Monday, December 28, 2009

"The Buffalo Shuffle"- Defining the Buffalo Sound Dec 28th 8pm

Like many other aspects of the Queen City, Buffalo has always been under-appreciated as a music city. To a certain extent, it can’t be helped. The nerve centers of the music industry are elsewhere, including New York City, Los Angeles, and Nashville. And then there’s the Buffalo Mentality; that secondary market syndrome that contends that something or someone from out of town is better than something or someone from here. 

“The Buffalo Shuffle” every Monday night at The Tralf Music Hall will showcase the development and foundation of the Buffalo style of traditional rhythm and blues. We welcome musicians young and old to take part in the ongoing development of the Buffalo Sound. The house band each Monday will be featuring local Buffalo Musicians Doug Yeomans, Mick Hayes, Pete Holquin, Jim Ehinger, Steve Sadoff, and Al Monti with special guest musicians weekly. (More detailed information on individual musicians below)
 


Fifty some odd years ago, a Rock and Roll, boogie woogie blues style band called Stan and the Ravens started playing the local bar circuit with a sound influenced by the likes of Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry and Ray Charles . Many local musicians worked with the pianist and band leader, Stan Szelest, following his pounding left hand. When Stan and the Ravens broke up, bassist Tommy Calandra and drummer Gary Mallaber joined a band called The Rising Sons with vocalist Tony Galla, guitarist John Weitz, and pianist/keyboardist Jimmy Calire. This line up became Raven.

Many Musicians have followed in the footsteps of these players, all recognizing the feel, the sound, and the energy that is The Buffalo Sound. Sometimes referred to as the Buffalo Shuffle, the drum beat is a shuffle best described by drummer Gary Mallaber:   “If you boil a shuffle down to something you go to a Jimmy Reed record.  That’s what I go to, or I go to the song Honkey Tonk by The Bill Dogget Quartet. Between those two, anything Jimmy Reed does and  “Honkey Tonk,” you have the absolute shuffle the way it should be. If you play it the right way, that's Buffalo and it’s gusty, earthy.  There’s a geography, it’s true to itself.  There’s a Texas shuffle.  There’s a Chicago shuffle. There’s a New York City way of playing a shuffle. There’s almost a California way of playing the shuffle. This is about rediscovering another identity that is truly our own."

Jim Ehinger - After leaving Buffalo to find his fame and fortune in L.A., Jim Ehinger was the keyboardist of choice to play on albums and/or tours with musical greats such as Coco Montoya, Maria Muldaur, Bonnie Raitt, Bob Dylan, Taj Mahal, George Harrison, Steven Stills and Bob Weir.  His rendition of "Rhapsody in Blue" opened the 1984 Olympics in LA and he served as Dennis Quaid's piano coach for the movie "Great Balls of Fire."   His performance on "At This Moment" with Billy Vera and the Beaters helped propel the tune to be a million selling number one record.  Ten more years in NYC saw Jim serve as musical director for B.B. King's Blues Club & Grill and for the Mayer Theater in addition to his playing with other greats.  Jim now can be heard playing in local clubs in the WNY area along with our top blues or R&B talent.

Mick Hayes is the quintessential young front man the music industry was built on.  With his sharp dressed attitude and his “born lucky charm” he is sculpting the sound of contemporary blues and R&B today with powerful vocals and the cleanest home grown skills that pass through all of the blues sub-categories in one night.  Within the last year the multi-award winning guitarist/vocalist/songwriter has opened for: Robin Trower, Dave Mason, Dickey Betts & Pete Frampton.  


Mick joined the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame group Only Humen at the ripe age of 20, and it was with this band where he began to learn his trademark showmanship and a 4 gig per-week worth ethic.  As a member of Only Humen, he opened for Marshall Tucker and Molly Hatchet, and contributed on four songs of Only Humen’s release, Slightly Twisted Fiction.  After three years with Only Humen, Mick decided to form the Mick Hayes Band in 2003.  Acclaim arrived quickly in the Trio’s first year, with Mick earning a People’s Choice Award for Best Blues Guitarist, and placing 10th in the USA International Blues Challenge in Memphis.   Mick’s passion and conviction on stage has done more than sold thousands of copies of his CD it’s opened up the eyes of some of the industries most recognized artists.

Doug Yeomans - plays a hybrid style of Rock & Roll, Blues, Country, and Bluegrass.  His career has taken him from New York to California, with stays in Nashville, Toronto, and Austin with many other stops in-between.  He plays concert stages, festivals, clubs, private functions, theater shows, studio dates, guitar clinics and is a teaching artist in schools.  Awards:  2004 Inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame,  2001 & 2003 Best Blues Guitarist by the Buffalo Music Awards,  2003 and 2004 representative of the Blues Society of Western New York in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis TN,  2002 and 2003 Listener Awards for Best Acoustic Blues and Best Bluegrass Act,  2001 North American Rock Guitar Champion at the Buffalo-Niagara Guitar Festival,  1990 Best Country Guitarist (Buffalo Music Awards) and in 1988 – 1994 Toured with Award winning Coppercreek Bluegrass Band, Creekbend   


As an educator,  Doug Yeomans is an experienced clinician.  He has lead workshops at the  Mayville Bluegrass Festival yearly since 2003; Guitar Center, Tonawanda, NY, Jackson Music, Grand Island, NY, Wellsville Creative Arts Center, Wellsville, NY, Guitar Summit, Jordan Ont,  Melodee Music, Leesburg, VA,  Generations Guitar Society Master Clinician, Bradford, PA   and is facilitator of a popular Bluegrass Guitar Club.  Doug has been a contracted clinician with Young Audiences of Western New  York since 1997, each year sharing his talents and knowledge with thousands  of elementary to high school children.  Workshops include Blues to  Bluegrass, Erie Canal History, Stringmen, and Just Guitar.  Twice chosen as a feature performer on the Robby Takac (Goo Goo Dolls) and University of Buffalo produced television series: Music is Art – Live

