M&T First Friday: June 3, 2016

credit: Wikimedia Commons/Dave Pape

On the first Friday of each month, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, located at 1285 Elmwood Ave. in Buffalo, opens the doors to the 1962 Knox Building to the public free of charge from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., thanks to sponsorship from M&T Bank.

• Homeschooler Art Class – 10 a.m.-noon for ages 11-17 – registration required.
• Homeschooler Art Class – 10:30 a.m.-noon for ages 5-10 – registration required.
• Toddler Art Class – 12:30-1:30 p.m. for ages 3-4 – free for members, $10 for non-members – registration required.
• Studio Art Classes for Adults – 1-3 p.m. and 7:30-9:30 p.m. – free for members, $10 for non-members – registration required.
• Public Tour – a free tour of the 1962 Knox Building at 1:30 p.m.
• What’s Your Vision tour – free one-hour tour at 4 p.m.
• Drop-in Art Activity – 5-7 p.m., free in the Education Classrooms.
• Jazz and Happy Hour – live music by George Kane and Wayne Moose in the AK Café from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
• Gallery Talk – Shade: Clyfford  Still/Mark Bradford – 6 and 7 p.m. in the 1905 Building, South Galleries.
• Performance: Vin DeRosa – 7:30-8:30 p.m. in the Auditorium – free for members, $5 for non-members.
• Special Event – The Art of Food and Drink: Backyard Breweries – 8:30 p.m. in the AK Café - $5 for members, $10 for non-members.

Registration is required for many classes and events – call 716-270-8292 to register. For more information, visit www.albrightknox.org.

Five Things to do in June 2016

Art Alive 2016 – Saturday, June 4 from noon-2 p.m. at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, 1285 Elmwood Ave. in Buffalo. Contest participants – including community groups, school groups, organizations, families, and individuals – create living representations of famous works of art using people, props, music and more. Find out more at www.albrightknox.org.

Allentown Art Festival – Saturday and Sunday, June 11-12 in the Allentown Historic Preservation District in Buffalo, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. both days. The juried event features more than 400 exhibitors and is hosted by the Allentown Village Society. Find out more about the event at allentownartfestival.com.

The Buffalo History Museum hosts a Party on the Portico
June 17 - credit: paulathompsonfreelance.com

M&T Third Friday and Party on the Portico – Friday, June 17 at the Buffalo History Museum, One Museum Ct. in Buffalo. On the third Friday of every month, admission to the Buffalo History Museum, Resource Center, and select events are free for everyone. During the summer, the Museum hosts happy hour on the portico and steps, featuring music, snacks, cash bar and tours. Series passes for these 21-and-over events, scheduled from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on June 17, July 15 and August 19, are available for $12 for Museum members, $25 for non-members; single tickets are available by calling 716-873-9644 ext. 318 or at the Museum’s front desk. On the schedule for June: the Fredtown Stompers. Find out more at www.buffalohistory.org.

Starry Night in the Garden – Wednesday, June 22 from 6-9 p.m., at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave. in Buffalo, starring American Authors, Ben Rector and Birdy. General admission tickets include entry to the concert and the Gardens, a wine glass, and wine, beer and food samples from local restaurants. General Admission tickets are $55, and a limited number of VIP tickets are available for $105 – get tickets and more information here.

Roycroft Summer Festival – Saturday and Sunday, June 25-26 at Parkdale Elementary School, 141 Girard Ave. in East Aurora, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. Get more information about this juried arts and crafts festival at www.ralaweb.com. 

