Category: PostEvents

THE BASICS:  A CHORUS LINE presented by O’Connell & Co. has three more performances at 3200 Elmwood Avenue in Kenmore.  For tickets call 716-848-0800 or visit oconnellandcompany.com.  The remaining three shows are this Friday, October 29th at 8pm, Saturday October 30th at 8pm (optional dinner package starting at 6:30 pm), with a final matinee Sunday October 31st at 2pm.  Runtime: 2 hours with one intermission (plentiful snacks and beverages available).

THUMBNAIL SKETCH: This is the beloved 1975 musical with music by Marvin Hamlisch, lyrics by Edward Kleban, whose original Broadway choreography and direction by Buffalo’s own Michael Bennett won two of the ultimately nine (9!) Tony Awards in 1976 including Best Musical and Best Score (Marvin Hamlisch).  Oh, and also the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Set on a bare stage, the musical introduces us to Broadway dancers auditioning for spots on a chorus line.  The musical offers us a chance to see beyond the footlights as the dancers answer questions from the mostly disembodied / unseen director “Zach” played by this production’s actual director, Dewayne Barrett.  They each describe their background, family lives, humiliations, and why they were determined to become dancers.

Anna Fernandez on stage at O’Connell & Co.

THE PLAYERS, THE PLAY, AND THE PRODUCTION:  This is one of my favorite musicals and I’ve often said that if I had (in my dreams) written the song “One” I would have retired on the spot, it’s so good.  I’m also a goner at “What I Did for Love” sung by the character “Diana,” here played by recent UB BFA graduate Anna Fernandez making her O’Connell & Company debut.  “Diana” also sings “Nothing” about the abusive high school drama teacher with the great line: “Nothing. They all felt something, But I felt nothing, Except the feeling, That this bullshit was absurd!”

I’m sure that many want to hear Cami Clune (Val) in her first musical in 5 years, after taking a break to focus on her solo music career.  She was on Season 19 of NBC’s “The Voice” where she received “a 4 chair turn,” worked with John Legend and Kelly Clarkson, and placed as a Semi-Finalist.  On stage here, as “Val,” she sang the song titled “Dance: Ten, Looks: Three” in which she sings about losing auditions until she spent some money on plastic surgery.  “Tits and ass, Bought myself a fancy pair, Tightened up the derriere, Did the nose with it, All that goes with it….”  Yes, it’s the song which most people refer to by its refrain “Tits and Ass.”  And Ms. Clume brings the right sassy attitude.

Anna Fernandez at the 2019 Arties

Unfortunately, many of our younger singers who a decade ago might have worked on that distinctive / projecting Broadway voice, imitating Lea Salonga, Megan Hilty, Idina Menzel might today be under the spell of current “whisper into the mic” singers such as Billie Eilish, Lana Del Ray, or Melanie Martinez.  The acoustics at 3200 Elmwood are not ideal and Ms. Clume, although animated, was not always audible.  On that note, Ms. Fernandez also was a little on the quiet side in “What I Did for Love.”

On the other hand, Aimee Lynn Walker as “Cassie” is more old-school and was able to belt out “The Music and The Mirror.”  Good for her. However, “Cassie’s Dance” (originally co-created with Michael Bennett and then danced to a Tony Award by Donna McKechnie) went on a bit long on this current stage.  I was told afterward by a Broadway maven that legally you can’t pare down the dance.  Oh well.

Another “oh, well” moment for me was not getting to enjoy my usual cry at “Paul’s story” told by actor Kevin Cusi.  It felt a little rushed so the punch line, the dad’s request as young Paul gets on the bus, didn’t hit me in the chest as it has in the past.  So, while we give major props to to director Dewayne Barrett who came from Chicago bringing long experience with this musical, most community theaters wouldn’t take on something this ambitious.  Working with a cast of 27, there will be moments where things may have been under-rehearsed.

But, here’s a tip:  for me the best dancing on the stage is done by a character who’s easy to miss as he’s leaning up against the proscenium in a drab grey outfit.  And that’s “Larry” the director’s assistant, in a role sort of like a dance captain, played by Collin McKee.  Very crisp.  Very Broadway.  Another highlight of the evening is the snappy, tappy “I Can Do That” sung by the character “Mike” (James Anthony Caposito).  And another applause moment is when “Bobbie” (Michael Kelleher) tells us that “I would always try to find ways to kill myself, but then I realized to commit suicide in Buffalo is redundant.”  Somehow I think that Michael Bennett had a hand in that line.

Two pieces of advice:  Sit close to the stage, closer to the singers, and sit in the center.  Otherwise you’ll be looking into the wings.  While A CHORUS LINE takes us “behind the scenes” we don’t actually have to look there during the entire show.

