More Information
"The Big Easy in Buffalo" Music Education & Concert Series Brings In Nine Events, April '07 to February '08
Proceeds to buy instruments for Buffalo, Niagara Falls public schools
"The Big Easy in Buffalo" - a series of nine events that will bring New Orleans and Louisiana bands to the area for music education programs and concerts taking place from April 2007 to February 2008 - was announced today by the Niagara Erie Regional Coalition, Buffalo Niagara Convention & Visitors Bureau Foundation, and Music Is Art. Ticket sales from the concerts will be used to purchase music instruments for donation to the Buffalo and Niagara Falls public school systems. The full schedule is available at www.bigeasybuffalo.com
Artists such as Ellis Marsalis, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Jon Cleary, and Terrance Simien will go to schools throughout Erie and Niagara Counties to take place in music education programs. The artists will then perform ticketed concerts in the evening that are open to the public. At the conclusion of the series, ticket revenue will be used for the instrument donation program.
"There are four distinct benefits to this series; music education, instrument donation, the opportunity for our region to experience the culture of New Orleans that they've heard so much about in the past year and half, and the employment of artists who are still facing the after-effects of Hurricane Katrina on their lives and careers," explained Regional Coalition Tourism & Culture Chair and CVB Director of Tourism David Lacki.
"I got a chance to tour some of the hardest hit areas during our performance at the re-opening of the Superdome earlier this year," added Music Is Art founder Robby Takac. "There is still so much reconstruction to be done, and part of that includes paying attention to the survival of the distinct culture and attitude that New Orleans has brought to music and the arts. Music is Art is proud to be a part of the Big Easy program, helping remind the people of Western New York of this fine culture, and the challenges these fantastic musicians face at home for years to come."
The series was made possible by a grant from the New York State Music Fund, as well as the sponsorship of WBFO. Additional sponsors are still being sought to ensure as much revenue as possible goes to instrument donation. To become a sponsor, please call 716-856-6525 x121.
"People attending the concerts in this series are going to get a unique chance to see a mix of music legends like Ellis Marsalis and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, along with bands that once they hear them will become new favorites," Regional Coalition Executive Director Tod A. Kniazuk concluded. "The best part is that for $15 to $25 a show they're not only going to get a great concert, they'll be helping local music education and the musicians of New Orleans."
David Lacki, Robby Takac, Tod A. Kniazuk
| The Series | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 17 | Ellis Marsalis Trio, Joe Krown | UB Center for the Arts | |||
| May 10 | The Pine Leaf Boys | The Tralf Music Hall | |||
| June 14 | the subdudes | The Tralf Music Hall | |||
| September 13 | Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen | The Tralf Music Hall | |||
| November 16 | Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience | The Tralf Music Hall | |||
| December 6 | Preservation Hall Jazz Band A Creole Christmas | UB Center for the Arts | |||
| January 11, 2008 | Eric Lindell | The Tralf Music Hall | |||
| February 1, 2008 | Mardi Gras Jam featuring the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Papa Grows Funk, Big Chief Bo Dollis & The Wild Magnolias Mardi Gras Indians, Joe Krown Organ Combo, Buffalo's own Great Train Robbery, and more! | The Town Ballroom | |||
- Click here to download "The Big Easy In Buffalo Music Education & Concert Series Announces New Additions To Program" as a .pdf
- Click here to read "The Big Easy in Buffalo" Music Education & Concert Series Brings In Nine Events, April '07 to February '08"
- Click here to download "The Big Easy in Buffalo" Music Education & Concert Series Brings In Nine Events, April '07 to February '08" as a .pdf