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By Bruce Eaton, Ron Ehmke, Elizabeth Licata,
Christopher Schobert, and Joe Sweeney
Summertime in western new york features a downright embarrassment of riches, with oodles of festivals, concerts, day trips, and more. You can find pirates, bubbles, gorges, overpaid athletes, flea markets, and plenty of wine. yes, there is quantity and quality, so let us make the difficult decision of what to do for you. we’re seasoned summer experts, so get out your datebook, have pen in hand, and start reading—your schedule is about to fill up, pronto.
7 ways to hear great summer sounds
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Quite simply, the Jackson-Triggs Twilight in the Vineyard Summer series extravaganza could not sound any more appealing: drinking wine in the glorious setting that is Jackson-Triggs (sounds like a law firm, tastes like a winery), located at Niagara-on-the-Lake, listening to music, and drifting away under the starry night sky. Yes, music is a part of the series, although I think the surroundings are the real selling point. Still, there are some nice names here, especially for fans of Canadian artists: 54-40 (this show was in June), Colin James, Suzie McNeill, Gordie Sampson, and the very popular Matthew Good make up the schedule. It’s worth noting that these are not free shows; for more information on ticket orders visit www.jacksontriggswinery.com. And should the concerts not interest you, there is always the winery itself, a nearby spot for a day of tasting.
—C.S.
The summer concert season could theoretically make up this entire list of top warm-weather picks, so jam-packed is the schedule. But that would just be absurd. Instead, several of Spree’s music obsessives offer their can’t-miss choices for July and August. Have at ’em, fellas:
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Time to hop in your buddy’s Camaro, fire up the eight-track, and spend an evening that will take you right back to the Rich Stadium rock extravaganzas of the seventies. Gregg Rolie—the voice of classic Santana—promises to deliver his former group’s early material like “Black Magic Woman” “just the way you remember it.” With original percussionist Michael Carabello and bassist extraordinaire Alphonso Johnson on board, he may well do that. The current Grand Funk lineup is minus frontman Mark Farner, but when you’re pumping your fist along to “We’re An American Band,” you’re probably not going to care. And with the Nuge in the cleanup slot, it’s going to be a free for all, dude.
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While there are many tempting—and free—outdoor concert options this summer, you’ll want to open your wallet, because the steamiest show of the season is indoors. Touring in support of his new, ?uestlove-produced record Lay It Down, Al Green will sexify the Seneca Niagara Casino in Niagara Falls this July. So after you lose a bunch of dough, you can lose your head to some of the greatest slow-burning soul music ever laid to tape.
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While the Gateway Harbor Park concert series has a few rum moments—any show featuring “members of Molly Hatchet” is an iffy proposition—there are some very nice names on tap, including series openers Sloan and August 9 headliner Bruce Hornsby. My fav is Joan Jett and the Blackhearts on July 26. Why? It’s simple: Joan’s classic “Bad Reputation” was the opening credits theme for Judd Apatow’s dearly departed Freaks & Geeks, the wondrous dramedy that gave the world Seth Rogen, James Franco, and Jason Segel. I can’t hear “Reputation” without thinking of the show’s greatness, and whether Jett and band perform it or not, she’s an ideal representation of Freaks’s outsider appeal.
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Listening to serious music being performed while viewing the dramatic scenery of the Niagara Gorge brings me back to the days when Artpark was known for its ambitious, often audacious arts programming. The chairs aren’t quite as comfortable and the acoustics, though fine, can’t be as good as at Kleinhans, but it is a beautiful intimate setting for classical music. And the fresh air helps you stay awake. There are ten concerts this season. Of them, I am most interested in the Rachmaninoff, Khachaturian, and Prokofiev program featuring pianist Cecile Licad with JoAnn Fallatta on July 25; the tango program with the Quartango on August 1; and the program with the Neglia Ballet, featuring music by Debussy, Mahler, and Weber, on August 2.
—E.L.