So, in alphabetical order, just as in the original, here is the cast of 26 (director, assistant, 17 finalists, 7 cuts).

Kristine      Lizzie Arnold
Zach           Dewayne Barrett
Sheila         Kris Bartolomeo
Greg           Joey Bucheker
Tom            Ryan Butler
Mike           James Anthony Caposito
Val              Cami Clune
Paul            Kevin Cusi
Al                Thomas Evans
Diana         Anna Fernandez
Connie       Cassidy Granchelli
Vicki           Grace Galipeau
Don            Joe Isgar
Mark          Brett Jackson
Tricia          Stevie Jackson
Bobby        Michael Kelleher
Bebe           Susan Laxton
Larry           Collin Mckee
Judy            Julia Murphy
Roy             Vincent Murphy
Butch         Matt Myers
Lois             Leanna Pulinski
Maggie      Emory Redfearn
Richi           Marc Thagard
Cassie         Aimée Lynn Walker
Frank          Michael Wells

The band, hidden off stage left, was led by Donald R. Jenczka: Piano/Conductor and was up for the job.

You can get more details on the website, but if you’re interested in the DINNER & SHOW package with dinner provided by Dolce Amore Catering there are three entrée choices: Chicken, Vegetarian Ravioli, Fish.  The dinner will be held on Saturday night at 6:30pm prior to the performance in the Community Room, which is located directly behind the stage.

*HERD OF BUFFALO (Notes on the Rating System)

ONE BUFFALO: This means trouble. A dreadful play, a highly flawed production, or both. Unless there is some really compelling reason for you to attend (i.e. you are the parent of someone who is in it), give this show a wide berth.

TWO BUFFALOS: Passable, but no great shakes. Either the production is pretty far off base, or the play itself is problematic. Unless you are the sort of person who’s happy just going to the theater, you might look around for something else.

THREE BUFFALOS: I still have my issues, but this is a pretty darn good night at the theater. If you don’t go in with huge expectations, you will probably be pleased.

FOUR BUFFALOS: Both the production and the play are of high caliber. If the genre/content are up your alley, I would make a real effort to attend.

FIVE BUFFALOS: Truly superb–a rare rating. Comedies that leave you weak with laughter, dramas that really touch the heart. Provided that this is the kind of show you like, you’d be a fool to miss it!

All images courtesy of O’Connell & Co. | Lead image: Cami Clune as Val on stage at O’Connell & Co.

The electrified neon tango dancers have romanced their way back to Elmwood Avenue. It was back in July that we first heard that the beloved neon sculpture might be returned to its rightful home, where it was initially installed in 1982. The work was removed from the side of its residing structure at the corner of Bidwell Parkway in 2015, upon which time no one knew if it would ever see the light of day (or darkness of night), due to the disrepair of the culturally-significant object of the community’s affection.

Neon dancers at NAS Sign Company

After being painstakingly restored by NAS Sign Company, the tango dancers lay in wait to be claimed. It was only when Delaware District Councilmember Joel Feroleto noticed the that new building ownership team – Douglas Development and Ciminelli Real Estate Corp. – had released a rendering of a potential project, that he decided that it might be wise to reach out to the developers. 

At the time, Feroleto said, “I spoke with Doug Jemal (Douglas Development) two weeks ago and told him about the iconic tango dancers. He immediately said that he would love to have it returned to its original location.”

Jemal concurred, by saying, ““I never come in and do something, and not be a part of the fiber of the community. The dancers are that fiber. It didn’t have a home. I feel that it’s divine intervention – to come back to its original home.”

Upwards of four months from initially hearing that the tango dancers might return, we are now witnessing the reinstallment of the cherished public work of art.

“I’m thrilled to see this iconic piece returned to its original location!” commented Feroleto.

I am of the belief that everyone that was familiar with the tango dancers back in the day feels the same way. And at the same time, a new generation of Buffalonians will be able to appreciate the illuminated brilliance that will once again dance along Elmwood Avenue, thus illuminating a street that is currently experiencing a electrifying renaissance.

Images of 976 Elmwood and the reinstalled tango dancers, courtesy Joel Capizzi

An effort is underway to take the Bills in Buffalo campaign from a grassroots effort to something a bit more organized. It’s starting off with a billboard on Oak Street (as cars get off the 33), and continuing on with lawn signs (lead image) that are now available for purchase at ZoomCopy.

I spoke with developer Rocco Termini, who is one of the backers spearheading the Bills in Buffalo campaign. Termini told me that Buffalo Place met yesterday, and is having a special board meeting next Wednesday to discuss the proposal to place the stadium where the old and deteriorating Perry housing apartment complex is located.

