When he’s not looking for new ways to improve his downtown businesses, Mark Croce aims for the sky—literally. The Buffalo businessman spends a lot of time in the air, flying his airplane all over the east coast. When he’s not flying his plane, he gives his helicopter some attention. Cape Cod, Nashville, Atlanta, and New York City are some of his top destinations. “New York City,” Croce says, “is my favorite place to visit. I love the action, diversity, variety, and vibrancy there.” In addition to relaxing in NYC he also shops for new concepts and trends in restaurants including…
Author: Donald P. Cialone Jr.
If you’re a Professional Musician, Actor, Dancer, or Poet who is performance oriented, an exciting new opportunity to work in the arts with young people has recently been launched with the Rural Teaching Artist Development Program. Developed by Young Audiences of Western New York (YA-WNY), the aim of this program is to improve the cultural exchange between the urban and rural areas of the region. Focused on Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming, Cattaraugus, Allegany, and Chautauqua Counties, selected artists from these areas will attend specialized introductory workshops followed by experienced mentor teaching. After this period of training, new teaching artists…
Buffalo is rounding out the 2008 summer season with some rocking musicians on August 20th at the Town Ballroom, 681 Main Street. Popular pop-rock band Jack’s Mannequin will be headlining, accompanied by Phantom Planet, the group known for their hit single, “California,” appointed as the theme song for the fox television series, The OC. Other bands on the bill include Treaty of Paris and Paper Route. Doors are open to all ages, and the show begins at 6 PM. Tickets are $22 in advance and can be purchased at all Tickets.com locations; otherwise they are $25 on the day of…
Buffalo and chicken wings. I don’t think there has been a better duo since peanut butter and jelly. So, naturally, in true Buffalo fashion, a celebration must occur in honor of such a historic couple. Inspired by a movie called Osmosis Jones (and Donn Esmonde), the wing festival idea became a phenomenon. In the film, Bill Murray stars as a compulsive eater with the object of attending the Super Bowl of Junk Food and National Buffalo Wing Festival. However, at the time of movie production, no such wing festival existed. Henceforth in 2002, Buffalonian Drew Cerza, decided to put the…
If you drive through downtown Buffalo on a regular basis, you’ve probably noticed the fabulous cathedral that sits on the corner of Church and Pearl Streets. But, have you ever taken a look inside? Have you ever checked out the gorgeous stained glass that decorates the windows? Have you heard about all of the events, programs, qualities, and history that are unique to this Buffalo Cathedral? If you’re not an avid attendee of St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, I’d say it’s safe to bet not. St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral dates back to its first construction in 1821. In 1850, the church…
Reminder: Come to Broaday today and enjoy two Buffalo greats–The Colored Musician’s Club and their neighbor, Choco-Logo. I can’t think of anything better to soothe the summer sunburn than some swinging jazz music and some ice cold soda pop. Saturday, July 26, is the optimal opportunity to dabble in these summer favorites on Broadway between Elm and Michigan. The 3rd Annual Queen City Jazz Festival, presented by legendary Choco-Logo and their neighbors on Broadway, The Colored Musicians Club, is taking place. Relieve your summer parch with Choco-Logo’s ice cold Johnnie Ryan soda pop and some cool, cool jazz. Locally made…
Like any city, Buffalo has had good times and bad times; times when homeowners flocked the streets and times when residents turned their backs on downtown. And yet, there are some residents who have stuck with Buffalo through all of the ups and downs. Ben Caudle, who I would call Buffalo’s ultimate fan, has never given up on the city. Moving to Buffalo from Alabama in 1959, Ben has seen the city’s downfall, but he is excited about the current rise that is taking place. Ben has been more than a supporter of Buffalo, New York. He has been a…
Last night, downtown Buffalo witnessed an historic moment at the Erie Canal Harbor when it presented its first ever “Official” City of Buffalo fireworks bash there. Thousands of people spent the day watching live bands rock the pier as people made their way in and out of the maze of paths and canal era ruins. Buffalo Place arranged for live music on the new pier throughout the day with music from Wendell Rivera Latin Jazz Ensemble, Boys of Summer, Rod Nickson Project, Jackdaw (seen below) and Buffalo Trivia with Dennis George. Activities were scheduled during the day for the kids.…
In the last 40 years, roughly 200 cities built pedestrian malls, currently only about 30 remain. While they differ in size, shape, and success, most started–and some failed–in an attempt to revitalize a failing commercial district. In 1959 Kalamazoo, Michigan closed off a two-block section of Burdick Street to automobile traffic, becoming the first U.S. city to adopt a pedestrian mall concept. In the 1960’s and 70’s many urban area’s experimented with pedestrian malls as a way to redevelop their downtown retail after being abandoned by developers for self contained suburban malls. Some of these cities have seen success in…