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• Posted A Splash Pad with Pizzazz to Buffalo Rising
  For years I've been visiting LaSalle Park for lots of reasons, including visits to The Barkyard dog park and strolls along the water's edge with my dog. Over the past few years I've watched with interest as The City brought back to life Centennial Pool and the nearby splash pad. While the pool looks great, and is a big boost for the park, I recently discovered that the reopened splash pad has been tricked out with all sorts of water features.It was during an overcast and lightly drizzling day that I ended up walking from Front Park to LaSalle Park...
• Posted Third annual 'Light Up the Wright' to Buffalo Rising
  Each year, around this time, people begin to make plans for the Fourth of July. In recent years Canalside has been a major destination for those looking for an explosive fireworks show at the Inner Harbor. While Canalside is a real crowd pleaser, there is another celebratory event that packs a smaller, more intimate punch when it comes to enjoying fireworks at the waterfront. The event is called 'Light Up the Wright', and features an amazing fireworks display, with an inspirational backdrop to match - the Niagara River and The Peace Bridge.With the Peace Bridge in the distance, and the...
• Posted Tappo raises the rooftop to Buffalo Rising
  Tappo Restaurant previewed to great fanfare last evening, as hoards of people gathered together to inspect the latest and greatest from developer Rocco Termini and restaurateur Mike Andrzejewski. Kudos to designer Ben Siegel for creating a dynamic 4,800 sq.ft space within a building that was slated for a landfill (according to Termini). The open floorplan, the garage door-style facade, the killer rooftop deck, the industrial elements... everything came together nicely, leaving Downtown Buffalo with another primo restaurant destination (see back story). "This is a casual dining experience that we feel is eclectic enough to draw people who are living downtown," Rocco told...
• Posted Learning Choices Network: Best of Buffalo Urban Immersion to Buffalo Rising
  How do you get young people interested in getting involved with urban issues? You make it easy for them to learn how to participate in a way that benefits them and the community. Later today, Learning Choices Network (LCN) will be setting up at Larkinville (Larkin Square) to preview an innovative summer program for youth ages 12-18. The program is called Best of Buffalo Urban Immersion and you can learn more about it by joining others from 3:30pm-6pm. Essentially, what we are looking at here is a free pilot program where young people will be able to immerse themselves into...
• Posted Roly Poly Sandwich Shop coming to Main Street to Buffalo Rising
  The Granite Works building on Main Street (at Virginia) has landed a Roly Poly franchise restaurant. Truth be told, I have never heard of Roly Poly, but after looking at the corporation's website, I was able to put a thumb on the concept. Located in close proximity to the Medical Campus, Roly Poly will be serving up fresh soups, salads and wraps, quick and healthy, with plenty of options to satisfy a wide range of tastes. According the website, the first Roly Poly Sandwich Shop was opened in the Buckhead section of Atlanta, Georgia in 1996 by founders Linda Wolf and Julie...
• Posted Silo Fleas to Buffalo Rising
  Fans of The Peddler Flea Market (FB) on Elmwood Avenue (at West Ferry) will be happy to hear that co-promoter Scott O'Connor is taking the concept on the road. On Sunday June 23, 2013, Silo Fleas will open for a one-day antique, retro and vintage furniture and accessories show at the historic grain elevator site called Silo CIty. The combination of vintage treasures rolling out under the shadows of the hulking grain silos and elevators will be a sight to behold. And if all goes according to plan, there will be other Silo Fleas events held along the Buffalo River in...
• Posted Where's Steve's Clam Bar? to Buffalo Rising
  Like Waldo, Steve Meli can be quite the 'hide and seeker' when he wants to be. Over the years, 'Steve The Clam Guy' has been spotted opening at Merlin's, Locker Room, Merlin's (again), MT Pockets, Cecelia's, and even The Erie Basin Marina. Each summer seafood lovers scramble to figure out where Steve is setting up shop, and this year we've discovered that he's hard at work, shucking and serving, at MT Pockets on Hertel Avenue. When work began to move forward on the new The Hatch at the Erie Basin Marina (see here), Steve began to scramble and reached out to...
