6-16 to 6-21 events and a whole lot of notes

Buffalo.com photo by Tom Kuenzi.

Here is your weekly events list...you will notice that it's a lot shorter than usual. We're going to be focusing on fewer but bigger events in our weekly lists from now on...the old style was getting really unwieldy. HOWEVER you are, as always, welcome to suggest events that may interest you - this list is not the be-all, end-all of activity in WNY - just a starting point, and stuff we'd like to see covered.

Some notes after a wild first week at MyBuffalo.com:

1.) Thanks to everyone for hanging in there through this transition - it's been tricky for all of us, but I feel like the new site is starting to take shape. In the long run, I guarantee you will like MyBuffalo better than the old products - but there is going to be a learning curve. Your comments, suggestions, questions, and ideas are always welcome - help us make a better site for you!

2.) Photographers - the bulk uploader is coming, I swear to you. I don't want it released until it is just right, so we are holding off for another couple days. If the bulk uploader doesn't ultimately make uploading and organizing your photos easier, then what is the point, right? So please be patient while we get the bulk uploader finished...it really is coming soon.

3.) Also - the photos from 2007 and 2008 do, in fact, still exist - they just have not been added to the site yet. More news on this is coming soon...but your pics aren't gone.

4.) Keep checking this blog. I have been updating it a lot lately, and I'd rather have you check stuff out at that blog rather than host one at MyBuffalo.com where everyone can see it...this one is a little more removed from the hustle and bustle. But remember, take a look at it daily!

5.) We had new cards to hand out...and now they're gone. What can I say, we had a great weekend. More are on the way - a lot more. I will do a mass mailing when they get in...which will hopefully be within a few days.

I really welcome everyone to be active at the site! MyBuffalo.com is more than just a passive site where you look at stuff and leave. Get involved - friend your fellow users, send messages, make snarky comments, post your pics, etc. it's somewhat addictive once you get rolling. We have some neat personalities on the MyBuffalo.com site, and this is a great chance to connect with a lot of different people in the program, people who work on Buffalo.com, and other people, as well.

I believe that is it for now...but if you ever have questions for me, just let me know.


Wednesday


· Concerts on the Canal Series: The Strangers and The Diva Show. Check out a total of four – that’s right, four – sets from two of Western New York’s favorite party bands. The Strangers play at 6 PM and 8 PM, while The Diva Show hits the stage at 7 PM and 9 PM. Lots of people love these bands – it would be great to get some coverage – photo, video, story, or otherwise. Let me know! The shows are at Gateway Harbor Park on Sweeney Street in North Tonawanda.



· Ted Leo and the Pharmacists. The underground icon from Washington, D.C. has an extremely loyal following in Buffalo, and it would be great to capture some scenes from what is sure to be an upbeat, positive, and rollicking indie rock show. Doors open at 7 PM, Tralf Music Hall, 622 Main St., Buffalo.


Thursday


· Thursday at the Square: Better Than Ezra. Another big week at the Square – opportunities for photo, video, and giveaways. We have lots of concert tickets and concession tickets to giveaway – and you are welcome to some of those goodies for helping out, as well. We even have our own home base at the merchandise tent. Whoever wants to help out is welcome! 5 PM to 9 PM (try to get there between 5 PM and 7 PM), Lafayette Square, Buffalo.



· Sir Paul McCartney Birthday Bass Ball Gathering. Celebrate the former Beatle’s birthday with a bunch of Buffalo best bassists! The low-end sound will be rattling the windows of Lancaster as bass players from around Western New York gather for a bone-rattling jam session. Starts at 7 PM at the Ellicott Manor, 16 Ellicott Place, Lancaster.



· Shakespeare in Delaware Park: The Tempest opening night. The first performance of the summer for the always-popular outdoor theatrical production in beautiful Delaware Park. Mingle with the laid-back crowd before and after the show, and enjoy a quality production of one of The Bard’s greatest works. Showtime is 7:30 PM near the Rose Garden/Casino in Delaware Park, Buffalo.



Friday


· The 9th Annual Buffalo River Fest. Opening night of the Valley Community Center’s annual party in the heart of South Buffalo’s Old First Ward. In addition to all of the other fun stuff that comes with a Buffalo festival, Friday night will feature a performance by WNY’s #1 party band, Hit-n-Run, from 8 PM to midnight. The River Fest begins at 6 PM. The event will be held in Father Conway Park, which is located between Louisiana and Ohio Streets in Downtown Buffalo, just one mile south of HSBC Arena.



· Buffalo Beatdown Boxing. Want to be ringside? Want a chance to see what happens behind the scenes at a prizefight? This is your chance. X-Cell Worldwide presents the Buffalo Beatdown at the Buffalo Convention Center. Featured boxers will be “Hands of Gold” Nick Casal, Meacher “Major Pain” Major and Buffalo's Lionel Thompson and Excell Holmes. The event begins at 6:30 PM at the Convention Center, located on Franklin Street in the heart of downtown Buffalo.



· Nylon Magazine Summer Music Tour. Want to see some of the hottest cutting-edge bands in the country? Check out Patrick Wolf, Living Things, The Plasticines, and Jaguar Love live in the heart of downtown Buffalo. You may be asking yourself, “Who the heck are these bands?” – but these are the musicians that you’ll be hearing about next year, and the years after, and the year after…a great opportunity to see some edgy and interesting indie music. Doors open at 8 PM at The Tralf Music Hall, 622 Main St., Buffalo.


Saturday


· The 9th Annual Buffalo River Fest. Day Two of the Valley Community Center’s annual party in the heart of South Buffalo’s Old First Ward.

Tons of interesting stuff happens today – the Rigidized Metals River Regatta with canoes, kayaks, and homemade boats begins at 11 AM (head over to the DEC Canoe Launch on Ohio St. to catch the end); live bands will be playing from noon to midnight; there will be a neighborhood reunion at 6 PM; and an 8-team slo-pitch softball tournament will be on the diamonds all day long.

Head over any time from 11 AM to midnight, and you’ll get a good story or great photos. The event will be held in Father Conway Park, which is located between Louisiana and Ohio Streets in Downtown Buffalo, just one mile south of HSBC Arena.


· Creative Black Tie Gala. A huge party featuring cool costumes and swanky outfits to benefit Camp Good Days. The theme this year – “A New Hope,” taking a page out of Star Wars. A very photo-friendly event – and they like having our people out at this event. Begins at 5 PM and goes until midnight at the Hyatt Regency, 2 Fountain Plaza, Buffalo.


Sunday

· Go to the Beach! There’s no specific event scheduled, but Sunday is a popular beach day at Sunset Bay and Angola on the Lake. Go to the beach…bring your camera…I guarantee you’ll end up with a wildly popular gallery. Or writers – head down to the seaside and report back on what music, fashion, and fun is in vogue on the sunny shores of Lake Erie this summer. Let me know if you’re interested!