Pine Grill Jazz Reunion
For almost 20 years, the first two Sundays in August have been a time to reflect on the incredible jazz heritage of Buffalo’s East Side and celebrate the generations of musicians that followed in its wake. In the ‘50s and ‘60s, the Pine Grill Nightclub was a regular tour stop for a host of musical icons, among them Billie Holiday, Miles Davis, and Dizzy Gillespie. The Jefferson Avenue club met the wrecking ball in the ‘80s, and the loss was so severe that it inspired a yearly memorial jazz festival. The Pine Grill Jazz Reunion attracts some 10,000 people each year to Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, for two Sundays of sepia-toned memories and kaleidoscopic jazz performances. Along with the Colored Musicians Club and the Tralf, the Pine Grill is a testament to Buffalo’s musical significance in the twentieth century. Hence, the Reunion is a free concert series that’s more meaningful than anything that happens in Lafayette Square. Learn more at www.africancultural.org/program5.html
—J.S.
Great Blue Heron Music Festival (July 4–6)
New Orleans has Jazzfest, Austin has SXSW, and tiny Sherman, New York has this beloved bash. Just about every serious music lover I know in WNY has made at least one Fourth-of-July-weekend pilgrimage down Jamestown way since the festival’s inception in 1992, and some of them head back every single summer. Some of the acts are staples—Donna the Buffalo, Sim Redmond Band, Big Leg Emma—and some change from year to year, reflecting fresh talent from Ithaca, Rochester, Buffalo, and points beyond. Still, the vibe is eternal: a little bit acoustic, a little bit jam-my, a little Americana, and a whole lot of mellow.
Rt. 430, Sherman
487-1781/www.greatblueheron.com
—R.E.
6 classic summer rituals
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So what if you don’t own a boat? That’s even better, because then you can have all the fun of sailing with none of the tedious upkeep and slip fees. The next time your friend asks if you wanna go sailing, just say yes. I did last summer and was enchanted by the peacefulness, the sunset, the view of the Buffalo skyline, and the general beauty of it all. It was necessary to perform some very minor tasks, but they were easy and quickly over. And I’ve found that the better you are at packing a refreshment basket, the less likely it is that you will be called upon to undertake any boat-related drudgery. Someone you know has a sailboat; identify them and hitch a ride this summer.
—E.L.
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The start of football season moves earlier and earlier each year, to the point that we might be able to actually peg it as the morning after the Super Bowl. That’s how quickly rumors, firings, and signings develop. The draft follows in April, and then in the summer comes the real kick-off, training camp. The Bills’ camp kicks off in July at St. John Fisher in Rochester. This has been the home of the red, white, and blue since 2000, and it’s been a good one. As a key part of the team’s regionalization effort, Rochester was an ideal site. The actual day-to-day vibe at camp is fun for the fans, hard for the players. It can be downright sweltering, injuries can occur, and players are being sent home and told they’re not good enough for the NFL. Ouch. But it’s probably the best chance you’ll have from now to locker-clean-out day to get some autographs and shake some hands. Kids, especially, seem to get a kick out of training camp, and seeing the mighty athletes without full padding and jerseys.
—C.S.
Whirlpool gorge hike
You’d think that this would be a lot more popular than it is, particularly if you compare it to walking around Delaware Park, which has its beauties, but also has a rather, humdrum, flat terrain for the most part. Sadly, not enough people know about the hiking possibilities on this side of the Niagara River. One of my favorites is the Whirlpool hike, which takes you down into the gorge at Whirlpool State Park as far as Devil’s Hole; then you can walk up and take the easier rim walk back to the park. The rocky “stairs” up and down are the reason this is considered a walk of moderate difficulty, but the up-close views of the rapids once you get down there are more than worth it. If the Falls themselves aren’t enough to convince you, this walk is convincing evidence of the frightening power of the river. There are also wildflowers, spectacular rock formations, and wonderful trees along the way. Bring water and other supplies in a backpack. Call 284-4691 or check nysparks.state.ny.us/parks.
—E.L.
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Not to be confused with the Old Fort Niagara historic site, which is right next door, this underused scenic treasure offers dramatically beautiful views of Lake Ontario, as well as a large, if shallow, pool, grills, picnic tables, and other facilities. A narrow beach is great for walks, but the grassy area above it (nicely wooded) has a better view. Combined with a tour of Old Fort Niagara, a visit here makes for a perfect Saturday or Sunday afternoon, or an even more peaceful weekday outing. Call 284-4691 or check nysparks.state.ny.us/parks. For OFN, check oldfortniagara.org.