• Posted International Weather Experience Center @ Buffalo Summer Solstice Party to Buffalo Rising
  It's been a while since we've heard anything from the folks at the International Weather Experience Center (IWEC). But that doesn't mean that the group has been sitting idle. Rather, they have working diligently towards finding a home for their facilities that would tell the story of weather - Buffalo weather, and weather from around the globe. After all, if there was a city that could shine when it comes to telling the stories of the planet's climate, wouldn't Buffalo be a good choice?"Isn't it time for Buffalo to capitalize on this interest and the city's connection with weather...
• Posted Hopscotch the Globe to Buffalo Rising
  Thanks to BRO viewer G. Wigmore for conducting his occasional channel surfing exercises on YouTube. If he didn't then he never would have come across Torontonian Kristen Sarah's recent excursion to Buffalo. After obtaining her new passport, Kristen put it to use by booking a stay at The Mansion on Delaware. Her YouTube video is a fun and honest look at Buffalo with new eyes. Not that she had time to explore the city to its fullest, but she did manage to highlight her stay in a fresh way, showcasing the tasty food at SeaBar and an eclectic performance of...
• Posted A Terrifying, Fascinating Timelapse of 30 Years of Human Impact on Earth to Buffalo Rising
  Thanks to BRO reader G. Conley for passing along a series of amassed time lapse satellite images, viewable at every location on earth from 1984-2012 (NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey). An article titled 'A Terrifying, Fascinating Timelapse of 30 Years of Human Impact on Earth' was featured in The Atlantic Cities (see here), where a number of incredible Google GIFs are included that spotlight the geographic changes in places such as Dubai, Las Vegas, The Brazilian Amazon (deforestation), and the Columbia Glacier (retreat). From Buffalo to the Tokyo-Yokohama area, take some time to browse around and inspect the far corners...
• Posted Sounds of Buffalo: The Melissa Kate Project to Buffalo Rising
  How did the name of the band come about? When did it form?There's no great mystery or story behind my name. I thought when we created the name that I would eventually come up with something more clever, but it has remained just as it is-- it's simple, and it's true. We're a project. We're still developing our sound. I am the vocalist. Wednesday's band (see below for more info) will feature Tim Webb on drums, Paul Yates on Bass, and Van Taylor on keys.Where are you from originally?I'm a Troy, NY girl. But I grew up in Western New York,...
• Posted Christmas in July 2013 to Buffalo Rising
  B Team Buffalo is preparing, once gain, to light up another neighborhood in the city this coming winter, and they need your help. The event is part homage to City of Light and part exercise in helping to promote 'the spirit of the city' in neighborhoods that could use a little love. In order to pull off the event successfully the group hosts a summer party where volunteers come together to promote the City of Light initiative, so that everyone has a chance to meet one another and learn more about the future plans. "Plans are already in the making...
• Posted Before I Die... to Buffalo Rising
  The "Before I Die" mural has been picking up steam as of late, and has spread to the city's West Side. Originally dreamed up by New Orleans artist and urban planner Candy Chang (see here) as she contemplated what to do after facing a tragic loss, the mural project has literally spread across the world, with people painting chalkboards on blank walls for others to fill in their own ambitions - ambitions that they would like to see fulfilled "Before I Die." It was The Foundry's Sarah Fonzi and friends Emily Hackerson and Tommy Lombardo who first brought the "Before I...
• Posted Sounds of Buffalo: Buffalo Tango Orkestra to Buffalo Rising
  The following is an updated interview fielded by multiple musicians in Buffalo Tango Orkestra:Ana Vafai - ViolinTeagan Faran - ViolinJessica Tufte - ViolinEvan Vafai - ViolinPaul Struckmann - Violin/ViolaBenjamin Levitt - BassIvan Docenko - PianoVictoria Perez-Maggiolo - VocalsMoshe Shulman - Bandoneon, Accordion, Director and arranger for the groupHow did the name of the band come about? When did it form? MS (Moshe Shulman): From Spanish it would translate to "Tango Band," but that is not the feel we wanted in the name.  It really isn't a traditional American "orchestra" of any sort, so I chose to keep it in the middle with...
