Categories
PostEvents

Bulldog-ish on Buffalo: The Monocle

“A Destination of Discovery”

Partners Michael Poczkalski and David Brugh have had a tremendous vision for years. The hardest part of writing the most recent chapter of that vision was to find the perfect location. So many times, they had a building within their grasp, only to have it slip through their fingers. I spoke to them on numerous occasions, after their hopes had been dashed.

The circular “monocle” window can be seen towards the roofline of the building

But if you know anything about Michael and David, then you know that they are driven – relentless – when it comes to accomplishing what they have set out to do. In the case of The Monocle, their hope was to recreated the glory days of the bespoke shopping experience that would have been ever-present in downtown Buffalo during the height of the lavishly curated 1940’s department store era (AM&As, for example).

The Monocle – now open – is the culmination of all of their experiences in business, life, and travels. There’s nothing else like it in the region. This is the type of business amalgam that cities crave. Not only is the entire concept sensational looking, inside and out, the amenities are on point. From the outside, the former synagogue is sleek and intriguing – work is still underway to dress up the patios, with chairs and tables, and lush planting scapes.

Patio is on the way…

Inside, there are 2 floors (9,268 sq.ft. structure) dedicated to a “full lifestyle shopping experience.”

Walking upstairs, people are greeted by a vaulting showroom filled with an assortment of furniture, accessories, and design concepts and ideas. This is where Michael, owner and principal designer of Michael P. Design and ROOM, operates a stunning interior décor center featuring just about everything needed to outfit a residential home or commercial office.

Deconstructed chandeliers

The focal point of the room is a wall decorated with glass elements that were once pieces of ROOM’s chandeliers, when the store was located on the opposing side of the street. The wall is striking. So is all of the lighting, which is inspired by the classic metal-rimmed monocle eyepiece. Other design inspirations hail from Japan and Scandinavia, with plenty of art deco splashes. The sales floor boasts everything from fabrics to wallpapers to kitchen cabinetry – the cabinetry has a dedicated to showroom, fabricated by NC Woodwork.

Walking downstairs, to the right, ROOM’s focus shifts to smaller artistic-inspired gifts, candles, and similar décor items.

The Library

To the left is where David operates Crockett & Co. As the owner and principal barber, he has created his ultimate salon habitat, complete with a jaw-dropping European-inspired shopfront entranceway.

The apothecary

Once inside, one’s eye is immediately drawn to a 1905 apothecary case from London, and then to a set of bookcases from an 1885 Boston row house.

Aside from offering cuts, beard trims, head shaves, and the hangover treatment (coming soon), David has also curated a fabulous selection of men’s gifts and personal items, including sunglasses, wallets, bracelets, scarves, oils, fragrances, and keychains. The actual salon room is right out of an international design magazine.

Bespoke barbering

Believe it or not, we’re not done yet.

Keeping in line with the department store schematic, there is a wine bar and bistro café that is still in the process of unfolding. Michael and David are looking for an operator/s, guest chef/s, guest café and/or bakery owner/s, and anyone else that might have the chops to do something in keeping with the bespoke nature of The Monocle. This could be performed by a sole operator, or it could be a collaborative approach. The dining and drinking faction of the operation is the next phase of the impressive undertaking to get underway.

Art deco bar

One might say that anyone interested in pitching the owners a concept… “the world is their oyster.” And don’t forget that there is plenty of outdoor seating to work with – the possibilities abound. More than anything else, Michael and David are hoping that the bistro-café concept is as big of a draw as the rest of the building components.

The bistro

Finally, there is a third floor design office mezzanine, where clients can work with members of the design team. This area is cleverly cantilevered, and showcases a series of old world-style daylighting windows that overlook the showroom floor.

Daylighting design offices

Michael has ensured that there are plenty of places to meet and draw inspiration, whether it’s the showroom floor’s client island, or at the (coming up next) bistro-café.

Here’s the lay of the land:

ROOM –On the main floor, room offers a newly curated furniture collection highlighting the best in furniture and home trends. Gifting and accessories features a selection of high-end unique items that have a more limited availability than a typical big box or national retail chain. Expanded retail offerings include jewelry, scarves, bags, dishware, glassware, outdoor lifestyle and picnic baskets. Couples can have a wedding registry with ROOM at The Monocle.michael P. design – The Monocle hosts the design offices of michael P. design and the team of five designers. Residing on the newly created mezzanine level, the michael P. design offices overlooks the ROOM showroom floor.Crockett and Co. Barbershop –Crockett and Co. Barbershop occupies the lower level of the building offering services such as traditional wet shaves, full beard trimming and time-honored classic barber services haircuts. Crockett & Co.’s offerings are inspired by the grand heritage of the olden days but tailored for modern, style-conscious individuals.Apothecary –An extension of Crockett & Co. is the traditional apothecary offering unisex face, hair and body products as well as fragrances. The Apothecary would is located on the lower level featuring exclusive product lines.Library –Located on the lower level adjacent to Crockett & Co., a cozy Library with fireplace offers a place for guests for a brief respite from shopping. The Library features additional gifting such as books and cocktail ware.Mr. Potts Coffee & Tea Emporium –Mr. Potts (a family name that is a play on cooking pots and plant pots). The Monocle’s prime social setting that focuses on an assortment of specialty in-house baked goods, exotic teas and locally sourced coffee. A curated collection of cocktails and wines, as well as lunch and traditional tea service.

In the summertime, there will be outdoor pop-ups on the patios. When the weather gets colder, the plan is to have a winter market. Picture a series of vendor carts, for example. The Monocle is destined to become an ever-morphing experience, changing with the season, and design trends.

An elevated powder room experience

It’s hard to imagine that this building was simply a shell, not long ago. Now, it’s a dream destination for anyone looking for inspiration, whether it’s for a bite to eat and drink, getting a haircut, shopping, or to walking around in search of divine inspiration.