—E.L.
Suburban Gardenwalks
Sure, sure—you could limit yourself to the big one within the city limits; lord knows, it richly deserves its growing national reputation. But if, say, you’re not so crazy about the crowds or the parking, or you’re a suburban gardener yourself and you want a few ideas about how to cope with such nonurban dilemmas as deer, vast open spaces, and nay-saying neighbors, consider broadening your gardenwalk horizons. Based on my experience with the Kenmore/Town of Tonawanda version last year, expect a lot more driving than walking (along with the occasional entrance fee), but also plan to be pleasantly surprised by what you find in the ’burbs and beyond. More and more communities seem to add these events every year. Watch for even more to sprout up after we go to press.
—R.E.
Party on the Portico (July 18 and Aug. 22)
Smart folks, those powers-that-be at the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society. They know how lovely the BECHS building itself is, as well as the surrounding grounds, and they’re exploiting it with this summer’s ongoing Party on the Portico. The evenings—running from 5–8 p.m.—feature live music, beer, wine, and hors d’oeuvres. But perhaps the greatest feature is the view: Mirror Lake, the Japanese Garden, and the rest of Delaware Park off yonder. The musical guests thus far have been stellar, including Spree fave Brian Wheat and his band, Groggy Darlin’. And the summer’s remaining two are also solid: July 18 features Wendell Rivera’s Latin Jazz Ensemble and August 22 features the gypsy jazz talents of Babik. Nicely done, BECHS. Price is right, too: $10, or free for BECHS members.
—C.S.
6 family friendly frolics
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The Buffalo Bisons’ annual 4th of July game and festivities usually don’t occur on July 4, and this year is no exception. It’s July 3, and therefore properly called an “Independence Eve Celebration.” It’s become a bit of tradition for my wife and me, since it gets us out of our apartment and into the reliably cool nighttime air of Dunn Tire Park. The postgame ceremonies feature the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus, followed by the season’s largest fireworks extravaganza. The game is always a blast, and the neatest thing about it is seeing an absolutely packed Dunn Tire Park. The place cheers, oohs, and aahs like a Sabres game, and that’s a bit of a rarity in these parts. (The opponent, by the way? The Rochester Red Wings.) Be aware, though, it’s a big-time family night, so watch the beer consumption; a drunken friend of mine was once scolded by an oldster, “You’re ruining the game for everyone!” Don’t be a ruiner. Just enjoy the game.
—C.S.
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As a childless adult, my first introduction to the awesome power of the modern-day water park came when friends of mine from New Orleans brought their family to Niagara Falls for the better part of a week. Seventh wonder of the world or no, it got old fast, and the only way to placate the kids was to locate something even wetter and more wonderful. I didn’t know then about Roseland, and it would have been a bit far away for them, but that’s no reason you can’t hit the road for a weekend trip to Canandaigua. This venerable WNY institution makes a nice alternative to Darien Lake when you need one, and it’s in close proximity to another institution: Abbott’s, for frozen treats before or after you get soaked.
250 Eastern Blvd., Canandaigua,
585-396-2000 / www.roselandwaterpark.com
—R.E.
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You know you’ve become part of American pop culture when both Homer Simpson and Hank Hill’s fictional families have paid visits, and thus it is safe to say the Ren Fair(e) has officially arrived. For a sterling example of the form, venture a mere two and a half hours from Buffalo to … Sterling, New York, of course. You can bid on a wench (how’s that for post-feminism?), chomp on a turkey leg, watch a life-sized chess game, wind up onstage during “the DaVinci Brothers Comedy Opera,” enjoy some Celtic music, or even get married (or renew your vows) onsite. Think of it as Disneyland’s great-great-great-great-great-great-grandfather, ye lords and ladies.
15385 Farden Rd., Sterling
800-879-4446 / www.sterlingfestival.com
—R.E.