BfloGirlSports: June 2016 Buffalo Bisons schedule

credit: Buffalo Bisons

• Monday through Wednesday, May 30-June 1 – at home against the Columbus Clippers (Monday – 4:05 p.m., Tuesday – 6:05 p.m., Wednesday – 10:35 a.m.)
• Thursday and Friday, June 2-3 – at home against the Syracuse Chiefs (both games 7:05 p.m.)
• Saturday and Sunday, June 4-5 – on the road against the Syracuse Chiefs (Saturday – 7:05 p.m., Sunday – 1:05 p.m.)
• Monday and Tuesday, June 6-7 – on the road against the Rochester Red Wings (both games 7:05 p.m.)
• Wednesday and Thursday, June 8-9 – at home against the Rochester Red Wings (Wednesday – 7:05 p.m., Thursday – 1:05 p.m.)
• Friday through Sunday, June 10-12 – at home against the Charlotte Knights (Friday – 7:05 p.m., Saturday – 6:05 p.m., Sunday – 1:05 p.m.)
• Monday through Wednesday, June 13-15 – at home against the Durham Bulls (all games 7:05 p.m.)
• Friday through Sunday, June 17-19 – on the road against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Friday – 7:05 p.m., Saturday – 6:35 p.m., Sunday – 1:35 p.m.)
• Monday through Thursday, June 20-23 – at home against the Louisville Bats (Monday through Wednesday – 7:05 p.m., Thursday – 1:05 p.m.)
• Friday through Sunday, June 24-26 – on the road against the Indianapolis Indians (Friday – 7:15 p.m., Saturday – 7:05 p.m., Sunday – 1:35 p.m.)
• Monday through Wednesday, June 27-29 – on the road against the Louisville Bats (all games 7:05 p.m.)
• Thursday through Sunday, June 30-July 3 – at home against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders (Thursday and Friday – 7:05 p.m., Saturday – 1:05 p.m., Sunday – 6:05 p.m.)

Summer 2016: June car shows and cruise nights

credit: paulathompsonfreelance.com

Cruise nights kicking off in June:

• Monday, June 6 – Elma Towne Grill Cruise Night (6650 Clinton St. in Elma) starting at 5 p.m. through August 29

Continuing in June:

• Mondays – Lockport Monday Cruise Night at Ida Fritz Park (Main and Transit Sts. In Lockport) – 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Tuesdays – Dug-Out Entertainment Complex (6856 S. Transit Rd. in Lockport) – 5 to 8 p.m. – also on Friday nights – 5 to 8 p.m.
• Tuesdays – Pautler’s Cruise Night (6343 Transit Rd. in Clarence) – 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Wednesdays– Lancaster National Speedway and Dragway (Gunnville Rd. in Lancaster) Cruise Night – 6 to 11 p.m. – free admission; grudge racing $5 per run.
• Thursdays – Polish Falcons Auto Club Cruise Night (445 Columbia Ave. in Depew) – 6 to 9 p.m.
• Thursdays – Akron Cruise Night (Main St. in Akron) – 6 to 8 p.m.
• Thursdays – 97 Rock Classic Cruise Night at Transit Lanes (7850 Transit Rd. in Williamsville) and Santora’s (7800 Transit Rd. in Williamsville) – time TBA

Car shows in June:

• Friday, June 3 – 9^th annual Cruise Car and Bike Show – Depew High School (5201 S. Transit Rd. in Depew) – 5 to 9 p.m.
• Saturday, June 11 – 7^th annual Cheektowaga Crabapple Festival Supercruise at Cheektowaga Town Park on Harlem Rd. from 5 to 9 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday, June 11-12 – Merritt Estate Winery (King Rd. in Forestville) Strawberry Festival Cruise-In, noon-5 p.m. both days
• Saturday, June 18 – NAPA Auto Parts Super Cruise and Tool Expo (2399 Wehrle Dr. in Williamsville) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday, June 18-19 – 30^th annual Father’s Day Weekend Car Show – Darien Lake Theme Park (Rt. 77 Exit 48 A) – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days
• Saturday and Sunday, June 25-26 – Niagara 2016 Auto Swap Meet and Car Show at the Niagara County Fairgrounds, Rt. 78 in Lockport. The show and the swap meet are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.

Summer 2016: Things to do Memorial Day weekend in Buffalo-Niagara

credit: Wikimedia Commons/Staben

The unofficial start of summer in the Buffalo-Niagara region is Memorial Day weekend, and there’s plenty going on in the area to kick off the season. Here are a few of the happenings this weekend.

Take a tour – Check out a Buffalo Bites food tour of the Elmwood Village (Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday) or East Aurora (Friday and Saturday), or one of Explore Buffalo’s numerous tours (click here for the schedule).

Ransomville Speedway – double the fun at Ransomville Speedway Memorial Day weekend, with a full card of racing on schedule for Friday, May 27 and a special Super DIRTcar 358 Modified Series 75-lapper plus Sportsman, 4-Bangers and fireworks on Monday, May 30. Grandstands open at 6 p.m. and racing starts at 7:15 p.m. both nights.

Holland Speedway – Holland Speedway kicks off its 2016 season on Saturday, May 28 with the first race in the Sunoco Pro Modified Triple Crown, plus a full card of racing in its other divisions. Grandstands open at 5:45 p.m., with racing underway at 6 p.m.

