL, West Seneca
Sat, Aug 4 at TASTE OF LANCASTER BEER TENT
Wed, Aug 8 with That 80's Hair Band at the GATEWAY HARBOR CONCERTS ON THE CANAL SERIES, North Tonawanda...
Tuesday, Aug 14 at Carousel Room Beer Tent at The Erie County Fair...
Sat, June 30 at ISLAND HAPPENINGS, Grand Island.......DOCK AT THE BAY, Blasdell...SOUTH SHORE BEACH CLUB, Angola...SUNSET BAY BEACH CLUB, Irving....
Plus these other great venues throughtout the year: SENECA NIAGARA CASINO, Niagara Falls, NY...DESIDERIO'S, LancasterSENECA ALLEGANY CASINO, Salamanca....TONY ROME'S, W.Seneca. CLUB PARADISE, Blasdell....BALLOONS, Ellicottville...CLUB FUZION, Salamanca...THE STILLWATER, Bflo...SURF CLUB, Bemus Point.....METZGERS PUB, West Seneca...TF BROWN'S SPORTS BAR, Batavia....FIRESIDE INN, Lancaster......BUFFALO SPORTS GARDEN, Orchard Park....ELLICOTTVILLE FALL FEST ...CADILLAC JACKS, Elllicottville... ELLICOTTVILLE DEPOT, Ellicottville....BYRNCLIFF RESORT, Varysburg... GAME TIME SPORTS BAR, Hamburg... and many many more private parties, niteclubs and BIG community events & lawn fetes throughout 2007!!!!
As always, for the latest, check out www.strangersband.com
THE STRANGERS are:
MITCH GAWRYS: lead vocals, bass....
JOEL MARTIN: drums, vocals....
JERRY "Sasquatch" WENDLING: lead guitar, vocals, table climbing & bar walking
PETE GROCHOWSKI: vocals, guitar...
KEN GAVIN as "The Rocket Man" on keys, percussion, vocals, & all-around entertainment value!
Thanks again for all of your continuing support, and we hope to see you soon!!!!
Saturday, June 2 looks like a great day for a ride in the country-----so head down the 219 for a little shopping, a little gambling, a little dinner and a little (or a lot of) beer with THE STRANGERS appearing at one of their favorite regular stops for a 5pm-9pm show at: BALLOONS, 20 Monroe St., in the heart of lovely Ellicottville....Ellicottville---it's not just a ski town! (maybe I should work for the Chamber....lol), so remember-----"what happens in E-ville, stays in E-ville!"
On Sunday, June 3, join us for our first chance to get our toes in the sand! Take a big deep breath and breathe in that infamous Lake Erie dead fish smell, stick your face in the beer troth and head to the beach, as THE STRANGERS will be rockin' the patio at the: SOUTH SHORE BEACH CLUB, 8966 Old Lake Shore Road, Angola, from 4pm-8pm...This one is RAIN OR SHINE as that big bar next door has been shut down by the State Liquor Authority for 10 days----the South Shore is the only place to get a cold one!!!
The summer season kicked off last Saturday to a great party at Three Valley Campground in Holland.... though that early morning hot water tank fire almost put a crimp in things, everything went off without a hitch!Thanks to all of our camper friends: Sue & Norm Hartman and guests....from Queen of Heaven, Chris and Nancy....Jim Miller from Alden Hook & Ladder....and everyone else that was there to pitch a tent and pitch back a lot of beer for the holiday weekend!Plus, our own day visitors: Sue and the Sieber clan...Laurie....Debbie and Seaman Peter....Boston Norm and his date Debbie.....and from fresh out of the woods, the independent John Cox....
And, a shout out to One Man Band, Gregg Sansone, from a visit to the South Shore on Memorial Day, where Mitch joined him for a couple of Billy Joel tunes----Thanks Gregg!!
Our next public gigs coming up: FRIDAY, JUNE 29---SUNSET BAY BEACH CLUB, Irving SATURDAY JUNE 30 DOUBLEHEADER---12pm-3PM---ISLAND HAPPENINGS, Grand Island 9:30PM----THE STILLWATER, Buffalo
Don't forget to look for us at these OUTDOOR SHOWS and Beach Clubs during the summer of 2007:
Fri, July 6 at QUEEN OF HEAVEN CARNIVAL, West Seneca
Sat, Aug 4 at TASTE OF LANCASTER BEER TENT
Wed, Aug 8 with That 80's Hair Band at the GATEWAY HARBOR CONCERTS ON THE CANAL SERIES, North Tonawanda...
Tuesday, Aug 14 at Carousel Room Beer Tent at The Erie County Fair...
Sat, June 30 at ISLAND HAPPENINGS, Grand Island.......DOCK AT THE BAY, Blasdell...SOUTH SHORE BEACH CLUB, Angola...SUNSET BAY BEACH CLUB, Irving....
Plus these other great venues throughtout the year: SENECA NIAGARA CASINO, Niagara Falls, NY...DESIDERIO'S, LancasterSENECA ALLEGANY CASINO, Salamanca....TONY ROME'S, W.Seneca. CLUB PARADISE, Blasdell....BALLOONS, Ellicottville...CLUB FUZION, Salamanca...THE STILLWATER, Bflo...SURF CLUB, Bemus Point.....METZGERS PUB, West Seneca...TF BROWN'S SPORTS BAR, Batavia....FIRESIDE INN, Lancaster......BUFFALO SPORTS GARDEN, Orchard Park....ELLICOTTVILLE FALL FEST ...CADILLAC JACKS, Elllicottville... ELLICOTTVILLE DEPOT, Ellicottville....BYRNCLIFF RESORT, Varysburg... GAME TIME SPORTS BAR, Hamburg... and many many more private parties, niteclubs and BIG community events & lawn fetes throughout 2007!!!!
As always, for the latest, check out www.strangersband.com
THE STRANGERS are:
MITCH GAWRYS: lead vocals, bass....
JOEL MARTIN: drums, vocals....
JERRY "Sasquatch" WENDLING: lead guitar, vocals, table climbing & bar walking
PETE GROCHOWSKI: vocals, guitar...
KEN GAVIN as "The Rocket Man" on keys, percussion, vocals, & all-around entertainment value!
Thanks again for all of your continuing support, and we hope to see you soon!!!!
Saturday, May 26, 2007
SuperJam 2007
Fundraiser for the Blues Society of WNY. http://www.wnyblues.org/ Sunday June 3, 2007, 1:00PM-9:00PM
Creekside Grove
William & Union, Cheektowaga, NY
$15.00, $12.00 blues society members. Rain or shine, no carry ins.
A full day of music featuring some of western New York’s finest artists.Mark Winsick Band, The Electras, Jony James Band, Count Rabbit, Junkyard Dogs,Janice Mitchell & Jim Beishline, Yvonne Schmidt, John Riggi, Maria Aurigema, Pete Howard, Harmonica John, Paul Bruschini, The Blues Hounds, Four on the Floor, Eric Spahr Band, and 12 Pack Jack.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
YOUTH FOR TRUTH - PERFORMANCE ANNOUNCEMENT
The pressures of our modern-day society often times leave our youth facing very difficult and unfair challenges. I am honored to introduce a professional non-profit company with a goal of helping young individuals face these everyday challenges and to help encourage their lives toward a brighter future! Our Mission is to counteract the deteriorating condition of the youth generation through the impact potential of drama, music and dance and aid in the moral development of the community.
We auditioned over 80 teenagers and young adults last November and have been working with our cast for the last 5 months. The performance is incredible with a cast of 38 young people from the Buffalo region between the ages of 12-23! Our Web site: www.youthfortruthpac.com.
Our opening season performance, A Second Chance is on Sunday, June 3rd at 3:30 p.m. at the Cheektowaga Central High School, 3600 Union Road. The performance is an impactful (true-life) teenage production about the challenges that the teen generation faces in today’s world. We speak truth through theatrics!
