Fall Clean-Up of Hoyt Lake (9.24.11)

This past Saturday, September 24th, over 60 volunteers from the Western New York community helped to clean up Hoyt Lake in Delaware Park.  The clean-up was organized through Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper and captained by employees of the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy.  Volunteers from Canisius College, Villa Maria College, and the general public showed their civic pride by beautifying one of Buffalo's marquee water features.  Below are just a few of the photos from the clean-up.  For more about the Buffalo Olmsted Parks please visit our website (www.bfloparks.org) or our facebook page (www.facebook.com/bfloparks).  For more on the Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper please visit their website, www.bnriverkeeper.org.

Riverkeeper Clean-Up this Saturday (9.24.11)

Scajaquada clean-up this Saturday !!

The Scajaquada Creek Autumn Sweep is on Saturday September 24th, held once again by the Grant Amherst Business Association and Scajaquada Canoe Club in conjunction with Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper. The clean-up meets at the American Legion on Amherst Street at 9AM. All are welcome to help support the cleaning up and redevelopment of Scajaquada Creek.



There will be graffiti removed from on the newly refurbished concrete highway piers, and shopping carts by West Avenue removed from in the water.  Augustina Droze's Olmsted  mural decorating the McKinley High School wall seems to have obviated the need for graffiti removal there.  Alas, the stopped up debris in front of the Historical Society on Nottingham Parkway still is creating a cesspool west of the S dam, and poor Scajaquada Creek continues to serve as our suburbs’ sewer. 

We are a long way from a fishable, swimmable, drinkable Scajacuada Creek but with your help we can have a cleaner shore, free public access and open recreation for paddling, peddling, and hiking.

Pollution and inattentiveness aside, the signs of life in the Creek are encouraging, and it is truly an eye-opening  waterfront experience to help along the Scajaquada Trail.  Please check it out in person and join in on the clean-up this Saturday.   Special guest Mark Grisanti will be present to address the picnic crowd after the clean-up at 12:30 at the Legion.  To sign up call Riverkeeper at 716-852-7483.

Party for the Parks - Friday 9.16.11

On Friday, September 16, the BOPC will be holding the 9th annual Party for the Parks at Delaware Park's historic Marcy Casino.  The theme for this year's party, is British invasion, and promises a groovy night full of the best entertainment, including live music, great food, a basket and silent auction, spectacular visual performances, and much more.  On this night, Delaware Park will come alive from 6:30 to 11:00 p.m. in celebration of Buffalo’s historic 1,200-acre Olmsted Parks and Parkway System.


Background: The event, which is one of the Conservancy’s key fundraisers for the sustainability and growth of the city’s iconic parks, brings awareness about the Conservancy’s mission to enhance, restore, and maintain the Buffalo Olmsted Park System.  It has been voted Buffalo’s best fundraiser year after year by Buffalo Spree magazine...you won't want to miss the excitement! 


The Ifs: These local stars, otherwise known as “The Secret Agents of British Invasion,” will perform on a floating stage on Hoyt Lake. They will be sharing the stage with Grand Island's alternative/indie rock/Brit-Pop group, Inline.  From their website:

"Founded in Warrington, Cheshire U.K. in the early 60's by schoolmates reginald van if, nebs, filthy mcnasty, and teddy ulster. First act to capture the big beat sound made famous by such acts as the beatles, kinks, who, rolling stones, and others. A vast conspiracy involving certain members of the royal family, the transit union, the BBC, and a few jealous musicians ended their popularity suddenly in late 1963. With the recent discovery of lost manuscript the band has reformed and now tours the world seeking to reclaim the sound that was once theirs alone..... ......Well at least that is what we would like you all to believe!.. ;-)"


Check out their website and Myspace pages for more info and samples of their music!

The British Car Club of WNY: Their mission is simple: "The primary purpose of the British Car Club of Western New York (BCC) is two-fold: to foster camaraderie and good will among enthusiasts of British cars, and to exchange ideas and technical expertise attendant to the restoration and preservation of British cars." The author of this blog post has personally spent time showing a Mineral Blue Mark I MGB at one of their shows, and they are an extremely hospitable group, with an excellent selection of classics.


For more info, check out their website!


Pyromancy Fire Dancers: For those who need some wild excitement, Buffalo's own fire performance will be present as well. For those who have not seen them before, their talent speaks for itself in this video:

From their website (click for the rest):
"Fire dancing is an amazing art of skill and precision, using instruments similar to martial art weaponry. These instruments are set on fire and spun about the body. Some of theses instruments are commonly known where others may not be quite as familiar. The more familiar instruments include staff, double staff, batons, poi, and hula hoops. The lesser know instruments are fans, rope dart, comets, meteors, fire fingers, and more."

Buffalo Beach Tennis: Sports fanatics rejoice, this ambitious bunch, which has been spotted playing "Snow Tennis" at the Powder Keg Festival, will be present as well.  This year Beach Tennis will take on a Wimbledon theme!