Parades – there are Memorial Day parades happening on Monday in Kenmore-Tonawanda (11 a.m. – beginning at Sheridan Dr. and Delaware Ave.), Clarence (11 a.m. – from High School to Main St. Town Park), Collins (11 a.m. – begins at Main St. and Collins Center Zoar Rd.), Lancaster (9 a.m. – service and parade beginning at Lake Ave. Veteran’s Park), Orchard Park (9 a.m. – beginning at the Orchard Park Library, 4570 S. Buffalo St.), West Seneca (10:30 a.m. – from Southgate Plaza to Town Hall) and Williamsville (2 p.m. – beginning at Williamsville South High School on Main St.).

Find more ideas for Memorial Day weekend in my Parachute piece.

2016 Farmers markets in the Buffalo-Niagara area

credit: freedigitalphotos.net/IceHawk33

What’s better than homemade treats? Homemade treats made with fresh local ingredients! Whether you’re looking for fruits and vegetables, plants to grow your own or fresh baked goods, you’ll find something to bring home at these local markets. Here are some of the farmers markets opening over the next couple of weeks.

• Alden Farmers Market – Alden Village Plaza parking lot, 13119 Broadway; Saturdays from May 14-October 15, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Blasdell Farmers Market – the Shoppes at 4271 Lake Ave.; Wednesdays from May 18-September 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Clinton Bailey Farmers Market – 1443-1517 Clinton St. in Buffalo; from May 1-November 1, Sunday through Friday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
• East Aurora Farmers Market – Aurora Village Shopping Center on Grey St.; now through November 23 on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Hamburg Farmers Market – Village of Hamburg municipal parking lot, Main and Union Sts.; Saturdays from May 7-October 29, from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Holland Farmers Market – Town of Holland municipal parking lot, 25 N. Main St.; Sundays from May 7-November 30, from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Lockport Community Market – Canal St. in Lockport; Saturdays from June 18-October 8 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Orchard Park Farmers Market at Fox Run – One Fox Run Ln.; Thursdays starting May 5 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Clarence Hollow Farmers Market – Town parking lot at 10717 Main St. in Clarence; Saturdays beginning June 4 through October, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Downtown Country Market – Main St. between Court and Church Sts.; Tuesdays and Thursdays from May 12-October 27, from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. each day.
• Williamsville Farmers Market –Island Park, Main St. in the Village of Williamsville; Saturdays from May 21-October 29, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• North Tonawanda City Market – corner of Payne Ave and Robinson St. in North Tonawanda; Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays year-round from 7 a.m.-1 p.m.
• South Buffalo Farmers Market – Peter J. Crotty Casino at Cazenovia Park in Buffalo; Sundays beginning June 5 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Elmwood Village Farmers Market – Elmwood Ave. and Bidwell Pkwy. in the Elmwood Village; Saturdays beginning May 7 through late November, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

BfloGirlSports: Buffalo Bandits 2016 playoff schedule begins May 16

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The Buffalo Bandits 2016 playoff run begins Monday, May 16 at 7 p.m. at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT against the New England Black Wolves. The Black Wolves relocated to Connecticut for the 2014-2015 season, and were originally one of the Bandits’ chief rivals, the Philadelphia Wings.

The East Division finals continue Saturday, May 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the friendly confines of the First Niagara Center in downtown Buffalo – tickets are now on sale for the match-up.

GO BANDITS!!

BfloGirlTravel: Boldt, Singer Castles in the 1,000 Islands opening soon for 2016

Boldt Castle
credit: paulathompsonfreelance.com

The 1,000 Islands region’s two castles – Boldt Castle and Singer Castle – will both soon be open for the 2016 season.

Boldt Castle, located on Heart Island in the Thousand Islands region of New York (approximately four hours’ drive from Buffalo), opened to the public for the 2016 season on May 7. Constantly in a state of renovation, 2015 saw the opening of the Kitchen and Servant’s and Maid’s Dining Rooms; additional work will be done on Alster Tower and the Yacht House.

Boldt Castle will be open to visitors from May 7-June 17 from 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m., June 18-August 28 from 10 a.m-7:30 p.m., August 29-September 25 from 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m., September 26-October 10 from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and October 11-16 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission to the castle is $9 for adults (13+), $6 for kids 6-12, and free for kids under 6; additional admission is needed to visit the Boldt Castle Boat House. For a list of tour boat operators offering trips to the castle, visit www.boldtcastle.com.