Our Artistic Director, Stacy Zawadzki-Janusz is one of the most credible choreographers in New York State and has an impressive list of awards that she has accumulated throughout her career. Our Acting Director, Kathryn Chesley has taught and directed youth theatrics for over 30 years. Their combined experience has given us an incredible advantage!
Our troupe will travel to schools, theaters, churches, community events, youth conferences and camps throughout Western New York and beyond.
We auditioned over 80 teenagers and young adults last November and have been working with our cast for the last 5 months. The performance is incredible with a cast of 38 young people from the Buffalo region between the ages of 12-23! Our Web site: www.youthfortruthpac.com.
Our opening season performance, A Second Chance is on Sunday, June 3rd at 3:30 p.m. at the Cheektowaga Central High School, 3600 Union Road. The performance is an impactful (true-life) teenage production about the challenges that the teen generation faces in today’s world. We speak truth through theatrics!
Our Artistic Director, Stacy Zawadzki-Janusz is one of the most credible choreographers in New York State and has an impressive list of awards that she has accumulated throughout her career. Our Acting Director, Kathryn Chesley has taught and directed youth theatrics for over 30 years. Their combined experience has given us an incredible advantage!
Our troupe will travel to schools, theaters, churches, community events, youth conferences and camps throughout Western New York and beyond.
SLAMMIN WORDS: NEW SUMMER WORKSHOP SERIES FOR TEENS
PRESENTED BY JUST BUFFALO AND LOCUST ST. ART
Buffalo, N.Y—Just Buffalo Literary Center is proud to present Slammin Words, a free summer workshop series for youth ages 12-18. The series takes place each Saturday, June 30 through August 18, 1 to 3pm.
Taught by Tysheka “Spoken” Long, participating teens will learn to write, create and practice slam poems; meet national slam artists; and perform in a poetry slam. Poetry slam is the competitive art of performance poetry, putting dual emphasis on writing and performance.
To sign up for Slammin Words please call Locust St. Art- 852-4562 or Just Buffalo Literary Center- 832-5400. The series is free but registration is required. All Slammin Words workshops take place at Locus St. Art, 130 Locust St., Buffalo.
This series is presented by Just Buffalo Literary Center in cooperation with Locust Street Neighborhood Art Classes and is made possible through the generous support of the Starbucks Foundation.
Buffalo, N.Y—Just Buffalo Literary Center is proud to present Slammin Words, a free summer workshop series for youth ages 12-18. The series takes place each Saturday, June 30 through August 18, 1 to 3pm.
Taught by Tysheka “Spoken” Long, participating teens will learn to write, create and practice slam poems; meet national slam artists; and perform in a poetry slam. Poetry slam is the competitive art of performance poetry, putting dual emphasis on writing and performance.
To sign up for Slammin Words please call Locust St. Art- 852-4562 or Just Buffalo Literary Center- 832-5400. The series is free but registration is required. All Slammin Words workshops take place at Locus St. Art, 130 Locust St., Buffalo.
This series is presented by Just Buffalo Literary Center in cooperation with Locust Street Neighborhood Art Classes and is made possible through the generous support of the Starbucks Foundation.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Sōlé presents Djambossa, gypsy jazz and latin music.
Friday May 25, 2007 at 8pm
Friday June 1, 2007 at 8pm
Friday June 8, 2007 at 8pm
Djambossa -A sometimes soft and sometimes scathing acoustic melange. An eclectic mix of ethnic folk - gypsy jazz, bossanova, flamenco and even blues. Featuring Dean Gionis and Bob Maulucci, formerly of nancyscandy on guitars. Bass by Buffalo Music Hall of Famers, Scott Freilich and Kent Weber.
Friday June 1, 2007 at 8pm
Friday June 8, 2007 at 8pm
Djambossa -A sometimes soft and sometimes scathing acoustic melange. An eclectic mix of ethnic folk - gypsy jazz, bossanova, flamenco and even blues. Featuring Dean Gionis and Bob Maulucci, formerly of nancyscandy on guitars. Bass by Buffalo Music Hall of Famers, Scott Freilich and Kent Weber.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Both Tragically Hip Shows at Artpark SOLD OUT!
13-Time Juno Winners Return to Commemorate Canada Day Weekend!
(Lewiston, NY) Both of the Tragically Hip’s Canada Day Weekend (June 30 and July 1) performances at Artpark are officially sold out.
The Hip, which also performed to a sellout Artpark crowd during last June’s WNED Buffalo Niagara Guitar Festival, will be joined by special guest Joel Plaskett. Both concerts are presented by Funtime and Metropolitan Talent, and begin at 8pm. Tailgating will be prohibited prior to and during the event, although picnicking is allowed in designated areas.
For more information on Artpark’s exciting 2007 Summer Season, call the box office at (716) 754-4375 or go online to www.artpark.net.
(Lewiston, NY) Both of the Tragically Hip’s Canada Day Weekend (June 30 and July 1) performances at Artpark are officially sold out.
The Hip, which also performed to a sellout Artpark crowd during last June’s WNED Buffalo Niagara Guitar Festival, will be joined by special guest Joel Plaskett. Both concerts are presented by Funtime and Metropolitan Talent, and begin at 8pm. Tailgating will be prohibited prior to and during the event, although picnicking is allowed in designated areas.
For more information on Artpark’s exciting 2007 Summer Season, call the box office at (716) 754-4375 or go online to www.artpark.net.
Friday, May 11, 2007
The Strangers Upcoming Schedule
This weekend, Buffalo's Hottest Party Rock Band, THE STRANGERS will be partaking in a little bit of "R&R" as we gear up for the "2007 Summer Outdoor Party with The Band That Keeps the Beer Flowin' and the Party Goin' Tour" . ... Not that there's nothin' to do this weekend, with Mother's Day upon us, the onset of the Little League Baseball Season, and our Sabres gearing up to start whomping on those hated Senators on our way to the Stanley Cup! Of course, without THE STRANGERS crankin' it up this weekend, maybe Ray Emery really won't find anything to do in town!
Speaking of all the outdoor gigs we'll be doing this year, look for us this summer at these great outdoor venues: QUEEN OF HEAVEN CARNIVAL, West Seneca.....DOCK AT THE BAY, Blasdell...CAROUSEL ROOM AT THE FAIR, Hamburg...SOUTH SHORE BEACH CLUB, AngolaGATEWAY HARBOR CONCERT ON THE CANAL, North Tonawanda....TASTE OF LANCASTER, Lancaster....ISLAND HAPPENINGS, Grand IslandTHREE VALLEY CAMPGROUND, Holland...a handful of outdoor private parties.....not to mention takin' "The Outdoor Party" all the way into October for our annual visit to the ELLICOTTVILLE FALL FESTIVAL BEER TENT.....
Anyways, we'll be back at it again next weekend:
Friday night, May 18 at CLUB PARADISE, Blasdell at 9:30pm
Saturday night, May 19 at BUFFALO SPORTS GARDEN, Orchard Park 10pm
Special thanks going out to Jim Miller & all of the Alden Hook and Ladder Co. for bringingTHE STRANGERS in to party with them for their annual installation and awards dinner last Saturday....it was a great time, and we look forward to 2008!
Here's what's coming up the next few weeks:
Sat, May 26: THREE VALLEY CAMPGROUND, Holland 8pm-Midnite
Sat June 2: BALLOONS, Ellicottville 5-9pm
Sun June 3: SOUTH SHORE BEACH CLUB, Angola 4-8pm
Don't forget to look for us at these and other great venues throughout 2007:
Fri, July 6 at QUEEN OF HEAVEN CARNIVAL, West Seneca
Sat, Aug 4: TASTE OF LANCASTER BEER TENT
Wed, Aug 8 with That 80's Hair Band GATEWAY HARBOR CONCERT SERIES, NT
Tuesday, Aug 14 :Carousel Room Beer Tent at The Erie County Fair
Sat, June 30: ISLAND HAPPENINGS, Grand IslandSENECA NIAGARA CASINO, Niagara Falls, NY...DESIDERIO'S, LancasterSENECA ALLEGANY CASINO, Salamanca....TONY ROME'S, W.Seneca. CLUB PARADISE, Blasdell....BALLOONS, Ellicottville...DOCK AT THE BAY, BlasdellCLUB FUZION, Salamanca...THE STILLWATER, Bflo...SOUTH SHORE BEACH CLUB, AngolaSURF CLUB, Bemus Point.....METZGERS PUB, West Seneca...TF BROWN'S SPORTS BAR, Batavia....FIRESIDE INN, Lancaster......BUFFALO SPORTS GARDEN, Orchard Park....ELLICOTTVILLE FALL FEST CADILLAC JACKS, Elllicottville... ELLICOTTVILLE DEPOT, Ellicottville....BYRNCLIFF RESORT, Varysburg... GAME TIME SPORTS BAR, Hamburg... and many many more private parties, niteclubs and BIG community events & lawn fetes throughout 2007!!!!