Conceptual massing and scale by BMS Design Studio
Electronic billboard

“The concept of relocating the stadium to the city is starting to get legs,” Termini told me. “There’s no reason that the stadium should not be in the city of Buffalo. I’m reaching out to major companies outside of Buffalo, to sponsor a new urban stadium. We need to find aggressive businesses that are looking for recognition. The new stadium would be ideally situated close to the arena, the waterfront, the casino, breweries, highways… along with the advantage of crucial transportation infrastructure such as Metro Rail and trains that would bring people from all over the region (including Rochester and Toronto) directly to the stadium. Can you imagine? This would free up the current Convention Center location for an urban park (see here), creating a grand pedestrian epicenter in the heart of Downtown. There are federal discretionary grant programs that support this type of transit-oriented development. This project would be a poster child for such a project. It’s a major development project around public transportation. It’s what it was designed for. In order to fund this campaign, we’re considering (among other initiatives) designing a special Thin Man beer and beer can that would be sold at supporting bars and restaurants throughout the region – we have to get creative here, to show our support for the Bills in Buffalo.”

Conceptual rendering by BMS Design Studio

A Change.org petition has been launched, to garner support for the Bills in Buffalo campaign. Ryan Miller, the orchestrator of the campaign, who has written on the subject previously, had this to say concerning elevating the campaign from a grassroots effort to a more organized and comprehensive platform.

I have been so encouraged by the recent renewed interest in bringing the Bills back to Buffalo. I think the articles and petition have helped stimulate meaningful public discourse, and regardless of where people think the stadium should go, there now seems to be a larger collective interest from the community towards demanding the new stadium project (no matter where it goes) benefits the taxpayers that will be paying for it in as many ways possible.

I remain steadfast in my belief that the best option for Buffalo and Erie County, now and in the future, is to build the stadium in the city. Fortunately, the petition we started back in August has started to get some momentum behind it- and while it may have seemed like a long shot a few months ago- there now seems to be real political momentum building as well. Governor Hochul has insisted on further exploration and research into a stadium in the city, especially at the South Park Site; and the Buffalo Common Council unanimously passed a resolution calling for local, state, county, and city government officials to work towards making a stadium in the city a reality. Furthermore, powerful and influential local real estate developers Rocco Termini and Paul Ciminelli have also gotten involved, both publicly coming out in support of the stadium being built in the city and releasing their own individual comprehensive stadium site proposals.

There is no doubt all of this is exciting, but in order to make our dream a reality we can’t sit back and just hope this will somehow happen. Now is the time for all of us that want this to band together and fight. There will be obstacles and opposition. Building it in the city is definitely not the easy thing to do (perhaps that’s why the Pegulas appear resigned to Orchard Park); but I am confident it is the right thing to do. We don’t want to look back in 30 years and wonder what could have been. It will take all of us: local taxpayers, government officials, the NFTA, and owners/investors of local businesses, restaurants, and hotels in the city banding together and pooling our collective resources, assets, and influence to pull this off.

One example I can think of is that many people don’t have time to read long articles or petitions. They want the facts in a short YouTube or TikTok video with illustrations and figures that brings the argument to life. I don’t have the skills, time, or money to make anything like that happen; but perhaps by working together, we can create a video series (or brainstorm other ways) to continue to address the concerns that many people naturally have have about putting the stadium in the city (traffic, tailgating experience, increased costs) and show them in as many ways possible how and why these concerns are not valid. The more we can convince the public, the more signatures we can get on the petition, and the more power we all have.

I also spoke to Rory Allen, of ZoomCopy, who is printing off the lawn signs. Like Ryan Miller, Allen believes that due to the stadium’s public funding element, it’s important to have this conversation.

“Otherwise we just accept that a study has been done, and we just go with that,” said Allen. “I’m willing to be part of a campaign that promotes the idea of a new stadium in the city, as a potentially valid option. Just think of everyone that went to Nashville for the game – they got there on Thursday for a Monday night game! Nashville is an example where they invested in a stadium, so that they have the Predators playing close to where the Titans play. We have to start thinking about what makes Buffalo a destination – the Bills are our driving factor for recognition in the world. If the answer is that it can’t be done, then I want to hear it from an independent party. There should be more public input. We should also consider what’s going to change in the world (transportation-wise) over the next ten years. By the time the stadium is built, the need for a parking spot is going to look a lot different… just think about automated vehicles, and public transportation. It might seem like a long way away, but it’s not. My belief is that we need to look at the bigger picture, and appeal to the bigger stakeholders. It’s all about consensus building – the state, the county, the Pegulas. We can’t just accept the notion that we’re going to muddy the waters, or there’s no time for public input. At least have them hear us out.”