Pete Holguin of The Soul Invaders (BMHOF Class of 2006) (now known as The Billy McEwen Band) have been Western New York's leading Rhythm and Blues band for over a decade.  Led by "Buffalo Music Awards" Hall of Fame vocalist Billy McEwen, they punch out a crowd pleasing mix of Classic Blues, Funk, Rock 'n' Roll, R&B and Originals.   Over the years, this award winning band has shared the stage with acts such as Muddy Waters, James Cotton, John Mayall, The Neville Brothers and The Average White Band.  The Billy McEwen Band are guitarists Jay Dzina and Ed Bores, drummer Pete Holguin, bassist Jim Brucato, and Al Monti on saxophone.  All members contribute both lead and background vocals which, when combined with the gritty vocals and aggressive harp playing of Billy McEwen, produce the biggest and most distinctive R&B sound in the Western New York area.  



“The Buffalo Shuffle” will commence every Monday night at The Tralf Music Hall at 8pm beginning Monday, December 28, 2009.  Check out The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame and The Tralf Music Hall for more details.  

# # # 





Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Veterans Art Therapy Program To Help Local Heroes



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Veterans Art Therapy Program To Help Local Heroes

(BUFFALO, NY) – The Roycroft Campus Corporation has teamed with the Arts in Education Institute of WNY and the Buffalo Vet Center to develop the Veterans Art Therapy Program to help local service members. The program, which was developed to allow veterans to explore their experiences and emotions through multiple art disciplines, will begin after January 1, 2010.

The Veterans Art Program will include sessions in theater, music, and spoken word, combined with painting, video and drawing, taught by certified art therapists and Institute-trained professional Teaching Artists. Designed by the Arts in Education Institute, and outreach specialists from the Buffalo Vet Center, weekly classes will be held at the Institute Center at 121 Humboldt Pkwy, and other locations. This exciting program will allow veterans an opportunity to explore their emotions and experiences through active, team-based participation. This group engagement seeks to create a setting similar to the squad camaraderie familiar to all service members.  Veterans' work will be presented in a gallery exhibit and public performance event at the end of the six-week session.

The not-for-profit Roycroft Campus Corporation, which has undertaken the restoration of the National Historic Landmark Roycroft Campus in East Aurora, will provide artisan support and host the gallery event.

“This is a great opportunity for the Roycroft community to embrace our veterans and help them with their experiences through our artisans,” stated Dan Frontera, Director of Development.  “Any opportunity that we have to give back to our veterans and help them work through their experiences in Iraq, Afghanistan or Vietnam truly embodies the spirit of Roycroft.  We are very proud to partner with the Arts in Education Institute and the VA," he continued.

For more information on the Veterans Art Program, contact the Arts in Education Institute at 716- 880-3292 or visit the website at http://www.facebook.com/l/32435;www.artsined.com.  Veterans can also receive information on the program by contacting the Buffalo Vet Center at 862-7350.

For more information, contact:
Jackie Albarella, Executive Director
Arts in Education Institute
Phone 716-880-3291

Patrick signature

 
Patrick W. Welch, PhD
Director
Erie County Veterans Services Agency
Rath Building - Suite 1254
95 Franklin St.
Buffalo, NY 14202
http://www.erie.gov/veterans/
 

--
Susan Marie Public Relations
Susan.Marie.1971@gmail.com
http://www.susanmarie.info
http://www.thinktwiceradio.com
New York USA  2009

Friday, December 11, 2009

Tunes4Food: Musicians to host Food Bank campaign




Musicians to host Food Bank campaign

(Buffalo, NY) - Each month 96,000 struggling Western New Yorkers turn to soup kitchens, food pantries, and other sources for their meals. Supplies come from the Food Bank of WNY that has been a lifeline since 1979, moving food from sources to the needy, through a network of more than 300 community sites. Increasingly challenging times often inspire citizens’ creative responses, like the unique student-hosted music campaign called “tunes4food.”

On Friday, December 18, 2009, at the Walden Galleria Mall, (Cheektowaga, NY) a tunes4food concert is set to benefit the Food Bank and will run from 3-9 PM inside and on a stage near the Apple Store (ground floor north end near Sears.) Live music and student hosts will engage shoppers and seek support. The new event is a follow-up to the first tunes4food, 25-hour marathon held on Niagara Square last June.


High school students from Buffalo, Lockport, Lewiston-Porter, and Holland, along with college students from Villa Maria & Houghton, will introduce and share the stage with veteran local artists.


The coordinator, Student Voices, is building the tunes4food brand as a lesson in community service. Despite having its own funds reduced on NYS’s budget crisis chopping block, Student Voices is offering its creative resources to help other non-profits. This proactive stance is attracting partners.


New believers are bringing support, including Assembly member, Sam Hoyt. “The tunes4food project will assist the Food Bank of Western New York in its important mission of feeding those in need in our community,” says Hoyt.  “It brings valuable experience to the participating students and entertainment to all who attend the performances. So everyone wins.”
 