Bubblefest (Saturday, July 26)
My young friend Asha Kartha, when pressed for a review of last year’s Bubblefest, offered only this: “It rocked!” And I suppose that two-word endorsement from the target demographic is all you really need to know. A big hit with both Asha and her parents was the pitch-black room filled with phosphorescent bubbles that burst into glowing goo when popped, while a DJ played the sort of music that would inspire one to pop bubbles and glow. Sounds very Clockwork Orange to me, only with a G rating. Everything else about this unique event seems to rock as well, including the various bubblecentric performers from near and far, whose acts, I am told by Mother-of-Asha, “go way beyond your basic here’s-a-bubble-that-looks-like-a-dachshund shtick.” Buffalo Museum of Science,
1020 Humboldt Pkwy / 896-5200 / www.sciencebuff.org.
—R.E.
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Ahoy, maties! Thanks to Johnny Depp and National Talk Like a Pirate Day, those eye-patch-wearing, parrot-becapped scofflaws of the sea are hotter now than they’ve been since the reign of Captain Hook. For the last few years, the law-abiding folks of Evangola have been terrorized by costumed hooligans every summer, and by all accounts they’ve been loving it. Something tells me Long John Silver was not a purveyor of “pirate crafts” or the proprietor of a “thieves’ market,” let alone a midway or a pulled pork stand, but we’ll let that slide. Nowadays, you want pirated goods, you go to Hong Kong or the sidewalks of lower Manhattan for a grainy copy-of-a-copy of Iron Man, but, again, we’ll stick with the legal route, which entails live music, costume contests for kids and grownups alike, and plenty of playful plank-walking fun.
Evangola State Park, Old Lake Shore Rd., Brant
549-1802 / www.piratefest.org
—R.E.
Clarence big flea market
You have to get here early; the outdoor portion generally thins out by noon, though technically it’s open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Sunday. I have seen everything here from fabulous ’70s china patterns to honest-to-god antiques. There is also a farmers’ market and a seemingly endless flow of indoor co-op action. Run by Kelly’s Antique World; call 759-2260, or visit www.antiqueworldmarket.com.
—E.L.
7 ways to think outta the box
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Slip/Inner Harbor
The site of the original terminus of the Erie Canal is shaping up quite nicely; now’s the time to see for yourself what all the fuss has been about. I, for one, think that the insistence by our preservation community that as much history be uncovered and restored as possible—rather than relying on replicas—has paid off. You can see the original foundations of the canal district, foundations of some of the original businesses, and the rewatered slip, as well as a bowstring bridge that has been constructed and placed as it would have been back in the day. No Bass Pro yet, but combine this visit with a tour of the adjacent Naval Park and lunch at the Pearl Street Pub, and you’ve got yourself a nice outing. The website for the Inner harbor wasn’t active at presstime, but you’ll find the canal site at the corner of Scott and Lloyd Streets.
—E.L.
Takin’ it to the Streets
If you think there’s something wrong with a city that’s ranked the second-poorest in the country and loves building expensive high-rise condos, you might find a kindred spirit in Anita Williams. On August 16–17, the local preacher will celebrate the 20th anniversary of Takin’ it to the Streets—an event she created that’s devoted to the health and prosperity of Buffalo’s East Side. Held in Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, this year’s event will include loads of free health care, including eye exams, HIV counseling, women’s health and diabetes checks, all courtesy of the Jefferson Street Health Clinic. A clothing giveaway will also be organized, as well as a children’s area complete with pony rides and a petting zoo. We may not be used to this whole “paying attention to people who truly need it” idea, but it sure makes for one of the most important events of the summer. For more on how to support Takin’ it to the Streets, visit www.buffalochristian.com/content/view/95/39 or call 891-4760.
—J.S.
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On a recent Sunday my wife and I took a brisk walk through the Amherst Bike Path and I noticed something disturbing: the people on bicycles were going faster than me. A lot faster. Grr. Don’t share my embarrassment. Get your bike out of the closet/garage/storage space, and enjoy it. To paraphrase the late, great Syd Barrett, you’ve got a bike—you can ride it if you’d like. There’s the Commercial Slip on the waterfront, Delaware Park (of course), and many, many more great spots. Elmwood’s Campus WheelWorks (campuswheelworks.com) offers regular group rides. And for more local bike news, definitely check out bflo-beer-and-bikes.blogspot.com, a local blog focusing on “beer-and-bicycle-related things happening in and around Buffalo.” The idea of a bar-crawl-on-a-bicycle sounds like a recipe for big danger, and big fun. The site features some great local bike links, and even a pic of Mos Def holding a Massachusetts Avenue Project “Growing Green” T-shirt. Just don’t visit it on your iPhone while riding your bike during rush hour after a bar crawl. Now that could be pushing it.
