Wednesday, July 29, 2009

2nd Annual Walk Off Hunger Food Bank WNY Sun. Aug. 2nd In Memory Of Cantor Susan Wehle, Crash Flight #3407

Food Bank of WNY

91 Holt Street

Buffalo, NY 14206

(716) 852-1305

Fax (716) 852-7858


Contacts:

Mike Billoni
O-852-1305
C-578-8948
mbilloni@foodbankwny.org



BUFFALO, NY, JULY 27, 2009 – The second annual Walk Off Hunger for the Food Bank of WNY will be held this Sunday, August 2, beginning on the grounds of Temple Beth Am at 11:00 AM. Participants will be walking in memory of Temple Beth Am’s Cantor, Susan Wehle, who, along with 49 others, lost her life in the Flight 3407 plane crash in February.

Last year, Cantor Wehle spoke at the opening ceremonies for the inaugural Walk Off Hunger, calling for unity and encouraging people from all faiths and cultures to help fight hunger in our community. Her inspirational words urged everyone to take on the task of healing the world, and through this walk, we can make big strides in reaching this goal.

“This is a great opportunity for families and people of all faiths and cultures to join in a common goal – feeding the hungry in our community, and, in the process, demonstrating that we can make a difference, together,” said Gary Bluestein, Chair of Walk Off Hunger.

The 2-mile family-friendly walk will begin and end at Temple Beth Am, 4660 Sheridan Dr., Williamsville. Check-in and registration will begin at 10:00 AM and the walk at 11:00 AM. To pre-register on-line or for more information, please visit the Food Bank’s website at: www.foodbankwny.org. Erie County Sheriff Tim Howard and members of the Sheriff’s Dept. Mounted Division will be in attendance and will participate in the walk. Jodi Johnston of Ch. 2 Daybreak is the emcee.

Platinum sponsors for Walk Off Hunger are: Bluestein & Muhlbauer, P.C.; Freed Maxick & Battaglia; General Mills; Gleichenhaus, Marchese and Weishaar, P.C.; Tops Friendly Markets; Uncle Bob’s Self Storage and Wegmans.

There will be limited parking available at Temple Beth Am along with parking in surrounding neighborhoods. Additional parking with a free shuttle bus is available at the old Vic’s Plaza located at North Forest and Maple Road, in Williamsville.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

The 2009 Niagara Music Forum

Niagara Music Forum (NMF) is getting ready to bring the Music industry’s best and brightest to Niagara once again. Norris-Whitney Communications, publisher of Canadian Musician magazine: Canada’s premiere magazine for musicians and music practitioners will host the event on Saturday, October 17 at the Four Points Sheraton (Brock Room) 3530 Schmon Parkway, Thorold, Ontario. Attendance by registration is at a cost of only $45. Registration information is available HERE.

The Niagara Music Forum (NMF) is a 1-day event to connect with musicians and music industry professionals from Ontario and surrounding U.S border-states. It is an opportunity to hear from industry experts that are at the top of their game.

NMF is a chance to gain a competitive edge, access industry resources, get connected with some of the different areas of the music industry as well as open up new markets. “The Niagara Music Forum is a much needed outlet to sustain connection between the United States and Canada. As a result of this forum (08), I was able to write about and book musicians in the United States”, says Susan Marie, Public Relations Liaison from Buffalo, NY.

NMF '09 will feature topics such as publishing, recording, distribution, promotion, booking, contracts and more. Speakers come from a variety of fields such as recording label, entertainment law, marketing and promotions, booking, and media.

The Forum provides a unique learning experience, industry knowledge on a range of topics, opportunity to engage the industry representatives, and topped off with a reception for all attendees and speaker. All registered attendees will also have exclusive access to the database of attendees and speakers. Additional information is available at www.niagaramusicforum.com


NMF will bring new markets together to connect with each other, open dialogue for partnerships and collaborations, and provide a wealth of knowledge and resources. “We originally did the Forum to connect musicians and music related professionals from in and around southern Ontario and Buffalo. The response was overwhelming, and this year we are looking forward to a bigger and more exciting event, says Jim Norris, President of Norris-Whitney Communications.


# # #

For media information, please contact Nik Duncan, nduncan@nor.com 905-641-3471

Monday, July 27, 2009

Habitat For Humanity: Lowe's Gift Card Fundraiser August 6, 2009

A new Lowe's store is opening on Southwestern Blvd in the Southtowns, and on one August 6, 2009, if you buy a gift card in any amount, Lowe's will donate a matching amount to Habitat for Humanity.