As always, for the latest, check out http://www.strangersband.com
THE STRANGERS are:
MITCH GAWRYS: lead vocals, bass
JOEL MARTIN: drums, vocals
JERRY WENDLING: lead guitar, vocals, table climbing & bar walking
PETE GROCHOWSKI: vocals, guitar
KEN GAVIN as "Major Tom" on keys, percussion, vocals, & all-around entertainment value!
Thanks again for all of your continuing support, and we hope to see you soon!!!!
Speaking of all the outdoor gigs we'll be doing this year, look for us this summer at these great outdoor venues: QUEEN OF HEAVEN CARNIVAL, West Seneca.....DOCK AT THE BAY, Blasdell...CAROUSEL ROOM AT THE FAIR, Hamburg...SOUTH SHORE BEACH CLUB, AngolaGATEWAY HARBOR CONCERT ON THE CANAL, North Tonawanda....TASTE OF LANCASTER, Lancaster....ISLAND HAPPENINGS, Grand IslandTHREE VALLEY CAMPGROUND, Holland...a handful of outdoor private parties.....not to mention takin' "The Outdoor Party" all the way into October for our annual visit to the ELLICOTTVILLE FALL FESTIVAL BEER TENT.....
Anyways, we'll be back at it again next weekend:
Friday night, May 18 at CLUB PARADISE, Blasdell at 9:30pm
Saturday night, May 19 at BUFFALO SPORTS GARDEN, Orchard Park 10pm
Special thanks going out to Jim Miller & all of the Alden Hook and Ladder Co. for bringingTHE STRANGERS in to party with them for their annual installation and awards dinner last Saturday....it was a great time, and we look forward to 2008!
Here's what's coming up the next few weeks:
Sat, May 26: THREE VALLEY CAMPGROUND, Holland 8pm-Midnite
Sat June 2: BALLOONS, Ellicottville 5-9pm
Sun June 3: SOUTH SHORE BEACH CLUB, Angola 4-8pm
Don't forget to look for us at these and other great venues throughout 2007:
Fri, July 6 at QUEEN OF HEAVEN CARNIVAL, West Seneca
Sat, Aug 4: TASTE OF LANCASTER BEER TENT
Wed, Aug 8 with That 80's Hair Band GATEWAY HARBOR CONCERT SERIES, NT
Tuesday, Aug 14 :Carousel Room Beer Tent at The Erie County Fair
Sat, June 30: ISLAND HAPPENINGS, Grand IslandSENECA NIAGARA CASINO, Niagara Falls, NY...DESIDERIO'S, LancasterSENECA ALLEGANY CASINO, Salamanca....TONY ROME'S, W.Seneca. CLUB PARADISE, Blasdell....BALLOONS, Ellicottville...DOCK AT THE BAY, BlasdellCLUB FUZION, Salamanca...THE STILLWATER, Bflo...SOUTH SHORE BEACH CLUB, AngolaSURF CLUB, Bemus Point.....METZGERS PUB, West Seneca...TF BROWN'S SPORTS BAR, Batavia....FIRESIDE INN, Lancaster......BUFFALO SPORTS GARDEN, Orchard Park....ELLICOTTVILLE FALL FEST CADILLAC JACKS, Elllicottville... ELLICOTTVILLE DEPOT, Ellicottville....BYRNCLIFF RESORT, Varysburg... GAME TIME SPORTS BAR, Hamburg... and many many more private parties, niteclubs and BIG community events & lawn fetes throughout 2007!!!!
As always, for the latest, check out http://www.strangersband.com
THE STRANGERS are:
MITCH GAWRYS: lead vocals, bass
JOEL MARTIN: drums, vocals
JERRY WENDLING: lead guitar, vocals, table climbing & bar walking
PETE GROCHOWSKI: vocals, guitar
KEN GAVIN as "Major Tom" on keys, percussion, vocals, & all-around entertainment value!
Thanks again for all of your continuing support, and we hope to see you soon!!!!
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Naughty Dawg - Upcoming Date
Friday, May 11th - at Seneca Niagara Casino - Club 101 - 10:30pm - 2:30am - Rock
Friday, May 04, 2007
Legendary Rock & Roll Icon PETE BENNETT
Voted by BILLBOARD MAGAZINE: The Worlds #1 Promotion Man
He shaped the course of music history.Discovered now famous models and actors andmade billions for his clients. - Billboard Magazine
He turned unknowns into starsand stars into superstars - Billboard Magazine.
------------------------------------------
WHO
------------------------------------------
Pete Bennett, the Entertainment Industry Icon whose promotionalgenius impacted the careers of The Beatles (as a group andindividually John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison,Ringo Starr), The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley,Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, The Who, Aerosmith,Nat King Cole, and hundreds more
------------------------------------------
WHAT
------------------------------------------
PRESS CONFERENCE for a Major Announcement inconjunction with the Pete Bennett Television ShowWestern New York Talent Search.
------------------------------------------
WHERE
------------------------------------------
The Hyatt Regency Hotel
2 Fountain Plaza Buffalo, NY ,The Ellicot Room
------------------------------------------
WHEN
------------------------------------------
Wednesday, MAY 9th, 11:30 am
------------------------------------------
CONTACT:
------------------------------------------
Paul Petock: 716 725 4756Frank Petock via Email: frank@petebennettshow.com
He shaped the course of music history.Discovered now famous models and actors andmade billions for his clients. - Billboard Magazine
He turned unknowns into starsand stars into superstars - Billboard Magazine.
------------------------------------------
WHO
------------------------------------------
Pete Bennett, the Entertainment Industry Icon whose promotionalgenius impacted the careers of The Beatles (as a group andindividually John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison,Ringo Starr), The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley,Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, The Who, Aerosmith,Nat King Cole, and hundreds more
------------------------------------------
WHAT
------------------------------------------
PRESS CONFERENCE for a Major Announcement inconjunction with the Pete Bennett Television ShowWestern New York Talent Search.
------------------------------------------
WHERE
------------------------------------------
The Hyatt Regency Hotel
2 Fountain Plaza Buffalo, NY ,The Ellicot Room
------------------------------------------
WHEN
------------------------------------------
Wednesday, MAY 9th, 11:30 am
------------------------------------------
CONTACT:
------------------------------------------
Paul Petock: 716 725 4756Frank Petock via Email: frank@petebennettshow.com
KINGDOM BOUND PRESENTS RICK CUA IN CONCERT JUNE 2
Kingdom Bound Ministries will present Christian recording artist Rick Cua in concert on Saturday, June 2, at Randall Baptist Church, 6301 Main St., in Williamsville. The free concert, in celebration of Cua’s first CD release in ten years, will start at 7pm, with doors opening at 6pm. Cua, a Syracuse native and Kingdom Bound board member, will play music from his new CD, “Won’t Fade Away,” as well as songs from his nearly three decades in Christian music.