In addition to Hoyt, WNY musicians, arts groups and businesses are getting involved. The growing team includes Key Bank, Ciurczak & Company, New Era Cap, Villa Maria College, Music in Action, Music is Art, Buffalo Music Hall of Fame, Buffalo Select Chorus, Buffalo Music Awards, Mike Vargovich, Emmi James, Free Henry!, Grace Stumberg, Bethany Fonda, Rachel O'Hara, Lenny Revell, The Blood Thirsty Vegans, YMaris Baez, Bernard Kunz, Six String Circus, The Headers, Chelsea Pelsone, Ed Bentley, The Joyce Wilson Nixon Band, Doug Yeomans and GCR Records.
 

Event donations and sales proceeds from CDs and special items will go to feed the hungry through the Food Bank’s more than 300 partners.


The non-profit Food Bank of Western New York, a member of the national network Feeding America, depends on special partnerships with food suppliers and community fundraising efforts like tunes4food to meet a growing regional need. 
 


“We are so appreciative of the young musicians participating in the second Tunes4Food concert for the Food Bank of WNY.  Our need is up 20 percent from last year and we can use any assistance to help us feed the hungry in our community,”  said Marylou Borowiak, president and CEO of the Food Bank of WNY.
 

"The community showed amazing support for the first tunes4food event, which was imagined and completed very quickly”, stated Student Voices’ Coordinator Bob James. "The response was so strong, it planted seeds for more, including a new after-school program of artist workshops and a Mohawk Place benefit concert both planned for early 2010. Promoting innovation and teamwork during tough times is part of our cause."


For more information, email Bob James (bobjames1@aol.com) and visit www.tunes4food.org.  Get to The Walden Galleria Mall on December 18, 2009 3pm until 9pm to see free live local music and help out this worthy cause.





Bob James,
Creative Director
www.studentvoices.org
716.912.6656 (cell)




Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Dan Millman: Way Of The Peaceful Warrior






Dan Millman lives with a peaceful heart and warrior spirit, transforming everyday life into a path of personal and spiritual growth lending his experience to the world. Translated into 20 languages, "Way Of The Peaceful Warrior", is the first volume of many inspirational books including, " Bridge Between Worlds."  Dan's work influences men and women from all walks of life, including leaders in fields of psychology, education, health, business, politics, entertainment, sports, and art. Dan is also the author of several inspirational children's books. Please visit his website.

Thank you Janna Willoughby for sharing your heart. Thank you Dan, through your experience, you allow others to alter their own perspective. God Bless You.

Please listen everyone, there is feedback Dan and I are asking for regarding something on his website for YOU to find. This is so enlightening. I am blessed.

For feedback: susan.marie.1971@gmail.com

Dan Millman's website: http://www.peacefulwarrior.com

Interview:  http://www.thinktwiceradio.com/sue-marie/sue-marie.html

Peace,

Sue



--
Susan Marie
http://www.susanmarie.info
http://www.thinktwiceradio.com
New York USA 2009

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Non Profits Invited: Apply: Ford Friendship Express Program

The holidays could come early for area nonprofit organizations… the Ford Dealers of WNY officially announced that applications are now available for the 15th annual Ford Friendship Express program. Area nonprofits can fill out an application to win a brand new Ford van for their organization. Applications are due by March 1, 2010. Additional details are included in the release below. Would you consider sharing this information to let our area nonprofits know about the program?

If you have any questions or would like more information, feel free to email or call me directly at 716-880-1483.  Thanks for your consideration, Katie Rampino



friendshipimage





For more information, contact:
Katie Rampino
Eric Mower and Associates
(716) 880-1483


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 3, 2009


 NONPROFIT  ORGANIZATIONS  INVITED  TO  APPLY  FOR  
“FORD FRIENDSHIP  EXPRESS” PROGRAM
Applications Available Now for the Chance to Drive Away in New Ford Van

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Call it an early holiday present… The Ford Dealers of Western New York announced today that they will continue their annual tradition of supporting local nonprofit organizations with the “gift” of transportation. Local nonprofits looking to drive into the summer of 2010 with a brand new Ford van can now apply to the Ford Friendship Express program. All applications must be received by March 1, 2010. Van recipient(s) will be announced in the spring of 2010.

Now in its fifteenth year, the program has awarded 60 vans valued at over $1 million. Non-profit organizations within the following counties are eligible to apply: New York – Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming counties; Pennsylvania – McKean and Potter counties.

“The Ford Dealers of Western New York value the hard work and support that our community’s not-for-profit organizations offer to keep this region strong,” said Scott Bieler, chairman of the Ford Friendship Express Selection Committee. “The Ford Friendship Express program is our way to give back to those organizations by providing them an essential need – transportation.”

Past recipients include Meals on Wheels of Buffalo and Erie County, Friends of the Night People, St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy, Old First Ward Community Association, Aurora Adult Day Services, Camp Good Days & Special Times, the American Red Cross and The Buffalo Zoo. The 2009 recipients were Computers for Children in Buffalo and the Niagara Falls Boys and Girls Club.

Eligible candidates must be not-for-profit organizations located and operating in the area coinciding with the Western New York Ford Dealers. An application must be completed and submitted to the Ford Friendship Express Committee before the March 1, 2010 deadline. Applications and guidelines are available by logging on to www.wnyford.com and clicking the “community events” tab, or by sending a request to Ford Friendship Express Program, 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1000, Buffalo, NY 14202.

About Ford Dealers of WNY and Ford Friendship Express:
The dealers are part of the Western New York Ford Stores, an advertising cooperative comprised of 32 dealer locations, that provides support for Ford vehicle sales and service in the 8 counties of Western New York and two counties in Northern Pennsylvania.
Since its inception in 1996, the Ford Friendship Express program has donated vans valued at more than $1 million. Past recipients include Computers for Children, Kids Escaping Drugs, SABAH, Meals on Wheels of Buffalo and Erie County, Friends of the Night People, St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy, Camp Good Days & Special Times, Student Union at SUNY at Buffalo, Goodwill Industries of Western New York, Rural Transit Service, the American Red Cross, The Buffalo Zoo and more. 