An example:

Buy a $50 gift card (to be used at ANY Lowe's nation-wide with NO expiry), and you will get the gift card. On that day only, for purchases at that store on that day, Lowe's will match the gift card amount with a gift to Habitat. Your gift card purchase gets you the card and Habitat gets the equal amount to help build more homes.

If you are unable to get to the store on that date, please contact Bonnie Botsford: bonunger@peoplepc.com and she will gladly purchase it for you. She will be staffing a table there mid-day, and would gladly mail you the gift card in exchange for a check made out to her for the identical amount.

If you're anticipating a new appliance, deck, shelving unit,lamp, you name it, it's the perfect way to simplify your selection and help Habitat at the same time.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

WUFO's 2009 Wellness Campaign: "Get in Shape for Life"

WUFO 1080 AM, one of the most influential mediums within the communities of the City of Buffalo is promoting “Good Health,” in addition to spreading awareness about the steps to cancer/illness prevention and treatment.

Their “2009 Wellness Campaign July - October" is specifically designed to encourage our communities to become educated and informed about:

1. How do I prevent this cancer/illness?
2. Where do I go if I’ve been diagnosed?
3. How do I treat this form of cancer/illness, and what are the costs?

Partner with WUFO 1080 AM in order to be fully successful in this awareness campaign, for every little bit goes along way. Any organization(s) group(s) or individual(s) interested in sponsoring WUFO’s Wellness Campaign: “Promoting Good Health for Life” is strongly encouraged to join and jump aboard!

Everyday Health Awareness and illness preventions are a number one focus for all of us, especially when so many of us are or know someone suffering from or combating- Cancer, Diabetes, Obesity, Mental health disorders, and more.

*Help us spread awareness by becoming a sponsor today!*

Contact:

SheMisa Ali
shemisaa@yahoo.com
WUFO 1080 AM
Radio Personality/Advertising Account Exec.
Office: 716-834-1080
Cell: 716-949-3276
WUFO 1080 AM

WUFO’s promise: Over 45 years of serving the WNY community.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Music Is Art Needs Volunteers Sept 2009





MiA is looking for volunteers to help out at the Festival Sept 12. With 30 bands, 3 stages, 50 artists, DJs, dancers, non-profits, a Kid's Village, beer tent and everything else involved, we need your help to make sure this year's festival is another success. If you want to be involved in Buffalo's biggest free cultural festival, please reply to: info@musicisart.org.


Caroline Barry
Music Is Art
450 Masten Ave
Buffalo, NY 14209
p 719-816-4224
f 716-888-7136
http://www.musicisart.org
info@musicisart.org

Friday, July 24, 2009

The 4th Annual Queen City Jazz Fest

The 4th Annual Queen City Jazz Fest

Saturday, July 25, 2009

The Historic Colored Musicians Club


Broadway and Michigan Ave
145 Broadway Buffalo NY
716- 855-9383

1 - 9pm

Featuring:

Jazzline
Larry Salter Big Band
Melissa Kate Project
Sharon Bailey
Jenny May Quartet
Joyce Wilson Nixon
Will Holton

The Colored Musicians Club is located at 145 Broadway between Elm and Michigan Streets in Downtown Buffalo.

Click here for a map and directions to the Colored Musicians Club from MapQuest.

From Canada: Take QEW to the Peace Bridge. Take the NY 190 South to Exit 6, Elm Street. Turn right on Broadway go to 145 Broadway. From Interstate 90: Take Exit 53 Kensington Expressway (Route 33) West into downtown Buffalo. Turn left onto Broadway go to 145 Broadway.

--

Susan Marie
www.susanmarie.info
susanmarie.info@gmail.com
New York USA

Stop The Violence Foundation Community Center: Cheektowaga, NY

Buffalo, NY – While most are enjoying their summer, going on vacation with their families and basking in the sunshine, one Bishop in Buffalo, Bishop Perry Davis and his wife, Pastor Gina Davis are working hard to create a better future for the young people of the city of Buffalo and Cheektowaga.

Bishop Perry L. Davis, President of the Stop the Violence Foundation and Bishop of New Life Harvest Ministries at 575 Humboldt Parkway are opening a new Community Center at

10 Century, on the corner of Century and Cleveland in Cheektowaga. The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, July 25th at 1 pm. Refreshments will be served.

