St. James Stage - Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts

St. James Stage
Saturday, August 23
10:00–10:30am—Kenarahdiyoh
http://www.facebook.com/good.leaf.5
Kenarahdiyoh (“good leaf” in English) has been a singer, songwriter, and
activist for over 30 years, performing in support of human rights for farm
workers and indigenous people as well as clean water for everyone. A
longtime friend of Pete Seeger, to whom our festival is dedicated this year,
Kenarahdiyoh will offer an entertaining and educational opening blessing
featuring indigenous music.
11:00–11:45am—Ladies First Jazz Band
http://www.ladiesfirstjazz.com/
The Ladies First Jazz Band and Ladies First Combo is an all-female jazz
group created by award-winning bassist Jennifer May. The have been
nominated for ArtVoice’s Best of Buffalo Awards numerous times and,
in 2010, were voted “Buffalo’s Best Small Jazz Group” by the Buffalo
Music Awards (sponsored by Nightlife Magazine). They have been
featured at Jamestown Community College, the Riviera Theater, the
M&T Noontime Concert Series, the Tralf Music Hall, and the Chautauqua Institute Amphitheater among
many, many other venues.
12:00–12:45pm—BloodThirsty Vegans
http://www.bloodthirstyvegans.com/
BloodThirsty Vegans is a musical family that makes music (sweet, sweet
music) about peace, love and understanding to unite the human family,
foster respect for the interconnected web of life, and remind the tribes
how liberating it was to dance the dances of freedom. Their style of
music can only be categorized as “FUN!” Built upon a foundation of hiphop, it is geared toward getting people up and moving, it is lyrically
charged with a deep consciousness, but beyond that . . . well, it kind of defies description.
1:00–1:45pm—George Caldwell Jazz Trio
http://www.georgecaldwelljazz.com/
An alumnus of both the Count Basie and Duke Ellington orchestras, Caldwell has
made a name for himself throughout the jazz circuit as a hip, swinging piano man.
Caldwell’s originals and interpretations of standards in a mix of bop, post-bop, and
cool jazz styles have brought crowds to their feet all over the country—and earned
him a Grammy (“Best Large Jazz Ensemble Performance”) for his piano
performance with the Count Basie Orchestra on their CD “Live At Manchester
Craftsmen’s Guild.” Writes Buffalo News music critic Jeff Miers, “Caldwell is a fully
tenured jazz piano legend. He’s one of the pre-eminent swing jazz players in
modern jazz.”
2:00–2:45pm—David Michael Miller with Members of the Campbell
Brothers
http://www.davemillermusic.com/
Dive House Union front-man David Michael Miller’s music is anchored
deeply in a roots gospel, blues, and soul foundation. For this
performance, he teams up with Carlton Campbell, Darick Campbell,
and Daric Bennett of the revered Sacred Steel and jam-band The
Campbell Brothers, acts that have brought the African-American gospel
music with electric steel guitar and vocals to venues like the Hollywood
Bowl and the Kennedy Center. Buffalo New music critic Jeff Miers describes the result of this pairing as
“eminently grooving songs, delivered with consistent passion,” and adds, “This is incredibly spirited
stuff.”
3:00–3:45pm—The Sutras
http://www.facebook.com/TheSutras
Sutra, in Sanskrit, means a rope or thread that holds things together,
either in the literal or figurative sense. Sutra, in the language of Ithaca, NY,
means a dude with a really nice tie who plays extra-groovy and edgy rock
music. Clever, spunky, and mischievous, The Sutras deliver a brew that is
taste-tested to perfection, with a spacey, distant vibe. With psychedelic
arrangements and harmonic complexity, The Sutras use vintage guitars,
Moogs, tube amps, and phasers to take you somewhere hauntingly
familiar without being a simple rehash of various classic rock eras.
Louisiana Dance Party
It is no exaggeration to say that Louisiana is one of America’s richest sources of traditional music. From
New Orleans jazz and R&B to the Cajun and Creole sounds of Acadiana, the state has influenced popular
music far beyond its borders. And as we all know, folks in Louisiana can throw a great party! This year,
we’re bringing some home-grown Louisiana-style party music to the Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts,
presenting a showcase of three bands that are steeped in the traditions of the bayou. The fun starts at
4:00pm with LeeRon Zydeco, followed at 5:00pm with the lovely ladies of C’est Bon Cajun Dance Band.