Check them out on their Facebook page!


Queen City Roller Girls: Think cruising around on blades is fun? Wait until you see this crew in action. Turning roller derby into a girl-powered, intensive sport, they're definitely not playing any [ordinary] games. Their mission, in their own words:

"Queen City Roller Girls (QCRG) is a skater owned and operated flat-track roller derby league in Western New York. QCRG is continuously committed to the reviving and redefining of the classic sport of roller derby, with a 21st century twist. Flat-track roller derby is a full contact sport played by independent, strong women. The League provides an opportunity for athleticism, camaraderie, and self-expression. We inspire on and off the rink; we serve the community, get fit, and have fun."

Buffalo Jugglers: This fun-loving and family-friendly talented group, who meets every Monday night at the Abraham Lincoln statue in Delaware Park, will be showing off their skills as well.  Not only do they normally perform for others, but also take pride in sharing the joy of juggling with those interested.  Formed in the late 1970's, they've definitely worked up a reputation.


For more information, and plenty of photos, be sure to look at their website


The event will be led by our local news reporter Autumn Lewandowski (who has a blog, located here).  Sponsors of this year’s “Party for the Parks” include City Council Members Michael J. LoCurto, Michael P. Kearns, and Demone A. Smith, as well as the Rupp Family Foundation, West Herr Auto Group, Lawley Insurance, Entercom, WILLCARE, and MassMutual.


Tickets are $20 for general admission.  However, starting September 1^st, tickets will be $25 for general admission. All proceeds benefit the Olmsted Park and Parkway System. To purchase tickets for this over-21 event, please visit the Olmsted Parks Conservancy’s website at  www.BFLOparks.org or call (716) 838-1249 ext 11.


WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Thursday 8.11.11 - Willie May Blues Band

It's the Summer Breeze by the Lake FREE Concert Series FINALE, and the BOPC is bringing you the Willie May Blues Band! Perhaps our most seasoned performer, Willie May is sure to bring years of talent with them. They've perfected their style, earning nothing less than top notch reviews across the board.


When & Where: Delaware Park Rose Garden Pergola (199 Lincoln Parkway), from 5:00-7:30PM


More info from the band's website:

Willie May has performed in basements, barns, garages, street corners, speak-easies, house trailers, preschool, high school, colleges, radio, television, bars, concert halls, outdoor festival arenas, and inside Attica prison.

   Willie has taken his original blend of music to the blues clubs from The LaFayette Tap Room in Buffalo to Antones in Austin, TX, The Black Swan in Toronto, The Penny Arcade in Rochester, The Dinosaur BBQ in Syracuse, The Slippery Noodle in Indianapolis, Fat Fish Blue in Cleveland, Bflo Blues in Pittsburgh, and to countless other venues on thousands, yes thousands, of occasions.

   Willie May has performed back to back on stage with Alvin Lee, Steve Marriott, John Kay and Steppenwolf, Bachman Turner Overdrive, Johnny Winter, Edgar Winter, Otis Clay, The Climax Blues Band, Zorra Young, Jerry Portnoy, The Legendary Blues Band, Buddy Guy, Lonnie Brooks, Johnny Clyde Copeland, Sue Foley, L.A. Jones, Chris Duarte, Clarence Gatemouth Brown, Stan Szelest, Chris Beard, Rock Bottom, James Cotton, Big Jack Johnson and many more. The Willie May Band featuring Ron Kain, Tom E. Corsi, Randy Corsi and, of course, Willie May is a 5 time Buffalo Area Music Award winner voted Western New York Blues Beat Magazine's Band of the Year.

Willie May focuses on an exceptional live performance...but there are several reviews online, such as:

http://mancave.myfreeforum.org/sutra549.php (includes fan photos)

"This is a band from the 70s and 80s who I used to see in my youth and places like the Belle Starr lounge, Uncle Sams, Mickey Rats (the original) and those old time rock bars. "

...as well as page after page of previous show listings, proving Willie May's veteran track record:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thursday_at_the_Square#1995

Thanks for your support through the summer, and stay tuned to this site to see our upcoming events!

Olmsted Open Pro-Am Golf Tournament

Friday, August 19th, 2011

Delaware Park Meadows Golf Course

For 2011, the tournament has partnered with the WNY PGA, who’s purpose is to promote
golf to juniors and disadvantaged youth in the WNY section. The tournament has been
expanded to a Pro-AM format that will include a WNY PGA Pro playing with each
foursome. The majority of the proceeds go to help improve the BOPC parks, parkways &
golf courses for all in WNY to enjoy. Secondary beneficiaries are the First Tee of WNY
and Buffalo Inner City Youth Fan Club for Golf (Youth golf & education). 28 Foursomes or
112 golfers + 28 Pro’s will participate in the event. Each admission fee of $100 includes
entry into all tournament extras. 18 holes of golf with cart in a scramble format.
Tournament will have Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin & Hole in One contests on the
course during play and hold a Putting contest with qualifying prior to start of tournament
and eliminations to finals after play before dinner and awards. Entry fee includes tickets
for Basket Raffles, Grand Prize raffle & Putting Contest. Many Sponsorship levels
available contact Dave Hoover - Tournament Director @ 716-838-1249 ext 19 or
email: dave@bfloparks.org


