Friday, July 31, 2015

ChalkFest Buffalo! 2015







WHAT:     ChalkFest Buffalo! 2015

WHERE:  500 Block Main Street Buffalo, NY - Located on Main Street in between Huron & Mohawk Streets  MAP HERE

WHEN:    Saturday & Sunday, August 1st & 2nd, Noon-6pm both days

WHY:      ChalkFest Buffalo! is a free annual event in the heart of Downtown Buffalo, hosted by the 500 Block of Main Street Association. With so many amazing things to do in Buffalo, the 500 Block Association felt their little niche needed to get on the summer calendars and what better way than through art, games, music, and food. 

An entire city block is transformed into a colorful playground for two days, with more sidewalk chalk than anyone could dream of. Kids of all ages will have the chance to participate and leave their mark, albeit temporarily, in the city creating whatever their imagination can come up with, while drawing, learning and watching over the shoulders of local and world renown artists!

In an effort to give back each year, ChalkFest Buffalo! chooses a local organization geared toward children and proceeds from all vendor fees and t-shirt sales are donated to that group.  This year’s beneficiary is Explore & More Childrens Museum, which provides an environment for creative play and learning through hands-on exhibits, activities and programs that spark creativity, curiosity and imagination in children.


Contact:
Erin Carmina, ChalkFest Coordinator
(716) 860-1760, ecarmina@gmail.com

Thursday, July 30, 2015

WNY VegFest 2015 – A Sustainable Awakening


First Published on StreetPoetz.Com by Carmel Cece Carson

ON WGRZ Ch. 2








 
When people think of Buffalo, NY, they often think of a tumultuous amount of snow, chicken wings, and the losing streak of the Buffalo Bills. What many don’t know is that the city is rich with different cultures and an immense diversity of amazing food! Each summer promises various food festivals as an opportunity to venture out and experience something new, and in 2014 one group decided to take this a step further.

WNY VegFest merges Vegetarian and Vegan with a clean, sustainable, and healthy lifestyle. The event brought over 5,000 people to Delaware Park last year and expects an even larger turnout this year.

StreetPoetz.Com founder, Cece Carson, had a moment to speak with Albert Brown, one of the co-founders of WNY Vegfest and he provided insight into the birth of this astounding event.

Can you tell us how WNY VegFest came to be?  

“I thought that a festival encouraging and celebrating all the wonderful benefits of a plant based lifestyle would be perfect for the WNY/Buffalo region and that was the spark that lit a fire that continues to burn.”

At the point this was just an idea; did you ever think it would be so successful in the first year?

“No, we had hoped for 1,500 folks to show up the first year but 5,000 decided they had a better idea than me, ha-ha.”

Who is the driving force team behind WNY VegFest?

“Sara Rogers, Melanie Pasinski, and myself.”

We love that you have also found a way to incorporate the arts into the event.  Can you tell us more about this?

“The arts are such an important part of the WNY VegFest!  We love featuring local musicians, dancers, and artists and artisans of all kinds.  We want our event to always be a creative expression of the talent and love that our region is known for and will always look for ways to showcase our talented pool of artist in the WNY area.”

What do you feel the key difference will be between 2014 and 2015? 

“Well, knock on wood, I think we are a little better prepared and we are expanding in every area.  Our theme this year is A Plant based Lifestyle and its benefits in an Age of Climate change!

How many businesses and vendors can we look forward to this year?

“As of right now we have over 70 and that number will grow right up to the event.”

Can you tell us what goals you have in mind for the future?

“I would love to see the WNY VegFest become a multiple day festival and expand on performances, speakers, music and of course all that delicious food!”
This year’s event will feature not only amazing food and earth conscious vendors, but also:
  • The annual Tofurkey Trot 5K Run/Walk
  • Live music, drumming, dancing, hula hoops, kids area, and other performances
  • Animals for adoption
  • Speakers and vendors
  • Fun! Fun! Fun!

Want to be a part of WNY VegFest?
Contact Albert via email or phone
  • albert [at] wnyvegfest.com
  • (716) 465.3927 

Check out the website for the complete schedule of events, how to volunteer, donate, sponsor and have a lot of fun at www.wnyvegfest.com

Stay tuned because it does not stop here.



 Graphics © WNY Vegfest

Thursday, July 23, 2015

ART, ALL GENRES: StreetPoetz.Com: Get Yourself, Your Business Listed For Free





WHAT:   StreetPoetz.Com is a space for writers, poets, vocalists, visual artists, photographers and musicians to express themselves, practice their skills, collaborate and be noticed. Our goal is to serve as the hub for artistic events. Any business that caters/supports/promotes all artistic genres is welcomed and needed. 

WHERE: Follow this link --> http://streetpoetz.com/business-directory-3/?action=submitlisting hit JOIN, fill out data you wish the public to see and start your artistic journey! 

WHEN:  Right now! Go ahead, do it. Why wait? I am listed there as a writer, spoken word poet, author, public relations, radio . . .  what do you do? 

WHY:    On Saturday, August 29th, there will be a massive event/mixer --> https://www.facebook.com/events/501390090017687/ at Shea's Smith Theatre in Buffalo's newly renovated Theatre District to feature, vend, perform, collaborate and meet. Virtual vendors are accepted!

For more information:
Carmel Cece Carson, CEO/Founder

Friday, July 17, 2015

Eastern Monarch Butterfly Farm Featuring Melissa Lussier



Here is a short video I made showcasing the Eastern Monarch Butterfly Farm and a portion of the work they do while standing inside a butterfly tent, which was fantastic, along with a sampling of the beautiful vocals of Melissa Lussier of Melissa Lussier Music - please visit all linked above and connect to the farm and to Melissa and her music.