—C.S.
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Surely one of Buffalo’s most charming and best-kept secrets, you’ll find bed after brilliant bed of colorful garden plants here, all being tested for their performance in the Western New York climate, as one of only twenty-five such test sites in the U.S. The seeds and plants, under consideration for the All America Selections program, come from such large commercial growers as Ball, Proven Winners, Goldsmith, and others. I have seen unusual varieties of coleus, heliotrope, diascia, lobelia, rudbeckia, verbena, and many other popular flowers and foliage plants. While there, you’ll have a superb view of Lake Erie, the China Light, and the Marina’s other beauties. Growers from across the country travel to Buffalo to inspect the plants in early August, so they should be looking pretty good by mid-July.
—E.L.
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Since June 2005, some of the best poetry in Buffalo has been coming from the roof—the rooftop of Buffalo State College’s Butler Library, to be exact. A mix of readings, open-mic events, workshops, and more, the club has featured an eclectic series of performers, and now features a lengthy list of members. The brainchild of senior assistant librarian Lisa Forrest, the club takes advantage of the library’s unique setting, dubbed the rooftop garden. As the website www.buffalostate.edu/library/rooftop explains, “Those of you who are unfamiliar with rooftop gardens may not appreciate the poetic nature of such a space. But if you’ve ever sat up on a roof—away from the world, yet smack dab in the middle of it all—you can surely see how one might be drawn to read, write, and think in such a space.” This summer’s readers include Gary Earl Ross and PC Fernbach (July 2), Geoffrey Gatza (7/9), Gabrielle Bouliane and Liz Mariani (7/16), Forrest Roth and Jaye Bartell (7/23) and Karen Sands-O’Connor (7/30). Head to the roof.
—C.S.
The Mob Tours
America’s fascination with organized crime is a well-established fact. But for the most part, our love of mobsters as anti-heroes is relegated to the realm of film and TV villains—you can argue that Vito Corleone captures our imaginations in the same way as Darth Vader, the Wicked Witch of the West, or Candace Bergen’s character from Miss Congeniality (who can argue with a plot to kill Sandra Bullock and Benjamin Bratt?). With the debut of The Mob Tours on June 14, our attraction to the real-life mafia will be tested. After a thirty-four-year absence, former Niagara Falls mafia don Stefano Magaddino and his brothers have returned to the scene of their crimes, not as voyeuristic criminals, but as tour guides. The Magaddinos will be part of a ninety-minute “adventure bus tour,” which features former hideouts, hangouts, and homes. Nowhere on their press release do they say “It’s gonna be a hit,” so they’ve clearly become more merciful in their old age. Visit www.themobtours.com for more info and to make reservations.
—J.S.
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The coolest tour idea I’ve heard lately involves visiting the area’s ruins—those closed off factories and other such buildings that are now habitated by assorted animals, debris, and, if Scooby Doo is to be believed, cantankerous caretakers. So hop in your mystery machine of choice and take a drive. My favorite is the drive Spree editor-in-chief Elizabeth Licata took to Gowanda. She ended up at the rather crudely named Buffalo’s Tuberculosis Sanatorium at Perrysburg—“a true WNY ruin,” as she calls it. (The website jnadam.org/index.html tells all about this place, part of the J. N. Adams Historic Landmark and Forest.) But there are countless others: the grain elevators, the former Bethlehem Steel buildings, not to mention many other industrial ruins in Lockport, Tonawanda, and elsewhere. It’s worth pointing out, though, that these sites are not necessarily open, so if the sign says keep out, keep out. Safety is certainly a concern when talking about buildings that have been shuttered for decades.
—C.S.