“It’s laid out perfectly,” said Michael. “It was a challenge to design – to make it look and feel like the other desirable places that we looked at. It’s not what we were expecting. While we lost those other places, we ended up winning in the end. Being on Hertel is exactly where we need to be. The prime location turned out to be just what we were looking for. It’s something new and different. It’s been quite the undertaking. We jumped off the cliff, and we’re taking everyone on this wild ride.”

As a way to give back to all of the other neighborhoods that they considered, before landing on Hertel, Michael and David are starting a foundation that will raise funds for the beautification of Buffalo, whether it’s through plantings or public art. Now, if you ask me, that’s something that could take on a life of its own. There are plenty of opportunities to beautify this city, if we all start thinking along similar lines.

But first things first – when it’s all buttoned up and firing on all cylinders, The Monocle will be a place that lifts the spirits, in more ways than one.

Personally, I would like to thank Michael and David for always believing in this city, and contributing in ways that we will never truly be able to fully grasp. They are certainly bulldog-ish on Buffalo.

Now it’s time to have some fun, playing around in their latest over-the-top design-forward creation.

The Monocle | 1235 Hertel Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216 | info@themonoclebuffalo.com | Instagram

An ADA lift is currently being installed, to make the building more accessible.

The post Bulldog-ish on Buffalo: The Monocle appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

Categories
PostEvents

Braidbabes

Looking to add a little sparkle into your day? Well, the team at Braidbabes has you covered. This woman owned business started in 2019 and has since become quite the phenomena sweeping the Queen City.  The fierce girl squad led by founder, Emily Bowman and co-founder, Tori Everett, not only delivers pinterest worthy braids and hairstyles, but also smiles and loads of fun in the process. 

“We’re a fully mobile braiding company. We typically set up around a dining room or anywhere that has a table and a chair that’s not too tall and then we offer them a braid of their choosing braid or whatever they booked us for. We have a backpack that has all of the supplies in it like elastics, hair ties, bobby pins, products, all of that. When you book an appointment, you can choose any braid that you want. We definitely like a challenge here and there!” explains Moe Hosken, the Buffalo manager for the company. 

As if dominating one city wasn’t enough, the team launched their expansion into Nashville just last year- officially opening April 1st, 2021. On top of two cities, the company has a growing community of over 26.6k followers on Instagram, over 11k likes on facebook, and over 50k followers on TikTok. With no end for growth in sight, the team is preparing to launch two new cities sooner rather than later. In order to accomplish their mission of expansion, the team has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Wefunder with a final goal of $750k,

“The reason we chose Wefunder is because anyone can invest as little as a hundred dollars- it really allows anyone with no expertise in investing to invest in something that they really love,” says Hosken. 

In addition to allowing resources for expansion efforts, this crowdfunding campaign will also open up additional internal positions within the company. Becoming part of the Braidbabes team doesn’t require years of braiding experience since the team has custom designed their very own programs for beginners. From a level one workshop to a fully integrative on demand bootcamp course required for all braiders, this team not only delivers exceptional customer service, but now educational opportunities for those who want to learn more! 

“Anyone that we hire has to go through boot camp-  a two week virtual process where you learn 14 different braids and after bootcamp you are offered a mock appointment. From the mock appointment, you’re put into onboarding where you learn bridal styles, shimmers, feed ins, all of our bigger Braidbabe secrets,” explains Hosken. 

From personal braid bars to events and weddings, this team comes fully loaded with everything needed to give you the hair of your dreams! This braiding company is an entire experience not seen anywhere else, and is sure to leave you more confident and empowered than before. To find out more about booking, or to learn more about classes and boot camp visit https://www.braidbabes.com

The post Braidbabes appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

Categories
PostEvents

Republican chaos in the 23rd district; campaign financials are filed

So we thought after the Special Master had his final say on re-districting that the Western New York political picture had settled down.  Wrong.

Congressman Chris Jacobs shocked the political world last week with his announcement of support for proposals by Governor Kathy Hochul.

Abandoning his previous near 100 percent loyalty to Donald Trump and the far right of his party, Congressman Chris Jacobs shocked the political world last week with his announcement of support for proposals by Governor Kathy Hochul and others to restrict some gun purchases in the state by the age of the buyer, plus other reforms. Jacobs’ story has received national attention. Some state proposals could be enacted before the end of this week when the Legislature adjourns for the year.

The intensified level of action, of course, follows the horrific massacre of people at the Tops supermarket in Buffalo and then the killing of 19 children and two teachers at the Robb Elementary School in Texas.  The thoughts and prayers of rationale people at this time are centered around their grief at the loss of human life but also the possibility of some sort of federal action to impose control with action such as red flag requirements and restrictions on the purchase of military assault weapons.

The Republican Party is joined at the hip with the NRA and other gun advocacy groups. Together they have made it very clear that guns are their priority, not people killed or wounded by guns.

Jacobs’ announcement of his change of heart about the issue (he ran with NRA support in 2020) has set his party into chaos. After settling on Jacobs as their candidate in the new 23rd congressional district which runs from eastern and southern Erie County through the southern tier to Chemung County, the party is now in a frantic search for a candidate to oppose Jacobs in the August 23rd primary. Jacobs is already on the ballot. Any new candidate will need to collect at least 1,062 valid Republican signatures and submit them to the state Board of Elections no later than June 10. There is also the issue about raising money in a short timeframe against the multimillionaire incumbent.

Republican, Conservative and gun organizations have, since Jacobs’ announcement, been talking about coming up with an opponent for Jacobs.

Republican, Conservative and gun organizations have, since Jacobs’ announcement, been talking about coming up with an opponent for Jacobs. State Republican Chairman Nick Langworhy must be particularly obsessed with this objective since he twice went hat in hand to Donald Trump, first to become chairman, and then to secure Trump’s endorsement of Jacobs in the contested 2020 special election and primary for Congress in 2020. Trump will not take kindly to what’s happening now.