Bishop Davis began his vision to create a safe haven for children more than three years ago and wanted to open a community center that would give children a safe environment to go to after school and would offer activities that would help teach the children and community ways in which to help stop violence from happening in our city.

“My goal for this new center is to offer educational resources to children that will help with their learning problems and promote the value of education” says Bishop. “Education is the key to stopping ignorance, and ignorance breeds hate and violence.” I also plan to offer programs that deal with the aftermath of violence for the families of victims already lost to violence in our cities,” he continues. Bishop Perry is passionate about keeping our children off drugs, eliminating hatred and human rights violations and helping our youth to lead a non-violent lifestyle. Bishop Davis and his wife, Pastor Gina Davis continually hold Peace marches spreading the message of non-violence in neighborhoods throughout the city, often ravaged by violence. This community center another way the Bishop Davis is reaching out to further that effort. Everyone is invited to attend this grand opening.

Bishop Perry Davis –(716) 715-1375




--
Susan Marie
www.susanmarie.info
susanmarie.info@gmail.com
New York USA

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center Celebrate 35th Anniversary

To mark Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center’s 35th anniversary this year, in August and September there is a rare two-part benefit art auction. Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center is one of Buffalo’s oldest artist-formed organizations; its mission—to bring the newest and most challenging work in the contemporary arts to the interested public, whether in painting and sculpture, conceptual art, film, video art and activism, performance, fiction, music, or any number of other art form—has long been upheld in creative and collaborative ways.

The first part of this historic auction will feature works by 79 artists associated with Hallwalls over the past 35 years. It takes place in Buffalo on Thursday, August 6. The second part will be at Christie's on Wednesday, September 23, as part of its fall 2009 First Open Sale, featuring Post-War & Contemporary Art. That sale will feature donated works from a select few of the many art world luminaries who either got their start at Hallwalls, or who had important exhibitions here early in their careers.

The August 6 auction in Asbury Hall at Babeville will be only the third auction Hallwalls has undertaken for its own benefit in its entire history. Like the earlier efforts, this event will feature numerous donated works by local, national, emerging, and established artists—the number totals 79, and they represent all periods of Hallwalls' illustrious history. That includes the time from its founding in late 1974 up to visiting artists and artists living and working in Buffalo today.

The August 6th gala affair in Asbury Hall will feature both live and silent auctions, food, drink, and entertainment. The live auction will be conducted by Sara Friedlander, Specialist, Post War & Contemporary Art, Christie’s. There will be a full-color printed catalogue with images of all the works in both auctions. The Hallwalls website also has digital views of the works for sale.

The silent auction begins at 6:00 pm, and the live auction will start at at 8:00 pm. (The silent auction will continue past the conclusion of the live auction.) Hors d'oeuvres and open bar from 6:00-10:00 pm. Pre-event tickets may be purchased at Hallwalls during gallery hours or at the website.

###

Note: Hi-res images are available, as well as artist and organizer interviews. Full list of participating artists below.


WHAT: Hallwalls 35th Anniversary Art Auction – Part I (Sponsored by Hodgson Russ LLP)

WHEN: Thu., Aug. 6, 2009 at 6:00 p.m.

WHERE: Asbury Hall, Babeville, 341 Delaware Ave., Buffalo

TICKETS: $35 general admission, $25 Hallwalls members, may be purchased at hallwalls.org

INFO: www.hallwalls.org or 716-854-1694



Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center 35th Anniversary, Part I (Buffalo Auction)


August 6, 2009

The 81 artists participating are:

Bruce Adams, Chuck Agro, Laylah Ali, Julio Alvarez-Perez, Meredith Allen, Joanna Angie, Deborah Aschheim, Mary Begley, Roberley Bell, Diane Bertolo*, Kathe Burkhart, Ellen Carey, Carlo Cesta, Millie Chen, Charles Clough*, Kara Daving, Josh Dorman,Wayne Edson Bryan, Jackie Felix, A.J. Fries, Hans Gindlesberger, Mike Glier, Maria Elena González, Lee Goreas, Megan Greene, Duayne Hatchett, Biff Henrich, Tom Holt, Jenny Holzer, Ani Hoover, Bryan Hopkins, George “Afedzi” Hughes, Richard Huntington, Bruce Jackson, Jed Jackson, Eric M. Jensen, Jacob Kassay, Kevin Kegler, Becky Koenig, Catherine C. Koenig, David Kramer, Suzy Lake, Mark Lavatelli, Daniel Levine, Joan Linder, Polly Little, Joshua R. Marks, Jennifer McMackon, Gerald Mead, Lillian Méndez, Julian Montague, Nathan W. Naetzker, Gary Nickard, Nancy J. Parisi, Ester Partegàs, John Pfahl, Ann Pibal, Alberto Rey, Kelly Richardson, Alicia Ross, Barbara Rowe, Christy Rupp, Kathleen A. Sherin, Catherine Linder Spencer, Chrysanne Stathacos, Ellen Steinfeld, Peter Sowiski, Kara Tanaka, Rodney Taylor, Mark Dean Veca, Siebren Versteeg, Virocode, Alfonso Volo, Kurt Von Voetsch, Patty Wallace,
Jesse Webber, Adam Weekley, William Wegman, Barbara Weissberger, Jacqueline Welch.


