Local Music: Complete Thursday at the Harbor and Artpark Buffalo Concert Series

The lineups for both major concert series in Western New York are out, which means its the unofficial start of summer! I'll list them all below in chronological order, with some of what i consider are the highlights and definite recommendations.
TATH = Thursday at the Harbor (Canalside) Free Shows.
BPRTH = Buffalo Place Rocks the Harbor. (Canalside) Paid Shows
Artpark F= Free Artpark shows
Artpark P= Paid Artpark Shows

June 7th - The Cult, Against Me! and The Icarus Line :TATH
                   Come on now, the Cult to kick off the summer fun? What could be better!
June 14th -Fitz and the Tantrums,Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds and ZZ Ward:  THAT
 June 19^th – Kansas.  Artpark P
                    Carry on our wayward son, right into western new york!
June 20^th- Ziggy Marley. Artpark F

                     Ziggy puts on a great show. Tons of energy. Check em' out for free!

June 21st - Built to Spill, Matthew Sweet and Hey Rosetta! TATH

June 26^th- Foreigner. Artpark P

                    Be Honest with youself.  Isn't it a little unamerican to NOT want to see foreigner?
Come on down, belt out some of your secret favorites, and have a great time.

 June 27^th- Tokyo Police Club. Artpark F

                   I am more excited for this show than any other on the lineup besides Andrew Bird. Saw them  at Soundlab a few years back and they are one of the most high energy shows you'll ever see. Great uptempo music and great vocals.

June 28th - Fountains of Wayne.TATH

June 29th: Sam Roberts Band and Grace Potter & The Nocturnals . BPRTH

               I saw Grace Potter and the Nocturnals at the Bonaroo Music Festival, and they put on a hell of a show. Sam Roberts Band comes to Buffalo fairly often and they also know how to put on a really good performance. Many people i know are most excited for this show.

June 30th: moe and Conspirator . BPRTH
               Hometown boys M.O.E. make thier yearly return to the thousands of fans down on the harbor front. Mainstays and big time players on the jam band scene, its always exciting when they come back to town. Expect this to be a sell out.

July 3^rd: Huey Lewis and the NewsArtpark P.

              I am trying with all my might not to make a "hip to be square" pun right here.... whew, succeeded.

July 5th - Arrested Development. TATH.
                  Kick it oldschool!

July 10^th: Sublime with Rome. Artpark P

                  Sublime, without Bradley of course, comes to Buffalo for the first time since a warped tour about 10 years ago.  Enjoy some neo raggae and heavy bass.
July 11^th: Lowest of the low. Artpark F

July 12th – Seether. TATH

July 15th: Feist .BPRTH

                   Feist has been one of the most popular, and talented, artists of the past 5 years. With a great voice, harmonies and super catchy tunes, you can head on down and have them stuck in your head for a week.

July 16th: Andrew Bird. Artpart P

                  Far and away the show i personally am most excited for. This man plays every instrument himself, and beautifully so. Deep, layered song, with wonderful movement and melody. An absolute must.

July 17^th: YES with very special guest Procol Harum. Artpark P

July 18^th: The Trews with special guest ill Scarlett. Artpark F

July 19^th: Young the Giant, Bahamas and The Ruby Spirit. TATH

July 24^th: Heart. Artpark P

                 You know you want to go.....

Restaurant Review: Well La-Tee-Da!

QCLA took a nice walk into Allentown from our humble abode on a beautiful Wednesday evening for a nice dinner at La Tee Da on Allen Street, next to Rustbelt Books, and it was absolutely perfect.

First off, the ambiance of the entire place is very inviting, nice and cozy in the main inside area, while feeling a little bit upscale, it's not stuffy at all, and they have a great semicircle bar right at the front. As you walk through, you realize what the main attraction really is, the patio in the back. It is absolutely gorgeous. A full bar, a live band that plays every Wednesday night (The Mick Hayes Band), playing great dinner tunes that you find yourself bobbing your head to. ("Superstition" gets me every time). Talk about being able to enjoy a nice summery evening in Buffalo.

Construction: MLK Park

MLK Park, next to the wonderful Buffalo Museum of science, is showing much improvement and activity with the large splashpad being restored.

The splashpad with be for swimming/activities in the summer time, a reflection pool in the spring and fall, and ice skating in the winter (future Sabres NHLer's, like Patrick Kaleta, maybe?) For this area of the city, the project couldn't have come soon enough, and hopefully this leads to more investments in the area, and more people going to see the great exhibits at the science museum and enjoying a day in the park.