Potential Jacobs opponents who are being vetted, in no particular order, include:

State Senator Rob Ortt, who would lose his party’s Senate leadership position if he switched to a congressional race. If he were the candidate Republicans would also need to scramble to nominate a replacement for his Senate seat by the same June 10 deadline (850 good signatures needed). Ortt raised a considerable amount of money for his short-lived congressional campaign in 2020 before deferring to Jacobs. Ortt does not live in the 23rd district.WBEN commentator David Bellavia. He would probably need to leave that job, given equal-time requirements of the broadcast media.Assemblyman David DiPietro, who has a limited public record and is often involved in far-right events.Carpetbagger Marc Cenedella, a Manhattan businessman recently re-settled to his Fredonia home.

Former State Senator Kathy Young, who left the Senate when she was not elected party leader, could also draw a mention, but she also has some baggage, having voted for the SAFE Act.

More than 40 percent of the 23rd district is in Erie County, which should give Langworthy and the county leadership a large say over what happens. You will not need to wait long to see how the line-up in the 23rd plays out.

Campaign financials

We last saw campaign financial reports from officeholders and candidates in January. On May 27 all state and local candidates for office who are in a contested primary were required to file new reports.

Governor Kathy Hochul, as she did last January, led all filers, announcing that she had raised an additional $10.3 million since January, for a total of $31.7 million since she became Governor in August.  She has $18.5 million in her campaign treasury.

Here is additional information from the other filings:

Congressman Tom Suozzi, one of Hochul’s opponents in the June 28th Democratic primary, raised $3.8 million since January and has $2.7 million remaining.New York City Advocate Jumaane Williams, another candidate in the primary, raised just $249,638.  He has $130,581 available.Newly appointed Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado has raised $2.275 million thus far, which includes $2 million transferred from his congressional campaign account.Suozzi’s running mate for lt. governor, Diana Reyna, has collected $352,656, with $126,372 still in the bank.Williams’ candidate for lt. governor, Ana Maria Archila, produced $293,728 and has $203,642 left.Congressman Lee Zeldin, the endorsed Republican candidate for governor, raised $3.2 million since January and has $3.1 million left.Businessman Harry Wilson has put $11 million of his own funds into the race thus far and raised an additional $1.9 million.  His account shows a balance of $4.2 million, but he may also continue to write large personal checks to the campaign.Former Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino collected $611,711 since January with $1.1 million remaining.Trump golf partner Andrew Guiliani collected $211,725 with $312,799 in the bank as of last week.Senator Ed Rath has raised $24,291 and now has a total of $121,539.County Clerk Mickey Kearns, who has been elected to office with Republican support but is technically a Democrat running in the primary, collected $24,291 in the past five months and has $121,539 in his campaign account.Eden Town Supervisor Melissa Hartman, the endorsed Democratic candidate for County Clerk, has a total of $29,795 in her treasury.  She raised $39,472 since receiving the party endorsement

I will provide campaign financial updates for the following candidates when available by way of editing this May 31st post:

State Senator Sean RyanBen Carlisle, a candidate for the Democratic nomination in the 60th district against RyanFormer County Executive Joel Giambra, the Republican candidate for Senate in the 60th district

The Democratic primary for governor still has Hochul leading by a substantial margin.  The Republican primary for governor presents a less than clear assessment of who might win as Zeldin and Wilson slug it out in TV ads.  The other candidates are also-rans although Guiliani will take critical votes away from Zeldin.

The next campaign financials are due out on June 17.

Speaking of campaign financials, the New York Times last week reported that Trump contributions through the WinRed campaign financial collection system have been declining over the past seven months, down by a third.  That probably explains the four or five text messages that I daily receive from Trump saying such thing as my contribution will be matched 300 percent – no wait, 1,000 percent; plus autographed hats; trips to a Trump event; and other exciting enticements!

Ken Kruly writes about politics and other stuff at politicsandstuff.com.

Follow on Twitter @kenkruly

The post Republican chaos in the 23rd district; campaign financials are filed appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

Categories
PostEvents

Nowhere Lounge

Buffalo was once home to plenty of classic lounges. You know, the cozy ones with padded bar rails, chock full of colorful character. While there may be one or two that remain, most have drifted away, shuttered, demolished, revamped, or burned to the ground.

As a sign of respect for the lounges of yesteryear, Jason and Julie Wood are in the process of opening Nowhere Lounge at 3115 Delaware Avenue in Kenmore. I met up with Jason, who told me that this labor of love will be the culmination of all of his bartending accomplishments over the years. From starting as a bar-back runner and then manager at Vera, to helping to run the show at Misuta Chow’s, Jason has worked at some of the hottest establishments in Buffalo, alongside some of the best drink slingers in the business.

Now, Jason and Julie have gutted the interior of the bar down to the studs, and are in the process of rebuilding what was once Bob’s Branch Office (a bar), and Flo’s Turf Club before that. They’re calling the new establishment Nowhere Lounge, “… because sometimes you just don’t know where to go,” said Jason. “So you might as well go Nowhere.”

Retro Scandinavian

Opening in June, Nowhere Lounge is being rebuilt into a 1970’s-dressed lounge, complete with padded faux lizard bar front with matching rails (upholstered by Julie), velvet paintings, colorful wall panels and flooring, and plenty of wood accents. This retro deco bar will offer up a lounge seating area with an electric (and eclectic) fireplace, bistro-style 2-top tables, and a heck of a bar. It helps that Jason took a hiatus from the world of bartending during the pandemic, to hone his skills as a woodworker at NC Woodwork (also in Kenmore). That’s where he learned a lot of the tricks of the trade, which he is now utilizing to build out the lounge.