Order a lawn sign

www.change.org/BringTheBillsBackToTheCity

One of Buffalo’s most striking modernist house renovations has been featured as the “Editor’s Pick” in Dwell magazine. The house – fittingly called Gallery House – was submitted to the magazine by the architect, John Wingfelder, who supplied the editor with photos shot by Kim Smith. 

The article begins:

Sitting among the conventional neighboring houses on the street, the front of the Gallery House presents its original architectural identity but distinguishes itself with a modern landscape design. The side yard is visually open to the street and doubles as a contemporary sculpture garden and auto court, with a crisp modern garage as the backdrop.

It’s great seeing this type of modern architecture featured at Dwell, mostly because Buffalo is not known for its over-the-top modern homes. This city is known more for its well-preserved historic homes than its modern ones.

In the case of Gallery House, it’s the best of both worlds – a circa 1930 traditional house, transformed into a breathtaking stunner of a modern residence. The images of the home, shot by Kim Smith, do an excellent job of capturing the dramatic setting, both inside and out – these digital photos manage to pop in ways that are absolutely striking. Not only do they do justice to the architecture , they also showcase the high caliber of the art collection and MCM furniture. How rare it is to get such an up close look at the interior detailing of a home of this nature, which would otherwise be obscured from the general public’s view.

And it’s right here in Buffalo. Countless times I’ve flipped through the pages of Dwell, in awe that people manage to build the stupendous architectural creations that are featured. But rarely, and I mean rarely, do I stop to think that one of those featured minimalist-designed, gallery-esque homes is right in my own backyard. Not that Buffalo doesn’t have beautifully preserved and coveted houses left and right, it’s just that it takes a rare gem (and a bold vision) to spark the contemporary design imagination the likes of what Gallery House manages to offer up. 

I asked John about the project, and this is what he had to say:

This was an amazing project for amazing clients. It’s really indicative of the increasing appreciation for urban living in the city of Buffalo. Projects like this were unimaginable here a decade ago. This was an opportunity to really extend our imagination for clients that truly wanted us to push the creative envelope and meet very high standards. It was a wonderful opportunity to show that this type of work can be done with local talent.

View the article here

www.wingfelder.com

www.kimsmithphoto.com

Landscape design: Studio T3

Add your own project for the chance to be featured in Editor’s Picks.

On April 2, 2021, Erie County celebrated its bicentennial anniversary, kicking off a year of celebration. This significant milestone is an opportunity for the community to reflect on the history, stories, and legacies of the many men and women who came before us.

 

 

Prior to 1842, the area which we know today as the City of Lackawanna was part of the Buffalo Creek Reservation. The Seneca Indians sold it and by 1851, the town of Seneca was incorporated. (It would change its name to West Seneca in 1852. At this time, Lackawanna was still a part of West Seneca, with sections going by Limestone Hill and Stony Point. In 1899, the Lackawanna Steel Company, which was based in Scranton, Pennsylvania, purchased land along the shore of Lake Erie, having been drawn to the area because of its access to the Great Lakes and multiple rail lines. Construction began on July 14, 1900. While the plant was being constructed, the company built or expanded rail lines so that upon completion raw material could easily be delivered to the plant. They also constructed a company town around where the mill was being built. By 1902 the Lackawanna Steel Company relocated to the area. The plant officially opened in 1903. The company and the town of West Seneca would be at odds because they wanted large investments in sewer, water, gas, and road improvements, but wanted the town to pay for everything. With the company’s relocation to West Seneca, came an influx of workers from Pennsylvania, which led to substandard housing tracts in parts of the town as well as outbreaks of cholera, typhoid and influenza. The people of West Seneca proposed separating the area around the steel mill, allowing it to incorporate as its own municipality. This was initially met with opposition from Lackawanna Steel. After the two year long Panic of 1907, which nearly bankrupted the Town of West Seneca, the company finally relented and the people voted to split the City of Lackawanna from the Town of West Seneca.