We’ll then finish the day with our popular “After Hours” street party, featuring music by Black Rock Zydeco
and food from Lloyd’s Taco (plus plenty of local brews at the beer tent). Bring the whole family—and your
dancing shoes!
4:00–4:45pm—LeeRon Zydeco and the Hot Tamales
http://www.leeron.com
Led by the freight-train grooves of accordion master, LeeRon Zydeco,
the Hot Tamales play a combination of traditional roots styles and wellknown classic rock/blues songs done in their unique “bayou boogie”
style. From hard-hitting zydeco grooves to lilting calypso, waltzes, and
Tex-Mex, their upbeat, spicy blend of styles produces fun, high-energy
entertainment that never fails to get crowds dancing!
5:00–5:45pm—C’est Bon Cajun Dance Band
https://www.facebook.com/cestboncajunband
What do you get when the women of NY’s top Cajun bands combine
their musical talents? Full-throttle Cajun dancehall music! C’est Bon
consists of the three original Cri Du Bayou members, Barbara Sanders
on accordion, and Susi Mills and Jane DeLisa on twin fiddles, Betsy
Fuller (All Night Ramblers) on guitar, and Evelyn Schneider (Jesse Lege
& Bayou Brew) on bass. When these harmonious sisters get going, it’s
hard to tell who’s having more fun, the band or the audience—but one thing is for sure: the house will be
rocking’ and a good time is guaranteed for all.
AFTER PARTY
5:00–5:45pm—C’est Bon Cajun Dance Band
We know you won’t get enough of them in just one set, so C’est Bon Cajun Dance Band will return to the
stage for a short set, kicking off the street party.
7:00–8:30pm—Black Rock Zydeco
www.blackrockzydeco.com
Black Rock Zydeco has become a festival crowd favorite for their
raucous mix of original songs and Cajun/Creole favorites from classic
and contemporary performers. Vocal harmonies, inventive
arrangements, and an energetic stage presence all come together for
a musical experience that gets crowds moving. This is foot-stompin’,
booty-shakin’ party music—built on the spirit of community and
celebration!
Sunday, August 24
10:00–10:30am – The Festival Ballet Emsemble
http://www.festivalschoolofballet.com/
Directed and Choreographed by Clare Fetto, The Festival Ballet Ensemble
presents Gypsy Dances. Ms. Fetto’s school, The Festival School of Ballet
offers year-round ballet classes.
10:30–11:15 am - JamaJama Community Drum and Dance
https://www.facebook.com/groups/445925148827358/
Enjoy the exciting and exuberating sights and sounds of the dancing and
drumming of West Africa!
11:15am-12noon – Configuration Dance Theatre
http://www.configurationdancetheatre.org
CDT is a unique, contemporary ballet company whose dynamic programs are as
diverse as the ensemble’s make-up, or its “configuration.” CDT is known for its
highly successful apprentice program, which allows younger artists an
opportunity to work with established dancers and choreographers.
12:00–12:30 pm - Nimbus Dance
Nimbus Dance conducts a week-long workshop for children ages 8-14 years old
with a goal of collaboratively building a performance that is shown at the
Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts.
12:45-1:15 pm - BCIJPG
http://buffaloci.weebly.com/
Buffalo Contact Improvisation Jam Performance Group is without a single
choreographer because they are all making decisions within the dance in the
present moment. These emerging decisions create choreography which
develops in relationship to exploring the physics of the body, history of dance
practice as well as each individual dancer’s creative interest.
1:15–2:00 pm - PUSH Physical Theatre
http://www.pushtheatre.org/
PUSH Physical Theatre has been called “a cross between fine art sculpture
and the hit movie, The Matrix,” but its co-founders currently (and with
tongue firmly in cheek) characterize it as: “like regular theatre…but more
painful.”
2:00–2:30 pm – Pick of the Crop
http://www.poc.org/
Buffalo homecoming for former Pick of the Crop dancer Katie Dorn and UB
dance alumnus Matt Pardo. They return after touring the world performing
in EINSTEIN ON THE BEACH, the renowned work by Philip Glass. They will be
joined by Buffalo dancers Aaron Piepszny and Ashley Vita Verde.
2:30–3:00 pm - Devi Bollywood Dance
http://www.devibollywooddance.com/
Devi Bollywood Dance is Buffalo’s first Bollywood performing dance troupe
who will enchant the audience with dance styles from northern Indian to
southern Indian. These dancers preserve the beauty of Indian dance from the
mudras (hand gestures) to their awe aspiring facial expressions.
