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Week 5 Articles: |
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| Music - |
| Inspiration - |
| Events - |
| Take A Drive - |
| Sports Spat - |
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| Thomas Stender: We've Got Wood! |
| 12/17 by laura |
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I believe Thomas Stender to be one of those people that do not need other people, but need the element of creation to survive. He designs provocative and humorous furniture that also functions on a level of comfort and personal aesthetic. Each piece is formed out of the way the wood itself is dimensioned.
Stender relies heavily on the mood of his material - and by mood, we mean that each piece is predestined. The forms that it takes on are inspired by other material forms in the environment, be it living or existential. He takes cues from animals, clothing and other artists, all things that are readily available in and around his home in the Artspace lofts.
One such chair that lies formidably in his living space takes on a similar movement as a fresh cut piece of ribbon, a table the rippling of a sound wave. Yet another functional piece appears to have the legs of a cripple, but the stance of a giraffe. This may all seem very vague or obscure, but I am sure that is much the case that Stender is attempting to present; he himself is a character! The pieces are in no way lacking quality or near perfect craftsmanship, his work has received numerous awards and the designs showcased in National Museums. Stender is currently on faculty at Buffalo State College, and can be found in the wood and metal working wing of Upton Hall.
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| The Sleeping Kings of Iona Shake, Rattle and Clatter! |
| 12/18 by laura |
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"We like the sound of things clattering. We like what bumps and what beep beeps. We've released music independently, under the watch and care of friends." - The Sleeping Kings Of Iona
Harvest Sum Records had to have some idea that they were taking on musical pioneers when they signed The Sleeping Kings of Iona. The sound that they produce is pure, yet generated, fake and somehow easily natural. Perhaps the place that they thrive is somewhere between 80's pop and the ethereal sounds of accidental life sound effects. Their atmospheric quality is graceful enough to replace children's lullabies, but the few lyrics that they place into the instrumentals are disarming, proverb like.
The band is comprised of J. Scott McIntosh, Ray Fulton, Molly Grace, and Christopher Groves. These members swoosh and sway, plunk on guitars and acoustic drum kits. They utilize trumpets, synths, electronics and melodica, found sounds and random percussion. The have a voice that is unique too the Buffalo scene, a voice that feels like it belongs at home mid-west.
The Sleeping Kings of Iona are headlining Soundlab's Free Christmas Celebration this Friday with Kidstreet, The Lochs and Nick Gordon.
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| Market Your Art |
| 12/19 by matt |
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As an artist I can only speak from experience, getting noticed and recognized is quite the daunting task. Taking on the life of an artist or freelancer is never easy and here are a few tips on how to get noticed.
Shake hands and kiss babies - It's not just for politicians anymore. Being a people person is not my forte, but I have come to realize that you just never know whom you are going to meet. Networking and making contacts everywhere you go is very important. Don't be shy, you are selling a quality product, so kissing a little ass never hurt anyone. Remember, not everyone is sincere, but that's one more person that knows your name, right? Get out there and sell some vacuums!
Get on the Interweb - These days the world wide web isn't just for funny videos and sexually explicit material. Artists' communities are being formed right in your own backyard. All it takes a little research. Sites like and are great communities dedicated to emerging artists, musicians and writers. If that's too intimidating, then try some as simple and effective as or even . All of these are free to sign up and a great place to showcase your work, get some feedback and make friends.
Be A Winner - Quite often art and design magazines such as Communication Arts or HOW have annual competitions. Many of us know this, but always seem to forget, or are too lazy to send in the form with our slides, maybe simply unable to afford the entry fee. If that's the case, then perhaps find a magazine that offers something similar for less. Sci-Fi book, Spectrum, or the illustration great, Society of Illustrators, are some other alternatives. If you're like, totally digital, then try some online competitions for snowboard companies, design webzines or t-shirt makers. Get on the web; it's not too difficult to find them. Be sure to enter early and often.
I want something I can touch!Some art directors and gallery owners don't have time to cruise the web on their lunch break to check out your super-duper, colossal website. This when you need to beckon the creative gods, or goddesses, for some immaculate ideas. By creating a unique self-promotion piece, we give the art director a reason to stop and take a look at something that isn't on the monitor. Whether it's a postcard or a brick you're your name on it, having a unique presentation is essential for stopping someone in his or her tracks.
Who you gonna call? Not the Ghostbusters, that's for sure, so try for someone that's not fictional. First, think about the work that you want to do, and who do you want to work for? Want to design concert posters for your favorite band? Then send your promo piece to the record label and also their bands. Want to have work in ESPN magazine? Then send your promo piece to the both the art director, and their assistant. Want to be in that cool new gallery, then go down there and hand them your slides in person. They'll remember your face, and you'll know that they actually got your work.
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| Christmas Joy at Mohawk Place |
| 12/20 by laura |
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This Saturday, Mohawk Place is hosting a Holiday Party equipped with creeps, peeps and sweeps. Mr. Perrone was kind enough to think of all the jobless souls here in Buffalo this Holiday season, and deemed the event free of charge.