“There was a fire at one point,” Jason told me [pointing]. “The ceilings and the walls were charred up. We took down the drop ceiling and replaced it with tin from reuse action. We dry ice-blasted the tin, which is less messy than using sand. Same with the crown molding. Then we spray-painted it black. We gained 2 feet by taking down the drop ceiling, and removing the soffit. There is no kitchen – we’re going to have a crockpot, serving up food like Julie’s incredible cupcake meatloaf, and sliders. The food will be great, but this is not going to be a ‘food spot.’”

As for choosing the corner location, Jason said that he and Julie drove by the corner a million times. They had never been inside the bar, but knew that it was going to be their future location for the lounge.

Jason’s custom-built wood screen divider

“We’ve lived in Kenmore for a decade,” Jason told me. “The neighborhood needs a place like this. This area has a lot going on – Black Iron Bystro is opening, and Fattey Beer Co. is opening across the street. There’s Mojo Market, and La Divina, Jay’s Artisan Pizza… we’re really excited to be a part of all of this. We’re going to make it fun, but not loud – I imagine that there will be around 30-35 people inside, with a lower conversation level. There will be low inventory, low overhead, and I will be working behind the bar, with some occasional guest bartenders. We’re keeping it simple. We’re focusing on retooled 70s cocktails, some favorite classics, and some originals. We will have, for example, a tequila sunrise with more modern ingredients. We want to stay true to the drinks, but make them better. There will be a number of old fashioned variations. A customer might even roll the dice (quite literally) – three to be exact – which will determine the spirit, the sweetener, and the bitters. We’re going to have some fun with this.”

Down the road, Jason wants to incorporate some classes into the mix, where people will be able to learn the ins and outs of making great classic cocktails. This was something that he did when he managed Vera. He also wants to highlight the distilling process of the spirits, as well as the distilleries. In another life, he was a brand ambassador for Fortaleza Tequila and led a series of tours of distilleries in Mexico. It is this sort of seasoned knowledge and vast understanding of the industry that he will be bringing to the table.

But more than anything, Jason and Julie are bringing back the classic lounge appeal, which has mostly gone missing from neighborhoods throughout the region. Nowhere Lounge will be chill, relaxing, and absorbing – a place with subdued conversations, over a Negroni spritz or a sparkling wine (on tap).

The way that I look at it, there’s only one problem with Nowhere Lounge. It’s not in my immediate neighborhood. Darn. This is a place that I could definitely find myself over-frequenting, especially if I could walk to it.

Nowhere Lounge | 3115 Delaware Avenue (corner of Delwood) | Kenmore, NY

The post Nowhere Lounge appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

Categories
PostEvents

The War of 1812 Cemetery

The cars speeding down Aero Drive in Cheektowaga did not pay me nor my destination any heed. I took the first photograph and then wandered across the busy road. I had come to pay my respects to Nathanial Thayer, a fellow New Yorker. He was a man who did something for me that I cannot repay. I never knew him, nor ever would. He may have stood about five feet six inches tall, with brown hair and blue-grey eyes. In his early to mid twenties he met his fate and was buried in a cemetery that did not yet exist.

Who was Nathanial Thayer you may ask? His is a story much like that of the hundreds of others buried here in a forgotten cemetery for those who died during the War of 1812. Sources tell us that the statistics above were for the average male of that day. What we do know of Nathanial Taylor was that he was in the 23rd Regiment of Infantry from New York and that he died on August 23, 1814. His cause of death was most likely not from the wounds of battle, but from the terrible diseases that claimed many lives:  diarrhea, dysentery, and typhus. 

During the winter months of 1812, after an unsuccessful attempt to invade Canada, General Alexander Smyth established and built barracks in the small village of Williams Mills (now Williamsville). As the war progressed and the concentration of troops in the Niagara region increased, so did the size of the encampment. The year 1814, saw the nearby Battles of Chippewa and Lundy’s Lane and the creation of the medical hospital where the barracks had existed. This site was only a short distance away from where the cemetery now lies. The records of the head surgeon of the hospital, Dr. Joseph Lovell, paint a grim picture. He tells us of the abnormally warm and rainy weather that would lead to the onset of severe dysentery and typhus. “Patients were not sent to the general hospital until at least the third week of the disease after being treated by various methods, depending on the surgeon in charge.” It has been determined that the date the hospital was created was July 29, 1814. Sadly, if we add a mere three weeks to this picture, we can speculate that Nathanial most likely died from one of the aforementioned diseases. 

This cemetery holds the bodies of Nathanial Thayer and 200 more American and British soldiers that died between the years 1814 and 1815.

This cemetery holds the bodies of Nathanial Thayer and 200 more American and British soldiers that died between the years 1814 and 1815. Most were buried in trench graves and likely not very deep. These forgotten men of a war none of us think of were wrapped in sheets and laid to rest somewhere that may have been far from home with no marker to even tell their story or someone to pray over them. There is a stand of ten Sugar Maple trees nearby that it is said may have been planted by the fallen soldier’s fellow men at arms to silently stand watch over their resting place 

Photo by Shinerunner on Wikipedia

For over 80 years they would be forgotten until 1898 when the cemetery was deeded to the Buffalo Historical Society. From this day forward the cemetery would receive the attention it deserves, beginning with the construction of the wrought iron sign marker in that year. As the century turned the cemetery would acquire some of the items, seen their today, including an impressive cannon captured by the British during the War of 1812 and returned to the Buffalo Historical Society in 1936 where it was placed on the platform along with both the flags of the United States and Great Britain to honor their respective fallen soldiers. Improvements to the cemetery continued, culminating in its addition to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.

Buffalo is a city of great and varied history. A small roadside sign off busy Transit Road led me to this hidden gem.