Cua’s concert is being presented by Kingdom Bound Ministries, best known for presenting an annual Christian music festival at Darien Lake Theme Park Resort, halfway between Buffalo and Rochester, New York, for more than two decades. Now in its 21st year with 65,000 people in attendance over the course of four days, Kingdom Bound 2007 will bring together some of today’s most popular Christian pop, rock, and modern worship artists, including Casting Crowns, TobyMac, Newsboys, Chris Tomlin, and David Crowder, among many others, for this summer’s festival, to be held August 5-8, 2007, at Darien Lake Theme Park Resort in Darien Center, New York.
Kingdom Bound 2007 will be a diverse music festival, featuring praise and worship, hip-hop, blues, big band, pop, rock and other styles of music. Event or day pass tickets, along with campsite/RV/hotel packages, are currently available. For tickets and accommodation information, call 800-461-4485, and to see a current list of the more than 50 bands, singers, and speakers who will be offering concerts or seminars at Kingdom Bound 2007, visit www.kingdombound.org.
Cua’s concert is being presented by Kingdom Bound Ministries, best known for presenting an annual Christian music festival at Darien Lake Theme Park Resort, halfway between Buffalo and Rochester, New York, for more than two decades. Now in its 21st year with 65,000 people in attendance over the course of four days, Kingdom Bound 2007 will bring together some of today’s most popular Christian pop, rock, and modern worship artists, including Casting Crowns, TobyMac, Newsboys, Chris Tomlin, and David Crowder, among many others, for this summer’s festival, to be held August 5-8, 2007, at Darien Lake Theme Park Resort in Darien Center, New York.
Kingdom Bound 2007 will be a diverse music festival, featuring praise and worship, hip-hop, blues, big band, pop, rock and other styles of music. Event or day pass tickets, along with campsite/RV/hotel packages, are currently available. For tickets and accommodation information, call 800-461-4485, and to see a current list of the more than 50 bands, singers, and speakers who will be offering concerts or seminars at Kingdom Bound 2007, visit www.kingdombound.org.
Dream 2007 Season on Tap at Artpark!
Schedule Highlighted by AIDA, BPO, Family Events, More Blockbuster Concerts!
Artpark President George Osborne divulged details of the venue’s dream 2007 Season – which includes a Tony Award-winning musical adaptation of a classic opera, 20 free outdoor concerts, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra’s July residency, a bevy of special events, creative family activities, an art gallery, and much more – at a press conference held today at the Niagara Falls Country Club in Lewiston.
In recent years, Artpark has reformatted its programming to introduce an extremely-popular free concert series, become the BPO’s annual summer home, and has increased artistic offerings for children and families – all while maintaining the venue’s traditionally high degree of excellence and affordability. A 126% attendance increase at scheduled events over the past four seasons is likely to reach new heights with a continued, significant investment in this year’s theater presentations and other programs.
“It is within the guiding principles of Artpark’s mission and thus a particular point of emphasis for Artpark to carry on its tradition of presenting a diverse array of cultural events and experiences that appeal to all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds,” remarks Artpark President George Osborne. “We feel that Artpark’s 2007 schedule, perhaps more so than in many, many years, truly includes some form of programming that will pique the interest of everyone in the region and, ideally, beyond.”
The jewel of Artpark’s exhilarating 2007 schedule is ELTON JOHN & TIM RICE’S AIDA (onstage August 9-19), a crowd-pleasing musical spectacular that bursts with contemporary energy, elaborate staging, inventive choreography, multi-cultural casting, and John and Rice’s Tony and Grammy Award-winning pop-rock score. Based on Giuseppe Verdi’s enormously successful opera of the same name, John and Rice’s first collaboration since The Lion King is a modernized adaptation of the grand classic tale of Aida, a Nubian princess stolen from her country, Amneris, an Egyptian princess, and Radames, the soldier they both love.
Artpark’s production, which is sponsored by M&T Bank, features a blockbuster cast of Broadway-seasoned actors culled from New York City auditions, as well as some of the region’s top performers. The nine-show run will be directed by Randall Kramer and choreographed by Lynne Kurdziel-Formato, while Michael Hake provides musical direction. Tickets are $22.50-$39.50. Showtimes are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm. There will also be a 2pm performance on Thursday, August 16. Supporting sponsors include the Mentholatum Company and Jaeckle, Fleischmann & Mugel, LLP.
The FIRST NIAGARA TUESDAY IN THE PARK AT ARTPARK (June 5-August 28) free outdoor concert series drew a record 120,000-plus visitors to the venue’s scenic Outdoor Amphitheater a year ago and – weather permitting – the ’07 schedule should eclipse those figures. Major headliner acts and a scintillating view of the Niagara River Gorge are magnificently complimented by a wide variety of free family-friendly hands-on art workshops offered each week, including drawing, face-painting, dress-up, self portraits, temporary tattooing and many more.
The 13-week series gets underway on June 5 with Molly Hatchet, best known for songs such as “Flirtin’ with Disaster” and “Gator Country,” and fellow Southern rockers Blackfoot. Eight-time Juno Award winners Jim Cuddy, Greg Keelor and Canadian favorites Blue Rodeo mosey across the border for a show on June 12, one week before Artpark concertgoers enjoy “Reminiscing” to the music of the Australian-born Little River Band.
John Kay and Steppenwolf close out the schedule’s first month on June 26 with their historic list of classic rock anthems including “Magic Carpet Ride,” “Born to Be Wild,” “Rock Me” and “Monster.” Darius Rucker, Mark Bryan, Dean Felber and Jim Sonefeld – better known as Hootie & the Blowfish – are likely to usher in a potential record-breaking crowd on July 3. Seven days later, it’s former Traffic frontman and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Dave Mason who headlines the Tuesday evening festivities. The July 17 event features TWO legendary blues musicians and ex-Bluesbreakers members in Coco Montoya and Walter Trout.
Switching genres, the infectiously danceable funk music of Average White Band fills the Niagara River Gorge on July 24 before giving way to the celebrated rock tunes of Eric Burdon and the Animals (“Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood,” “See See Rider,” “House of the Rising Sun”) a week later. Kicking off August in a big way is Grammy-winning superstar Kenny Loggins , famous for songs like “This Is It,” “Celebrate Me Home,” and “Whenever I Call You ‘Friend,’” as well as for comprising half of a legendary rock duo with Jim Messina.
Pat Benatar, a trailblazing female artist who gained repute thru anthems such as “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” “Heartbreaker” and “Love Is a Battlefield” co-headlines “Tuesday in the Park” on August 14, with husband, producer and fellow musician Neil Giraldo. The lineup’s final two weeks revisit a pair of fan favorites from Artpark’s 2006 Season as former Allman Brothers Band member Dickey Betts – and his group Great Southern – ramble into Lewiston on August 21 before the folk-rock tour-de-forces of America , which include “Sister Golden Hair,” “Ventura Highway” and “A Horse with No Name,” conclude Artpark’s thirty-fourth summer on August 28.
All “Tuesday in the Park” events, which begin at 6:30pm, are proudly sponsored by First Niagara, Certo Brothers Distributing Company, Sevenson Environmental Services, the New York Power Authority, Modern Corporations, S&S Lawn Services, Hard Rock Café – Niagara Falls (USA), Tim Horton’s (Niagara Falls locations), DiMino’s Lewiston Tops, Pine Pharmacy, Frey Electric Construction Company, The Reid Group and Uniland Development..
Artpark’s Wednesday evening free outdoor concert series has undergone some significant changes for the 2007 Season. Making its debut last year, the then-titled “Artpark Wednesdays” provided a platform solely for the premier talent of Western New York and Southern Ontario. This summer, WEDNESDAYS ON THE GORGE (July 11-August 22) will be Artpark’s second weekly showcase of national acts, while area bands will receive considerably more public exposure as openers. In addition, an abundance of free family-oriented artistic endeavors – similar to those offered on Tuesdays – will be made available at each event this summer.
Richie Havens, the soulful singer/guitarist who famously kicked off Woodstock in 1969, will be the first musician to grace the Wednesday night schedule under its revamped format on July 11. A three-time Grammy winner, country music icon Lucinda Williams will put one of her acclaimed live performances on display on July 18. The night of July 25 will feature Pure Prairie League, the country-rock outfit best known for songs such as “Amie” and “Let Me Love You Tonight,” while blues sensation Kelley Hunt returns to the Outdoor Amphitheater on August 1 to build on her overwhelmingly popular performances following a one year Artpark hiatus.