Construction: Sunset Through the Donovan

Not the highest quality picture..... but with a camera phone while driving, what do you want! haha.
Progress on the Donovan Building ( One Canalside) from the 190. A Beautiful sunset in downtown Buffalo, and progress on one of the upcoming jewels of canalside, make for a nice night.

 

Bob Z-

Sports: Summer Sporting in Buffalo: Derek M

We all have our addictions, and in Buffalo, our addiction is our sports teams.  So let me be the one who gives it too you, let me offer everyone a perspective on sports that is Buffalo from Buffalo.

We are in a unique time of the year, no playing Monday morning quarterback, no talking to the cashier at the corner store about who the Sabres should grab at the deadline.  We are about to start summer in the city that can actually enjoy all four seasons.  Our short and simple conversations about sports last about 30 seconds and end with “we’ll see”.

We’re all holding our breath for the fall, to see if the new front four of the Bills defense can actually put the hurt on Tom Brady and Mark Sanchez like we all hope they can.  Whether or not the Sabres can live up to the expectations they put on themselves last year remains to be seen.  But for now we get to enjoy the “one and done” sporting events and the long, grinding, unending and not too important baseball season, (which is very exciting come fall).

First and foremost,

Hat Tip: Buffalo Rising nails it again:

Buffalo rising has an excellent blog on the beautiful new University at Buffalo Medical Campus building thats going to be built downtown. This is exceptionally exciting, and $375 million dollars well invested by UB. This is one of the grandest projects to come downtwon in years (Which is saying something, with the recent Lafayette and Statler redo's being as beautiful as they are).

For more, please check out http://www.buffalorising.com/2012/05/ub-selects-hok-to-lead-design-of-new-medical-school.html for much more information.

What an exciting time to be a Buffalonian!!!
-Bob Z

Events: Beerology at The Buffalo Museum of Science

What could possibly be better than science and beer put together? Well i would have a hard time finding an answer to that question. The annual "Beerology" happened last night at the Science Museum, and it was a sold out event as always.

There were a multitude of local and regional brewery's showing off their finest Lights and Mediums (we only spotted one truly dark beer), and their was a ton of deliciousness to go around. Some brewery's that attended were Great Lakes, Ommegang (one of my personal favorites), Flying Bison, Brooklyn Brewery, Southern Tier, Pearl Street, Community Beer Works and more.

My personal favorite was a

QCLA: Local Music : I Can See Mountains

2012 has been an incredible year for new bands and has been key in the growth of Panic Records. The Seattle, WA indie label is extremely excited to welcome yet another up and coming band to the Panic family, Buffalo, NY's, I Can See Mountains.

I Can See Mountains got its start in the summer of 2011 with the simple intention of doing whatever felt most natural. After months of writing, perfecting, and re-writing, they recorded their debut EP, Hope You Never Get It, in September 2011 at GCR Audio in Buffalo, NY with Jay Zubricky (Pentimento, Every Time I Die).

"We cannot predict the future, nor will we try, but what we will continue to do is pour every ounce of our hearts, souls, and minds into this band. This is what makes us happy. It’s our creative canvas. We want to take our band to the furthest and highest levels. And if that means the stars, then so be it."

Panic Records will be re-releasing I Can See Mountains’ debut EP, Hope You Never Get It, this summer on 12" Vinyl, CD and Digital formats.

Check out the song “Tournesol” on the band official Facebook page now, but rest assured you’ll find yourself humming it for the remainder of the week, month...year! SUNFLOWER!!!

www.facebook.com/icanseemountains

www.panicrecords.net

-Brian Patrick

Places: Botanical Gardens: A gem of Western New York

For those of those who have never visited the Erie County Botanical Gardens, you are missing a jewel of the WNY area. A few years ago the ownership switched over from the county, to a non profit group, and admission went from free to a minimal charge. Let me tell you, it's well worth every penny. They maintain the gardens so beautifully that its the perfect place to stop for warmth in the winter, and sunshine in the summer. It's also a great place for photographers, new and advanced, to hone your skills on some beautiful objects that, thankfully, don't move.

Located on South Park avenue in South Buffalo, near the Basillica (which is a beautiful building unto itself, i would recommend walking the half block down to it), and near the Sorento Cheese plant (considerably less beautiful... haha).

The Gardens have 6 different houses (1 used mostly for wedding and events) including a several story waterfall, and carved dinosaur shapes bushes (which the kids love), a huge koy pod, the worlds largest publically displayed Ivy Display, a great covered area for pictures next to a fountain, a hand carved several foot large checkers boards, a desert landscape, and much much more. Please make sure to enjoy every room, and be there a couple hours.