Registration is due with payment in full by August 15th. Teams will be foursomes with a PGA of WNY player on each team.(Send toBuffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy Attn: Olmsted Pro-Am 84 Parkside Avenue Buffalo, NY 14214)

Price is $100 a person. If attending, dinner and awards ceremony only, cost will be $20 a person



10:30 AM Registration & Team Photos Qualifying Putting Contest
11:00 AM Lunch
12:00 PM Shotgun Start
5:00 PM Barbecue Dinner & Awards
6:00 - 6:30 PM Tournament Wrap Up, Silent Auction, Basket Raffles, Grand Prize Raffle

The Olmsted Open Pro-Am Tournament is sponsored by M&T Insurance Agency, New Era, Try-It Distribution, Councilman Michael LoCurto, and Councilman Demone Smith.

Thursday 8.4.11 - Andrew J. Reimer's Country-Punk Extravaganza!

With only 2 shows remaining in our Summer Breeze by the Lake FREE Concert Series, the BOPC is proud to bring you Andrew J. Reimer's Country-Punk Extravaganza!  A local band, categorized as  Acoustic / Country / Post punk with a truly original sound!


Come start August off right with this fine performance that you're sure to enjoy.


When & Where: Delaware Park Rose Garden Pergola (199 Lincoln Parkway), from 5:00-7:30PM


More info from the band's website:

"Andrew J. Reimers is an entirely mythical figure, a figment of his parents' warped imagination. He currently resides in Buffalo, NY, living simply and hoping only, like Pinocchio, to one day become a real boy." .. .. .. "The undisputed, and self-proclaimed, 'King of Acoustic Country-Punk', Andrew J. Reimers has been tearing his way through Buffalo's underground music scene for the better part of the last decade. With influences ranging from Johnny Cash and Elvis, all the way to The Misfits and Operation Ivy, his brand of Country-Rock is guaranteed to have you Kicking shit and Loving it."


...and in a few less words...


"Simple songs for honest people."

Be sure to check out their various online resources:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/andrewjreimers
ReverbNation: http://www.reverbnation.com/andrewjextravaganza

Thursday 7.21.11 - The JT Blues Band

We may be just over midway through the Conservancy's Summer Breeze by the Lake FREE concert series, but it's by no means slowing down! This Thursday (7/21/11), we present to you the JT Blues Band, a local band that also performed for us earlier this year. Don't miss your second chance to see them live, or, if you came last time, your opportunity to check out what they have in store for their summer appearance.

When & Where: Delaware Park Rose Garden Pergola (199 Lincoln Parkway), from 5:00-7:30PM


Link to our Facebook event


From the band's website:

We are a LIVE band that performs throughout WNY. We had a very limited budget for our album and we wanted a mix that you would hear when you heard us perform LIVE. Sorry, there is no dubbing, extra instruments, or studio magic. What you hear is what you get when we perform. Blues critics can think what they want, since this CD is selling very well including in 17 countries worldwide and our fans are very happy. Plus some of these songs have already had radio-air play!!!Thanks for listening. So here's our Bio;-A Western New York based Blues/Rock Band that prides their original Blues music, but also features the music of Cream, Jimi Hendrix, Robin Trower, SRV, Gary Moore, ZZ Top, plus traditional Blues. Definately NOT your standard Blues band. Several of their original songs are featured on WBFO's 88.7FM compilation CD's. Their songs are sometimes heard on the weekend blues radio shows. They have currently released a NEW original album called "21st Century Blues" which is selling quite well and getting some radio play. Get your copy while they last at Record Theatre stores, Spiral Scatch Records, at their performances or at CD Baby.com, just click on the link on the left. The band members have many years of music experience & are members of the WNY Blues Society. Just attend one of their shows to experience their passion for this genre. Their original music is fresh, unique, and current. They have great chemistry and play music that is not always heard by other bands. The bands past accomplishments is they came in 2nd place at the 2010 Memphis Bound Blues Competition sponsered by the Blues Society of WNY. Another great accomplishment is that three of their original songs were selected to be on the 88.7 FM WBFO "Nickel City Blues" Volume 4 & the WBFO "Gives Me the Blues" Volume 6 & 7 CD's for local blues artists. Available online on the WBFO website www.wbfo.org, The band would like to thank all of their loyal fans and new fans and invite everyone to come out to see them sometime.

Be sure to check out their various online resources:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/thejtbluesband

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-JT-Blues-Band/60637004333

Reverb Nation: http://www.reverbnation.com/jtbluesband