Artpark’s Cajun Festival on August 8 is highlighted by signature beats from the bayou, courtesy of C.J. Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band and Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas. The following Tuesday, Artpark’s hosts its annual Celtic Festival , this year with another world-famous Irish rock band in the Saw Doctors. Switch remains on Artpark’s free concert schedule after five consecutives years as a “Tuesday in the Park” act but switches nights to conclude the “Wednesdays on the Gorge” series on August 22 with a variety of covers from mainstream bands such as the Eagles, Beatles and Chicago.
“Wednesdays on the Gorge” is presented by HSBC Bank and HSBC Mortgage Corporation, while additional supporters include Certo Brothers Distributing Company, Tim Horton’s, Harris Beach, PLLC and the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission. All performances begin at 6:30pm.
Summer at Artpark is also filled with the type of extraordinary happenings that can only be classified as SPECIAL EVENTS. Grammy and Dove Award-winning Rebecca St. James has quickly become one of the preeminent voices in contemporary Christian music, as evidenced by an incredible resume that includes 17 Top-10 songs, nine #1 singles and total album sales surpassing two million. The Sydney, Australia native appears at 7pm on June 15 courtesy of Yme? Ministries, a local religious organization. Tickets range from $10 to $40. The very next night, June 16, the WNED Buffalo Niagara Guitar Festival headliner event returns to Artpark, this time with another multi-platinum selling, superstar group of Canadian-born musicians: the Barenaked Ladies. “If I Had $1000000,” “One Week,” “It’s All Been Done” and “Brian Wilson” barely scratch the surface of the band’s lengthy list of quirky, addictive, humorous tunes. Ducats for the 7:30pm performance are $30.25 and $50.25. Meanwhile the Tragically Hip , who sold out the Guitar Festival’s centerpiece event in 2006, makes a triumphant return to Artpark for a pair of blockbuster performances on Canada Day Weekend (June 30 and July 1). Tickets for the 8pm performances by the 13-time Juno Award-winning rockers are $35.50 and $59.50. Co-presented by Artpark and the Village of Lewiston, a special July 4 Independence Day Celebration will once again take place at Artpark’s Outdoor Amphitheater, this year featuring the 90-member American Legion Band of the Tonawandas. The event, which is free to attend, begins at 7:30pm and will be followed by a fireworks display. New York Sate Park regulations, which include bans on tailgating, will be in effect during these events.
Looking forward into July, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra’s fourth consecutive summer residency includes an outstanding 10-concert BPO SUMMERFEST schedule under the batons of Music Director JoAnn Falletta and Resident Conductor Robert Franz. Opening night on July 7 features a double-dip of classical music as Franz and the BPO recreate Gustav Holst’s “The Planets Suite” and acclaimed violinist Lara St. John performs the “Sibelius Concerto.” The following evening, pianist Kevin Cole cycles through the sweeping spectrum of Gershwin’s Greatest Hits. The Kingston Trio then joins the orchestra for an energetic program of lively folk music on July 14. Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony rounds out the second weekend of July, and includes an appearance by the BPO Chorus. On the heels of a very impressive performance at Artpark last summer, Buffalo’s own Neglia Ballet is back for a much-anticipated encore on July 20. World-renowned violinist Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg visits Artpark on July 21 to enthrall theatergoers with the virtuosic Mendelssohn “Violin Concerto.” Christopher O’Riley, pianist and host of the popular National Public Radio show “From the Top,” joins Falletta and the BPO the following afternoon for an event that will be taped for public broadcast. On July 27, it’s a selection of Great Opera Arias who join Falletta to pay tribute to the romantic world of opera. Bandoneon Daniel Binelli and dancers Pilar Alvarez and Claudio Hoffman are the featured guest artists on July 28 for a night of Argentine Tango that accentuates the South American rhythms of Astor Piazzolla. Finally, Pablo Garibay, winner of the 2006 JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Competition, rounds out the Summerfest schedule with the presentation of Antonin Dvorak’s “From the New World” Symphony on the afternoon of July 29.
BPO Summerfest at Artpark is presented by First Niagara. Performances on Fridays and Saturdays take place at 8pm while Sunday shows begin at 3pm. Tickets are $15-$48.
The always-popular BIG BAND SERIES swings back into Artpark’s Mainstage Theater with one act per summer month, beginning on June 25 with a tribute to the “Sentimental Gentleman of Swing” via the legendary Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. Led by conductor and original band member Buddy Morrow, the TDO carries on the Dorsey legacy with an assortment of unforgettable arrangements such as “Embraceable You,” “On the Sunny Side of the Street” and “I’ll Never Smile Again.” A “big band” more so with regards to the amount of group members than the scope of its music, Buffalo Music Hall of Fame inductee Junction West is an 11-piece ensemble that visits Artpark on July 23 to skillfully recreate the 1970s-influenced sounds of Earth, Wind & Fire, K.C. & the Sunshine Band and others. Concluding Artpark’s Swing Series for the second straight season – and making its tenth consecutive appearance at the venue – is the illustrious Glenn Miller Orchestra, led by renowned trombonist Larry O’Brien. All of Miller’s timeless classics will be on display August 6, allowing aficionados to toe tap to songs like “Moonlight Serenade,” “Tuxedo Junction” and “In the Mood.” Artpark Big Band experiences are greatly enhanced by a giant dance floor located inside the Mainstage Theater during each show for the audience’s swinging pleasure. Tickets for the performances, which take place at 2pm and 8pm, range from $15 to $27.50.
As always, a kaleidoscope of family-oriented entertainment and educational activities comprise a central component of Artpark’s programming in 2007. It all begins on May 23 with the world-renowned Kennedy Center’s stage presentation of ROALD DAHL’S WILLY WONKA. Based on the beloved novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory , this production – part of the Center’s Imagination Celebration on Tour – features live actors, puppets and several classic songs to tell the tale Charlie Bucket and four other Golden Ticket winners who experience the tour of a lifetime in Wonka’s mysterious candy-making factory. Tickets for the 9:45am and 11:30am shows are $6. The performances are sponsored by Uniland Development, Target and the Kiwanis Club of Lewiston.
With Artpark’s one-of-a-kind setting serving as an inspirational canvas, the venue will once again be hosting four weeks of professionally-instructed CAMP ADVENTURES. All three sessions of Art Camp (July 9-13, July 16-20 and July 30-August) stress the importance of artistic staples like sketching, painting and clay work each morning while afternoons are consumed with a variety of exciting, innovative endeavors such as cyanotype, assemblages and textiles. Artpark’s single session of Theater Camp (July 23-27) – programmed by Dina Sarno Slawson of Buffalo’s Academy of Theatre Arts – is a must for any aspiring young thespian, as it focuses on the development of singing, dancing, improv, costume design and script writing via the energetic performance of scenes and musical numbers from classic Broadway shows. Each camp runs Monday thru Friday from 9am to 4pm, is suitable for children ages 9-14 and includes a special camper art show / performance in front of friends and family on the final afternoon.
Artpark’s FAMILY WEEKENDS offer visitors the unique opportunity to partake in a collection of free hands-on art workshops under the guidance of professional artists every Saturday and Sunday afternoon in July (7-29). Activities, which include traditional Artpark art areas like the Costume Closet, Paint Space, the pottery wheel, still-life drawing and temporary tattooing, will once again also be tailored towards a particular theme each week. “Family Weekends” are free to the public and take place from noon to 4pm.
