The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO) is preparing to present Chooi Brothers & Bach on May 3rd and 4th, 2024. This occaion marks the first joint performance of the Chooi brothers in Buffalo. In this special program, BPO concertmaster and violinist Nikki Chooi will share the stage with his equally gifted brother, Timothy Chooi, for a performance of Bach’s Double Violin Concerto. While the event has been billed as “an energetic exchange of musical one-up-man-ship,” Timothy clarified that any competition between the brothers will be good-natured and supportive. “I’ve always been inspired by Nikki’s energy,” shared Chooi. “So whatever energy he…
Author: Daniel Lendzian
Author and Buffalo native, Robert Brighton knows how to tell a good story. A former speech writer, graduate of the Sorbonne in France, and avid traveler, Brighton’s experiences have enriched his imagination, and have informed his love of research. His new work of historical fiction, Current of Darkness, is now available, and is, in Brighton’s words, “a tale of industrial espionage set in turn of the last century Niagara Falls, and also in Buffalo,” during the period known as The Gilded Age. Growing up in Buffalo, Brighton was a voracious reader, who took to adventure novels as a way to…
Second Generation Theatre (2nd Gen) is bringing Stephen Sondheim’s acclaimed musical Merrily We Roll Along to Shea’s Smith Theatre for its regional premiere, April 26 – May 12, 2024. This unique production tells a story of friendship in reverse, featuring Sondheim’s beloved songs like “Not A Day Goes By” and “Good Thing Going.” When the musical premiered on Broadway in 1981, audiences were unprepared for the inventive storytelling device of the plot moving backwards (Merrily’s… plot begins in 1976, and the subsequent scene is set in 1973, etc). Director Michael Gilbert-Wachowiak knows audiences in 2024 will love the piece, and…
There was a lot of rain in Buffalo last week. During a deluge, it is easy to stay inside with a blanket, streaming shows, and ordering take out. Or maybe you indulged a little too hard at the eclipse party, and had to recuperate… But as the forecast (both personal and meteorological) changes, you are going to need to get out of the house… and, you are going to want some events that will tickle your funny bone, (Death of a Streetcar..), make you think (Kiese Laymon), cause you to look back (Merrily We Roll Along), and make you dance…
Mrs. Kasha Davis, of RuPaul’s Drag Race® and All Stars Season 8 has quite a history with drag. She, and her “drag sisters,” Darienne Lake, (also of the aforementioned franchise), Aggy Dune, and Ambrosia Salad,, have been the reigning queens of Rochester since before drag hit the mainstream. The quartet is bringing Drag Me to Dinner to Salvatore’s on Saturday, April 13, 2024. But, Drag Me to Dinner is no ordinary drag show; It’s an immersive celebration of drag culture, with dazzling costumes, and high-energy performances filled with laughter and surprise. Mrs. Kasha Davis is excited to come to Buffalo…
Looking for a summer experience for kids that’s both fun and educational? Well then, perhaps a summer camp at Buffalo Niagara’s Heritage Village (BNHV) is your answer. Nestled amidst 35 acres of picturesque landscapes, BNHV’s mission is to preserve, interpret, and exhibit the agricultural history and rural heritage of the Buffalo Niagara region. This summer, they are offering exciting summer day camps designed to get your young adventurers outside and into the heart of Western New York’s rich history. BNHV’s summer camps themed weeks alternate between STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) and Pioneer themes, providing a diverse range…
It is clear when talking to the music director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO), Maestro JoAnn Falletta, that her passion for music is as evident as her talent for storytelling. Celebrating her 25th year with the organization, Falletta is a renowned conductor who has held prestigious positions with orchestras worldwide. She’s a champion for women in music, both on and off the podium, and has garnered acclaim for her recordings and innovative programming. Her impressive biography can be read here. She made a connection with conducting and storytelling at an early age, while studying under Leonard Bernstein (the subject…
Buffalonians, we are sure you have heard that a once-in-a-lifetime event occurs in our city on April 8th. As you know, we are in the direct line to witness the awe-inspiring total solar eclipse, where day turns to night for a few unforgettable minutes. To help you find the perfect spot, this event guide features some of the places you can go to see the eclipse. And, for those more interested in events beyond the solar system, we have included a retro arcade, a concert of one of the last voices of the 1960’s, a burlesque show, the BPO, and…
This year, it’s the Queen City herself that will serve as the inspiration for Buffalo Quickies #33 at Alleyway Theatre. “We have four writers this year and they are all from Western New York,” shared Chris J Handley, Executive Artistic Director at Alleyway Theatre. “We selected writers who we have worked with in the past, and we know their work, and we sort of commissioned them to create original plays based on the topic of ‘Buffalo right here, right now’ …what’s happening and what does that mean to them?” Now in its 33rd iteration, Buffalo Quickies (on stage through March…
Occasionally, an event comes to Buffalo that is so special, it almost defies description. One of these events is the upcoming Schubert & Wagner program at The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO) on Saturday, March 23, at 7:30 PM and Sunday, March 24 at 2:30 PM. Schubert & Wagner will be conducted by Gerard Schwarz. Schwarz, an internationally recognized conductor, holds multiple prestigious positions and boasts an extensive discography with over 350 albums. Throughout his five-decade career, he has garnered numerous accolades and is celebrated for his interpretation of 19th-century repertoire and contemporary American composers. He currently serves as Music Director…