A New York City native, Béla Fleck picked up the banjo at age 15 after being awed by the bluegrass playing of Flatt & Scruggs. He began experimenting with playing bebop on the banjo in high school. In 1982, he joined the progressive bluegrass band New Grass Revival, where he made a name for himself in the country-bluegrass world, at the same time beginning a series of groundbreaking solo albums. Often considered the premiere banjo player in the world, Fleck has virtually reinvented the image and the sound of the banjo in a remarkable performing and recording career that has taken him all over the musical map, both with the Flecktones and on a range of solo projects and collaborations.

Since the group's formation in 1989, the Flecktones' relentless touring has garnered major attention, highlighting the interplay of true virtuoso musicians: Fleck, bassist Victor Wooten, percussionist Future Man, and saxophonist Jeff Coffin. Famed for routinely playing over 200 concert dates a year, the Flecktones reach more than 500,000 audience members each year.

Leahy is a Canadian powerhouse of eight musical brothers and sisters who have been playing together their entire lives. The band’s three acclaimed CDs—Leahy, Lakefield, and In All Things—have world-wide sales of over half a million copies.

The family continues to move forward as musicians and performers. Winter 2007 saw them release their first ever live DVD and CD. PBS audiences are currently watching Leahy’s third television special. They are also in the midst of working on their second DVD and live CD, which are to be released in 2008. On their recent American tour, new audiences learned that this family of instrumentalists, singers, and dancers brings a rare level of originality and musicianship to the stage. This originality includes music that Leahy writes, arranges, and produces. Known for their unique blend of musical styles and genres, their repertoire is more distinct than ever.

The Center for the Arts at the University at Buffalo welcomes Tony Bennett. The concert is presented by The Derico of East Amherst Corporation.

Tony Bennett is an artist who moves the hearts and touches the souls of audiences. He's the singer's singer and has received high praise from his colleagues through the years, including Frank Sinatra who stated unequivocally, "Tony Bennett is the best singer in the business." He is an international treasure who was honored by the United Nations with their "Citizen of the World" award, which aptly describes the scope of his accomplishments.

With over 50 million records sold world-wide and platinum and gold albums to his credit, Bennett has received fifteen Grammy Awards including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Proceeds to benefit the Buffalo Ronald McDonald House.

With a talent that remains both raw and wondrously refined, and backed by a band any top musician would be proud of, Natalie Mac Master continues to stun crowds around the globe with her feverish fiddling and mesmerizing step dancing.

Well-known to international audiences as one of Canada’s major talents, Natalie has been an ambassador for traditional East Coast music, and is credited with lifting the style to its contemporary prominence. While acclaimed for taking Celtic music to new heights, each album Natalie releases displays a creativity and range that constantly expands the boundaries of the genre.