###

Katie Rampino   |   
Account Executive, Public Relations Public Affairs
Eric Mower and Associates
  |  Buffalo Office
Key Center at Fountain Plaza
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1000 , Buffalo, NY 14202
phone: 716.880.1483
  |   fax: 716.842.1271
krampino@mower.com   |  www.mower.com

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Buffalo City Mission: Celebrate and Give Local









 Jason Jones with Body Revolution Massage Therapy 
Will be donating proceeds from chair massage at the event during the busy holiday season! 



Musicians Performing: 
Michael DiSanto, Emile Latimer, Bob Buckley

 Tomorrow is the last day to drop-off your donations of a small small piece of artwork, photos, jewelry, CDS, chapbooks, books, small sculptures, etc., 
for the Give Local Event to benefit City Mission. 

Each piece will be sold for $20 at our Give Local event Dec 11th at Starlight Gallery, proceeds to City Mission to help feed, cloth and provide shelter for Buffalo's poor and homeless throughout our upcoming cold winter.


You may bring your donations to either: 


Starlight Gallery
340 Delaware Avenue (@ W. Tupper - very colorful building, cant miss it!)
Tuesday & Wednesday 9-4


Gallery 464
464 Amherst Street (between Elmwood and Grant)
Tuesday & Wednesday 12-6


Regardless of where you drop-off, all work goes to the same place & same great cause. So, please pick whichever gallery is more convenient for you & drop-off your work no later than Wed 12/02. 




Please contact Erica Eichelkraut with any questions.




Erica Eichelkraut, Editor

NOMAD Magazine
Art + Word from the Buffalo Herd


 Susan Marie
http://www.susanmarie.info
http://www.thinktwiceradio.com
New York USA


Saturday, November 28, 2009

One Hour With Leslie Fineberg: Lily Moon Henna

 


 

One Hour With Leslie Fineberg: Euphraxia and Lily Moon Henna - we speak of the history, culture of dance and mehndi: (Leslie is Certified in Henna and Dance) thank you Leslie I learned so much about the beaty of dance and mehndi and how we apply that in our lives daily inherently:

http://www.thinktwiceradio.com/sue-marie/sue-marie.html

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Give Local: WNY Artists & The Buffalo City Mission

On Friday December 11th, at 7pm, Nomad Magazine, in conjunction with Salvatore's Italian Gardens, The Buffalo Downtowner, Starlight Gallery and Sweetness_7 Cafe are combing forces to support The Buffalo City Mission during the holidays.  Along with the second release of Buffalo's newest Art and Literary Magazine (Nomad), ”Give Local" is an incentive to support art, music, business and organizations of Buffalo and Western New York. 

This event, free and open to all public, combines donated artwork from area artists, local music and holiday gift buying.  Sweetness_7 Cafe is providing coffee, tea, and desserts; while Salvatore's Italian Gardens is providing food for those in attendance on December 11th at Starlight Gallery.  Music provided by:  Mike DiSanto:  7:10 - 7:50, Mel Latimer:  7:55 - 8:50, and Bob Buckley  8:55 - 9:55.

Those who make a $20 donation to The Buffalo City Mission on December 11th will be given a raffle ticket.  After dinner and beverages, ticket numbers will be called and ticket-holders will be invited to select a piece of original Buffalo art on a first-come, first-serve basis. Raffle ticket sales (donations) begin at 7:00 pm.

The Buffalo City Mission founded in 1917, is a not-for-profit organization that provides preventative, emergency and long-term recovery services to thousands of men, women and children who are homeless or impoverished. The Mission includes the Women and Children’s Shelter (Cornerstone Manor), Men’s Community Center, Mission Motor Vehicle Donation Program, and two thrift store locations to better serve our community. Contact:   www.buffalocitymission.org or 854-8181.

Starlight Studio & Art Gallery provides an open art studio environment with individual guidance for the cultivation of artistic expression for people with disabilities.  Created by Learning Disabilities Association of WNY, artists at Starlight have the opportunity to work with a variety of mediums and artists.  Contact:  starlight@starlightstudios.org
,  716-842-1525, www.starlightstudio.org.

Salvatore's Italian Gardens, has earned the coveted Triple A 3 Diamond Award and the “Millennium International Award of Excellence” in Las Vegas as one of America’s top 100 restaurants of the 20th century.  Contact:  Joseph/Russell Salvatore, salvatores@salvatores.net
, 716 - 683-7990, www.Salvatores.net.

The Buffalo Downtowner is a monthly newspaper published in Buffalo and directed to the people, events of the City of Buffalo and its suburban environs.  The Buffalo Downtowner is distributed monthly to venues throughout Downtown Buffalo and its suburbs as well as Allentown & Elmwood Villages, the Hertel and Chippewa strips, the Buffalo-Niagara International Airport and the Duty Free Shop in Canada.  Contact:   PaulMcQuillen@TheBuffaloDowntowner.com, www.TheBuffaloDowntowner.com, 716-771-9450.


Nomad Magazine is an art and literary magazine functioning as a portable gallery focusing on local talents since 2008.  Nomad Magazine, created by Editor Erica Eichelkraut, gathers, packages and shares art and literary works with the public distributed for free around Buffalo. Contact:  Erica Eichelkraut, NomadBuffalo@gmail.com, www.NomadBuffalo.com.  