Christie’s First Open Post-War & Contemporary Art Sale – Part II


September 23, 2009

The nine artists Included in the Hallwalls benefit portion of the sale are:

Laylah Ali, John Baldessari, Matthew Barney, Nancy Dwyer*, Robert Longo*, Sol LeWitt, Jim Shaw, Cindy Sherman*.

* Indicates founding artists of Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center.


Contact:

Polly Little, Development Director
Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center
341 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14202
716-854-1694
cell:716-228-7284

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Radio 8 from Studio 8

The July Radio8 Show is up online featuring a variety of great music and spoken word, including music by the infamous Holy Modal Rounders, Woody Lissaur, singer-songwriters Jym Ponter, Michael Bonanno, and Mr. Troll, Texas musicians Lightning Rod, Barry Kooda & Jenni Mansfield Peal, jazz & spoken word vocalists Carolyn Malachi, Theda Spracklin, & Linda Joy Burke, spoken word by Luigi Monteferrante, Judih Haggai and Susan Marie, plus the awesome blues guitarist Tom Principato and some rockin' Jugglers Ink.

Here's the playlist -

No Reggae in Texas - Lightning Rod
Lazy Bones - The Holy Modal Rounders
Texas' Newest Millionaire - Barry Kooda
I Ain't Gonna Hang For This - Jym Ponter
Goa - Lasse Dahl & Jugglers Ink
Palm of the Creator (a Satire) - Carolyn Malachi
Give Seven - Barry Gremillion
Buckshot - Luigi Monteferrante
Walkin' - Carolyn Malachi
Ego Sandwich - Judih Haggai
Linctus Starlet Coughs up Her Leading Role - Jym Ponter
Leaving Suburbia - Linda Joy Burke
Somebody To Love - Woody Lissauer
River - Susan Marie
Green Streak - Jenni Mansfield Peal
Too Far - Doreen Peri
If You're Hurt I'm Sorry - Michael Bonanno
Let You Go - Mr. Troll
Coldest Woman - The Holy Modal Rounders
In the Middle of the Night - The Tom Principato Band
Loverman - Theda Spracklin

_________

hit it HERE and listen!

________

Thanks to all the artists who participated! I'm honored to present your material!
-Doreen Peri

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Naval/Military Park to Host Unique Weekend Events

Sunset Celebration, a free 18-minute extravagant sound and light celebration timed to the evening’s sunset, will be staged on Buffalo’s flourishing waterfront each Friday and Saturday beginning July 10 and continuing through Sept. 5.

The unique celebration to showcase Buffalo’s beautiful sunset across Lake Erie will be held at the bow of the USS Little Rock and the submarine, The Croaker. It will feature specially themed music as guests relax on the large grassy area adjoining the walkway at the Naval & Military Park.

“Western New York has never had the opportunity to see and hear something like this. It will be a memorable experience for all and this will clearly be another unique weekly waterfront experience,” said Anthony P. LoRusso, chairman emeritus of the Naval & Military Park. “We encourage everyone to come down to the waterfront to be entertained while watching our sunsets on Friday and Saturday evenings,” he said.

For more information, contact Buffalo Naval Park - Anthony P. LoRusso at 818-3683.

One Hour Interview: Ray Manzarek (The Doors)

One Hour With Ray Manzarek

I am just so pleased - this was amazing. Please click below to check out One Hour with Ray Manzarek (of the Doors) its an amazing conversation, Ray is a beautiful spirit and I am honored to have spoken to him. Check out the websites, grab his books, CDS and check out the history and most importantly, listen.

