Legend has it that the weather always rocks for the Allentown Art Festival, and this year is no exception. Although I enjoyed the whole festival, the part I enjoy the most is West of Elmwood (Allen West), what used to be part of the underground Allentown festival. The focus here is not on the out-of-towners coming to Buffalo and selling their wares, but more local artists, musicians and entrepreneurs. It made me think of the upcoming Tenth Annual Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts in August. Some of the vendors that I enjoyed:
View image
Lake Effect Ice Cream has interesting Buffalo-style flavors: Nickel City Heat, Guinness Chocolate Extra Stout, Crystal Beach Loganberry, Salty Caramel (euww!), and for this sizzling day even Vanilla Blizzard and the famous Frozen Hot Chocolate (Chyeah!?).
Born in Buffalo Dress Accordingly sells unique Buffalo-themed t-shirts, some of which I won't mention here. I do wonder if "God Save the Queen City" will become our next anthem? Faces of Buffalo community art mosaics is very cool in that it takes Buffalonian self-portraits and turns them into Buffalo image mosaics.
Spontaneous break-dancing excites. Kickin' Glass, artisans that create custom jewelry, win my award for most interesting business name. Lagniappe's has a most delicious menu with Alligator Roast, BBQ Wild Boar and of course the Cajun Chicken Po-Boy! There is even Creamy No Bake Cheesecake (how do they make it?), and funktinis. Thanks to the Red Bull girls for free samples.
Even the white crossing lines at street intersections, here at the corner of Allen and Elmwood, are not straight lines, but rather an artistic interpretation of an Allentown line. Either that, or the line painter was sampling some libations from the neighborhood.
Vespa model Nora showing off the raffle first prize. Proceeds from the raffle benefited the historic Allendale Theatre (lead image - interior), on Allen Street just west of Elmwood Avenue. The theatre put on a Saturday-Sunday music fundraiser. Called Allendale Rocks, it was for the benefit of Theatre of Youth and Music is Art. The Theatre of Youth is the resident company of the historic Allendale Theatre. The Vespa was presented by the Buffalo United Scooter Club and sponsored by Jaeckle Fleischmann & Mugel.
Music is Art (MiA) was founded by 2004 by Goo Goo Dolls bassist and Buffalo native Robby Takac. In the beginning it took place on the corner of Allen Street and Franklin Avenue, at his recording studio (Buffalo bands recorded and fundraising-CDs created). It's good to have a Music is Art event back in Allentown.
Please share any Allentown stories from the weekend with us.
Nietzsche's Sunday brought the debut of Nelson Starr's new band, Nelson and the Benjamins. I have been sworn to secrecy about why they are called the Benjamins, but they tell you during their performances. They promise a different Police cover every time they perform. Multi-talented Nelson just played guitar and sung this time, but later in the evening played trumpet solos without a trumpet (you gotta see it to believe it). Nelson's appearance on Anthony Bourdain's TV hit No Reservations on the Travel Channel is coming up July 27. The rest of the band is made up of Corrections' Guillermo Izquierdo on vocals, guitar and melodica; and Tim Mroz on bass, as well as Beatlemagic's Chris Mattioli(Ringo) on drums. Nelson (Paul) is also a member of Beatlemagic.
For a take on another recent Buffalo Art event please check out Art is indeed Alive at Albright Knox Art Gallery.
?