Sweetness_7 Cafe/Grant Street Gallery, located at 216-220 Grant Street, is a cheerful, comfortable neighborhood cafe and local artist community.  Prish Moran, owner, provides a fine coffeehouse for the people while continually providing support for the communities of Buffalo that are less fortunate.  Contact:  716- 883- 1783, www.GrantStreetGallery.net
.

For event information, view/download flier HERE, and donate artwork to this cause:   Erica Eichelkraut, www.NomadBuffalo.com
, NomadBuffalo@gmail.com

Come on down to Starlight Studio & Art Gallery 340 Delaware Avenue Buffalo NY 716.842.1525 on Dec 11, 2009 at 7:00 pm to support our city, enjoy fine food and beverages, listen to great local talent and purchase a Christmas gift for a loved one, all while supporting The Buffalo City Mission. $20 dollars feeds 10 people.  Keep the money in our city.  Support local art, music, business and organizations.  



WNY Artists are giving tiny gifts to make a big difference.  Be a part of the art. 


Give Local. 




Susan Marie Public Relations
www.susanmarie.info
www.thinktwiceradio.com
New York USA 2009

Monday, November 23, 2009

Sweetness_7 Cafe: Share the Love, Share the Holidays


https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=03422de4af&view=att&th=12521fe174144517&attid=0.1&disp=inline&realattid=f_g2cx06720&zw



(Buffalo, NY) - Beginning Thursday December 3rd, Sweetness_ 7 Cafe and The Christmas spirit present a series of holiday themed events entitled, "Share the Love, Share the Holidays", to raise money for less fortunate families on the West Side of Buffalo. Sweetness_ 7 Café is located at 216-220 Grant Street (at Lafayette) Buffalo NY 14213 (716) 883-1783.  Prish Moran, proprietor, maintains a cheerful, comfortable neighborhood café  within the local artists’ community. 

Schedule of events:

  • Thursday, December 3rd: MAMA MIA NIGHT - For the mamas in da’ house! Let your man stay home and watch that blasted game. The real fun will be here! Dine, drink and dance your dupa off! Bell-bottoms and glitter ARE mandatory!

  • Thursday, December 10th: HOLIDAYS WITH THE HEROES - They protect your neighborhood, they rescue your cat from a tree. Now watch ‘em cook! And cook they will in their Village People themed outfits! Ring the bell, watch ‘em dance! BBQ and beer will be the order of the evening – feathered headdresses optional.

  • Tuesday, December 15th: POTLUCK AND PRESENT NIGHT - Bring a dish, bring a toy, sing your heart out to Christmas Carol Karaoke. Rub elbows and dangle mistletoe with your favorite local actors, artists and musicians. Come on, let’s see how really talented these folks are!

  • Thursday, December 17th: A MOTOWN CHRISTMAS - Nothin’ warms you up on a cold December eve like Marvin Gaye and Martha and the Vandellas. And there ain’t nothin’ like a Motown Christmas! And there ain’t nothin’ better for the soul than soul food and helping those that need it! So, there ain’t nothin’ to keep you away!

  • December Sunday TBD: BRUNCH WITH BACH AND THE BIG GUY - No black tie. No pearls. Just good music and a wonderful brunch for you and your family. And, if we’re lucky, ol’ Saint Nick may just drop in for a nip and to hear some Christmas wishes!

The Thursday events are only $50, all inclusive (food, alcohol and band-aids for the dance induced blisters), the Brunch and the Potluck are price TBD. (If you have a family in mind, please submit their story to the website or post to the Sweetness_7 Facebook page). All proceeds will be anonymously donated to West Side families in need. 


Starting Dec 3, get to Sweetness_7 (by Grant Street Gallery) and help families in need while supporting one of many local businesses crucial to the staple and economy of this city. Check out the website and make sure you drop a line on the website and visit the facebook page.   Moran states, ""One of the fine characteristics of this coffee house is our people. We do our best to provide enjoyment in the workplace. We take pride in our people and continue to encourage innovation and excitement."     

Share the Love, Share the Holidays and give forward, it comes right back to you.

# #

Susan Marie Public Relations
http://www.susanmarie.info
http://www.thinktwiceradio.com
New York USA 2009

Free Henry! Summers on Neptune in All About Jazz

Free Henry!:  Summers on Neptune


All About Jazz

By Susan Marie

"Sometimes, everybody's getting in my mind / Oh Lord, I can't break through this time / sometimes, there can be no reason or rhyme / for the things I cannot rewind."

"Smoke," the first tune on Free Henry's! new release, "Summers On Neptune," embodies everything currently void in the music industry. Poetically, artistically, and lyrically, "Smoke" is radio ready. "When you're there you know / you gotta swim towards the waterline / scrape for the waterline / swing on a vine to a canopy / it cannot be these senses around." Press play and listen to "Smoke" when defining perfection.

"Summers on Neptune," produced and arranged by Free Henry!, is an 10 track masterpiece recorded at Introspec Studios. Featuring the finest Visual Art Design of Michael LaDuca, (The Corporate Jesters, Inc), mastering by Audio Magic Studios (Mike Rorick) in Buffalo, NY, and guest saxophonist, Nate Feder. The entire CD is 100% USA made down to the recycled paper and plastic. Photography credits include: Matthew Buckley and Ryan Richards, (Richards also engineered and mixed), causing this entire release to be created by Buffalo based business and artists.



summers on neptune.jpg

Free Henry! Is made up of Bob Buckley: vocals, lyrics, acoustic guitar, piano / Derek Presti: bass guitar, piano / Alex Foote: electric/acoustic guitars, piano and Pat Mannella: drums and percussion. Free Henry! has begun a revolutionary intensity redefining rock and roll, jazz, blues and pop. They take what was, create what needs to be, melding that into their own sound.