• Posted Niagara Street Gateway to Buffalo Rising
  At long last, we're going to see some exciting infrastructure improvements coming to Niagara Street between South Elmwood and Porter Avenue - a stretch of Niagara Street that could certainly use some love. The $4.7 million Niagara Street Gateway project is slated to begin in Spring of 2014. According to the City of Buffalo, the plan is to begin with "minor pavement widening, milling/asphalt overlay, street lighting, traffic signal replacements (Carolina, Georgia, and I-190 and Virginia Street), as well as pedestrian and bicycle facility improvements, a landscape feature and other amenities (signage, etc.)."Click here to view roadway sections.Click here to see comparison...
• Posted Dragon Boat Race to benefit Hope Chest to Buffalo Rising
  Each year, Dragon Boat racers come together to square off on the waters of Lake Erie, partially for the novelty of participating in a fascinating sport, and partially to support the fight against breast cancer. This year is the second annual Hope Chest Buffalo Niagara Dragon Boat Festival Race, which will take place  on Saturday, June 15 at Gallagher Beach at Buffalo's Outer Harbor. For those of you who love the waterfront, and are always looking for new reasons to head to the shores of Lake Erie, this sport is one that has already captivated the imaginations of many, and will continue...
• Posted The RLTP Summer Institute to Buffalo Rising
  Brand new to Road Less Traveled Production's (RLTP) mission, the theater company has announced a sensational programming initiative geared towards Buffalo youth, as part of its new Education Initiative. Young people with an interest in theater arts are encouraged to learn more about the program that will be taught by some of the region's most prominent and respected theater artists. "The RLTP Summer Institute is designed to inspire a young generation of budding theatre artists," said RLTP Literary Director Jon Elston, "and to prepare them both for higher education in the field of Theatre and for work opportunities in the Theatre industry.""Summer Fundamentals is...
• Posted Waterfront Lodge coming soon to Buffalo River Fest Park to Buffalo Rising
  More details have surfaced regarding the construction of a new community pavilion-lodge on the Buffalo River at Buffalo River Fest Park. Aside from the incredible location, and the multiple balconies, the building will also house a restaurant, lavatories, meeting space and banquet room, and historical displays. Earlier today an announcement was made by the Valley Community Association, City of Buffalo Comptroller Mark Schroeder, City of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, and U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins, detailing the project, which is slated to begin construction later this summer. The project also calls for boating docks and railings to be extended toward the lodge."In following through on...
• Posted Canalside Archaeology: Digging for the Story of Buffalo to Buffalo Rising
  As Canalside gets dug up, in preparation for new developments to come, a series of archaeological digs are underway to unearth pieces of Buffalo's waterfront history. In order to tell the 'Buffalo story', it's important to learn as much about our past as possible. And if that means uncovering the puzzle pieces one at a time, that's what archaeologists intent to do this summer at the site between Main Street and Hanover Street, under the Skyway and across from the Webster Block construction.  Digs will be conducted at the site from 9am-4pm on these dates: June 15, 19, and...
• Posted Sounds of Buffalo: The Etchings to Buffalo Rising
  The Etchings are:Jesse Rejewski - DrumsBen Randall - Bass Nick Randall - Guitar/ VocalsHow did the name of the band come about? When did it form?Ben: The Etchings formed in the fall of 2009, and the name was taken from an old book of Emily Dickinson poems, the particular poem it was borrowed from is called "Death Sets a Thing Significant."Nick: Yeah, that book was full of good band names. We were almost "The Only Ghost I Ever Saw." I just loved the line "obliterate the etchings, too costly for repair." I think that's how it went.What's it like to perform...
• Commented on Normal Ave. Community Garden
  That may be so, but at the same time they skipped 13th Street and opted to name it after State Normal School, which could be due to to superstition (similar to buildings not having 13th floors). At least that's what...
• Posted Normal Ave. Community Garden to Buffalo Rising
  When I walk my dog in the morning, I try to choose different streets to explore on the West Side. By doing this I get to know the neighborhoods, the people, the houses... and my dog has even met some friends along the way. Recently I took a walk down Normal Avenue (named so because normally it would have been 13th Street - and that would have been bad luck), and decided to take a closer look at the Normal Ave. Community Garden. At this point, there are so many community gardens on the West Side, that it's tough to keep...