Here are some pictures from the gardens:

-Bob Z

Construction: Buffalo State College Technology Building

It looks like the new Technology Building on the Buffalo State Campus is slowly taking shape. They've been working on this for about a year and a half or so now, with about another year until completion. This, coupled with new dormatories, brings some excitement to the campus, with obvious signs of progress. This is also a big deal because Buffalo State is one of the only Colleges in the country to have an accredited Communications degree, and this building will provide even more hands on opportunities for the students in not just this, but all cirriculums.

Also condiering that education is one of the largest employers, and fields, in the WNY region, anything we can do to expand our footprint in this field (along with, of course , the medical cooridoor and the new regional tourism down at canalside). Buffalo State, along with the University at Buffalo, are practically mecca's now for downstate students looking for quality education at an affordable price (plus the opportunity to get away from thier parents for a few years!)

This is always my favorite phase of the construction on new buildings, you can see the exoskeleton taking shape, but you're still able to see inside and work being done all around. An exciting time indeed.

-Bob Z

Exciting Announcements #1 and #2!

2 Exciting announcement for QCLA!
First off: Brian Campbell of Get Xposed music will be hoping on board for a weekly local Buffalo music article! Brian has years of experience as a writter for both local and national bands, including articles, reviews and more!

Secondly: Liz J , winner of the Mercedes Benz of Buffalo "5 Most fashionable People in Buffalo" in 2011, will be contributing a weekly Fashion blog, focusing on local business and fashions!

I can't express how excited i am to expand the QCLA family!!! Come back soon for great articles from Brian and Liz!

-Bob Z

Construction: And so it begins: The donovan building

Artist rendering


Looks like Benderson Developement is starting to strip off the outside facade of the Donovan building, the first step in the reconstruction of this old, highly visible (from the 190 and the skyway) building into the new law offices of the Phillips Lytle LLC law firm and a flagship Courtyard Marriot Hotel. Also scheduled are shops and restaurants on the bottom floor.

Its exceptionally exciting that this project is getting underway, being as it will be an anchor in the new inner harbor front area. With all the increased pedestrian traffic, plus hotal space and fun summetime activities, i expect this area to be jam packed pretty regularly. Not to mention its right by the arena, so any home games vs Canadian teams will probably be packed.

With good news like this, and the Lafayette Hotel opening in late may, you can't help but feel excited for downtown and the harbor. It truly feels like a new day in Buffalo, NY.

-Bob Z

*edit, looks like Buffalo Rising and Queen City spotted this on the same day (i noticed it on the way to work this morning), they have it posted as a blog too. Well done Buffalo Rising!

Buffalo Rising Blog

Great blog once again by www.BuffaloRising.com, about PUSH Buffalo (People United for Sustanable Housing) and their development of the MAssachusettes area of the west side. I follow PUSH pretty regularly, and the community improvements they're making to that area is astounding.

Link to the Buffalo Rising Article :
http://www.buffalorising.com/2012/04/a-big-push-on-the-west-side.html#SlideFrame_0

Push Buffalo Website:
www.pushbuffalo.org/

Check out PUSH, they are a great organization!

-Bob Z

City Finance: A1, not just a steak sauce anymore

So good news for Buffalo finances (and in turn our own), Moody's credit rating agency has upgraded Buffalo's credit score to an A1 rating, for the first time in city history.

What this means for us is that the city, when it borrows money (mostly for capital improvemnet projects) it will now borrow at a lower loan rate, therefore owing less in the long run, which is better for the city because it can either 1) have more money on hand for improvements or 2) not raise taxes next time things get a little tighter.

Good news for a city thats rounding the bend!

Bob Z

Events: The Worlds (yes, WORLDS) Largest Dyngus Day Party!

Today is the big day, so roll yourself out of your Easter Food coma, put on your best Red and White clothes, practice your Polish Accent, grab the pussywillows and squirt guns and get on down to Downtown Buffalo!

But first, a little history on how this became an event that expects 100,000 people to participate in this years festivities! (Thank you to http://www.dyngusdaybuffalo.com/ for the following)

"HOW DID IT START? There are many stories that attempt to explain the origins of the day. Many Polish customs date back to pre-Christian practices of our Slavic ancestors. The custom of pouring water is an ancient spring rite of cleansing, purification, and fertility. The same is true of the complimentary practice of switching with pussy willow branches. Since 966 A.D., Dyngus Day has been associated with the baptism of Prince Mieszko I. Tradition states that Prince Mieszko I along with his court were baptized on Easter Monday. Thus, Dyngus Day and its rites of sprinkling with water have become a folk celebration in thanksgiving for the fact that the first king of Poland was baptized into Christianity, bringing Catholicism to Poland. In more modern times, the tradition continued when farm boys in Poland wanted to attract notice from the girls of their choice. It was custom to throw water and hit the girls on their legs with twigs or pussywillows. Cologne was used instead of water by the more gallant lads. The ladies would reciprocate by throwing dishes & crockery and Tuesday was their day of revenge, imitating the same tactics."