"Sailboat Senses" is intuitive and cohesive. "Spirits are so high, and we're walking through the next day / we're searching for a brighter way to get a little bit more sunshine / and all of these good people have an open invitation to this happy conversation." Bob soars with a spectral vocal range while Pat is driven with his military-neo rock percussion. Alex just makes his Fender wail with a groovy wah wah rock pop retro that compliments Derek on his jazzy back beat bass lines that bring them all full circle.

Listen to a live one-hour interview with the band on Think Twice Radio. The 2009 Buffalo Music Awards has nominated Free Henry! for Best Original Rock Band and Alexander Gavin Foote for Best Original Guitarist, vote here. Summers On Neptune", the 2009 release by Free Henry!, is available now available here. And go here for a free mp3 download of "Sailboat Senses". Free Henry is in constant flux.

They have performed with The Guess Who, Rusted Root and most recently in NYC. They are positive, uplifting, raw honest energy and continuously seek new places, cities and musicians to perform with and at. Every tune on "Summers On Neptune" is fantastic. Like every single song on this CD, each member of Free Henry! holds a gift, a surprise, insight and God given talent. Free Henry! may stand side by side, but each of them, like their songs, are complete, a work of art, divine.

Free Henry! recently won a Buffalo Music Award for Best Original Rock Band 2009.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

One Hour With The BloodThirsty Vegans




Check out this awesome clip on the BTV website  


One hour interview with The BloodThirsty Vegans: Alex Mead, (My Rap Name Is Alex), Janna Willoughby, (MC Vendetta), Dave Harter, Bryan (Brrrn) Lohr and Kim. A rotating musical family based on having fun, making music, creating peace and speaking the truth through music.

Their new CD, "Let The Feast Begin" is fantastic and due for release December 2009. Please listen as we talk about how they came about, storytelling, Nickel City, Dave's drum set, Brrn's anti Christmas and spectacular versions of "Do You Even Know", "Class War", and "Buffalove."

Thank you Alex, Janna, Brrrn, Dave, Kim and Ben (who is off creating his own world peace.) I had so much fun and you are raising consciousness with your music. Keep going, don't look back, laugh, and keep dancing.

Listen HERE



Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Ken Rutkowski: Response To Love Center: the ThanksgivingGIVING

Eight years ago, the owner of Outer Limit Recording Studio, Ken Rutkowski, recalled a story told by his mentor of a Thanksgiving tradition of giving that he started years before, based on his poor childhood. Despite his own financial struggles, the power of the story inspired Ken to start his own tradition, now called the Thanksgiving GIVING.”

Following his mentor’s advice Ken contacted Sister Johnice and The Response To Love Center, an organization in an impoverished area. Ken asked if a meal could be taken to an individual or a family in need. He literally scraped together enough money to deliver a turkey, stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce, yams, corn, pies, whipped cream, juice, coffee, milk, etc. - everything one could possibly need for a bountiful Thanksgiving meal. This began an annual tradition between Outer Limit Recording Studio and Sister Johnice.

In 1985, the The Response to Love Center was founded to begin a ministry to the East Side of Buffalo. Sr. Mary Johnice, CSSF, a core of Felician Sisters and countless volunteers transformed the first and second floors of a former parish school building into a compassionate haven for the poor. The Center is dedicated to helping poverty-stricken individuals and families. We empower people to take responsibility for their lives and encourage self-sufficiency through dignity and compassion. We develop relationships with individuals and introduce them to people and programs that will assist with their individual problems and needs.

Since Ken began this in 2002, donations have doubled each year. It has become a moving experience for so many people who depend on it now for nourishment, holiday spirit, and most of all a renewed sense of goodwill. It is Ken’s deepest desire not to have to turn anyone away. Last year his commitment doubled to 64 meals amounting to over $3,200, much of it coming out of his own pocket. Close friends and family, a large number of Outer Limit Recording Studio clients, and corporate sponsors also made contributions to help reach that goal. Keeping with that tradition, Ken is committed to giving 128 Thanksgiving meals for 2009, requiring roughly $6,400.

This year, Ken is asking for help from anyone willing to join in and participate through a donation. Outer Limit Recording Studio is offering a recording incentive for anyone willing to help. If interested, you can contact Ken at the studio at 886-0554 for more details. Please join Ken and Outer Limit Recording Studio in this year’s donation and share in capturing the wonderful feeling of a “Thanksgiving GIVING!”

Families provided with Thanksgiving Dinners: 2002: 1 Family 2003: 2 Families 2004: 4 Families 2005: 8 Families 2006: 16 Families 2007: 32 Families 2008: 64 Families.

How you can help:
Food and drink list to fulfill the goal: 128 turkeys (28 - 20lbs. or more, 100 - 20lbs.), 128 cans of cranberry sauce, 128 small boxes of stuffing, 128 cans of corn/carrots, 128 large cans of yams, 128 boxes of instant mashed potatoes, 128 half-gallon milk containers, 128 half-gallon juice containers, 128 desserts, 128 tubs of whipped topping, 768 servings of coffee (6 per family), 768 servings of tea (6 per family), 128 packages of dinner rolls, 128 packages of butter, Some susbstitutions are fine. If money can be saved, then more families can get what they need. Generic/store brand/name brand products are all fine.