 

As the Lackawanna Steel Mill was just beginning the process of acquiring the land it would need, several miles away Father Nelson Baker was actively working within the community. He first developed “The Association of Our Lady of Victory.” He wrote to postmasters in towns across the country requesting the names and addresses of Catholic women, who he would write to seeking help in caring for the orphanage. For 25 cents a year, they could join. This, along with the publication of the journal “The Annals of the Association of Our Lady of Victory” ensured that the parish and organizations under the parish’s umbrella remained debt free. In 1891, a gas well was discovered on the Our Lady of Victory Homes’ land, which would not only pay for heating costs but brought in additional money to the parish. By 1898 a working boys home had been built. He would continue to expand parish services, which would include the construction of an infant’s home in 1907, a maternity home in 1915, Our Lady of Victory Hospital in 1919 and The Basilica of Our Lady of Victory in 1926. Father Baker would continue to lead his parish as well as the various charities he established until his death at the age of 94 on July 29, 1936. Even after his death, his legacy still reverberates through the region. His social programs would eventually become Baker Victory Services and Baker Victory Services Adoption Program. The Catholic Church named Father Baker a “Servant of God” in 1987, which is the first step in Canonization to sainthood. In 1999, his remains were reinterred in the basilica . On January 14, 2011, Pope Benedict XVI approved in the document “Congregation for the Causes of Saints,” which declared Father Baker as “Venerable, another important step in the canonization process.

 

By 1922, the Bethlehem Steel Company purchased the Lackawanna Steel Company. During the Second World War, the company was ranked seventh in its value of wartime production contracts with the United States. Its shipbuilding subsidiary would build more than 1000 ships for the U.S. Navy, more than any other builder during the war and nearly a fifth of the total ships in the fleet. At its peak, the plant employed 20,000 people and would attract immigrants from around the world. This multiethnic growth was best reflected on Gates Avenue, which was known locally as the “Street of Nations” because of the variety of ethnic and racial groups in residence. From 1949-1952, Bethlehem Steel had a contract with the United States to roll uranium fuel rods for nuclear reactors. At the time, workers were neither aware of the dangers of the hazardous materials they were working with nor were they given equipment that would protect them from radiation. As countries rebuilt in the postwar era, steel mills in other countries, with more modern techniques, would begin to produce steel that was much cheaper than U.S. Steel. By 1982 the company was reporting losses totaling over a billion dollars. This coupled with increased property taxes would contribute to the plant’s decline and ultimate closure in 1983.

Since the loss of its major employer and taxpayer in 1983, the city has been undergoing revitalization, especially in its First Ward. Projects have included the cleanup and reuse of steel plant property for new businesses. Construction began on the Steel Winds project in 2006, shortly after the EPA ruled that the brownfield site that was a portion of the old Bethlehem facility could, after remediation, be removed from the Superfund list. Today, there are 14 wind turbines on the property. The creation of new industrial parks and the construction of new housing soon followed, as did a greenway, a new community center and plans for additional renewable energy installations.

Lackawanna has some residents who are important not only in a historical context but also culturally. Among those is Colonel John B. Weber, who at the age of 19 became the youngest colonel in the Civil War. Col. Weber would go on to be appointed as the first Commissioner of Immigration at the port of New York, opening Ellis Island on January 1, 1892. A number of athletes have called Lackawanna home including Joe Hesketh, former MLB pitcher for the Montreal Expos, Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox, Ron Jaworski, former quarterback for the Eagles, Rams, Dolphins and Chiefs, and Mike Mamula, who went on to be drafted by the eagles. Children’s author Connie Porter set her book “All-Bright Court” in Lackawanna. Actor and playwright Ruben Santiago-Hudson set his musical “Lackawanna Blues” in 1956 Lackawanna.

About WNY Heritage

 

 

WNY Heritage Magazine has for the 2021-2022 Erie County Bicentennial published an 80-page legacy publication that highlights events, people, and places across Erie County’s history. This includes profiles of towns, cities, and Native territories, and never before published images. WNY Heritage has the goal of fostering a pride of place through the knowledge and appreciation of the art, architecture and history of Western New York. When you purchase a 2 year subscription to WNY Heritage Magazine (a bargain at $60),you will receive “Erie County, 1821-2021: A Bicentennial Profile,” this Erie County Bicentennial Commemorative publication. You can also pick up a copy at their website for $10, at Talking Leaves, the History Museum Shop, and other select retail locations.

495 Pine Ridge Heritage Blvd, Cheektowaga, NY 14225 | 716-893-4011
Website | Facebook | Download the WNY Heritage App

Known for its lively instructors, wide range of classes, support and collaborations with other small businesses, and the fitness community they have cultivated, Bike or Bar is a beast of its own on Elmwood.  The recent fire on Sunday, October 24 that destroyed this beloved studio has left the community in shock, and the Bike or Bar family in disbelief.  

It is not easy for a business to build a community; to have a group of local individuals who are down for you no matter what.  Who are driven everyday to step inside a fitness class.  Bike or Bar has this community, and was able to establish themselves as a staple on Elmwood with their efforts.  Sharing their building with Hard Core Tattoo Studio, Bike or Bar and the apartment above their studio received most of the damage caused by this fire. 