The first of four creative weekends is entitled Altered Art (July 7-8) and places an emphasis on Christo-style transformations, the creation of “Artist Trading Cards” and mosaics. Art in the Dark (July 14-15) focuses on developing artistic abilities without utilizing the sense of sight. Drawing objects by touch, blind contour sketching and other light-deprived activities facilitate the formation of works that are “out of sight.” The creation of kites, “flying fish” and “wind warriors” make for a gravity-defying weekend July 21-22, appropriately tabbed Airborne Art. The final weekend in July (28-29) is concentrated on the construction of Exotic Art , including totem poles for public display, as well as eccentric hats and colorful masks that visitors are encouraged to bring home with them. “Family Weekends” and other Artpark family programming is supported by The Fatta Foundation.
Following a very welcome public reception in 2006, the Buffalo Society of Artists will once again host exhibitions all summer long in the building that housed an Artpark gift shop just two years ago. The ART GALLERY will open one hour prior to (and remain open throughout) each Artpark Mainstage Theater performance.
Tickets are available for Artpark performances at all tickets.com locations, located at Tops Markets or by phone at 1(888) 223-6000. For more information on Artpark’s 2007 Schedule, call the Box Office at (716) 754-4375 or visit www.artpark.net.
Artpark President George Osborne divulged details of the venue’s dream 2007 Season – which includes a Tony Award-winning musical adaptation of a classic opera, 20 free outdoor concerts, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra’s July residency, a bevy of special events, creative family activities, an art gallery, and much more – at a press conference held today at the Niagara Falls Country Club in Lewiston.
In recent years, Artpark has reformatted its programming to introduce an extremely-popular free concert series, become the BPO’s annual summer home, and has increased artistic offerings for children and families – all while maintaining the venue’s traditionally high degree of excellence and affordability. A 126% attendance increase at scheduled events over the past four seasons is likely to reach new heights with a continued, significant investment in this year’s theater presentations and other programs.
“It is within the guiding principles of Artpark’s mission and thus a particular point of emphasis for Artpark to carry on its tradition of presenting a diverse array of cultural events and experiences that appeal to all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds,” remarks Artpark President George Osborne. “We feel that Artpark’s 2007 schedule, perhaps more so than in many, many years, truly includes some form of programming that will pique the interest of everyone in the region and, ideally, beyond.”
The jewel of Artpark’s exhilarating 2007 schedule is ELTON JOHN & TIM RICE’S AIDA (onstage August 9-19), a crowd-pleasing musical spectacular that bursts with contemporary energy, elaborate staging, inventive choreography, multi-cultural casting, and John and Rice’s Tony and Grammy Award-winning pop-rock score. Based on Giuseppe Verdi’s enormously successful opera of the same name, John and Rice’s first collaboration since The Lion King is a modernized adaptation of the grand classic tale of Aida, a Nubian princess stolen from her country, Amneris, an Egyptian princess, and Radames, the soldier they both love.
Artpark’s production, which is sponsored by M&T Bank, features a blockbuster cast of Broadway-seasoned actors culled from New York City auditions, as well as some of the region’s top performers. The nine-show run will be directed by Randall Kramer and choreographed by Lynne Kurdziel-Formato, while Michael Hake provides musical direction. Tickets are $22.50-$39.50. Showtimes are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm. There will also be a 2pm performance on Thursday, August 16. Supporting sponsors include the Mentholatum Company and Jaeckle, Fleischmann & Mugel, LLP.
The FIRST NIAGARA TUESDAY IN THE PARK AT ARTPARK (June 5-August 28) free outdoor concert series drew a record 120,000-plus visitors to the venue’s scenic Outdoor Amphitheater a year ago and – weather permitting – the ’07 schedule should eclipse those figures. Major headliner acts and a scintillating view of the Niagara River Gorge are magnificently complimented by a wide variety of free family-friendly hands-on art workshops offered each week, including drawing, face-painting, dress-up, self portraits, temporary tattooing and many more.
The 13-week series gets underway on June 5 with Molly Hatchet, best known for songs such as “Flirtin’ with Disaster” and “Gator Country,” and fellow Southern rockers Blackfoot. Eight-time Juno Award winners Jim Cuddy, Greg Keelor and Canadian favorites Blue Rodeo mosey across the border for a show on June 12, one week before Artpark concertgoers enjoy “Reminiscing” to the music of the Australian-born Little River Band.
John Kay and Steppenwolf close out the schedule’s first month on June 26 with their historic list of classic rock anthems including “Magic Carpet Ride,” “Born to Be Wild,” “Rock Me” and “Monster.” Darius Rucker, Mark Bryan, Dean Felber and Jim Sonefeld – better known as Hootie & the Blowfish – are likely to usher in a potential record-breaking crowd on July 3. Seven days later, it’s former Traffic frontman and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Dave Mason who headlines the Tuesday evening festivities. The July 17 event features TWO legendary blues musicians and ex-Bluesbreakers members in Coco Montoya and Walter Trout.
Switching genres, the infectiously danceable funk music of Average White Band fills the Niagara River Gorge on July 24 before giving way to the celebrated rock tunes of Eric Burdon and the Animals (“Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood,” “See See Rider,” “House of the Rising Sun”) a week later. Kicking off August in a big way is Grammy-winning superstar Kenny Loggins , famous for songs like “This Is It,” “Celebrate Me Home,” and “Whenever I Call You ‘Friend,’” as well as for comprising half of a legendary rock duo with Jim Messina.
Pat Benatar, a trailblazing female artist who gained repute thru anthems such as “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” “Heartbreaker” and “Love Is a Battlefield” co-headlines “Tuesday in the Park” on August 14, with husband, producer and fellow musician Neil Giraldo. The lineup’s final two weeks revisit a pair of fan favorites from Artpark’s 2006 Season as former Allman Brothers Band member Dickey Betts – and his group Great Southern – ramble into Lewiston on August 21 before the folk-rock tour-de-forces of America , which include “Sister Golden Hair,” “Ventura Highway” and “A Horse with No Name,” conclude Artpark’s thirty-fourth summer on August 28.
All “Tuesday in the Park” events, which begin at 6:30pm, are proudly sponsored by First Niagara, Certo Brothers Distributing Company, Sevenson Environmental Services, the New York Power Authority, Modern Corporations, S&S Lawn Services, Hard Rock Café – Niagara Falls (USA), Tim Horton’s (Niagara Falls locations), DiMino’s Lewiston Tops, Pine Pharmacy, Frey Electric Construction Company, The Reid Group and Uniland Development..
Artpark’s Wednesday evening free outdoor concert series has undergone some significant changes for the 2007 Season. Making its debut last year, the then-titled “Artpark Wednesdays” provided a platform solely for the premier talent of Western New York and Southern Ontario. This summer, WEDNESDAYS ON THE GORGE (July 11-August 22) will be Artpark’s second weekly showcase of national acts, while area bands will receive considerably more public exposure as openers. In addition, an abundance of free family-oriented artistic endeavors – similar to those offered on Tuesdays – will be made available at each event this summer.
Richie Havens, the soulful singer/guitarist who famously kicked off Woodstock in 1969, will be the first musician to grace the Wednesday night schedule under its revamped format on July 11. A three-time Grammy winner, country music icon Lucinda Williams will put one of her acclaimed live performances on display on July 18. The night of July 25 will feature Pure Prairie League, the country-rock outfit best known for songs such as “Amie” and “Let Me Love You Tonight,” while blues sensation Kelley Hunt returns to the Outdoor Amphitheater on August 1 to build on her overwhelmingly popular performances following a one year Artpark hiatus.
Artpark’s Cajun Festival on August 8 is highlighted by signature beats from the bayou, courtesy of C.J. Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band and Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas. The following Tuesday, Artpark’s hosts its annual Celtic Festival , this year with another world-famous Irish rock band in the Saw Doctors. Switch remains on Artpark’s free concert schedule after five consecutives years as a “Tuesday in the Park” act but switches nights to conclude the “Wednesdays on the Gorge” series on August 22 with a variety of covers from mainstream bands such as the Eagles, Beatles and Chicago.
“Wednesdays on the Gorge” is presented by HSBC Bank and HSBC Mortgage Corporation, while additional supporters include Certo Brothers Distributing Company, Tim Horton’s, Harris Beach, PLLC and the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission. All performances begin at 6:30pm.