Contact: Outer Limit Recording Studio 1313 Walden Avenue Buffalo NY 14211. To catch Ken and his volunteers in action before Thanksgiving or during delivery, please call him at: 716.886.0554.

Help a small local business with a very big heart spread goodwill this Holiday Season.


Friday, November 13, 2009

Texas Homos: Buffalo United Artists: Premiere Nov 13


(Buffalo, NY) - On Friday, November 13, Buffalo United Artists (The BUA Theatre) located at 119 W. Chippewa Street Downtown Buffalo, premieres "Texas Homos" by Jan Buttran. This production runs from November 13 - December 5, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm. Directed by Javier Bustillos, the cast features: Eric Rawski, Chris Kelly, Kurt Erb, Darryl Hart, and Caitlin Coleman.

The production:
Cecil and Jim Bob have been caught engaging in gay sex in a police sting at a public restroom in Tyler, Texas. Since one is the town doctor and the other a preacher, and since both have wives, and children, this creates more than a few problems. A third man caught in the sting complicates matter further: he thinks they should all enter a guilty plea and become gay heroes. Comic and compelling!

Tickets: $23.00 general admission, $20.00 for seniors, $18.00 for members, $15.00 for students. Group rates are available. Cash only please, no credit cards. Check accepted from BUA Angels only. Check out the BUA's 24 hr reservation line at: 716- 886-9239 and visit them online. Directions.

Buffalo United Artists is a self-supporting collective of professional theater artists working constantly to create accessible, professional-quality theater consistent with the great passion we feel for our art. We do not shy away from controversy, nor do we direct our production choices towards mass appeal or popular opinion. We believe one of the greatest endeavors we can pursue is to use our craft to play an active and visible role in the service of our community. We aspire to present theater that entertains, enlightens, and captures the imagination.

The BUA (1992-2009) has produced more than 120 diverse shows in theatres all over the area. They are very proud to have brought some of the most challenging theater to Buffalo, and to be able to claim a number of firsts for our area. Some highlights include: The Boys in the Band , Last Summer at Blue Fish Cove , Ten Percent Revue , The Baltimore Waltz, Unidentified Human Remains and the True Nature of Love , Poor Super Man , Jeffrey , and Love! Valour! Compassion! BUA is committed more than ever to uniting the finest performers in the city to bring you a provocative array of plays.

BUA does not produce plays for the goal of making money. They produce theater they feel has a message that needs to be heard in our community. BUA uses theater as a vehicle for social change, outreach, and a means of communicating important aspects of the human experience that Buffalo audience members might not otherwise view and explore. They do so with attention to artistic excellence, an eye on what is current and pertinent in today's world of theater, a passion for achieving and maintaining the highest possible standard of artistry and integrity, while constantly challenging themselves to strive for even greater goals.

BUA is a proud member of The Theater Alliance of Buffalo. They are also recipients of Artie Awards in numerous varied genres. To support BUA (as a Buffalo Angel for $25): Buffalo United Artists P.O. Box 687 Buffalo, New York 14205 (716) 886-9239. Angels will receive production announcements and discounted ticket prices for almost all BUA productions (fund-raisers, special presentations and co-productions may not be included). Angels are also entitled to two tickets for the price of one for the first weekend of most of our productions with a listing in programs as a BUA Angel. Join their mailing list here: feedback form.

Support our local theatre, actors, artists, organizations. It is an integral part of Western New York.


# # #
--
Susan Marie Public Relations
http://www.susanmarie.info
http://www.thinktwiceradio.com
New York USA 2009

© 2009 Buffalo United Artists, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
Buffalo, New York U.S.A.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Give Local: WNY Artists & The Buffalo City Mission

On Friday December 11th, 2009, at 7pm, NOMAD Art & Lit Magazine will be hosting a "Give Local" holiday fundraiser for Buffalo City Mission, in conjunction with Salvatore's Italian Gardens, The Buffalo Downtowner, Starlight Gallery and Sweetness 7 Cafe. "Give Local" is an incentive to support art, music, business and organizations of Buffalo and Western New York.

This event, free and open to all public, combines donated artwork from area artists, (including photographs, paintings, drawings, small poetry books, jewelry, sculptures), local music and holiday gift buying on December 11 at Starlight Gallery. Food and beverage provided by Sweetness 7 Cafe and Salvatore's Italian Gardens. Music and sound donated by by WAM (a group of local writers/artists/musicians that hold monthly events, showcasing new talent and connecting the Buffalo creative community.

Those who make a $20 donation to The Buffalo City Mission on December 11, will be given a ticket upon donation. At 8:30pm, after dinner and beverages, ticket numbers will be called and ticket-holders will be invited to select a piece of original Buffalo art, on a first-come-first-serve basis, ticket sale (donation) begins at 7pm.

The Buffalo City Mission
founded in 1917, is a not-for-profit organization that provides preventative, emergency and long-term recovery services to thousands of men, women and children who are homeless or impoverished. The Mission includes: Women and Children’s Shelter (Cornerstone Manor); the Men’s Community Center; the Mission Motors Vehicle Donation Program; and two thrift store locations to better serve our community.
Contact: 854-8181.

NOMAD Magazine is an art and literary magazine functioning as a portable gallery focusing on local talents and will be celebrating the release of their second issue at this event. NOMAD Magazine, created by Editor Erica Eichelkraut, gathers, packages and shares art and literary works with the public distributed for free around Buffalo. Contact: Erica Eichelkraut, nomadBuffalo@gmail.com.