Singer Castle
credit: paulathompsonfreelance.com

Singer Castle on Dark Island, once owned by the head of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, is set to open May 21. From May 21-June 27, the castle will be open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. From June 27-Labor Day Monday, the castle is open seven days a week from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (last tour at 4 p.m.). After Labor Day-October 9, the castle will be open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Visitors can take a 45-minute guided tour of the castle, or stay in the Royal Suite, which accommodates up to six people. Singer Castle tours are $14.25 for adults, $6.25 for children 4 and over, $12.25 for military adults and $5.25 for military children; children under four are free, but must be carried by adults (no strollers). Boat transportation to the island is available at Uncle Sam Boat Tour in Alexandria Bay and Schermerhorn Harbor Shuttle in Hammond, New York. For more information on Singer Castle, visit www.singercastle.com. 

BfloGirlTravel: Jam in the Valley – June 30-July 2, 2016

credit: Wikimedia Commons/Dori

One of the most popular country music festivals in the area, Jam in the Valley returns with its annual Independence Day weekend lineup of country music and fireworks at Buffalo Hill Village in Varysburg, NY. Headlining the three-day show this year: Easton Corbin, Sam Hunt, Jana Kramer and Jake Owen.

Campsites are still available – find out more here.

Tickets are already on sale, with a number of options available. A three-day general admission ticket is $109 (plus $10.50 service charge), and daily admission tickets are as follows: Thursday - $25, Friday and Saturday - $50 each day (plus $10.50 service charge each day). Reserved seating for all three days is $145 (plus $10.50 service charge), with daily reserved seating as follows: Thursday - $30, Friday and Saturday - $67.50 each day (plus $10.50 service charge each day). VIP seating for Thursday is priced at $40 (plus $10.50 service charge), and for Friday and Saturday is price at $115 each day (plus $10.50 service charge each day); three-day VIP tickets are also available. Find out more about tickets here.

The complete Colton RV main stage lineup for Jam in the Valley:

Thursday, June 30

• Dylan Jakobsen – 4:10 p.m.
• The Hootz – 5:45 p.m.
• Ray Scott – 7:15 p.m.
• Easton Corbin – 9 p.m.

Friday, July 1

• Scott and Christian – 4:10 p.m.
• Old Southern Moonshine Revival – 5:45 p.m.
• Old Dominion – 7:15 p.m.
• Sam Hunt – 9 p.m.

Saturday, July 2

• Sasha McVeigh – 2:40 p.m.
• Eric Van Houten – 4:15 p.m.
• Gunnar and the Grizzly Boys – 5:45 p.m.
• Jana Kramer – 7:15 p.m.
• Jake Owen – 9 p.m.

Get additional information on Jam in the Valley as the date gets closer at jaminthevalley.com. 

BfloGirlTravel: Ellicottville announces “Green Season” event line-up

credit: Bullpen PR

The Ellicottville Outdoor Expo, an exciting new interactive event and family experience that showcases all the area has to offer during the Green Season, will take place Saturday and Sunday, June 4-5. The event is designed to give visitors a ‘taste test’ of the diverse activities and experiences available to them in “E-ville.”

Booths and venues will be located in and around the village and visitors will be able to try their hand at everything from soft-adventures such as local hiking and Fly Fishing 101 by Orvis to more challenging pursuits like kayaking or local mountain and road biking. They will also be able to find out more about their current interest, or discover a new passion through informative exhibits, demonstrations and discussions with experts and other sports enthusiasts, as well as take advantage of preseason sales on the latest gear and special discounts offered for future adventures.

credit: Bullpen PR

“This area is about so much more than skiing,” said Brian McFadden, executive director of the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce. “Ellicottville and Cattaraugus County are true four-season adventure destinations and we have something for every age, interest and ability level.”

“Ellicottville is the trailhead of the Enchanted Mountains,” he continued. “Visitors can make it their home base, go off and experience incredible green season activities and then come back and enjoy the ultimate après everything - shopping, dining, nightlife and spas, as well as a fantastic line up of festivals and events in a quaint, historic setting. We have one of the best combinations of adventure, experiences and après you’ll find anywhere in the northeast and it just keeps getting better.”