3:00 pm – 3:15 pm – Bow to the Piano
Composition by George Caldwell on the piano, accompanied by dancer Flora
Cardoni. Choreographed by Angela Hastings.
3:15 pm—4:00 pm - LehrerDance
http://www.lehrerdance.org/
LehrerDance is Buffalo’s very own internationally touring professional dance
company. Since beginning in 2007, the company has kept audiences on the
edge of their seats with its trademark athletic artistry and proudly carries the
Buffalo name everywhere they go.
Dance Tent
Saturday, August 23
10:00–10:45am—Ahavaraba
http://www.facebook.com/ahavarababflo
Ahavaraba is Buffalo’s most ravishing new klezmer band. Klezmer music
draws on centuries-old Jewish traditions but also incorporates various styles
of music from European and international traditions, including gypsy music,
Eastern European folk music, French Cafe music, and early jazz. Above all,
it’s dance music designed for celebrations!
11:00–11:45am—Birdie Cree
http://www.facebook.com/birdiecreeband
The essence of Americana, Birdie Cree plays a mix of spirited covers and
soulful original songs that explore all of life’s triumphs and tragedies.
Fiddle, bass, and guitar join with vocal harmonies for a memorable
performance that will be appreciated by dancers and sit-down music
listeners alike.
12:00–12:45pm—Bar-Room Buzzards
http://barroombuzzards.com/
The Bar-Room Buzzards, originally formed in 1966, have performed their
Dixieland-style music at Jazz Festivals in New Orleans; San Diego; Savannah,
Georgia; Indianapolis; and Columbus, Ohio, as well as at numerous concerts
and events throughout New York State. In 2002, they were inducted into the
Buffalo Music Hall of Fame. For 26 years the band enjoyed an association with
the nationally televised Mark Russell Comedy Specials aired on Channel 17 in
Buffalo, New York, including many on-camera appearances.
1:00–1:45pm—Randle and the Late Night Scandals
http://ratlns.com/
Randle and the Late Night Scandals were named Grand Champions in the
2013 ArtVoice BOOM Battle of Original Music and finalists national 2013
Hard Rock Rising Battle of the Bands sponsored by Hard Rock Café. Hitting
audiences with an aggressive, genre-defying sound that fuses traditional
blues and modern rock stylings, the band delivers an inspiring performance
that never fails to move audiences to their feet and across the dance floor.
2:00–2:45pm—Twang Gang
http://www.facebook.com/twanggangbuffalo
Twang Gang is a group of Buffalo Music Hall of Fame members who pack
the The Sportsmen’s Tavern every week for their Tuesday night jam. The
core group of veteran musicians (Doug Yeomans, Dwane Hall, Randy
Bolam, Jim Whitford, and Jim Sweet) offers flawlessly executed old school
country, Americana, blues, and bluegrass that is totally irresistible—and
truly addictive!
3:00–3:45pm—Alassan Sarr & N’Dias
http://www.facebook.com/AlassaneSarrAndNDiasTheMix
This high-energy ensemble of musicians and dancers rooted in the
African tradition covers a broad range of musical styles, from traditional
to jazz and funk. They are led by the professionally trained West African
drummer and dancer Alassane Sarr, who hails from a griot family in
Dakar.
4:00–4:45pm—Sol y Sombra
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sol-Y-Sombra-formerly-Latin-JazzProject/134772306600739
Led by acclaimed pianist Kevin Doyle, Sol y Sombra expresses a wide
range of Puerto Rican/ Afro-Cuban musical forms including Mambo,
Salsa, progressive and traditional, representing the musical heritage of
multiple ethnicities embodied in the complexity of American life.
5:00–4:45pm—Grace Stumberg Band
http://gracestumberg.com/
Grace Stumberg is a creator of friendly original music that grabs the
ears of any listener. Singing Buffalo’s “Good Feet” jingle and opening
for bands such as Rusted Root, Hawksley Workman, and Haiku, she
has earned her keep in the music industry. Inspired by raw, simple
songwriting that really rocks out, Grace’s music is a genre that can be
explained as pop/rock/funky and sometimes folk. Recently, Grace has
learned the ways of the “touring world” by serving as folk legend Joan Baez’s guitar tech and personal
assistant.
Sunday, August 24
10:00–10:45am—Sacred Sounds (yoga with live drumming)
http://www.eastmeetswestyoga.com/
Sacred Sounds is a flowing yoga class accompanied by live drums and is
accessible to beginners and advanced practitioners alike. Start your
Sunday out by letting the pulse of the drums guide you through a series
of poses and movements opening your body, heart, and mind.