Buffalo is a city of great and varied history. A small roadside sign off busy Transit Road led me to this hidden gem. The flag that I placed on Nathanial’s grave is a silent testament of remembrance to a man that I never knew but helped keep this country free when Great Britain sought to change what our Founding Fathers had fought and died for some 40 years prior. On this Memorial Day, when we remember fallen soldiers and listen to the sounds of Taps being played, I ask that you not forget about these 200 souls that lie off Aero Drive, in the shadow of the airport. Visit them, find the shady trees that they repose beneath, and thank them for being freedom fighters and heroes.

Lead image: Shinerunner on Wikipedia

The post The War of 1812 Cemetery appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

Categories
PostEvents

Springville Art Crawl and Official Grand Opening of the Skatepark

On Saturday June 4th, from 5:30pm- 8:00pm experience the transformation of Springville’s historic downtown shopping area into a journey through art and culture. The Annual Downtown Springville Art Crawl turns shops and stores into art galleries showcasing a variety of art including photographs, watercolor and acrylic paintings, and collages from 65 artists this year.

To begin the adventure, your first stop should be at the corner of Main and Mechanic Streets to pick up a ballot and a map of the participating locations. There is fun for the whole family with music from musicians playing in various areas, interactive art activities, craft items from the many vendors, and activities for kids of all ages including a parade beginning at 4pm.

After the Art Crawl, from 8pm-11pm, the “Bootleg Soiree” after-party will take place on three floors of a vacant turn-of-the-century undertaker and cabinetmaker’s shop on Main Street. The proceeds from the party will help pay the expenses of the Craw and the parade!

The Crawl will happen rain or shine. This event is free. Parking will be available in the lot behind Witter Davis, at the high school and a few other places that will be clearly marked. Keep in mind that most of the work on display is also for sale. For more information, go to: Springvilleartcrawl.com

The post Springville Art Crawl and Official Grand Opening of the Skatepark appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

Categories
PostEvents

WNY Theatre, Art + Culture Roundup – June 2022

Theatre, Arts and Culture Round-up is published at the beginning of each month and features performance, openings, premiers, and other cultural events. We invite local theatres, museums, and arts organizations to notify us of events that they have coming up by emailing events@buffalorising.com.

Theatre

Alleyway Theatre – 1 Curtain Up Alley, Buffalo, NY 14202 | 716-852-2600
Now–June 5 – GRINDRMOM

Aurora Players – 480 Prospect Ave, East Aurora, NY 14052 | 716-687-6727
Now-June 12 – Clue: On Stage

Bellissima Productions – 2048 Main St, Marie Maday Theatre, Canisius College, Buffalo, NY 14208
June 10, 12, 17, 18 – Falsettos

Irish Classical Theatre – 625 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203 | 716-853-1380
June 3-26 – The Onion Game

Kavinoky Theatre – 320 Porter Ave, Buffalo, NY 14201 | 716-829-7668
June 10-26 – The Lifespan of A Fact

Lancaster Opera House – 21 Central Avenue Lancaster, NY 14086 | 716-683-1776
June 10-26 – Blithe Spirit

Musical Fare Theatre – Damen College, 4380 Main St #123, Amherst, NY 14226 | 716-839-8540
June 4 – A Sondheim Cabaret
June 11 – West Coast Jazz with Dave Hill & Friends
June 17 – A Quiet Night of Quiet Stars
June 18 – Sunita: Back to Me
June 25 – A Tribute to Amy Winehouse with Blaise Mercedes

Niagara Regional Theatre Guild / Ellicott Creek Playhouse – 550 Ellicott Creek Rd, Tonawanda, NY 14150 | 716-260-2319
June 3-18 – Brigadoon

Nickel City Opera Co – 1939 Harlem Rd, Buffalo, NY 14212 | 716-861-3071 | See listings for Performance Location
June 13 – Lucky 13th Annual Gala Dinner & Son of a Rabbi: An Al Jolson Revue
June 14 – Son of a Rabbi: An Al Jolson Revue
June 25 – Giuseppe Verdi’s ‘Rigoletto’
June 26 – Giuseppe Verdi’s ‘Rigoletto’

Second Generation Theatre Company – See listings for performance location | 716-508-7480
June 10-26 – Cabaret

Shea’s 710 Theatre – 710 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14202 | 716-847-1410
June 3 – 31st Annual Artie Awards
June 10-11 – Sunday in the Park with George

Shea’s Buffalo – 650 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14202 | 716-847-1410
June 3 – Broadway Meats Buffalo
June 4 – Chris Rock: Ego Death World Tour
June 10-11 – Shen Yun

UB Center for the Arts – UB North Campus, 103 Center For The Arts, Buffalo, NY 14260 | 716-645-6259
June 4-5 – David De Marie Dance: Get Ready
June 12 – American Academy of Ballet Spring Performance

Arts

Albright-Knox Northland – 612 Northland Ave., Buffalo, NY 14211 | 716-882-8700
Now – June 5 – In These Truths

Buffalo Art Movement – 255 Great Arrow Ave., STE 200, Buffalo, NY 14207 | 716-939-2445
June 3-July 9 – Xiao Yang
June 3-July 9 – Shouts of Gratitude by Noma Bliss
June 3-July 9 – Humanimals by Jim Bliss
June 3-July 9 – Seth Brauchler

Buffalo Arts Studio – Tri-Main Center, 2495 Main St., Suite 500, Buffalo, NY 14214 | 716-833-4450
June 24-August 8 – Jim Morris, On the Nature of Things

Burchfield Penney Art Center – 1300 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, New York 14222 | 716-878-6011
Now–June 26 – Edreys Wajed: The Bridge
Now–July 31 – Remembering Sylvia L. Rosen (1919 – 2022)
Now–Oct 2 – Gratitude: The Sylvia L. Rosen Endowment Purchase Awards
Now-Oct 2 – Different Perspectives: A Museum Studies Exhibition
Now–January 1, 2023 – Totemic
June 10-November 27 – Bonnie Gordon: Mapping Image and Word, Stumbling into Streams of Consciousness
June 5-June 8, 2025 – Camp Everything

