Elmwood Festival Continues To Inspire
The Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts knocked it out of the park for a second time today. I heard that the crowds were excellent on Saturday, and can attest to the high attendance today. Already, reports are coming in from artists saying that there have been higher than normal sales thus far. Every year the festival strives to add new and different art, acts and organizations to the mix. I hear that at four o’clock today the children in The Garden Parade are going to break out found-art musical instruments.
Once again, it was an eye-opener to visit the groups at Environmental Row and Cultural Row. It was also good to see that the solar stage and the solar made smoothies were back. Green Options Buffalo (GO) was there making sure that bicycle valet parking was available for the cyclists and many of the other inspiring earth-friendly groups were on hand.
Of everything I saw at the festival, I found myself completely mesmerized by the dance performance by Lehrer Dance (photo). Talk about an energized group. The combination of the dancers’ endurance, the exotic music and the precisely timed choreography, sent chills down my spine. And after each number the crowd went nuts. At intermission, Jon Lehrer, Founder and Artistic Director spoke about how the dancers had come from all over the country and how each and every one of them now call Buffalo home. That got the crowd even more pumped up… if you ever get a chance to see this troupe perform, DO NOT MISS IT!
The Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts (EAFA) has most definitely captured the imaginations of us all. The event continues to be both thoughtful and progressive – without the commercialism. Even the surrounding businesses have learned how to co-exist and capitalize on the scene. I can’t imagine Buffalo without this Elmwood festival.
It looked like the rain was going to hold off for the day... unfortunately that's not the case as of 3pm. I hope that the skies clear for the parade at 4pm.
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Comment Options
Bufago
Time to move this out of the streets, put it in a park or at the waterfront it benefits no one in the immediate community and I'm sure costs the City a ton not to mention the loss of business to the local businesses. Besides it's just about as shi^%y as the Allentown Arts festival, same overload of craft crap.
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MRodgers
This festival far surpasses the Allentown Art Festival as far as diversity, entertainment, FAMILY atmosphere (not many vomiting youth spotted on Saturday when I went) and delivery of the arts. Additionally, most of the vendors are local or regional which is another major plus. I don't know what's up Bufago's craw, but he or she should try to attempt even one-tenth of the value here. Thanks to the organizers who make Buffalo a better place through this gigantic effort! Encore!
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MEC
Bufago- I don't understand how having 100,000 people walk by your business in two days is going to cause a loss of business. I walked into Campus, Everthing Elmwood and Dolci and all three of these places were packed, even though there were tents in front.
I think the fest is far better than Allentown because its scaled back, its mostly local artists, and it does not tie up the streets as much. There are easy detours around the festival.
The festival organizers would be smart to not let it get too big.
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dixiechick
Not only do I think that this festival far surpasses the Allentown festival, both in art and crafts (more really good art and really good crafts) But listening to the conversation around me as I walked through the festival, I overheard many many people saying the same thing!
Is it a bit of a pain for the neighborhood? I guess its how you look at it. Parking seems to be the biggest issue. Safety, clean up, and many other issues such as that are addressed with the utmost importance. Many businesses on Elmwood love the attention EFA brings to the neighborhood. And I too, saw many businesses packed with business. (Believe me...some artists would not want to be in a location to compete with other regular businesses, but this venue makes it work)
Also, it bring folks from the city and the 'bubs together to celebrate Arts and other important issues in one central location. And has the unique opportunity of introducing folks to artists of every genre that they may not have been aware of before. And its mostly LOCAL! That cannot be said about Allentown.
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stewie
The thing that originally attracted me to this was the feeling of it being more of a neighborhood festival more than anything else. Now it's??? Just pretty annoying. Why was the co-op selling regular hot dogs btw?
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dixiechick
Oh, yeah...and the festival organizers are very aware of not letting it get too big. There has been the opportunity to do that....but instead they have lent their expertise to other neighborhood venues to help get those off the ground. This is a very well thought out plan for a venue. Is there something to learn and grow from every year? Yes. But at least they do listen, learn and grow.
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Bufago
What were there 5 local artists, and i am not talking people who make bead vases. Talk to the business owners don't just assume they are happy. Actually why don't you poll them all and post it here, I'd also like to see an actual tally of local, not regional artists, that participated, and don't count the sugar pop corn folks...
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Bufago
Diviristy? It was also whiter than a klan rally in beaufort south carolina.
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cosmo
Heard someone suggest how great it would be to have this festival in late October -- perfect timing for early christmas shoppers, and Buffalo's gorgeous autumn.
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MEC
Look at the listing of all artists under each tab: http://www.elmwoodartfest.org/ceramics.html
On my count there are about 79 regional artists (not including Rochester or Wellsville etc) but I'd say nearly 50% local artists is pretty good.