Starlight Studio & Art Gallery
, (across from Babeville and Hallwalls) 340 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo NY 14202, provides an open art studio environment with individual guidance for the cultivation of artistic expression for people who have disabilities. Created by Learning Disabilities Association of WNY, artists at Starlight have the opportunity to work with a variety of mediums and artists. Contact: starlight@starlightstudios.org, 716-842-1525.

Salvatore's Italian Gardens, open since 1967, earned the coveted Triple A 3 Diamond Award and the “Millennium International Award of Excellence” in Las Vegas Nevada as one of America’s top 100 restaurants of the 20th century. Located at 6461 Transit Rd, Depew NY 14043, Joseph and Russell Salvatore are responsible for one of the most beautiful restaurants in the world. Contact: Joseph/Russell Salvatore, salvatores@salvatores.net, 716 - 683-7990.

The Buffalo Downtowner is a monthly newspaper published in Buffalo, NY directed to the people, events and the city of Buffalo and its environs. Distributed monthly to over 100 venues in Downtown, Allentown & Elmwood Villages and Duty Free Canada. Contact: TheDowntowner@TheBuffaloDowntowner.com., 716-771-9450.

Sweetness_ 7 Cafe/Grant Street Gallery, located at 216-220 Grant Street, Buffalo, NY 14213, is cheerful, comfortable neighborhood cafe and local artists community. Prish Moran, owner, provides a fine coffeehouse for the people while continually providing support for the communities of Buffalo that are less fortunate. Contact: 716- 883- 1783.

For event information, view/download flier, and donate artwork to this cause, contact : Erica Eichelkraut, NomadBuffalo@gmail.com. The donated artwork is due Dec 1st, a gallery preview will be on display Dec 4 at Starlight and the event is on Dec. 11 at 7pm.

Come on down to Starlight Gallery on Dec 11, 2009 at 7pm to support our city, enjoy fine food and beverages, listen to great local talent and purchase a holiday gift for a loved one while supporting The Buffalo City Mission. $20 dollars feeds 10 people. Make a difference. Keep the money in our city. Support local art, music, business and organizations. WNY Artists are giving tiny gifts to make a big difference. Be a part of the art. Give Local.


# # #

Susan Marie Public Relations
716-783-7067
www.SusanMarie.Info
Susan.Marie.1971@gmail.com
New York USA 2009

Monday, November 9, 2009

Nomad Magazine Winter Submissions/Starlight Gallery


A message from The Editor of Nomad Magazine, Erica Eickelkraut:

Thank you again for another wonderful round of submissions to NOMAD! Don't miss our release party, 12/11 at Starlight Gallery! Free food, live music and a chance to walk with a piece of original, local art for a donation to The Buffalo City Mission. More details to follow but please save the date!

Also, there are still a few advertising spots available for this issue, rates start at just $55! Reach a creative/interested audience with a full-color ad in a booklet they will hold on to. More info: www.nomadbuffalo.com/advertise

As always, you can follow us at www.nomadbuffalo.com to keep up with events and updates.

Please find the list of accepted artists/writers below:

Alexander Brunner

Ashley Smith

Christine Serchia

Chuck Tingley

David Pierro

Geraldine Liquidano

Kaitlin Friscaro

Len Kagelmacher

Luke Copping

Lukia Costello

Mark Donnelly

Matt Buckley

Megan Szeliga

Patrick Willett

Peter Vullo

Roberta Schwartz

Ryan McGhee

Salvatore Scrivo

Sean Madden

David Kowalczyk

Oliver Morse

Rebecca Wilcox

Lynn Ciesielski

Raymond A Sherry

Matthew Crane

Susan Marie

Daniel Dorociak

Kyle Natoli

Susan M. Hutton

Peter Vullo

Charles D. J. Case.

Josh Smith

Michele Rose


There were several artists/writers who had multiple pieces that are a great fit for the style of the magazine, therefore a specific list of accepted works/titles will be released after layout is complete and final selections are made.

Thank you & continue to spread the word!

--

Erica Eichelkraut, Editor
NOMAD Magazine
Art + Word from the Buffalo Herd
www.nomadbuffalo.com

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

ARTISTS: Call for Work: Give Local

We’re seeking tiny gifts, to make a big impact
Donate your art to make a difference in our community

"GIVE LOCAL" EVENT:

Every winter, thousands of people face the Buffalo weather without adequate shelter, food or clothing. NOMAD Art & Lit Mag is determined to help. During our winter release party on 12/11, guests who donate $20 to City Mission, an organization housing, helping and feeding Buffalo’s homeless, will be invited to select a piece of local, original artwork to take home.
A gift for a gift!

ARTISTS : HOW TO CONTRIBUTE:

Simply, donate a small piece of your art. Photographs, paintings, drawings, small poetry books, jewelry, small sculptures... anything sized 6x6” or less. All work will be suspended and should be mounted or ready to hang for window display, as part of a large collection of small works. Will be on display at Starlight Gallery, 340 Delaware Avenue.
Public preview beginning 12/04.

Think fundraiser. But a fun, up-for-grabs, exciting holiday fundraiser with live music & great food, celebrating local talent for an incredible cause, keeping money in Buffalo...
Be a part of the ART!

WORK DROP OFF:

Starlight Gallery
340 Delaware Avenue
Monday 12/01, 12pm-5pm


SHOW PREVIEW:
Opens Friday 12/04


EVENT & SALE OF WORKS:
Friday 12/11, 7pm


Sponsored by: NOMAD Art & Lit Publication, Susan Marie Public Relations. Food graciously provided by Salvatore's Italian Gardens Restaurant

Erica Eichelkraut, Editor

NOMAD Magazine
Art + Word from the Buffalo Herd