Looking Backward: Bennett High School, circa 1940
“Optima futura—The best is yet to be.” —Bennett High School motto.
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The Return of The Prisoner
The outrage felt by many at the conclusion of last year’s Twin Peaks sequel was nothing compared to the reception the final episode of The Prisoner got when it was first broadcast in 1967. Patrick MacGoohan was a substantial British star for the spy series Danger Man (retitled Secret Agent in the US), a role he tired of after several seasons. To renew his contract, he got the show’s producer to agree to let him create a spin off series in which his character quits but is kidnapped and taken to a seaside resort village to be monitored.
GreenWatch Friday: Bad Chestnut
Bad Chestnut
BPD Sued Over Traffic Checkpoints
The Buffalo Police Department is facing a class action lawsuit over its use of traffic checkpoints.
The complaint — filed in federal court on behalf of of the advocacy group Black Lives Resist in Rust, individual citizens and unnamed residents who may have been affected — seeks damages for pain and suffering related to the checkpoints administered over the last three years.
Those Who Favor Fire, Those Who Pray To Fire
[LIT] It’s precious to remove yourself from the world and wander with no purpose throughout the streets of Buffalo. Being emblematic of a passionate voyager who vigorously writes about their encounters and thoughts that erupt from strolling through the city in the night is vivacious.
Looking Backward: Downtown Buffalo, 1967
The downtown Buffalo of the urban renewal period.
Hearts Beat Loud
A pleasant example of a genre our film editor likes to refer to as Nice People Get Their Shit Together.
Centerfold: Joey Goergen at Argus Gallery
Joey Goergen’s show at Argus Gallery (1896 Niagara Street) closes with a reception on Thursday, July 5, 6-9pm.
This Week's Public Picks: Hop Hop
Four concise tracks, “weird and loud,” from Hop Hop, a.k.a. Jazmine Frazier.
LittleSis: Buffalo's Immigrant Detention Profiteers
Three local developers who profit from leases to the agencies that execute Trump’s vicious border policies.
Spotlight: Alpha Hopper
Immigration lawyer by day, punk singer by night, Irene Rekhviashvili is the frontwoman of the noise punk band Alpha Hopper. With a new record on the horizon and a show coming up this Thursday, June 28 at Electric Avenue with the Brooklyn-based cowpunk band Bambara, we caught up with Rekhviashvili to talk about her sci-fi inspired lyrics, her intense day job, and, of course, Bruce Springsteen.
Ups and Downs, Week of June 27
Buffalo city budget woes, and the reassignment of Buffalo News cultural critic Colin Dabkowski.
Peach Picks: Peach Gold Poetry Prize Winner
Meet Janea Kelly, winner of the inaugural Peach Gold in Poetry Prize.
DJ xenoyoga
[EXPERIMENTAL] A real treat touching down this Friday in the form of some far out shit from Toronto artist Xuan Ye performing as DJ xenoyoga with a live audiovisual remix of her audiovisual live improvisation set, XENOYOGA((I REALLY WANT SOME)). Using the conceptual techniques of a traditional DJ, Ye takes a deep dive into found internet resources and comes back to the surface cycling through our contemporary political morass, spinning tales of woman and machine into a spell where where “xenofeminist-alienation meets trumpian-shock-and-awe,” as Ye
Little Cake, Megan Kyle and Audrey Q. Snyder
[EXPERIMENTAL/INSTRUMENTAL] A little this, a little that awaits the intrepid voyager into 500 Seneca’s Boiler Room this Friday, programed by the arts outfit Cass Project. From Little Cake’s instrumental piano turns to lead singer Ana Vafai’s inspired songwriting and goofy but wonderful vocals. Joining Little Cake are Chicago-based artists including the contemporary cellist Audrey Q.
Taste of Diversity Festival
[CELEBRATION] The West Side’s greatest little street festival, Taste of Diversity, is like a block party on steroids, all the intimacy of a neighborhood gathering but with the food, drink and, entertainment amenities reflective of a larger and more encompassing community. Expect food vendors like Abyssinia Ethiopian, India Gate, Freddy J’s, La Divina, Gourmet Lao Food, Taste of Ponce Puerto Rico, and many more.
Vanilla Ice
[HIP HOP] Not only did Vanilla Ice have a hit with “Ice Ice Baby,” but he had that song from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: Secret of the Ooze. What a career! Check out the 50-year-old white rapper at Canalside for a special Friday edition of their Canalside Live concert series on Friday, July 7.
Food Not Bombs Punk Show and Vegan Food Drive
[PUNK] The 2nd Annual Food Not Bombs Punk Show and Vegan Food Drive happens on Saturday, June 30 at Mohawk Place. The show will feature nearly a dozen acts from punk rock bands to burlesque acts. Bring your vegan food, including non-perishables, prepared dishes, and fresh foods (non vegan food will be accepted for donation too). Note: this is an early show, beginning at 1pm.
Kinky Friedman
[COUNTRY] Almost governor of Texas, storyteller, and songwriter Kinky Friedman, returns to Buffalo for a show at Buffalo Iron Works on Friday, July 6. The 73-year-old musician makes country rock music that often times has a political bent touching on everything from racism to animal cruelty. He’ll be joined by Americana singer/songwriter Brian Molnar.
Summer Concert Series: The Tins
[INDIE] Following the 4th of July, the Elmwood Village Association Summer Concert Series continues with The Tins. The Buffalo-based indie rock band is performing on the heels of their new, self-titled record, which was produced by the Goo Goo Dolls’ Robby Takac and features cover art by Rolling Stone cover artist Philip Burke. The free concert takes place at Bidwell Parkway at the corner of Elmwood Avenue on Tuesday, July 10 at 7pm.