Sugar City Finds A Home In Allentown

Here's another one of those fun stories that makes you thankful that the stars do occasionally align. It was a little over a year ago year when I first wrote about Sugar City's (art collaborative) search for a home. Around that time I also features a series of improvement projects on Wadsworth that were moving forward at a rapid pace. On one end, Aimee Buyea, Director of Sugar City, was in need of a gallery and performance space (see post). On the other, Wendes Jones, owner of the Wadsworth properties, was looking for future tenants. As of Friday, Wendes will have a tenant for her 19 Wadsworth property and Aimee will be cutting the ribbon for her organization.

Since it's virtually impossible to get any beer and wine licenses in Allentown, and retail has proven to be tricky on Wadsworth, this partnership appears to be the perfect fit. Artsy Allentown will have another gallery and performance venue while saving a quaint old house in the process - a win-win considering that it was not that long ago that The City demoed the neighboring Falcon Building. Plus, The Bend (bar located at the bend at Days Park) has a new paint job and a new awning. And who can forget this Victorian house rehab a few doors down. It's nice to see a synergized up-swing taking place at this end of Allen Street. From Aimee Buyea:

"We're planning on running an art gallery with occasional performance... there will be a cap on ten shows a month. The gallery is for rent for $50 a week and we're also renting it out for neighborhood and block club meetings - we want different community groups to meet in the building (for $10). We're excited to part of this neighborhood. We won't be serving alcohol, but we will have after-parties at Staples. It's an all-ages alcohol-free space. We originally looked at the space next door - we saw it on Craig's List. That space didn't work out, but the raw space next door was perfect.

"Wendes Jones really feels for our cause. Her brother owns a record label. He's also a musician - he believes in this sort of all-ages venues. Wendes was also part of the Riot Grrrl Movement, so she understands what we're doing here. Friday is the grand opening (7pm and end at 10pm**). The space is perfect. It's absolutely perfect... it's a match made in heaven. The space has a front gallery space, two small bathrooms with a performance area in back. That way, we don't have to worry about people coming in to listen to the music and leaning against the artwork. It's going to be nice to have two separate rooms."

**Friday night's programming includes art curated by Robin Carmen, performances by poet Russel Pascatore and artist Tom Van Deusen, and music by the Failures' Union, Nick Maynard, and the premiere of Go No Go For Launch.  Donations welcomed. All proceeds will go towards maintaining our new facility and our expanded programming.  A FREE after party will follow at Staples ( 253 Allen St) with music by DJ Stonewall, Dan Carosa, and NY Sexy Beast.  A great night for all to celebrate Buffalo as an ever-growing center for arts and culture.