MODERN DYNGUS DAY IN BUFFALO

Although Dyngus Day was always celebrated in traditional Polish neighborhoods dated back to the 1870s, modern Dyngus Day in Buffalo had its start with the Chopin Singing Society in 1961. Judge Ann T. Mikoll and her late husband Theodore V. Mikoll held the first party at the Society's clubrooms on Kosciuszko Street on Buffalo's Eastside. The success of the Chopins' Dyngus Parties during the 1960s led to other Dyngus dances on the Eastside including those at the Broadway Grill, the Warsaw Inn, the Polish Singing Circle and at the New York Central Terminal. Chopins left the Eastside in the 1980s and moved out to new clubrooms in Cheektowaga where the festival attracted a new generation. The Chopins tradition continues with party's taking place at the Heathstone Mannor in Depew." (End quotes)

With the main parade starting at 5pm, games, facepainting, historic tours, and lots, and lots, of drinking. Weather is supposed to be in the high 50's with no rain in sight. What i perfect Polish Holiday!!!

And we'll finish it off with this great pictures from the early 60's and video of food and the parade! Mr. Dyngus and his Court at Chopins on Buffalo's Eastside. (Thanks again to the Dyngus Day Buffalo Website!)

-bob z

Hat Tip

I encourage everyone to go over and check out the http://www.buffalorising.com/ blog, one of the best in Buffalo. Great stories about redevelopement of storefront and new businesses moving in. Very comprehensive, and well written.

Give em' a try, but remember if you like them more, youre still contractually obligated to read this blog! (haha)

-bob z

Niagara Falls improvements

Being as how Buffalo and Niagara Falls are so close together, i like to comment on positives for one of the wonders of the world occasionally as well, and there's a nice one coming down the pipeline.

For anyone who's been up to the American side of the falls, the parks have slowly gotten an....old...feel to them, things seem a little warn down and used. The good news is that there will be an influx of 25 million dollars to help spruce the whole place back up again. Including sprucing up the main viewing area's around the park, redoing the Cave of the winds, what is generally considered one of the best places in all of the falls, plus paying for a redesign of the Amercian Falls Bridge, which is currently in pretty bad disrepair.

This, of course, isn't a silver bullet for the Niagara Falls area, but i think we have learned from the past 40 years or so that there is no such thing as a magic bullet, and steps like these are truly the way to build up the entire Western New York Area.

Photo Credit Derek Gee

-bob z

Music on the inner and outter harbor

Great news, Buffalo will now have music on both the very popular inner harbor spot (one of my personal favorites) but also on the outter harbor now. Fun time entertainment has reached an agreement for 4 large shows on the area formally the Pier.

This is great for the waterfront, the inner harbor has made huge strides the past couple of years (night and days type strides) but the outter harbor hasn't garnered much attention or momentum, and this is a definite step in the right direction. For more, check out this Buffalo News article

http://www.buffalonews.com/city/communities/downtown/article795582.ece

-bob z

Gennessee Gateway Bldg

Looks like the newly remodeled Gennessee Gateway Building in the business district is up and going with tennents. This series of 9 interconnecting building was once a symbol of vibrancy in the dowtown area, and is once again so, with tennents ranging from financial investment groups to computer IT companies, this is an excellent example of adaptive reuse in the downtown area.

For more, check out this buffalo news article
http://www.buffalonews.com/city/communities/downtown/article780766.ece

-bob z

Buffalo Niagara Film Festival

There is a lot of excitement over the Bills and Sabres recently (and i'll be doing a blog on both shortly), but i don't want the excitement to overshadow the wonderful Buffalo Niagara Film Festival (http://thebnff.com/) April 12th -22nd.

Featuring 88 films this year, including fascinating documentaries like "Seeking the Current", in which 2 men paddle 500 kilometers of pristine quebec waters before the goverment builds 4 new hydro electric dams, forever changing the landscape. Or if comedies are more your speed, try to get to the showing of " The F Bomb" and comedy about a couple married for 50 years which looks quite fun.

There are also drama's, sci-fi's and much much more. Really, there is genuinly something for everyone.

The awards ceremony will also be held April 21st at the beautiful Rapids Theatre in Niagara Falls, making this a truly regional film festival. The ceremony is centered around war veterans and people who have lost thier lives in combat, featuring two films that are extremely moving. So if nothing else, come out, support a great cause, and see some truly great independent film work.

I hope to see you at one of the showing, and since its over the course of 10 days, there's no reason not to go!

-bob z