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

Thank you Ray and Steve . . . and to all the Doors . . .
Jim, Robby, Ray and John . . . you have created something sacred for us all.

Peace,

Sue

--
Susan Marie
www.susanmarie.info
susanmarie.info@gmail.com
New York USA

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Tunes 4 Food On Think Twice Radio

On June 22 at 11am to July 23rd at 12pm, Western New York gathered for a 2 day, 25 hour non stop free music event in Niagara Square, downtown Buffalo, NY where local musicians performed to support The Food Bank of Western New York for tunes4food.org. For this first time event, we collected 1,959 pounds of non perishable food and $440 which gives the Food Bank power to distribute 3,923 meals to the needy in the four counties they serve in WNY. A heartfelt thank you to all musicians who performed, everyone who donated food and the media coverage we received. 50 - 1/2 hour slots were filled, I recorded as much as I was able.

Click below, second show down, for pictures and live audio:

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

Thank you to everyone who was involved and supported this event.

Peace,

Sue

Monday, July 13, 2009

The Drepung Loseling Monastery Buffalo New York



The monks visited Unity Church in Buffalo, NY to perform and share the sacred ceremony, Lama Chopa, through The Mystical Arts of Tibet. The Buddhist monks travel to raise awareness about Tibetan tradition, the history and hardship of their culture in Tibet and India, to secure educational funding, and to acquire sponsorship for individual monks. The only support for the continuation of all of this is through donations, sale of handmade items by Tibetan refugees and the kindness of communities, business and organizations. To support any of their initiative's and Unity Church, please access the links provided above. The Lama Chopa Ceremony below is a musical guided meditation in Tibetan language.

Please click HERE or live audio and photo of the event

Susan Marie
New York USA

Buffalo/Rustbelt Episode of A. Bourdain: No Reservations

On Monday, July 27, 2009 at 7:30 pm there is a screening party at Pearl Street Grill and YOU are invited!

Later that evening, at 10 PM on The Travel Channel, Anthony Bourdain - No Reservations, "Rustbelt" Episode, featuring Nelson Starr will air with Starr giving Tony Bourdain a tour of some of Buffalo's finest under-the-radar, old-school food joints.

Nelson Starr, local musician and Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Inductee and filmmaker John Paget, reached out to Bourdain and The Travel Channel by making a three-minute video a contest to entice Bourdain to visit the city of the winning entry. Nelson Starr was a finalist, resulting in Bourdain to promise he would eventually come here.

You can view the video HERE.

For more information, contact Nelson Starr.


© Susan Marie
www.susanmarie.info
New York USA

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Buffalo Business Receives National Recognition: President’s Volunteer Service Awards


In July of 2009, Susan Marie Public Relations was certified as a business that continues to support faith based, organizational and community related events through her volunteer service over a two year span. A Certifying Organization is an entity that is approved to review and verify a volunteer’s hours, and nominate and distribute the President’s Volunteer Service Awards. COs are oftentimes, local offices, chapters, affiliates, offices, stores, or member organizations that operate under the auspices of a national Leadership Organization.

The Corporation for National and Community Service was formed to engage Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service to meet community needs. Each year, more than 1.5 million individuals of all ages and backgrounds help meet local needs through a wide array of service opportunities. These include projects in education, the environment, public safety, homeland security and other critical areas through the Corporation's three major programs: Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America.

Certifying Organizations agree to perform the following roles:

  • Verify that the volunteer(s) has completed the number of service hours required to earn a President’s Volunteer Service Award.

  • Nominate verified volunteers by completing and submitting forms to receive the award(s).

  • Pay the nominal cost for the award package and its shipping, either directly or through local sponsorship.

  • Receive the award package and distribute the award to each recipient.

The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation was established in 2003 to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers are making in our communities and encourage more people to serve. The Council created the President’s Volunteer Service Award program as a way to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service.

Recognizing and honoring volunteers sets a standard for service, encourages a sustained commitment to civic participation, and inspires others to make service a central part of their lives. The President’s Volunteer Service Award recognizes individuals, families, and groups that have achieved a certain standard – measured by the number of hours of service over a 12-month period or cumulative hours earned over the course of a lifetime. There are more than 28,000 certifying organizations to bestow more than 1.5 million awards to the Nations deserving volunteers.