Ellicottville’s Green Season festivals and events get underway in June, go into full swing during Independence Day (and Canada Day) weekend and keep going through to fall. These events include:

• June 18 - The 5^th Annual Holiday Valley Mudslide – A mud run where the emphasis really is on having FUN. There’s a 3.5 mile family friendly course or a more challenging 5.4 mile course with a bit of uphill running.
• July 1-3 - Summer Music Festival – One of the biggest and best outdoor music festivals in small town America, featuring Rusted Root Friday, July 1, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra performing the tunes of your favorite heroes and villains with fireworks Saturday, July 2 and  Southern Rock legends 38 Special closing out the weekend on Sunday, July 3. Parking is free. Picnic baskets are welcome.
• July 30-31 - Jazz and Blues Weekend – A weekend-long extravaganza for Jazz and Blues aficionados. Wander through the village and choose from a variety of venues including restaurants, bars and nightclubs and street-side.
• August 13-14 - Taste of Ellicottville – Sample the best of what Ellicottville’s fine restaurants have to offer as they set up “Café Style” throughout the village. A “must” event for foodies, with so much to try for just $1 to $4 for each selection.
• September 16-18 - Rock N Roll Weekend – A great way to close out the summer season with top notch live bands performing at multiple venues throughout the village and the always popular Classic Car Show on main street Sunday, September 18 from noon-5 p.m.
• October 8-9 - Fall Festival – Ellicottville’s oldest and largest festival is a fun, family-friendly weekend featuring unique food, an Arts and Craft Show, carnival rides, live entertainment and much more.
• October 29 - EVL Half Marathon –A Hallowe’en themed event that features both a Half Marathon and a 5k through scenic, rolling rural roads. Participants are invited to run in costume and enjoy other Hallowe’en related activities, but this is by no means mandatory.

Learn more about Ellicottville’s events and activities at www.ellicottvilleny.com.

credit: Bullpen PR

Quotes and information in this piece provided by Bullpen PR.

Lake Erie Wine Country Wine & Art Saturday – May 21, 2016

credit: Wikimedia Commons/
Al Silonov

Lake Erie Wine Country, an association of 24 wineries between Silver Creek, NY and Harborcreek, PA, will host its annual Wine & Art Saturday on May 21. Guests will enjoy wine tasting while exploring various works of art from regional artists, including painters, sculptors, jewelry makers, glass and metal artisans and photographers. 29 artists will be on hand at 18 participating wineries to display, sell, and demonstrate their art.

This is a free event – no tickets or reservations are required, but tasting fees may apply at some wineries; event hours are noon -5 p.m. Guests are invited to stop at any of the participating wineries in any order to enjoy wine and art. Winery and artist pairings for the event include:

• 6 MILE CELLARS:  Evan Everhart (metal sculpture)
• 21 BRIX WINERY:  Carrie Tredo (mixed media, sculpture, mosaic, origami jewelry); James Hoggard (photography); Susan Mackay (painting)
• ARUNDEL CELLARS:  Toni Kelly (painting – birds, landscape), Annyssa Conti (charcoal drawing, painting)
• BURCH FARMS WINERY:  Jack Paluh (painting)
• COURTYARD WINERY:  Hosting 3 art classes (11, 1:30 & 4) - create a chalkboard plaque! We teamed up with Art Erie Barn and artist Colleen Welca. Classes are 2 hours long, supplies provided. Cost: $25. RSVP at 814-725-0236.
• HERITAGE WINE CELLARS:  Julie Weatherley (painting, acrylics, mixed-media)
• JOHNSON ESTATE WINERY:  Amanda Bracy (photography)
• LAKEVIEW WINE CELLARS:  Patti Larson (photography); Christine French (jewelry, mixed media)
• LIBERTY VINEYARDS & WINERY:  Rebecca Eckstrom (hand painted glassware)
• MAZZA CHAUTAUQUA CELLARS/ FIVE & 20:  Andrew Newton (metal sculpture)
• MAZZA VINEYARDS:  Cara Webster (graphic signs)
• MERRITT WINERY:  Cindy Flattery (painting); T. J. Glendinning (photography)
• NOBLE WINERY:  Lila Mansell (jewelry); Cecilia Price (oil painting)
• PENN SHORE VINEYARDS:  Randy Roberts (wildlife painting)
• SENSORY WINERY:  Barbara Yerace (Yerace Glass Studio of Erie demonstrating lampworking, glass bead making, hand-blown items)
• SOUTH SHORE WINE COMPANY:  Vanessa Mazza (painting, mixed media); John Ballard (driftwood art)
• SPARKLING PONDS WINERY:  Fred Cole (ceramics, painting, calligraphy)
• WILLOW CREEK WINERY:  Deborah Metzger (beach glass working - demos & classes); Julie Manning (hand-painted wine glasses); Mike Briggs (painting); Cindy Shields (painting); Patti Kramer (polymer clay jewelry)

Find out more at www.lakeeriewinecountry.org.  