C. Stuart and Jane H. Hunt Art Gallery – Brisbane Bldg, 403 Main St Suite 105, Buffalo, NY 14203 | 716-225-2098
Now – June 11 – Susan Copley and Bunny Leighton: Force(s) of Nature

K Art – 808 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14202 | 716-216-2941
Now–June 3 – Moving East
Now–June 3 – Matri Lines

Squeaky Wheel – 617 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203 | 716-884-7172
Now–June 15 – Tech Art for Girls
Now–June 25 – DATA: 3D Animation
Now-Aug 29 – Jenson Leonard: GLAND PRIX

WNY Book Arts Center – 468 Washington St., Buffalo, NY 14203 | 716-348-1430
Now – June 18 – Things I Might Need: An Exhibition by Shana Agid
Now – June 18 – Monsterity 物之怪: An Exhibition by SuDi Wang
June 8 – Virtual Talk with Shana Agid
June 11 – Suminagashi – Japanese Floating Ink Printing
June 15 – Foodie Screen Print Tea Towel Set
June 25 – Papercut Artist Trading Cards
June 29 – Letterpress Greeting Card Workshop

Culture

Buffalo History Museum – 1 Museum Ct, Buffalo, NY 14216 | 716-873-9644
Now – November 2022 – Icons: The Makers and Moments of Buffalo Sports
Now – Continuum: A History of Erie County
Now – Colorized Pan-American Exposition Renderings
June 1 – 1901 Buffalo, Birthplace of a New Presidency
June 2 – George Scott’s Big Band Bash
June 4 – Pan-Am Walking Tour
June 9 – Paint the Town
June 17 – Party on the Portico

Buffalo Museum of Science – 1020 Humboldt Pkwy, Buffalo, NY 14211 | 716-896-5200
Now – Senserie
Now – Antarctic Dinosaurs
June 4 – Solar Saturdays
June 8 – Behind-The-Scenes: Geology Rocks!
June 9 – Art of Science
June 10 – Science After Hours: Guess Whoo at Tifft
June 11 – Solar Saturdays
June 15 – SciNight Workshop: Bugging Out
June 18 – Solar Saturdays
June 25 – Solar Saturdays

Buffalo Riverworks – 359 Ganson St., Buffalo, NY 14203 | 716-342-2292
June 18 – Dragon Boat Festival

Buffalo State Performing Arts Center – 1300 Elmwood Ave in Rockwell Hall, Buffalo NY 14222 | 716-878-3005
June 3 – Releve Dance Company presents: Unwritten
June 4 – Releve Dance Company presents: Unwritten

Genesee Country Museum – 1410 Flint Hill Rd., Mumford, NY 14511 | 585-538-6822
June 3 – History on Tap
June 4 & 11 – Woodland Fairy & Elf Academy: Spring Sprites
June 11-12 – Celtic Faire
June 18 – Honoring Juneteenth
June 19 – Father’s Day
June 21 – Nature Center Homeschool Family Field Trip Day

Kleinhans Music Hall – 3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY 14201| 716-885-5000
June 2 – Kathy Mattea and Suzy Bogguss | Together at Last!
June 15 – The David Bromberg Quintet
June 16 – Rhythm and Brews
June 17 – Herbie Hancock

Larkin Square – 745 Seneca St., Buffalo, NY 14210 | 716-362-2665
June 1 – Jerk Hut with Chef Darian Bryan
June 2 – Buffalo Bros Burgers Lunchtime food service
June 3 – Clifford’s Red Hots Lunch Service
June 4 – Fitness in the Parks: Zumba
June 6 – Fitness in the Parks
June 7 – Tiny Thai Lunchtime Food Service, Food Truck Tuesday
June 8 – Jerk Hut with Chef Darian Bryan
June 9 – Cheesy Chick lunchtime food service
June 10 – Clifford’s Red Hots Lunch Service
June 11 – Fitness in the Parks: Zumba
June 13 – Fitness in the Parks
June 14 – Sun Roll Truck Lunchtime Food Service, Food Truck Tuesday
June 15 – Jerk Hut with Chef Darian Bryan
June 16 – Buffalo Bros Burgers Lunchtime food service
June 17 – Clifford’s Red Hots Lunch Service
June 18 – Fitness in the Parks: Zumba
June 20 – Fitness in the Parks
June 21 – Tiny Thai Lunchtime Food Service
June 22 – Jerk Hut with Chef Darian Bryan
June 23 – Cheesy Chick lunchtime food service, Lauren Belfer Book Launch
June 24 – Clifford’s Red Hots Lunch Service
June 25 – Fitness in the Parks: Zumba
June 27 – Fitness in the Parks
June 28 – Sun Roll Truck Lunchtime Food Service
June 29 – Jerk Hut with Chef Darian Bryan
June 30 – Buffalo Bros Burgers Lunchtime food service

Vocalis Chamber Choir – 401 McKinley Pkwy., Buffalo, NY 14220 | See Event for location
June 5 – 20th Anniversary Finale! – Contemporary Voices
June 12 – A Benefit Concert For Blessed Sacrament Church

If you are interested in having your event or venue listed in our monthly roundup, contact us at events@buffalorising.com for more details.