Though there are currently more questions than answers, Bike or Bar remains hopeful. While currently working with local studios, they are hosting their scheduled classes despite it all. “The unending support and outreach of people and local businesses has been incredible to say the least,” said co-owner Brit Leo.  “We especially love that these Elmwood establishments are coming together to host a bar crawl.”   

The bar hop, in support of Bike or Bar, is being held later today, Wednesday October 27 (5pm – closing). A $5 suggested donation will provide a single well drink or domestic beer at the following locations: Coles, Breezy Burrito Bar, Mr. Goodbar, The Beer Keep, and Jack Rabbit. 

In addition, there has been a GoFundMe created to help minimize the damage that Bike or Bar has to endure.  

From the GoFundMe campaign:

“I’m fundraising for the family business that my mom and I have owned and run in Buffalo, NY for almost 10 years,” said Brit. “We woke up to a call no one wants to hear: there’s been a fire. We immediately canceled all our classes for the day and headed to the scene. At first I thought it might just be a little smoky because it happened above it (the studio), but soon I found that it wasn’t only smoke, but that water was everywhere. The whole ceiling also caved in, not only over our reception area, but into the cycling area where our bikes are. Not just our bikes and the electronics in the reception area, but also our TVs, our speakers, our light fixtures, our spin shoes and merchandise: everything has water and smoke throughout.

“Currently there is no power to the entire building and it’s a hazard to be inside. Not only is water still coming down, but debris is still falling from the ceiling. We haven’t been able to assess all the damage yet, but we fear it’s monumental. The pandemic had a huge negative impact on our business, and we were starting to get back to pre-pandemic numbers, and we’re sure this quarter was leading to a strong 2022.

“We’re asking for any donations big or small to rebuild, to pay our instructors, replace equipment destroyed and also reimburse our customers. We loved starting something so cool in Buffalo 9.5 years ago and we have always appreciated each and every customer! We can’t wait to ride/lift/sweat with you in and to be better and stronger than ever. After having numerous fundraisers and donations each and every year, we suddenly find ourselves on the other side needing to seek help.” 

This series is sponsored by Project Best Life. Buffalo Rising and Project Best Life have teamed up to produce a series on wellness inspiration and advice to direct readers to the people, places, and experiences in Buffalo and beyond that will help them fulfill their health, nutrition, and wellness goals. For more information on how you can live your best life, subscribe to the Project Best Life newsletter.

During football season, Sundays are a specialty here in Buffalo and for good reason. Food, friends, and football seem to be the holy trinity of the 716 and we have all the reason to be proud of the palpable culture that is our city. However, once game day rolls around it becomes very easy to overindulge, stress eat, or let loose a bit with our diets. Though indulging is a fine thing to do within reason, we would like to provide a couple ways to dial back on the caloric intake without having to restrict on any flavor. Here are three game day recipes that will be sure to impress your guests while still leaving everyone just as satisfied.

Focaccia Pizza

This beautiful focaccia pizza has both light and rich flavors. This process begins with an herb oil that combines:

1 ⅓ cup olive oil
2 tsp kosher salt
6 cloves of garlic – minced
1 tsp fresh ground pepper
1 Tbsp oregano
1 Tbsp parsley
1 tsp basil
1 Tbsp crushed red pepper (option)

Bring all of these ingredients to a low simmer in a small saucepan for about a half hour. From there, remove from heat and allow it to steep while we make the focaccia dough.

Our focaccia dough is a somewhat tedious, but relaxing process. In a bowl stand mixer, we are going to combine

5 c flour
2 tsp salt
2 tsp instant yeast

Whisk to combine all of the ingredients. From there, we are going to add

6 Tbsp olive oil
2 cups room temperature water

Mix these ingredients with the paddle attachment until they come together into a very sticky ball. We are going to then switch to the dough hook and mix on a medium setting for five minutes. This dough should be very sticky, but also clear the sides and bottom of the bowl. If you find you need to add a little more flour, do so but a little at a time.

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and pat the dough into a ball, without overworking the dough. Drizzle a little olive oil over the dough and cover with plastic wrap for 15 minutes. When 15 minutes have passed, unwrap and fold the dough into a reworked ball, drizzle with a little oil, wrap and let sit for 15 minutes. Repeat this process THREE more times.

Once we are done with the rising process, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and drizzle olive oil onto the pan. Transfer the dough to the baking sheet and pour the herb oil mixture over the top. Use your fingertips to dimple the dough, around the majority of the pan and make sure the entire top is covered with the oil mixture. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for two hours, or even overnight. Remove from the fridge and let come to room temperature for about an hour. We are going to preheat the oven to 500 degrees. Once we are ready to bake we will immediately turn the oven down to 450. Bake for 10 minutes, then rotate a full 180 degrees, and bake for another 5-8 minutes.