Awards to be given include:

  • Personalized Certificate (with individual’s name)
  • Lapel Pin (bronze, silver, gold or lifetime depending on total volunteer hours)
  • Congratulatory Letter from the President of the United States
  • Letter from the President's Council on Service & Civic Participation
During involvement with tunes4food.org, Susan received this certification after tracking her volunteer hours after 2 years plus of volunteer service in her community and the Nation through her business and Think Twice Radio. Tunes4food was listed as a project under President Obama's Serve.Gov, his call to action for Americans to volunteer in their communities.

Awards to be distributed specifically for tunes4food under Susan Marie Public Relations are: Grace Stumberg, for her committed 25 hours during the entire event, performing and organizing and past involvement with Music in Action, WUFO 1080 AM, a spiritual based AM radio station that commits their time to supporting Western New York and Brooke Noelle Zarcone, who organized a food drive on her own in her high school that collected approximately 500 lbs of food for The Food Bank of Western New York.

To view more information regarding this incentive:

Serve.Gov: http://www.serve.gov/.

# # #

Contact:

Susan Marie Public Relations
716-783-7067
www.susanmarie.info
susanmarie.info@gmail.com
New York USA 2009

Thursday, July 9, 2009

2009 Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Inductees Announced

BUFFALO, NY - Join the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame at 7 PM on Thursday, October 8, 2009 at the Tralf Music Hall located at 622 Main Street in Buffalo's Downtown Theatre District for a festive evening of live music and entertainment. Fans and friends are welcome to honor the 2009 Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Inductees, many of whom will perform. Local entertainer and radio personality Rob Lederman will emcee the event. Food and refreshments will be available through the Tralf facilities. Tickets are $20, at all Ticketmaster locations; charge by phone 852-5000, or through the Tralf Box office.

The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Class of 2009 includes the following:

THE BUFFALO BILLS BARBERSHOP QUARTET - 1950 International Quartet Champions, and famed quartet in the Broadway and film versions of “The Music Man.”

JACK CIVILETTO - Long-time WNY Blues guitarist/vocalist/band leader. Winner of many local music awards and seen around town performing as “Old Blue Eyes.”

GLENN COLTON - Highly regarded, popular children’s entertainer and a veteran of over 300 live shows in schools though out his 25 year career.

HIT n RUN – “Buffalo’s Premier Party Band” brings their high energy and immense local following to the event.

McCARTHYIZM - Alternative Rock Band will take its place in the BMHOF upon earning numerous awards for their original music and presentation.

moe. - Internationally known “jam band” that got its start at Broadway Joe’s.

RAVEN - Legendary 60’s band that established the “Buffalo Sound” that became nationally renowned includes Hall of Fame members Tony Galla, Jim Calire, J R Weitz, Tommy Calandra, and Gary Mallaber.

JERRY RAVEN - Godfather of Buffalo’s Folk Music scene and mentor to countless musicians that include a number of previously inducted BMHOF Members.

JOEY REYNOLDS - “Mr. Nice Guy”, also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Known for his groundbreaking work in radio – in Buffalo and nationally.

DR. LONNIE SMITH – Master of the Hammond B-3. After setting the standard internationally, he returns to confront his humble roots on Buffalo’s East Side and takes his place in the BMHOF.

The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame was founded in 1983 to recognize groups and individuals who have had a significant impact on WNY music and/or have achieved success in the music industry on a national or international scale. The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame annually recognizes these outstanding Western New Yorkers at its annual induction gala.

Bob Silvestri, Chair of the Nominations Committee of the BMHOF notes, “This year’s class ranges from performers who have become internationally renowned to long-time mainstays of local music.” Members of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame from previous induction classes will be in attendance to honor and induct the Class of 2009.

Co-chairs of the event include Patricia Kirisits and Richie Derwald. For press information contact Rick Mathews, President of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame at 716-400-8934 or rickmathews@buffalo.com.

The Board of Trustees of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame is seeking new members and those interested in sponsorship opportunities, supporting membership or board membership should contact Rick Mathews 716-400-8934 or email us at: info@bmhof.org.

Monday, July 6, 2009

Our Lady Peace: Molson Park: Lockport Sun & Journal: Thom Jennings

July 05, 2009 12:43 am

LOCKPORT: Our Lady Peace masterfully blends old, new
By Thom Jennings
Lockport Union-Sun & Journal

LOCKPORT — Arguably, Our Lady Peace was the most anticipated concert in this year’s Molson Canal Concert Series and one of the main reasons so many people I have spoken to comment on how great this year’s lineup is. OLP arrived in Lockport to kick off a major tour in support of their forthcoming “Burn Burn,” which will be released July 21.