Special thanks to our SOUNDCHECK Series Sponsor:

Evans Bank: A Better Way. Full-Service Banking, Insurance, and Wealth Management in Western New York

The post WNY Theatre, Art + Culture Roundup – June 2022 appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

Categories
PostEvents

Development Update on Seneca One

Since its opening, the mission of Seneca One has remained the same: to play a major role in finally connecting Main Street to Canalside to help reestablish our community as a waterfront city and deserving destination. Occupying over 1.4 million square feet in downtown Buffalo, their footprint is peppered with restaurants, retailers, residences, and businesses – all paired with an unmatched view and an overall buzzing atmosphere. With over 100 apartments at the base of the building, thousands of people working in the tower, and eateries that serve late into the evening, the team has promised that Buffalo will never see Seneca One tower fall asleep again.

Director of business development at Seneca One, Sean Heidinger shares how Seneca One has become so much more of a cultural and community hub in recent years. From community events to the overarching vibe at Seneca One, this spot is a place for anyone and everyone regardless of background.

 “If you’re going to Canalside, you can pop into the lobby bar and grab a drink and then go to Canalside. Or if you are heading down to the Sabres game or anywhere downtown, you can slide through Seneca One and get a drink and check out public art or a yoga class, grab a ready bike or even enjoy the gardens. Now it’s really a space for everybody.”

Apart from just the community aspects of Seneca One, the building is also our city’s hub for tech and startup companies, a growing development in the Queen City. Based on a study done by a  New Hampshire-based startup strategic growth and investment firm, Buffalo was named one of the fastest-growing startup cities in the United States, show proof that these investments made to the city are spurring on a variety of growth for our city and the development done at Seneca One has everything to do with it. With the building holding 43North, an accelerator that hosts an annual startup competition investing $5M per year to attract and retain high-growth companies in Buffalo, the M&T Tech Hub, the eastern U.S. Hub for the unicorn company, Odoo, and a multitude of other start-up companies, Seneca One has aided in changing the scope of the city for the better.

“When 43 north came into the building and announced that their tech hub was going to be here a lot of people thought that perhaps they would operate in different silos and not interact. But what we’re seeing is these communities really coming together. For example, the giant that is M&T Bank is really getting their hands dirty with the startups that are fighting day in and day out. It’s everybody on the same level in this building and they’re all willing to help each other. The best news ever is when you hear a company that needs more space because they’ve already outgrown the space that they leased, and we’ve heard that a number of times already, even during the pandemic.”

With this kind of momentum, there is no end in sight for the team at Seneca One, instead we can expect to see even more growth in the coming months.

“You can expect more exciting announcements regarding tech companies in the building or coming to the building. You can also expect us to announce some very exciting programming for the summer. So, absolutely taking advantage of all our outdoor Plaza space and our gardens and our beer garden and turning it around and creating a real live music destination in downtown Buffalo. We’re going to be working with not-for-profits and different arts groups and collaboratives as a destination for free family, friendly fun, live entertainment, and gatherings. We’re also working to take what we do to other places. We’re going to take programming to Bidwell Park, and even the Richardson complex.”

Stay tuned to hear some exciting announcements from the team at Seneca One, and in the meantime make this spot your first stop on your next endeavor downtown. For a list of current programming visit, https://senecaonebuffalo.com

The post Development Update on Seneca One appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

Categories
PostEvents

College Lodge Forest is inducted into Old-Growth Forest Network

The Old-Growth Forest Network is a national network spanning the United States that helps to protect mature, publicly accessible, and native forests. Without the protection of this network, vast lands would be at risk to development interests.

Now, the newly safeguarded College Lodge Forest has joined the impressive network of forested lands. The goal of the network is to preserve at least one forest in every county in the US that can sustain a forest. The College Lodge Forest (near Fredonia, NY – in Chautauqua County) has been officially purchased by the WNY Land Conservancy, and is the perfect complement to the network, thanks to its range of wildlife, pristine wetlands with carnivorous plants, old-growth trees, and unique native orchids.

“We are extraordinarily grateful to the entire community for accomplishing this goal,” said Nancy Smith, Executive Director of the Land Conservancy. “Time and time again, we are reminded just how much our community values nature. It came together during a trying period to protect one of Western New York’s most incredible forests. We owe a special thank you to Jon and Priscilla Titus and the incredible men and women of the Friends of the College Lodge, who first introduced us to this amazing place and who were instrumental in protecting it. Without them, we would not be here today. We are also grateful to the Faculty Student Association (FSA) for ensuring this forest could be protected forever.”

The (FSA) – a non-profit auxiliary of SUNY Fredonia from which the Land Conservancy purchased the forest – still owns the historic lodge and the surrounding 33 acres of land.

While the land is home to countless woodland creatures, it also available to the public for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The addition the forest to the Network is another big win for this region, thanks to the dedication of those who understand the importance of the acquisition, the ongoing preservation, and the accreditation.

“We are thrilled to welcome this beautiful forest into the Network as the forest representative for Chautauqua County,” says Dr. Joan Maloof, Old-Growth Forest Network’s Founder and Executive Director, Dr. Joan Maloof. “We honor and celebrate the Faculty Student Association of SUNY Fredonia and the Western New York Land Conservancy for their vision and work in preserving this special forest for generations to come. OGFN depends on volunteers in each U.S. county to help identify and induct forests into the Network. Christopher Merchant of Jamestown was instrumental in the dedication process.”

Support for the College Lodge Forest came from many foundations, state agencies, and donors, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the Lenna Foundation, Kathy and Scott Bieler, the Gallogly Family Foundation, hundreds of individual community donors, and the Garman Family Foundation administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.

College Lodge Forest will be the sixteenth New York forest to join the Old-Growth Forest Network, becoming the second Western New York forest in the network, joining Zoar Valley Unique Area in Cattaraugus County. The full list of forests in the Network may be viewed at www.oldgrowthforest.net.