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beager
It baffles me that they close down the street for two days when it would be better to put it on bidwell in that park, which equals better walking, more shade, and easier access. As someone who lives in the more "villagey" part of the elmwood village, it's a cheap and dishonest experience to bring all this activity to this part of the neighborhood.
that, and my car was blocked in for two days by this and i was not given warning. bastards!
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scottnorwood
Bufago is a complete idiot. There is simply no comparison to the Allentown Art Festival at all. It has a totally different feel and truly seems centered on the city and the community instead of attempting to draw in huge crowds from outside city limits.
Thank you to whoever made this year's event what it was. I enjoyed every minute i spent there, and hope it continues for years to come.
Shove your stupid attempts at humor right up your ass Bufago. I walked around with a non-white person and saw plenty of them having a fantastic time. From the sound of it, you didn't spend a single second at the Art Fest at all.
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stewie
scottnorwood-so someone is an idiot because they see things differently than you? Always love those brilliant responses. And let's see, a lot of average to bad art, massive crowds, & basically what comes down to a people watching event, yeah no comparison to Allentown at all. Can you explain how it "truly seems centered on the city and the community instead of attempting to draw in huge crowds from outside city limits." That's really a matter of perception & I completely disagree. That being said, it's a huge money maker for the EVA so while I might not go back it funds a lot of things that make Elmwood more enjoyable for the rest of the year.
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wizardofza
beager is just pissed because his car got blocked in for two days.
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mbhxam
The Lehrer Dance Group is performing at the UB Center for the Performing Arts on September 13th and 14th. I believe this is their first Buffalo Show. Tickets can be purchased from the UB Center for the Performing Arts web site. Be sure support this local group and check them out!
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scottnorwood
Stewie, Bufago is an idiot because he made some really poorly thought out and untrue statements such as:
"it benefits no one in the immediate community and I'm sure costs the City a ton not to mention the loss of business to the local businesses."
and
"Diviristy? It was also whiter than a klan rally in beaufort south carolina."
You on the other hand are an idiot because you question the type of hot dogs that the Co-Op is selling rather than commenting on the wonderful job they did creating a space for kids to come and have a blast at an event that you and Bufago are trying to portray as another Allentown Art Festival. Just because you are unable to have any kind of intelligent and enjoyable interaction with a group of people other than staring at them doesn't make a festival nothing more than a "people watching event". I would love to hear some of your ideas for meaningful summer activities.
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Quinn
I thought the event was very well organized and well attended (but thankfully not too crowded). From my prospective, people were having a great time and the art vendors were doing well. Importantly the local business (who pay Elmwood Village rents year round) were doing very brisk sales, which is only fair considering the street was blocked off. I disagree that Elmwood Ave. is the wrong place for this. These local business need and deserve the volume and attention the Festival brings, as they are part of the fabric that makes the area vibrant. Being in business in this town is tough and placing the Festival elsewhere would hurt them more than it would help.
Also to be considered, there were many booths manned by organizations I and most folks know little about. This is an important opportunity for the public to learn about these groups and support their efforts. Most of these groups can not afford to advertise.
I really enjoyed watching the people who, instead of hiding from the rain, were dancing in the puddles of water in the beer garden. Sometimes you just need to deal with the funky changing weather here.
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mbhxam
So...certain people want to move the ELMWOOD AVENUE Festival of the Arts...hmmm...maybe next they'll suggest moving the BUFFALO Wing Fest to Scranton, PA, or the ALLENTOWN Art Festival to Clarence, NY and finally, Shakespeare in the PARK to an indoor theatre...genius suggestion Bufago!!!
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wizardofza
Also, this is quite telling:
"It baffles me that they close down the street for two days when it would be better to put it on bidwell in that park, which equals better walking, more shade, and easier access"
Therin, lies the problem. Our obsession with unhindered convenience and "easy access" has rendered America an impotent nation of whiny lardasses with serious entitlement issues. Much of America's urban landscape clearly reflects this. Places like the Elmwood Village are refreshing exceptions. That's why festivals like this take place on Elmwood, not some parking lot on the middle of Amherst.
Quit bitching about having to walk a few block and learn to enjoy life. Putting in an actual effort can be a rewarding thing unless your pathetic life (outside of work) consists of nothing beyond playing video games and munching cheez doodles in front of the TV all day.
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mbhxam
So...certain people want to move the ELMWOOD AVENUE Festival of the Arts...hmmm...maybe next they'll suggest moving the BUFFALO Wing Fest to Scranton, PA, or the ALLENTOWN Art Festival to Clarence, NY and finally, Shakespeare in the PARK to an indoor theatre...genius suggestion Bufago!!!