11:00–10:45am—The Combo
http://www.leeron.com
Buffalo Music Hall of Fame inductee Ron Davis teams up with vocalist
Sue Kincaid, bassist Doug Morganeto, and drummer Ray Hangen to
create The Combo. Together, they play funky organ soul, jazz, and
blues—from classic Jimmy Smith, Groove Holmes, and Ray Charles to
contemporary groove originals.
12:00–12:45pm—Hot Club of Buffalo
http://www.facebook.com/hotclubbuffalo
Hot Club of Buffalo features Josh Assad & Kevin O’Brien (from Babik),
Dean Gionis (from Djambossa), and red hot violinist E.J. Koeppel. This
music mixes big band swing with exotic gypsy music and engages
listeners and dancers alike!
1:00–1:45pm—The Mustn’ts
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Mustnts/161784707266646
In 2011, the Mustn’ts sprouted and fell from the branches of past and
present Buffalo bands Photos of Wagons and Ramforinkus. They
changed their name to The Bad Growlers and back again. Equal parts
Neil Young, Led Zeppelin, Tom Waits, Paul Simon, The Beatles, and Ryan
Adams, the Mustsn’t take their name from the immortal words of Shel
Silverstein, “Listen to the mustn’ts, child.”
2:00–2:45pm—Mohammed Diaby & Manding Foli Kan Don
http://www.facebook.com/MandingFoliKanDon
Manding Foli Kan Don is a Buffalo-based West African drum and dance
troop specializing in the drum and dance styles from Guinea. Led by
master drummer, Mohamed Diaby, Manding Foli Kan Don consists of
drummers and dancers from both the Buffalo and Toronto areas. Photo
courtesy of Emily Lenore.
3:00–3:45pm—Latin Jazz Project
https://www.facebook.com/latinjazzproject
Bandleader Manny Perez joins forces with Freddie Malave, Carlos Day,
Juan Betancourt, Guiche Pirela, and Juan Colon for create some oldschool Latin jazz, salsa, merengue, and bachata. It’s perfect music for
steamy dancing on a hot summer day!
4:00–4:45pm—The Fredtown Stompers
http://www.facebook.com/TheFredtownStompers
The Fredtown Stompers, which began as an ensemble of students (plus
one faculty member) from SUNY Fredonia, play the heck out some
Dixieland Jazz. This fun, sincere and spirited New Orleans style
ensemble plays the right stuff for all the right reasons. The style spreads
infectious enthusiasm that gets your feet tapping and sends the whole
crowd dancing.
7-11 Stage
Saturday, August 23
10-10:45am
Les Amis Fencing
http://www.lesamisfencing.com
Les Amis Fencing Club (lay-zah-mee) is the oldest fencing club in Buffalo, NY,
established in 1982, offering instruction in modern Olympic sport fencing
for people interested in recreational or competitive fencing. This member-run, non-profit organization,
located just outside downtown Buffalo, offers open fencing 3 nights a week for experienced fencers, with
fencers specializing in all 3 weapons. A staple of the Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts, Les Amis
Fencing Club will be performing an exhibition of all styles of fencing.
11-11:45pm
Piano Showcase featuring Dave Adams and Joe Bellanti
Dave Adams: A living piece of rock and roll history, Dave Adams has been writing songs
and playing live music for well over 60 years. You never know what kind of stories he's
going to tell about his history from the beginnings of rock-n-roll of the 50s and 60s. At
74 years old, Dave’s still got it, and calls up the piano-bar feeling every Wednesday at
Rohall’s Corner on Amherst Street.
12-12:45pm
Zak Ward
http://www.zakward.com
Zak Ward has been playing music in and around Buffalo for nearly 20 years. A
professional musician originally from Niagara Falls, NY, he spent the last few
years recording and touring with Son of the Sun.
1-1:45pm
Tough Old Bird
http://www.facebook.com/tougholdbirdmusic
Formed in the small community of Fillmore, New York by songwriting brothers
Matt and Nathan Corrigan, Tough Old Bird plays a potent blend of authentic
folk and blues that reflects the rural landscape it comes from, a place where
the last train just pulled out and the carnival is always on its way to the next
town.