Summer at Artpark is also filled with the type of extraordinary happenings that can only be classified as SPECIAL EVENTS. Grammy and Dove Award-winning Rebecca St. James has quickly become one of the preeminent voices in contemporary Christian music, as evidenced by an incredible resume that includes 17 Top-10 songs, nine #1 singles and total album sales surpassing two million. The Sydney, Australia native appears at 7pm on June 15 courtesy of Yme? Ministries, a local religious organization. Tickets range from $10 to $40. The very next night, June 16, the WNED Buffalo Niagara Guitar Festival headliner event returns to Artpark, this time with another multi-platinum selling, superstar group of Canadian-born musicians: the Barenaked Ladies. “If I Had $1000000,” “One Week,” “It’s All Been Done” and “Brian Wilson” barely scratch the surface of the band’s lengthy list of quirky, addictive, humorous tunes. Ducats for the 7:30pm performance are $30.25 and $50.25. Meanwhile the Tragically Hip , who sold out the Guitar Festival’s centerpiece event in 2006, makes a triumphant return to Artpark for a pair of blockbuster performances on Canada Day Weekend (June 30 and July 1). Tickets for the 8pm performances by the 13-time Juno Award-winning rockers are $35.50 and $59.50. Co-presented by Artpark and the Village of Lewiston, a special July 4 Independence Day Celebration will once again take place at Artpark’s Outdoor Amphitheater, this year featuring the 90-member American Legion Band of the Tonawandas. The event, which is free to attend, begins at 7:30pm and will be followed by a fireworks display. New York Sate Park regulations, which include bans on tailgating, will be in effect during these events.
Looking forward into July, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra’s fourth consecutive summer residency includes an outstanding 10-concert BPO SUMMERFEST schedule under the batons of Music Director JoAnn Falletta and Resident Conductor Robert Franz. Opening night on July 7 features a double-dip of classical music as Franz and the BPO recreate Gustav Holst’s “The Planets Suite” and acclaimed violinist Lara St. John performs the “Sibelius Concerto.” The following evening, pianist Kevin Cole cycles through the sweeping spectrum of Gershwin’s Greatest Hits. The Kingston Trio then joins the orchestra for an energetic program of lively folk music on July 14. Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony rounds out the second weekend of July, and includes an appearance by the BPO Chorus. On the heels of a very impressive performance at Artpark last summer, Buffalo’s own Neglia Ballet is back for a much-anticipated encore on July 20. World-renowned violinist Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg visits Artpark on July 21 to enthrall theatergoers with the virtuosic Mendelssohn “Violin Concerto.” Christopher O’Riley, pianist and host of the popular National Public Radio show “From the Top,” joins Falletta and the BPO the following afternoon for an event that will be taped for public broadcast. On July 27, it’s a selection of Great Opera Arias who join Falletta to pay tribute to the romantic world of opera. Bandoneon Daniel Binelli and dancers Pilar Alvarez and Claudio Hoffman are the featured guest artists on July 28 for a night of Argentine Tango that accentuates the South American rhythms of Astor Piazzolla. Finally, Pablo Garibay, winner of the 2006 JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Competition, rounds out the Summerfest schedule with the presentation of Antonin Dvorak’s “From the New World” Symphony on the afternoon of July 29.
BPO Summerfest at Artpark is presented by First Niagara. Performances on Fridays and Saturdays take place at 8pm while Sunday shows begin at 3pm. Tickets are $15-$48.
The always-popular BIG BAND SERIES swings back into Artpark’s Mainstage Theater with one act per summer month, beginning on June 25 with a tribute to the “Sentimental Gentleman of Swing” via the legendary Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. Led by conductor and original band member Buddy Morrow, the TDO carries on the Dorsey legacy with an assortment of unforgettable arrangements such as “Embraceable You,” “On the Sunny Side of the Street” and “I’ll Never Smile Again.” A “big band” more so with regards to the amount of group members than the scope of its music, Buffalo Music Hall of Fame inductee Junction West is an 11-piece ensemble that visits Artpark on July 23 to skillfully recreate the 1970s-influenced sounds of Earth, Wind & Fire, K.C. & the Sunshine Band and others. Concluding Artpark’s Swing Series for the second straight season – and making its tenth consecutive appearance at the venue – is the illustrious Glenn Miller Orchestra, led by renowned trombonist Larry O’Brien. All of Miller’s timeless classics will be on display August 6, allowing aficionados to toe tap to songs like “Moonlight Serenade,” “Tuxedo Junction” and “In the Mood.” Artpark Big Band experiences are greatly enhanced by a giant dance floor located inside the Mainstage Theater during each show for the audience’s swinging pleasure. Tickets for the performances, which take place at 2pm and 8pm, range from $15 to $27.50.
As always, a kaleidoscope of family-oriented entertainment and educational activities comprise a central component of Artpark’s programming in 2007. It all begins on May 23 with the world-renowned Kennedy Center’s stage presentation of ROALD DAHL’S WILLY WONKA. Based on the beloved novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory , this production – part of the Center’s Imagination Celebration on Tour – features live actors, puppets and several classic songs to tell the tale Charlie Bucket and four other Golden Ticket winners who experience the tour of a lifetime in Wonka’s mysterious candy-making factory. Tickets for the 9:45am and 11:30am shows are $6. The performances are sponsored by Uniland Development, Target and the Kiwanis Club of Lewiston.
With Artpark’s one-of-a-kind setting serving as an inspirational canvas, the venue will once again be hosting four weeks of professionally-instructed CAMP ADVENTURES. All three sessions of Art Camp (July 9-13, July 16-20 and July 30-August) stress the importance of artistic staples like sketching, painting and clay work each morning while afternoons are consumed with a variety of exciting, innovative endeavors such as cyanotype, assemblages and textiles. Artpark’s single session of Theater Camp (July 23-27) – programmed by Dina Sarno Slawson of Buffalo’s Academy of Theatre Arts – is a must for any aspiring young thespian, as it focuses on the development of singing, dancing, improv, costume design and script writing via the energetic performance of scenes and musical numbers from classic Broadway shows. Each camp runs Monday thru Friday from 9am to 4pm, is suitable for children ages 9-14 and includes a special camper art show / performance in front of friends and family on the final afternoon.
Artpark’s FAMILY WEEKENDS offer visitors the unique opportunity to partake in a collection of free hands-on art workshops under the guidance of professional artists every Saturday and Sunday afternoon in July (7-29). Activities, which include traditional Artpark art areas like the Costume Closet, Paint Space, the pottery wheel, still-life drawing and temporary tattooing, will once again also be tailored towards a particular theme each week. “Family Weekends” are free to the public and take place from noon to 4pm.
The first of four creative weekends is entitled Altered Art (July 7-8) and places an emphasis on Christo-style transformations, the creation of “Artist Trading Cards” and mosaics. Art in the Dark (July 14-15) focuses on developing artistic abilities without utilizing the sense of sight. Drawing objects by touch, blind contour sketching and other light-deprived activities facilitate the formation of works that are “out of sight.” The creation of kites, “flying fish” and “wind warriors” make for a gravity-defying weekend July 21-22, appropriately tabbed Airborne Art. The final weekend in July (28-29) is concentrated on the construction of Exotic Art , including totem poles for public display, as well as eccentric hats and colorful masks that visitors are encouraged to bring home with them. “Family Weekends” and other Artpark family programming is supported by The Fatta Foundation.
Following a very welcome public reception in 2006, the Buffalo Society of Artists will once again host exhibitions all summer long in the building that housed an Artpark gift shop just two years ago. The ART GALLERY will open one hour prior to (and remain open throughout) each Artpark Mainstage Theater performance.
Tickets are available for Artpark performances at all tickets.com locations, located at Tops Markets or by phone at 1(888) 223-6000. For more information on Artpark’s 2007 Schedule, call the Box Office at (716) 754-4375 or visit www.artpark.net.