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Joshua
The Elmwood Ave festival was a delight. I picked up what I normally do , a picture of the CIty (a view from the Central Terminal looking towards Paderewski Circle with Downtown in the distance) and a little buffalo key chain. Wait a minute, I have more pictures of the Broadway Fillmore area than any other area of the City, ummm.
Thanks to all the festival staffers whom put on such a great event!
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ArtGypsy
We do both festivals as artists...Allentown and Elmwood. We enjoy them both, living smack dab between the two helps...but we love Elmwood. That festival is a celebration of the arts and also a celebration of the neighborhood. It wouldn't be the same anywhere else. The usual suspects will always write bogus allusions to "craft crap", but I don't see it at either of them. Unless you consider being able to throw a pot or turn wood or bind a book or solder glass into art or hammer silver into tiny wearable sculptures as "crap" then all I can say is enjoy your shopping experience at WalMart or wherever you buy your "art".
Most of the merchants seem to accept and enjoy the benefit of having the festival in their front yards. There are a few exceptions, of course, but I hear so many people say they will be back to visit this place or that. I know it is good for my neighborhood. At other shows I do, when they look at my schedule, so many say Elmwood is the favorite.
The crew from this show is dedicated, tough and a joy to work with. Thanks to all of them for another great show.
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fredrico
Even though it was boiling out, I decided to walk over and enjoy the wonderful dancing and musical acts they always schedule for this festival. Sadly, I left after about 30 minutes because in the time I was there I saw the newborn puppies trying to walk on the 100+ degrees ground/street and screaming newborns (I'm talking a week old)- which always ruins it for me.
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stewie
scott you're absolutely right, the co-op did a great job putting hay bales and tents out. Maybe next year they'll be selling T.G.I. Friday's Appe-teasers as well as hot dogs. The Co-Op is a shell of its former self... but I digress. Anonymity is great isn't it as it gives any coward the ability to bust out the idiot tag anytime he or she has the desire to feel brave.
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buffalocat
My friends and I had a great time at the Elmwood Arts Festival - a very pleasant surprise, I must admit. I have nightmarish memories from the last Allentown Festival I attended a few years back (crowded, hot, a mix of some good offerings with lots of bad, overpriced items). So I wasn't happy when I realized the Elmwood festival would be going on just outside the restaurant where my friends (coming from out-of-town) and I had decided to meet for an early dinner. But as it turns out, we had a great time walking through the stalls, purusing the art.
And I'm not sure the shop owners should really be complaining (as Bufago alleges). After dinner, we were in the shopping mood and stopped in to several places, buying a couple things (t-shirts at Pavlov's Togs, candy at Watson's, a dress at Urban Outfitters) that we certainly would not have visited if it hadn't been for the street fest happneing right outside.
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scottnorwood
I'd be more than happy to say it to your face Stewie.
Not sure what your deal is with the co-op, but i'd guess you are in the minority as it seems to be doing much better than anyone expected. The beauty of it is, you can always shop at Wegman's and stay at home instead of heading down to next year's Elmwood Arts Festival. I doubt anyone will miss your repellingly negative attitude.
It is great to see mostly positive comments of people having a great time at the festival. I spent both days down there and really enjoyed myself. Thanks again to everyone who took part.
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scottnorwood
Actually, now i'm curious, what is your problem with the Co-Op Stewie? Maybe you have a legitimate reason to care what kind of hot dogs they were serving. I took that as an idiotic comment much like the Klan Rally comment from Bufago, but perhaps I should give you a chance to explain why you hate the Co-Op so much.
I'll be happy to take back calling you an idiot if there is a decent reason why you felt compelled to attack the Co-Op.
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stewie
For comments that are so "repellingly" negative you seem to be overly compelled to reply. I'll not start explaining any problems I have with the Co-Op on this thread as it has nothing to do with the topic. However, whenever the Co-Op had its member appreciation days they always served veg dogs & veg burgers as a way of introducing people to those great products, to serve "real" hot dogs during the festival seemed kind of a sell out, esp when more than one vendor was selling them across the street, a pretty trite question on my part I know, but it irked me anyhow. No need to apologize as it's obvious that you are the type of person who calls everyone an idiot who has a contrary view, so it's not of any consequence to me.
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JAramini
"that, and my car was blocked in for two days by this and i was not given warning. bastards!"
So, was I imagining the signs up and down Elmwood, on every parking meter, warning that there would be no parking in that portion of Elmwood for the weekend? Seems like fair warning to me.
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Libertad7
Wow!
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