7 chances to go the extra mile
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The Chautauqua Institute knows how to bring in heavy hitters from a diverse range of fields; in early June, National Football League commissioner Roger Goodell was a lecturer, while the next program was on the topic “Restoring Legitimacy to our Election System.” (That one runs from June 29 to July 5, actually.) The summer highlight looks to be “Roger Rosenblatt and Friends: On Writing,” July 6–12. Besides Rosenblatt, a noted author and playwright, the program features a murderer’s row of literary heavyhitters: E. L. Doctorow, Joyce Carol Oates, Amy Tan, Billy Collins, and Garry Trudeau. It’s like the Superfriends, but more bookish. Week four’s topic is “The Ethical Frontiers of Science,” while week five takes on “American Foreign Policy: Leadership and Dialogue.” What’s worth noting about all the lectures is that they face controversial topics head-on—Darwin makes a cameo late in the season—and feature experts who undeniably know what’s at stake. For the full list of summer programs, visit www.ciweb.org.
—C.S.
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(July 18–20)
We all know drinking and driving don’t mix, so what could be better than … wine on a racetrack? This annual oenophile ritual in the heart of the Finger Lakes wine region packs in the crowds, making for a splendid mix of serious aficionados and serious partiers. They come not just to sample the vino (more than 500 examples from over seventy-five New York State wineries) but also to attend wine-related seminars, classes, and video screenings. Then there are the added attractions, including live music, cooking classes, arts and crafts, an opening-night costume parade, and even—I defy you to name another wine festival that offers this one—rides around the track in a pace car. Start your engines!
Watkins Glen International Track, 2790 City Rte. 16, Watkins Glen
866-461-7223 / www.flwinefest.com
—R.E.
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I have fond memories of a first-grade field trip to the Arcade and Attica Railroad, and it’s still going strong. The station offers a tour through railroad history, and a ninety-minute train ride, as well as special events throughout the summer, such as children’s rides and reenactments. And in a very special highlight, passenger excursions are powered by one of the railroad’s two World War II-era diesel-electric locomotives. The forty-four-ton centercab No. 111 was built in 1947, while the No. 112 was built in 1945. And in May, American Locomotive Company No. 18 was returned to service after years of restoration work. Take your Thomas-the-Tank-loving toddler. Visit www.arcadeandatticarr.com.
—C.S.
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I sometimes forget that Pittsburgh is not that far from Western New York. And that there’s so much to do there. The Carnegie Museum of Art alone is worth the drive. The fifty-fifth Carnegie International—running through January 1, 2009—poses a fascinating question: Is there life on Mars? How contemporary artists will tackle this is thrilling to contemplate, although David Bowie tackled the question more than three decades ago, didn’t he? Pittsburgh is also home to the Andy Warhol Museum on the city’s north shore; PNC Park, the gorgeous new home of the long-suffering Pittsburgh Pirates; and the coolest coach in football, Mike Tomlin. So pack a Sidney Crosby jersey and save some cash for a few Iron City beers.
—C.S.
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There are many ways in which Cleveland resembles Buffalo; one is its thriving grassroots cultural scene. Rock and experimental music, multimedia performance, and visual art are all going strong in both cities. We’ve got June in Buffalo and the Infringement Festival every summer to bring together homegrown talent and international visiting artists in those fields; Cleveland has its Ingenuity Fest. Though the latter’s 2008 season wasn’t finalized at presstime, you should be able to find details at their beautifully designed website by now. Prepare to be dazzled.
Playhouse Square, Cleveland, Ohio
216-589-9444 / www.ingenuitycleveland.com
—R.E.
Corning Musuem of Glass
We at Spree are big fans of the Corning Museum of Glass, and if you’ve never been, summer is a fine time. For one thing, there are the studio workshops, everything from Czech glassblowing to hot glass sculpting. Then there are the exhibitions, such as “Glass of the Alchemists,” which highlights Baroque northern European glassmaking. For details, visit www.cmog.org.
—R.E.
The Marble Orchard (Aug. 16, 17, 23, and 24)
Part elementary school, part retreat center, and part retirement home for elderly Franciscan nuns, Stella Niagara celebrates its centennial this year with a variety of special events. One of the most intriguing is surely this newly commissioned play about the evolution of the “Star of Niagara” from a lone farmhouse to the sprawling complex of today, presented in collaboration with the Lewiston Council on the Arts. The coolest part? It’ll be performed onsite in the Stella Niagara cemetery, a stone’s throw from another recent project spearheaded by Sister Karen Allen—a gorgeous-looking eco-friendly quarter-mile nature trail.
Stella Niagara Complex, 4421 Lower River Rd., Lewiston 754-0166
—R.E.
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