The post College Lodge Forest is inducted into Old-Growth Forest Network appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

Categories
PostEvents

Plans Tweaked for Elmwood Crossing

The project team behind the Elmwood Crossing development are seeking to modify their master plan for the former Children’s Hospital campus. Ellicott Development and Sinatra & Co. Real Estate are asking the City Council to amend the previously-approved Elmwood Crossing PUD that set development standards for the reuse project.  The most significant changes would be the removal of plans for a large grocery in a mixed-use building planned for W. Utica Street and rehabbing a residence at 187 Bryant Street rather than demolishing it.

The first two phases of Elmwood Crossing, The Pardee at Elmwood at Bryant and the EduKids building on Hodge Avenue, are complete. People Inc. is currently the former maternity building at 140 Hodge Avenue into 40 apartments. Future plans call for apartments, condominiums and townhomes; a hotel, retail and restaurants; health and wellness space; a gallery; office space; and site improvements including pathways and green space. It is anticipated that the mixed-use redevelopment project will reuse more than 90 percent of the existing building space on the site.

From the project application:

The request to amend the Elmwood Crossing PUD is intended to respond to the changes to the proposed development that has occurred over the past several years. Most significantly, a larger grocery component no longer is feasible, resulting in the elimination of some of the waivers sought previously. Further, after discussions with the community, the Applicants have decided to maintain the primary structure at 187 Bryant Street. Upon further evaluation, 187 Bryant Street has been determined to be a viable structure for renovation and there has been great community support for this home to remain, rather than be demolished. The green space that was going to be located on this property has been redesigned into a pocket-park. The pocket-park is thoughtfully designed based on multiple iterations of community feedback.

187 Bryant – to be saved

The development team details its future plans for the project:

188 West Utica (Townhomes)

The proposed plan includes the construction of up to 20 for-sale townhome units in three distinct linear blocks. Each of the townhome units will be three-stories in height, consistent with the scale of the surrounding neighborhood. The front elevation, with urban rowhouse design cues, will include an elevated main entry for guests, while the rear elevation will include resident access through a two-car garage with private patio space above, accessible off the main living level on the 2nd floor. The exterior of the townhomes will include large window openings, and a mix of high-quality materials such as stone and precast elements, along with cement board siding.

204 West Utica (Mixed Use Building)

This new, four-story, mixed-use infill building will be programmed for retail use on the ground floor, and site on the site of a former grocery story and surface parking lot. The commercial size will be approximately 45,000 sq. ft. with up to 60 upper floor residential units, over three floors. The design concept will provide a residential vocabulary on its upper floors to complement the surrounding neighborhood, while also catering to the commercial tenants’ needs for vibrant main entryways, and extensive glazing on ground floor.

This building will include a pedestrian connection to the Gallagher parking ramp at 489 Elmwood Avenue. This building will create something new for the neighborhood, while respecting what currently exists. Upper residential floors will step back, softening the impact on the street and neighboring properties, and communicate an approachable, pedestrian feel. While still in concept, the design intent is for a modem infill with a mixture of materials including glass, metal and fiber cement panels and wood elements to warm the building’s appearance.

Former MH and D Buildings on Hodge Avenue and Annex Building on Bryant Street (Apartments)

The former MH, C, D and Annex Buildings date back to the early 20th century, are eligible for Historic Tax Credits, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As such, there are limited exterior improvements that can be effectuated given the requirement to comply with the applicable guidelines of the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Historic Preservation. Through the process of converting these former hospital structures into residential apartments include up to 120 units, exterior work will be limited to window repair and replacement as needed, masonry repair and repointing, new modem entrance features, exterior signage and lighting, and other temporary installations and landscaping.

Former Variety and Tanner Towers, Alfiero and C Building Complex (Mixed-Use)

The former Variety Tower, Tanner and Alfiero Buildings will be redeveloped into a mixture of uses. Much of what was known as the C Building Complex will be demolished to create a new vehicular entryway and courtyard on the north side of the complex. The former Tanner Tower will include 1st and 2nd floor commercial space and up to sixty (60) residential apartment units on the 3rd- 9th floors. While limited in what can be done to modify the exterior of the Tanner Tower, as the building is Historic Tax Credit eligible, the exterior will be given a fresh look through signage, exterior lighting treatments, landscaping and other temporary features. Several architectural cues from the former Tanner Tower will be referenced in the redevelopment of the former Variety Tower exterior.

The former Variety Tower will include 1st and 2nd floor commercial space with hotel reception, lobby, amenity and back-of-house space. The 3rd – 6th floors will include hotel guestrooms, the 7th floor will include a health and wellness space, and the 8th – 10th floors will include upscale residential condominiums. Unlike the former Tanner Tower, the exterior treatment of the former Variety Tower will be fully transformed. The massing of the new exterior will identify the three distinct uses of the building. Considering the mass of the building, and taking advantage of the desire for residential terraces, recessed balconies have been introduced at the southwest comer and along the south and north facades. This strategy lightens the top of the building, while providing spectacular space and views to the residents.

The hotel room floors are the main body of the structure, where a multi-dimensional cladding would be utilized and penetrated with horizontally oriented glazing and metal panel, referencing the mid-century ribbon windows on the east and west elevations of the former Tanner Tower. The base of the former Variety Tower is comprised of a two-story colonnade. These levels will engage the public as an entrance and hospitality area. This space will be transformed to create an elevated intermediary space between the public and the structure on the south elevation. The zone enhances the experience into the hotel as well as provided opportunity for an intermingling between activity at the pedestrian level and the occupants.

The former Alfiero building on the east end of the “core campus” will be redeveloped into commercial space. The building will be re-clad and modernized in concert with the former Variety Tower with an alternate color and material palette to visually separate it from the adjacent towers giving it a stand-alone identity and entranceway.

489 Elmwood Avenue- Gallagher Parking Ramp

The project will include improvements to the existing parking ramp.

The project team is also seeking to allow Skyline Signs on both the Variety Tower building and parking ramp (below).

The post Plans Tweaked for Elmwood Crossing appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

Generated by Feedzy