I must admit that I don’t get to the Botanical Gardens nearly as much as I should. To me, this is one of the greatest places to visit in the middle of winter, especially when the Night Lights event is underway. This is the third year that The Gardens has hosted the impressive show, which runs in early February. Each year more effects are added, enhancing the experience of the visit. It’s an awesome way to see the conservatory and horticulture collection in a different, and spectacular light.
After checking out the show last year, along with 8000 other visitors during the 12-night span, I wondered what would be in store for 2013… new lights, displays, art? Little did I know that some of the latest features would be additional lighting designs, lasers, video projections, enhanced sound systems and a maze on the front lawn – the works!
With live music by Dotsun Moon, photographic displays by projection artists Mark Reginald WonderGhost, strolling musicians, a fire spinning troupe, drummers, unique rock bands, and art and sculptures by Ashford Hollow, you really couldn’t ask for more. Or could you? On the final night of the show, there will be a grand finale featuring the displays, and live creations and performance work of Queen City Sight & Sound (collective of Buffalo artists – Facebook).
*Performers include Smackdab on February 2, Ben Perrello on February 7, Lazlo Hollyfeld on February 9 and John & Mary on February 15. Each performance will begin at 8:00 p.m., will be about an hour and is included in admission. Spun Out Fire Productions on February 1 and 14 and Queen City Sight & Sound on February 16 are also include with admission and will perform throughout the evening. NIGHT LIGHTS at the Gardens powered by National Grid will take place on Wednesday through Saturday nights January 30 through February 16, 2013. Show hours will be 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and will stay open until 10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. each night and admission is $10 for adults, $8 for Garden members, seniors (55+) and students (13+), $5 kids 3-12 and kids under 3 are free. Tickets are available at the door and online at www.buffalogardens.com starting January 21. Garden Guest passes, discounts and coupons are not valid during NIGHT LIGHTS. Cameras and mono pods are welcome every night however, tripods are not permitted. Photographer Night on February 5 form 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. welcomes professional and amateur photographers only and tripods will be permitted on this night only! The lighting designers are SitlerHQ, LLC and Volt Vision, Inc.
Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens Society, Inc.
2655 South Park Ave – Buffalo, NY 14218
Photos: Ben Read