Highlighting new material is often a challenge for artists because many concertgoers only want to hear familiar songs, but OLP did a masterful job blending the old with the new. Of course, they had an audience that most bands could only pray for. If there were such a thing as a sell-out crowd for a free show, then OLP played to one.

They hit the stage at 8:40 p.m. and upon seeing the massive crowd, lead singer Raine Maida said, “ Oh my God, I think we’re in heaven,” after which the band opened with an updated version of “Naveed,” the title cut from its first album. Next was an extended version of “Superman’s Dead,” from their second album “Clumsy,” during which Maida urged the crowd to sing along and the massive crowd obliged.

It did not take long for even the casual fan to realize this was a special night for OLP. Standing in front of a backdrop displaying the cover of “Burn Burn,” OLP hardly seemed like a band that has played fewer than half a dozen shows in the past three years. New songs like “Monkey Brains” and “Paper Moon” were only distinguishable because the majority of crowd was not loudly singing every word of them.

A person standing near me remarked that OLP was “the best band ever to play Lockport,” a heady claim, considering the talent that has come through the area. I will say that OLP was one of the most polished bands I have seen in many years. Raine Maida is the consummate front man, combining vocal prowess and showmanship that is truly sublime.

OLP closed their set with “All You Did Was Save My Life,” a new track from “Burn Burn” that has been available on the Internet for the past few weeks. Closing with a new song was a bold move, but it worked because of the strength of the song.

The band returned the stage playing three encores, closing with a rousing version of “Starseed,” during which Maida jumped into the crowd.

Raine Maida gave a tremendous performance, and he undoubtedly did not disappoint the many fans in attendance. Nonetheless, it is important to note the work of the rest of the band, including Steve Mazur, the guitarist, who did not miss a note, and the flawless rhythm section consisting of Jeremy Taggart on drums and Duncan Coutts on bass.

Right before I left the show, a person said to me, “You better write a good review of this show.” A good show deserves a good review and OLP certainly deserves a good review after tonight. Before I left, I thanked Mayor Tucker for bringing these shows to Lockport. Two weeks, two excellent shows.

Contributing reviewer Thom Jennings is an Albion resident.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Floozie: See You Later (Buffalo, NY)



Floozie is fully experienced by their live, raw performances, yet on their 2009 release, " See You Later", they redefine that untamed freedom found in the current Western New York indie scene.

Floozie is: Jim Schwartz: Vocals and Guitar, Marty Schebell: Bass, Mike McGranor: Lead Guitar/Vocals and Mr. Sam: Percussion. Selling out auditoriums, Floozie has shared the stage with: Sponge, Theory of a Dead Man, Default, The Trews, and Soul Asylum. The richness of Floozie's lyrics, mean guitar riffs and folklore behind various songs, crowned them with notoriety of being experimental and influential.

"Holding On For Nothing" slams you head first into dirty riffs with alternating echo chamber vocals: "I always try to sort it out / but find myself full of doubt / I'm holding on for nothing /and I'm begging you please / can't you see the scrapes on my knees." This tune is punk, blues, funk, and rock and roll all in one.

The eclectic diversity of "See You Later" is found on, "Electric." The intro is pure driven punk: "You're electric / so let me turn you on", interspersed with harmonica and blues. "You never know what you might find / all you gotta do / all you gotta do / is open up your eyes." Keeping true to harmony through guitars and driving percussion, "Electric" alternates between pop and blues.

"Whatchya Say", features slide. Imagine a track screaming: "Whatchya say/ What your saying / What your sayings not me" with mad precision on percussion, guitars and vocals simultaneous. Musically, "Whatchya Say" is one of those "must see live" Floozie tunes.

This album is proof that Floozie yet again comes out with something uninhibited, meaty and passionate. Lyrically, melodically and instrumentally, you get a taste of punk, blues, rock and roll, and pop in one album. Floozie can be reached at myspace. Check out where they are performing thanks to All WNY Radio.com and Big Jack Productions.

Floozie is on rotation at 97 Rock, 103.3 The Edge, 107.7 The Lake (with an interview) and were named 97 Rock's Artist of the Month. The first track, "Holding On For Nothing" is irony at best. Floozie fans have been holding on, yet most certainly not for nothing.


© Susan Marie
www.susanmarie.info
susanmarie.info@gmail.com
New York USA