The Earl W. Brydges Artpark is being operated by Artpark & Company, Inc. for the New York State Office of Parks,
Recreation and Historic Preservation under a license agreement.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Resurrection Life Welcomes Comedian Mike Williams
Props? Crazy songs? Strange characters? Just another day at Res Life.
On May 19-20, Resurrection Life hosts “The Christian Comedian” Mike Williams. The performer and best-selling author will take the stage on Saturday at 7 p.m., and again on Sunday as part of the 10 a.m. service. The free, family event is part of the church’s “Connections” theme for 2007.
Williams was the featured comedian on “Bananas,” an Emmy Award-winning variety series. He also wrote for Carrot Top. His Web site is www.christiancomedian.com
Res Life is located at 2145 Old Union Road, Cheektowaga. For more information, call 656-8995 or visit www.res-life.com.
Resurrection Life, a non-denominational church “Preparing You for Success in Life,” has recently welcomed speakers including former Buffalo Bills quarterback Frank Reich; Dove Award-winning singer Michael English; motivational coach Mike Connaway; and Mark Cahill, best-selling author of “One Thing You Can’t Do in Heaven.” In April, it staged “Glory and the Fire,” a drama the late Pastor John Osteen called the most powerful evangelism tool he had seen in 50 years of ministry.
The venue is comprised of four parts: a main auditorium; a KidZone, where preschool and elementary school children are taught; Vertical Reality, a spiritual hub for teen-agers, located in an adjoining building; and a food pantry that feeds more than 1,450 Western New Yorkers each month. Services are held on Sunday at 10 a.m., and on Wednesday at 7 p.m. The Rev. John F. Tonelli is senior pastor.
On May 19-20, Resurrection Life hosts “The Christian Comedian” Mike Williams. The performer and best-selling author will take the stage on Saturday at 7 p.m., and again on Sunday as part of the 10 a.m. service. The free, family event is part of the church’s “Connections” theme for 2007.
Williams was the featured comedian on “Bananas,” an Emmy Award-winning variety series. He also wrote for Carrot Top. His Web site is www.christiancomedian.com
Res Life is located at 2145 Old Union Road, Cheektowaga. For more information, call 656-8995 or visit www.res-life.com.
Resurrection Life, a non-denominational church “Preparing You for Success in Life,” has recently welcomed speakers including former Buffalo Bills quarterback Frank Reich; Dove Award-winning singer Michael English; motivational coach Mike Connaway; and Mark Cahill, best-selling author of “One Thing You Can’t Do in Heaven.” In April, it staged “Glory and the Fire,” a drama the late Pastor John Osteen called the most powerful evangelism tool he had seen in 50 years of ministry.
The venue is comprised of four parts: a main auditorium; a KidZone, where preschool and elementary school children are taught; Vertical Reality, a spiritual hub for teen-agers, located in an adjoining building; and a food pantry that feeds more than 1,450 Western New Yorkers each month. Services are held on Sunday at 10 a.m., and on Wednesday at 7 p.m. The Rev. John F. Tonelli is senior pastor.
MARK SCHULTZ TO CYCLE INTO TOWN FOR CONCERT
Buffalo, N.Y. (May 1, 2007) — Platinum-selling recording artist Mark Schultz is bicycling across America to raise money for orphans and widows. His 3,500-mile ride will pass through the Buffalo area, where he will present a concert on Friday, June 29, at 7pm. The concert, presented in conjunction with Family Life Network and Kingdom Bound Ministries, will take place at the Wesleyan Church of Hamburg, 4999 McKinley Pkwy., in Hamburg, New York. Tickets are $15 general admission, $20 artist circle, or $20 at the door. All proceeds will go to The James Fund to help orphans and widows. Tickets go on sale starting today, May 1, at itickets.com, the Kingdom Bound office (8550 Sheridan Dr., Williamsville, NY), or by calling Kingdom Bound at 716-633-1117.
Schultz's inspiration to make this 3,500-mile trek came from a visit he and his wife, Kate, made to orphanages in Mexico. In the spring of 2006, they went on a mission trip with The James Fund, a non-profit organization founded by Family Christian Stores to meet the needs of orphans and widows in distress. Schultz's own adoption drew him to explore this ministry. Seeing firsthand the harsh realities for many orphans and realizing that he could have easily been one of the boys in the orphanage, he wanted to make a difference.
"I went to visit some orphanages last spring and hang out with the kids, and I thought, how can I raise money for these kids?" says Schultz. "It seemed like nobody in the music business had ever done a tour where they rode their bike across the country and did concerts. I thought, that sounds impossible, let's do that!"
Buffalo-area fans, familiar with Schultz’s songs like “He’s My Son,” featured on “Delilah After Dark” on 96.1 WJYE, or “You Are A Child Of Mine,” featured on Family Life Network’s 88.3 WCOU, can support the cause by signing up to sponsor Schultz's bike ride at markacrossamerica.org. The website will track Schultz's progress on the tour, list concerts/special events, feature a photo gallery, and more.
Schultz’s area concert is being presented by Kingdom Bound Ministries, best known for presenting an annual Christian music festival at Darien Lake Theme Park Resort, halfway between Buffalo and Rochester, New York, for more than two decades. Now in its 21st year with 65,000 people in attendance over the course of four days, Kingdom Bound 2007 will bring together some of today’s most popular Christian pop, rock, and modern worship artists, including Casting Crowns, TobyMac, Newsboys, Chris Tomlin, and David Crowder, among many others, for this summer’s festival, to be held August 5-8, 2007, at Darien Lake Theme Park Resort in Darien Center, New York.
Kingdom Bound 2007 will be a diverse music festival, featuring praise and worship, hip-hop, blues, big band, pop, rock and other styles of music. Event or day pass tickets, along with campsite/RV/hotel packages, are currently available. For tickets and accommodation information, call 800-461-4485, and to see a current list of the more than 50 bands, singers, and speakers who will be offering concerts or seminars at Kingdom Bound 2007, visit www.kingdombound.org.
Schultz's inspiration to make this 3,500-mile trek came from a visit he and his wife, Kate, made to orphanages in Mexico. In the spring of 2006, they went on a mission trip with The James Fund, a non-profit organization founded by Family Christian Stores to meet the needs of orphans and widows in distress. Schultz's own adoption drew him to explore this ministry. Seeing firsthand the harsh realities for many orphans and realizing that he could have easily been one of the boys in the orphanage, he wanted to make a difference.
"I went to visit some orphanages last spring and hang out with the kids, and I thought, how can I raise money for these kids?" says Schultz. "It seemed like nobody in the music business had ever done a tour where they rode their bike across the country and did concerts. I thought, that sounds impossible, let's do that!"
Buffalo-area fans, familiar with Schultz’s songs like “He’s My Son,” featured on “Delilah After Dark” on 96.1 WJYE, or “You Are A Child Of Mine,” featured on Family Life Network’s 88.3 WCOU, can support the cause by signing up to sponsor Schultz's bike ride at markacrossamerica.org. The website will track Schultz's progress on the tour, list concerts/special events, feature a photo gallery, and more.
Schultz’s area concert is being presented by Kingdom Bound Ministries, best known for presenting an annual Christian music festival at Darien Lake Theme Park Resort, halfway between Buffalo and Rochester, New York, for more than two decades. Now in its 21st year with 65,000 people in attendance over the course of four days, Kingdom Bound 2007 will bring together some of today’s most popular Christian pop, rock, and modern worship artists, including Casting Crowns, TobyMac, Newsboys, Chris Tomlin, and David Crowder, among many others, for this summer’s festival, to be held August 5-8, 2007, at Darien Lake Theme Park Resort in Darien Center, New York.
Kingdom Bound 2007 will be a diverse music festival, featuring praise and worship, hip-hop, blues, big band, pop, rock and other styles of music. Event or day pass tickets, along with campsite/RV/hotel packages, are currently available. For tickets and accommodation information, call 800-461-4485, and to see a current list of the more than 50 bands, singers, and speakers who will be offering concerts or seminars at Kingdom Bound 2007, visit www.kingdombound.org.
