In the weeks following the tragic mass shooting at TOPS Market on Jefferson Avenue, we’ve witnessed an outpouring of support in various forms as residents of Buffalo came together to attempt to provide some relief to those affected. From distribution of meals, groceries, and household necessities, to fundraisers and transportation support efforts, to teams of professionals deploying to provide grief and trauma counseling and mental health resources. Many of us consistently turn to music as a source of comfort and solace in our lives, and particularly during times of difficulty. Music has also proven to be a therapeutic tool that…
Author: Sarah Maurer
Sarah Maurer
I moved to Buffalo to attend Canisius College in 2007 and began writing for Buffalo Rising as a journalism intern in 2010. Working with Newell and meeting numerous entrepreneurs, activists and everyday folks who were working to make their city better made a huge impact on my decision to stay here. After witnessing all the positive development and grassroots initiatives happening in neighborhoods throughout the city, I was inspired to pursue a term of service in AmeriCorps and a career in Buffalo's non-profit sector. I currently work in the housing department at the Lt. Col. Matt Urban Human Services Center of WNY and am excited to be a part of their ongoing efforts to revitalize the Broadway Fillmore neighborhood. I also volunteer as the project coordinator for Artfarms Buffalo. I continue to write for Buffalo Rising because I love having the opportunity to stay connected to those working toward positive changes for the Queen City.
Fans of both symphonic music and rock and roll will have quite a bit to look forward to this year as the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra announces a full line-up of rock and roll shows, elevated by a powerful orchestra in Kleinhans Music Hall. The 2022-2023 BPO Rock Series will feature tributes to rock and roll legends The Moody Blues, Deep Purple, and the Beatles, as well as a performance by Jefferson Starship. “I’m a firm believer that this music, that has been popular for over 50 years, deserves its place in the concert hall with a full symphony orchestra,” said…
The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra invites audiences to get to know the members of the orchestra more closely with its new video series, “BPO Musician Profiles.” Each month, the BPO will highlight a different member of the orchestra on it’s YouTube channel, sharing their journey as musicians, from their first instruments, to their training, to how they came to join our local orchestra. The video series also offers a glimpse into who they are and the things they enjoy outside the world of music. The first installment in this series featured Associate Principal Double Bassist, Brett Shurtliffe, who has performed with…
The midwinter months can be a challenging time of year to get through in Buffalo, with limited sunlight and winter weather continuously bearing down on us. Having an emotional and physiological response to that dreary environment is a pretty common experience for many of us and that response can manifest in a variety of ways. Some of us notice a drop in our energy levels and feel fatigued more frequently. We may experience social isolation as we retreat indoors to find relief from the cold, dark environment outside, which can add to that low mood. There can also be a…
In the midst of a very busy holiday concert season, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra is also looking forward to an exciting kickoff to 2022 with a line-up of January concerts that has something for nearly every musical taste, from opera, to pops, and more. “Returning to Kleinhans with live audiences this season has been an absolute thrill for the musicians and for me,” said Music Director JoAnn Falletta. “Our audiences have been growing larger and larger each week. We missed you all, and we have so much more in store for you in the second half of our season!” First…
During this busy time of year, it’s easy to get swept up in the hustle and bustle, and unintentionally neglect our health and wellness. BFLO Hydration is kicking off the holiday season with some offerings that can help combat the negative effects of stress, cold weather, and other common seasonal health issues, and help us make the most of the holidays. Just in time for the cold weather’s arrival, BFLO Hydration’s Hertel Avenue location has added an infrared sauna. Unlike a traditional sauna that uses a heat source to warm the air and thus warm your body, an infrared sauna…
As the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra dives into its full schedule of holiday offerings, one major highlight will be welcoming back Vanessa Williams for a performance on December 7. Williams is not only a Grammy, Oscar, and Golden Globe award winner with performance talent that spans film, the musical stage, and television. She’s also a famous performer whose familial ties and evolution as an artist are rooted in the Buffalo and Western New York area. Buffalo Rising had an opportunity to interview Williams about her local connection and her upcoming show. You have strong connections to Buffalo and Western New York.…
For some local businesses, getting the accounting support they need in a cost effective manner can be challenging, particularly if they are not in a financial position to hire a full time CFO or accounting staff. Chiampou Travis Besaw & Kershner LLP (CTBK) has a large menu of contract services that can help those businesses achieve stability and growth. CTBK is a local accounting firm that has been in business for over 27 years, with a reputation for its diverse knowledge and expertise in professional CPA, accounting and consulting services. CTBK prides itself on its “one team approach” in serving…
IV nutrition therapy has grown in popularity as many are looking to enhance their wellness in the wake of COVID-19. This type of therapy involves direct injection of fluid with doses of vitamins and nutrients that can assist with everything from improving athletic performance, to combatting symptoms of some chronic illnesses, to curing a hangover after a night of over-indulgence. There’s a small business here in Buffalo offering IV nutrition therapy and hydration, and it is rapidly growing along with the trend. BFLO Hydration is owned by husband and wife duo Curt Cabotaje and Amanda Hicks. With Amanda’s history in…
Fall promises to be a busy season at Batavia Downs, with a robust line-up of special events in addition to its year-round offerings of live horse racing, gaming, and dining. The Batavia Downs horse track originally opened in 1940. As the sport waned in popularity, the track fell on hard times in later years. In 1999 it was purchased by Off Track Betting and in 2005 it expanded into the destination it is today, combining its legacy attraction of live horse racing with a small casino that has since grown, restaurants, and a hotel and events space. “Now it feels…