2- 2:45pm
Canal Street String Band
http://www.canalstreetstringband.com
With three voices, fifty-five strings and a pair of cow bones, The Canal
Street String Band puts a brand-new shine on some seriously fun old
American music. Fiddle tunes…sea shanties…cowboy songs…canal
ditties…mountain music…western swing…and original too, with banjo,
fiddle, twin mandolins, string bass, dobro, bones, guitar octave mandolin, and three-part harmonies.
3- 3:45pm
Honey Spine
http://www.honeyspine.com
Honey Spine is a progressive folk trio from western New York consisting of Brian
Chieco on banjo, banjolele and vocals, Tim Martin on guitar and vocals, and Ingo
Hutzenlaub on bass guitar. Their rowdy passion roars through their openhearted
songs, which burst with technical prowess and tight melodic vocal harmonies.
Their music mirrors man’s dualistic nature, balancing their raucous upbeat
energy with a dark and heavy lyricism. When it comes down to it, the experience
of traveling, meeting new people and expressing their passion to eager ears is
the pinnacle of their experience here.
4-4:45pm
Pete Seeger Banjo Showcase featuring Chris Gainey and Tyler Westcott, John Martz, Richie Stearns
5-5:45pm
Richie Stearns and Rosie Newton
Sunday, August 24th
10-10:45am
Poetry Showcase hosted by Gary Andrews
The Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts is proud to present our first-ever poetry showcase. Featuring
readings by 6 accomplished poets from the Buffalo area, the poetry showcase shines a spotlight on yet
another form of the arts that thrives in Buffalo. Poets/readers include Gary Andrews-Steiglitz,Benjamin
Brandise,Solomon Dixon,Eddie Gomez, Marek P Parker, and Josh Smith.
11-11:45am
The Lake Effect
http://www.thelakeeffect.com
THE LAKE EFFECT is Buffalo's own a cappella group. The five guys in the
band are dedicated to presenting Classic rock, R & B, Jazz, Pop,
Contemporary and Original songs, all with their VOICES. You may think
you hear bass, drums, guitars and occasional harmonica solos, but they simply use the only instrument
NOT made by mankind. The boys have performed across New York State and have brought their sound to
people and pets of all ages! They don't do this full time, so they have other "real" jobs, but their passion
lies with making music with nothing but a microphone and an occasional ruler as needed.
Joe Bellanti: This Buffalo based piano player plays Boogie Woogie and
Rhythm and Blues in a style he hopes is reminiscent of another Buffalo
based piano player - the late, great Stan Szelest. Recently selected as a
winner of the 2012 “I wanna be in moe.” contest, Joe has played several
shows with Big Leg Emma and can be found playing at Rohall’s Corner in
Black Rock on a regular basis.
12-12:45pm
The Observers
http://www.theobserverssee.com
Born out of the Allentown neighborhood in Buffalo, NY, Josh, Allen
and Ben blended their original Folk, Indie and Americana
compositions to form The Observers. With the addition of Matt,
Jeannine and Tyler they have established their unique sound. The
Observers take you on a journey of human experience. Their shows
allow you to travel through a myriad of emotions from tear in your beer ballads, to remain in your brain
melodies, and even strip to your panties hootenannies.
1-2:45pm
Music Teacher Showcase
Celebrating music educators in public schools from across Western New York. Featuring Grammy Award
Winning Music Educator Kent Knappenberger and his group (Westfield Academy and Central Schools),
Chris Hart (Newfane), Phil Farugia (West Seneca East High School), Lou Schafer (Frontier Middle School)
and Matt Schroeder (Cleveland Hill Schools).
3-3:45pm
Outofar Trio
The Outofar Trio (pronounced “out-of-our-tree –oh”) Jug Juke and Washboard band has become a
perennial favorite on the Buffalo summer music scene. Utilizing homemade instruments including a
washboard and the only known electrified washtub bass, their approach to having fun with music has a
little something for everyone, (young and old), including jazz, blues, folk, and rock – all infused with
humor and their own zany brand of performance.
4-4:45pm
Buffalo Hot Jass Revival
The Buffalo Hot Jass Revival was founded by Tyler Westcott as an aesthetic focal
point for the free collaboration of local musicians, especially those interested in
music of the 1920s. Since January 2014, it has coalesced into a versatile core
group that includes Tyler Westcott on guitar, kazoo, trumpet, and vocals; Ron
Kowalewski on accordion; Sharon Mok on vocals and ukulele; Chris Gainey on
banjo and banjolele; and the multi-percussion stylings of Dan Schwach. This
group of performers, often augmented by other local artists, is a lively reflection
of the active creative culture that makes Buffalo such a great place to be a
musician.