Summer 2016: May car shows and cruise nights

credit: paulathompsonfreelance.com

Whether you own a classic car or bike or just enjoy looking at them, car shows and cruise nights are great places to hang out during the summer in the Buffalo-Niagara area. Here are a few that are coming up in May.

Cruise nights kicking off in May (events run weekly):

• Wednesday, May 4– Lancaster National Speedway and Dragway (Gunnville Rd. in Lancaster) Cruise Night from 6 to 11 p.m. – free admission; grudge racing $5 per run.
• Monday, May 9 – Lockport Monday Cruise Night at Ida Fritz Park (Main and Transit Sts. In Lockport) from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 10 – Dug-Out Entertainment Complex (6856 S. Transit Rd. in Lockport) from 5 to 8 p.m. – also on Friday nights starting May 13 from 5 to 8 p.m.
• Thursday, May 12 – Polish Falcons Car Club Cruise Night (445 Columbia Ave. in Depew) from 6 to 9 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 17 – Pautler’s Cruise Night (6343 Transit Rd. in Clarence) – 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Thursday, May 26 – Akron Cruise Night (Main St. in Akron) – 6 to 8 p.m.

Car shows in May:

• Saturday, May 28 – The Caz 22^nd annual Car Show – benefits South Buffalo Football – Cazenovia Park Casino in Buffalo – registration 10 a.m.-1 p.m., show noon-5 p.m.
• Sunday, May 29 – Olcott Super Sunday Car Cruise – Main St. in Olcott – 1-4 p.m.

Canalside announces 2016 free Thursday concerts

Catch a concert at Canalside this summer
credit: paulathompsonfreelance.com

Canalside will be hosting 12 free Thursday night concerts that run from June 9 to August 25. These concerts are free and open to the public, with a starting time of 6 p.m.

Here is a full list of the upcoming shows:

• June 9: Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaries
• June 16: Frank Turner with special guest July Talk
• June 23: Public Enemy
• June 30: Frankie Ballard
• July 7: Dweezil Zappa Plays Frank Zappa
• July 14: Shakey Graves and Preservation Hall Jazz Band & Wild Child
• July 21: The Arcs and Mariachi Flor De Toloache
• July 28: BPO “A Tribute to David Bowie”
• August 4: Tritonal
• August 11: Lowest of the Low and Serena Ryder
• August 18: Coolio
• August 25: Claypool Lennon Delirium

All concerts are free but Canalside will offer VIP tickets for $55 per concert. The VIP tickets include three glasses of beer/wine/pop/water with discounted drinks after the first three, light appetizers and finger foods from (716) Food and Sport, private bathrooms, front of the stage viewing area and a souvenir 2016 Free Thursday Canalside Concert cup.

Find out more about this summer at Canalside at www.canalsidebuffalo.com. 

M&T First Friday: May 6, 2016

credit: Wikimedia Commons/Dave Pape

On the first Friday of each month, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, located at 1285 Elmwood Ave. in Buffalo, opens the doors to the 1962 Knox Building to the public free of charge from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., thanks to sponsorship from M&T Bank.

• Homeschooler Art Class – 10 a.m.-noon for ages 11-17 – registration required.
• Homeschooler Art Class – 10:30 a.m.-noon for ages 5-10 – registration required.
• Toddler Art Class – 12:30-1:30 p.m. for ages 3-4 – free for members, $10 for non-members – registration required.
• Studio Art Classes for Adults – 1-3 p.m. and 7:30-9:30 p.m. – free for members, $10 for non-members – registration required.
• Public Tour – a free tour of the 1962 Knox Building at 1:30 p.m.
• What’s Your Vision tour – free one-hour tour at 4 p.m.
• Drop-in Art Activity: Public Sewing Event with Amanda Browder, Spectral Locus in Buffalo – 4-7 p.m., free in the Education Classrooms.
• Jazz and Happy Hour – live music by Bill Bates and Bob White in the AK Café from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
• Gallery Talk – Torey Thornton: Sir Veil – 6 and 7 p.m. in the 1905 Building, North Galleries.
• Artist Talk: Amanda Browder, Spectral Locus in Buffalo – 7:30-8:30 p.m. in the Auditorium – free for members, $5 for non-members.
• Special Event – The Art of Food and Drink: Black Squirrel Distillery – 8:30 p.m. in the AK Café - $5 for members, $10 for non-members.

Registration is required for many classes and events – call 716-270-8292 to register. For more information, visit www.albrightknox.org.