Author: Doug Sitler

Doug Sitler has been part of Buffalo's public relations community since 1993. During the day, he serves at the Director of National Media Relations at University at Buffalo. In his spare time, he has been the creative force behind NIGHT LIGHTS, Rock the Barn Clarence, Griffis Sculpture Park Summer Festival and countless other events.

NIGHT LIGHTS at Griffis Sculpture Park is entering its final two weekend. A portion of the legendary park’s landscape and sculptures are seen in a whole different light. NIGHT LIGHTS is a successful fundraiser for the United States’ largest sculpture park – and a Western New York gem. “NIGHT LIGHTS continues to be an annual autumn tradition in Western New York,” said Nila Griffis, executive director of Griffis Sculpture Park. “The event attracts so many first-time visitors and guests that have been visiting our sculpture park for decades.” NIGHT LIGHTS blends creative lighting, sculpture, sound, and nature to deliver an…

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The University at Buffalo Graduate School is proud to announce the Art of Research, a new competition that celebrates the extraordinary research of University at Buffalo graduate students and postdoctoral scholars by showcasing original images highlighting the inherent beauty in research, scholarship and creative activity.  The Art of Research is a testament to the power of collaboration between art and research and the incredible research taking place at the University at Buffalo. Graduate students and postdoctoral scholars were asked to submit an original image that included anything produced in the course of performing research, along with a title/caption and short…

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They scaled the almost unimaginable heights of the music business: platinum records, sold-out tours, cover of Rolling Stone, Saturday Night Live, President Clinton’s Inauguration, critics’ darling and so much more. For 40 years, the little band that could from Jamestown, has been waving the early alternative rock flag. On May 21st, the Southern Tier city is set to celebrate their hometown heroes.  10,000 Maniacs featuring Mary Ramsey are playing a celebratory concert at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. Opening the concert, will be Michael Glabicki of Rusted Root with Dirk…

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Did you know that 90 percent of public statues are of men? That statement alone makes this week’s sculpture installation in the heart of the Elmwood village even more interesting.  On Tuesday, City of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, the Buffalo Arts Commission and Nila Griffis, executive director of the Ashford Hollow Foundation welcomed a beautiful 10 foot tall statue of Janet Mock – who is a writer, producer, television host and transgender rights activist. Mock’s statue, created by internationally known artists Gillie and Marc Schattner, will reside at the corner of Bidwell Parkway and Elmwood for the next month or…

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The Buffalo alternative pop rock band Mom Said No. are easy to root for! Infectious alternative pop tunes, high-energy live shows, good songwriters, a fun social media presence, a rabid fan base called “The Losers,” and a cool logo are reasons to like this five-piece band. Plus…they’re nice lads, who are working hard to get their band to the next level. “Whenever we step foot on the stage we leave everything on it like it was our last time playing music,” said lead singer, Tim Jackson. “We really love our live show and put a lot of thought into it…

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Looking for office space? Here is a chance to place your business or organization inside one of Buffalo’s storied arts locations. The Essex Arts Center on Buffalo’s West Side was founded by Larry Griffis, Jr. in 1969. A former ice house complex on Essex Street, it was transformed into artist living, studio and gallery spaces and has been a hub of creativity in Buffalo for five decades. Acclaimed artists Cindy Sherman and Robert Longo lived and created there in the early 1970s. Organizations such as Hallwalls and CEPA Gallery got their start at the Essex Arts Center around that time…

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It’s been a pretty eventful summer for the Buffalo band Mom Said No. Backed by a slew of strong tunes and an energetic live show – the five-piece recently played crowd-pleasing club and festival shows, including Rockin’ at the Knox, Cobblestone Live, and a Main Stage slot at last weekend’s Music is Art festival. Mom Said No continues to be a rising star in WNY’s music scene and people are taking notice. The band has an exciting video project coming up next week and are looking for some help. Mom Said No is searching for some energetic music fans to…

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In the summertime, Buffalo and Western New York hosts countless fun festivals and music events. The variety of gatherings in the area is immense, especially given the selection of music, unique venues, food and the experiences presented to attendees. In the hills of East Otto in Cattaraugus County, there is one festival that checks all the boxes. The Griffis Sculpture Park Summer Festival is returning for the seventh consecutive year on Sunday, August 11, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. It’s a day filled with music, vendors, creativity, exploration and much more. The 2019 event is very special, as…

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Artist Larry Griffis, Jr. left an indelible mark on Buffalo and Western NY. A World War II vet and successful businessman turned full-time artist in the late 1950s, Griffis was an unstoppable creative force until his death in February 2000. In 1969, Griffis created the Essex Arts Center – an artist living and studio space on Essex Street in Buffalo which spawned numerous arts organizations including Hallwalls and CEPA Gallery. He created Griffis Sculpture Park in the mid-1960s, which first resided at Kissing Bridge and then moved in 1968 to 425 acres in East Otto in Cattaraugus County. His public…

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There is a Buffalo Bills fan who is seemingly as popular as the players. At each home game, the television cameras almost always include a few shots of the same Bills fan dressed as Elvis Presley rooting on the team. The guitar-waving “Bills Elvis” has been an indelible image at Bills games for 27 years. In a role-reversal on Monday, June 3rd, instead of cheering on his favorite team – Bills Elvis will be on the receiving end of applause and adoration. BFLO Hall of Fame Experience has announced the second Fan inducted into the “Fall Wall of Fame.” On…

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