• Posted Joe's recipe for success to Buffalo Rising
  Joe's Deli opened on Elmwood Avenue yesterday, and with it came a flood of people through the front doors to see the remarkable makeover that has transpired both inside and out. From the new paint colors to the two garage doors that roll up, creating an indoor/outdoor oasis, Joe's Deli has certainly stepped it up. While not all of the windows open garage-style, the skylight in the middle of the main dining room provides added natural light to the interior, making sitting inside the restaurant as enjoyable as sitting on the patio. The ceiling fans will go a long way during...
• Posted Water Bikes of Buffalo to Buffalo Rising
  First we saw kayaks, then canoes, then paddle boats... and now at Canalside we're starting to see an entirely different breed of human propelled water vehicles hit the water. They come in all shapes and sizes thanks to a new company that has recently come onto the scene called Water Bikes of Buffalo. This latest addition to the waterfront will help to transform the Inner Harbor into a veritable menagerie of aquatic contraptions, each one beckoning a rider with a penchant for creating a splash at Canalside. "We launch the vehicles from under the Skyway at Canalside," said company co-owner Lisa Florczak....
• Posted Buffalo: Now is the time... to Buffalo Rising
  Videographer Griffin Jones is at it again. In May I posted one of his videos titled 'Buffalo For Real For Real' (see here), and now he's headed back out onto the streets of Buffalo to talk to some of the go-getters around town who are involved with promoting grassroots endeavors. Activists such as GO Bike Buffalo's Justin Booth, who led the charge to get bike racks and bike lanes in the city. More importantly, the people that Griffin interviewed are just like you and me - people who have made a commitment to the city of Buffalo and are...
• Posted Pearl Street: Stacking the deck to Buffalo's advantage to Buffalo Rising
  If you thought that Pearl Street Grill and Brewery couldn't expand its outdoor deck area anymore... think again. The business is currently adding an additional 10000 square feet (approx) of decking off of the back of the building, facing with Erie Basin Marina. As there was virtually no more space to add deck wrapping on the building, Pearl Street opted to expand outwards over the parking lot, by building onto the existing deck.After the deck has been expanded, the next addition will come in the form of a freestanding bandstand that will be built at the far corner of the...
• Posted MirrorMirror reflects the ingenuity of Buffalo to Buffalo Rising
  University at Buffalo architecture faculty members Stephanie Davidson and Georg Rafailidis have added a twist to the art of festival tents. When we think about art festival tents, we typically think of boring white canvas tents. A twist might come in the form of a splash of color, or a window onto the world. Fortunately, Stephanie and George have taken their twist to an entirely different level. You might recall the work of Georg and Stephanie from this this Fargo coffee house post back in March (see here). This talented couple has done it again, this time with an outdoor whimsical...
• Posted Barnyard blight sees the light. to Buffalo Rising
  When you see a rundown barn like the one in this photo, chances are that you might think that it's a sign of the direction that the neighborhood has taken. Yes, there are quaint rustic barns that look fine in the condition that they are in, and then there are ones that look like they are about to collapse... like this one. Back in May, artist Amanda Hart decided that she wanted to do something about this dilapidated barn that was viewable from her business, Buffalo Custom Art (see more here). At the time that I wrote the post, Amanda and her...
• Posted Sounds of Buffalo: The Waz-Davis Duo to Buffalo Rising
  List your band members and the instruments that they play. David "The Waz" Wasik - Drums/Percussion (interviewee)Ronnie Davis (aka LeeRon Zydeco) - Organ/KeyboardsHow did the name of the band come about? When did it form?A combination of our last  names representing a joining of forces in the field of Soul Jazz.. Group formed in 2008.Where are you from originally? If not from Buffalo, why are you here?Mercury. To share love and unique approaches of living and music with earthlings. ☺What's it like to perform in front of a crowd? Give me three words.Relaxing, exhilarating and challenging all at the same time.When...
• Posted Sunday Spotting #1 to Buffalo Rising
  In the past I've posted some obscure architectural elements found throughout the city without saying what they are or where they are. Yesterday I ran across an interesting structure that I thought would lend well to that same sort of lost treasure hunt. I would imagine that something of this scale will quickly be identified, but at the same time, I bet that there are plenty of Buffalonians that don't know where this structure is...The only hint that I will provide is that it's in the city of Buffalo (of course). Other than that, when I see that someone guesses right, I...