Allow this to cool before serving, but we can add the toppings as it cools. Toppings for a focaccia can really be as simple or as complex as the person making the dish. Today we are going to use a store bought tomato bruschetta and a light pesto made from scratch. For the pesto we will need:

1 cup of fresh basil leaves
½ cup of olive oil
½ cup of parmesan cheese
½ cup of Romano cheese
Garlic Powder and salt to taste

Simply blend these ingredients in a blender or food processor and top the focaccia after baking!

Cauliflower Wings

The most simple and easy substitute for chicken wings has to be cauliflower wings. If you are looking for a lighter option, please give this a try. For this we will need:

Large head of cauliflower
1 cup flour
1 cup oat milk
1 tsp Adobo seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
Your favorite hot sauce (Franks) for coating
Your favorite dipping sauce (blue cheese) for the side

This is so easy to make. Preheat your oven to 350. Combine the flour, milk, and seasoning. From there we are going to break our cauliflower into pieces, whatever size you feel is appropriate. I tend to keep mine on the larger side, and find it is really easy to break up if you just smash to stalk on a hard surface – the florets will just break off. Spray a lined baking sheet with nonstick spray. Coat each piece of your cauliflower in the batter. Bake for 8 minutes, flip over, then bake for an additional 5-8 minutes. Once we pull from the oven, we can immediately toss in our favorite hot sauce and serve!

Deconstructed Beef on Weck

Our final recipe is our take on a deconstructed Beef on Weck. This recipe is as easy as it is delicious. The ingredients for this include:

½ lb London broil or your favorite roast beef deli choice
 French baguette
2 Tbsp horseradish
2 Tbsp cream cheese
2 Tbsp sour cream
2 Tbsp mayo
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp lemon juice
Fresh arugula
Weck seasoning
1 shallot

Preheat the over to 350 degrees. We are going to start by cutting our baguette into about ½ inch pieces, sprinkling with a little olive oil, and topping with a kiss of our Weck seasoning. If you can not find Weck seasoning, “Everything But The Bagel” seasoning is a great substitute. Bake those in the oven for about 4 minutes.

In a bowl, combine the horseradish, sour cream, cream cheese, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. Whisk this together really well so it is easily spreadable.

Once this is mixed and our bread is lightly toasted, we are going to start to build these crostinis. I start with layering the bread with our horseradish spread, layer the arugula, place our London broiled slice atop, and garnish with the thinly sliced shallots!

There are so many options to recreating a dish and making it something of your own. What are some of your favorite game day dishes? Any recreations you would like to share? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to tell us if you gave any of these recipes a try!

As always, Go Bills!

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Written and Hosted by Alyssa Nicotera
Photography and Editing by Vin Berbano
Produced by Alyssa Nicotera and Jessica Marinelli

The Osmose properties on the north end of the Medical Campus are for sale with a $10 million asking price.  The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc. (BNMC) is trying to capitalize on a hot real estate market by putting the four properties totaling 2.14 acres up for grabs.  The sale includes six buildings with 118,000 sq.ft. of space and 200 parking spaces.

From the listing:

Buildings include a biomedical office building with labs, light industrial manufacturing/warehouse, and a stand-alone three-story structure that has plans for a 21-unit apartment for upside. Property has additional upside with an undeveloped parcel that is a great location and size for a QSR/Drive-thru restaurant or bank/lending institution.

Located in an Opportunity Zone, the available properties are at the intersection of Main and Best in downtown Buffalo, an area undergoing extensive redevelopment and growth over the past three years. The Grid, a brand new five-story, 217-unit apartment building is at the intersection of Main St and Dodge St. 1091 Main Street (450 ft south of properties) is a 167,000 sq.ft., six-story mixed use building done by Ellicott Development. The site is also located directly next to a NFTA light-rail stop.

Less than half a mile from the available properties is the Buffalo Medical Center Campus (Gates Vascular Institute, Conventus Medical Office Building, Roswell Park Hospital, Buffalo General Hospital, Women and Children’s Hospital, and University of Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine) which includes 8.5 million sq.ft. of hospitals/medical/research/educational facilities which includes two million sq.ft. that were built in the past four years. The area employs over 17,000 people and they serve 1.5+ million patients annually. The Buffalo Medical Center Campus is most famously known for the Roswell Park Cancer Institute. The Medical Campus is underserved in terms of adjacent retail and restaurants.

BNMC purchased the properties in 2016 for $3.75 million primarily to provide expansion space for medical campus tenants but also for the parking and potential for future redevelopment.  In 2017, BNMC received approval to demolish an historic portion of the complex that fronted Ellicott Street.

Get Connected: Donovan Real Estate Services, 716.998.2943

Author: Jen Swan

For this month’s spotlight, I had the opportunity to visit two organizations whose focus is inclusivity in the arts to speak with the artists about their projects. The talented artists at Starlight Studio and Art Gallery and the dazzling cast, staff, and writers at Unique Theatre Company are both creating captivating works that you definitely won’t want to miss.

Just the other day, I had the opportunity to attend the first meeting of the new season for Unique Theatre Company led by Beth Geyer, Artistic Director, and Vienna Haak, Executive Producer. Their mission: providing a venue where persons of all levels of ability can learn and express themselves through art, playwriting, acting and more. Even though what I witnessed the other day was only the first meeting, I can say that there are big things in store for this group of talented directors, actors, and playwrights.

When I arrived at the space, everyone else was arriving too and there was an excitement in the air for the return to live theater after the pandemic. The company is working on their return to the stage; a show titled “Slices of Life” featuring four short plays written by Unique Theatre’s own playwrights. The four plays titled “The Lonely Godfather,” “Ryan’s Legacy,” “Once Upon A Song,” and “Let’s Eat the Queen” were written by Andy Calderon, Amber Dudley, Madisyn Ross, and Keller Vogelsang respectively. 

I had the pleasure of talking with Keller about her show, “Let’s Eat the Queen,” which is her very first staged production. While this is the first show of hers that is being produced, when asked to submit a play during the pandemic, she actually wrote six plays before deciding to produce this one. “The play is about two sisters who enter a scary house on Halloween,” explained director Charlie. “They meet John the Vampire, who doesn’t want to be a vampire anymore, but cannot leave the house due to a curse put on it by Jude the Ghost. The only way for the sisters to free John the Vampire from the curse is by eating the Queen Vampire who rules all.” Keller said she is so excited to see her work come to life on the stage and it will definitely be a fun-filled (and maybe just a little bit spooky) ride for the audience.

I also got to chat with actor Ron who plays cousin Benji in Amber Dudley’s play, “Ryan’s Legacy.” Ron has been with Unique Theatre for a number of years now and is a seasoned professional who is looking forward to playing this role in Amber’s serious work. “Every year I get nervous but you know what, you go up there and you do your thing,” he told me. “I love these people, I love acting with my friends.” Ron and his acting buddy Jacob have been acting and having fun together for years and you won’t want to miss this dynamic duo together onstage.

Finally, I sat down with the actors and directors working together to bring Andy Calderon’s work, “The Lonely Godfather,” to life. Husband/wife directing team Jeff and Erin are already eager to work with Andy so they can do the best job of bringing his words to the stage. “The work is about Joe, a mafioso, and his long-suffering secretary Mary, and his conciliary named Tony who brings in Roxane, who is the daughter of a deceased mafioso,” Jeff explains. “Roxane wants to take on the legacy of her father but Joe doesn’t know about that… But on the other hand, Joe also wants a girlfriend and when Tony tells Joe that Roxane likes him, he lets his guard down, unaware that Tony and Roxane are ready to double cross him.” 

Actors Nathan and Joe are excited to get to work on their mafioso alter egos in “The Lonely Godfather.” Nathan, or Clark to friends, is already getting into character channeling his inner Marlon Brando (he does a very convincing impression) and Joe is drawing character inspiration from his favorite mob film, Goodfellas. When asked what his favorite part of putting together a show is, Nathan remarks, “Trying to see how the characters develop. It’s a lot of work, trying to get the characters the way you want them to be and a lot of trial and error.” Joe, on the other hand, is a theater newbie and he is looking forward to having a lot of fun and meeting new people throughout this production.

You definitely will not want to miss the four shows in Unique Theatre’s “A Slice of Life” which is coming to the Compass Performing Arts Center from December 2nd to December 11th. There will be something for everyone and these actors are eager to show off their skills and once again perform for live audiences. More details for the show can be found on the Unique Theatre website and Facebook page.

Compass Performing Arts Center 545 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo 14222

The Buffalo Planning Board has signed-off on revised plans for a $42 million mixed-use building located at 61 Terrace, west of the Seneca One complex.  Douglas Development is proposing a nine-story building with five levels or parking for 300 cars topped by four floors with 148 apartments.

Previous Design.
Approved Plans.

Based on feedback from the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Planning Board, architect Antunovich Associates changed the building’s aesthetics to include a wider range of materials and colors including the addition of wall murals and artwork.

The property is bound by Exchange Street, Seneca Street, Pearl Street and Franklin Street.  Douglas Development has been designated developer for the City-owned site.

The apartments will include a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments primarily aimed at downtown’s growing technology workforce.