Buffalo-famous Handsome Jack and Wolf Tickets will be there, rocking out, as will Ice Cream Social and Chlyde. The all-local lineup also includes Roger Bryan (from the Old Sweethearts), Shaking Hands, The Found, London vs. New York, The Missing Planes, The Hammond Shutdown, and Beamer. The groups all fall into the indie, garage, dance-punk genre and according to the Myspace hype, all are super-pumped to be playing!
This event comes as a good time, not because of the festivus mood, but because it has recently come to the public's attention that Mohawk Place is up for sale. Apparently Pete Perrone is looking forward to retirement. How about that? Someone in Buffalo actually gets to retire peacefully. This does not mean that Mohawk is necessarily closing its doors for good, it just means that under new ownership, there is always the possibility that the scene could change a bit.
I can't speak for us all, but I weep for the day that bands like the Shack Shakers have no Buffalo venue to play in. We are also on our knees praying that whoever makes the purchase will also keep the Mohawk staple - $2 cans of PBR. Another reason to tune in on Fridays when we take a drive and let you know what's happening in other towns within a short drive.
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| Niagara Falls Is Not So Bad |
| 12/21 by laura |
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If you have lived in Western New York for more than a few years than you know the customary reaction when the words Niagara Falls come to air - roll your eyes and shake your head. We all have our own opinions as to what should and could be happening with one of the world wonders. And furthermore, we are aware of the hazards of traveling through parts of the city, in all its crack-laden glory.
However, there are still some well preserved fixtures in town where you can grab a quick bite, get yourself some culture and even a cocktail.
The Castellani Art Museum lies within the walls of Niagara University's campus and has an exhibit line-up that rotates more often than most Buffalo galleries. Rob Lynch, our featured artist, Andy Warhol, Milton Rogovin and Roberto Matta have all had pieces from their collection hanging on the Castellani walls. Currently, the exhibit focuses on Western New York's farm industry and the struggles that the farmers face with an ever-changing society and the influx of specialty chain markets. Farmers cannot survive unless people buy what they produce. Advertising labels, new and historic signage and photography documenting operating farmers market will be hung in such a way that encourages the audience to interact with the presentation.
You can visit from 11-5 PM on Saturdays!
Where? The Museum is a large gray marble building in the center of the campus.
5795 Lewiston Road
How much? The museum is always free! Yeah!
DiCamillo's is the perfect stop to satisfy your sweet tooth. And better yet, you aren't selling out to the Starbuck's monopoly. They have melt in your mouth cookies, biscotti and pizelle. The coffee is their own brew - sweet, full bodied and developed in small portions by a master roaster.
You can visit from 7-7 PM Saturday!
Where? 1700 Pine Avenue
284-8131
How much? It's the holidays, get fat!
For those that know how to read, we suggest the next stop to be The Book Corner, an independent bookstore that has been a Niagara Falls resident since 1927. The building houses a huge selection of reads, from area books to out of print and rare finds.
The store looks more like a record shop than some library. The upstairs loft is a City-worthy space with hardwood floors, a selection of plush couches, hip paintings and sculpture, and floor to ceiling windows.
You can visit from 9-5:30 on Saturdays!
Where? 1801 Main
285-2928
How much? Free, or the price of a few good books!
The Press Box is saod to be the place to go for a great steak dinner in the Falls. They are internationally acclaimed for their uber-cheap 16-oz Porterhouse and the unique wait time. Some say that half the entertainment of eating there is the typical hour wait for a table, in which time something rather amusing is bound to take place. The other half of the entertainment - placing your dinner order directly with the kitchen and yet still tipping the waitress standard fare.
You can visit any dinnertime!
Where? 324 Niagara Street
How much? Dinners are under $20
After a long day, Café Etc. is the perfect place to relax and unwind. The bar serves international beer and a variety of premium liquors.
On Friday and Saturday nights, a live jazz band plays while guests sip on the best cocktails in Niagara Falls.
You can visit until 2 AM
Where? 462 Third Street
How much? A high end cocktail could cost upwards of $15, but beer is standard.
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| Sunday Sports Spat |
| 12/23 by wax cupp |
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We are thirty-three games into the season and the Sabres have begun to reinvent their identity as a small, fast, hard working team.
At the beginning of the month, the blue and gold found themselves tied for last place in the NHL. After Friday night's emotional win over the Flyers, the Sabres have stormed back into the playoff picture, and now sit four games above .500 in seventh place. What, or better who, has been responsible for this resurgence you ask? From where I sit, I point the finger at four players.
Ryan Miller is playing at the top of his game as coach Lindy Ruff continues to give Miller the lion's share of the load. Miller has looked elite over the past ten games carrying; his team to victory.
Derek Roy has steadily grown into the position as the team's number one center. Roy leads the team in goals, points, and plus/minus. In fact, Roy is the NHL leader of plus/minus rating in the month of December. In order for the Sabres to be successful, Roy has to continue this pace and start winning the big face-offs late in games.
Jaroslav Spacek was practically run out of town by fans at the end of last year. This year, he is making his 3.5 million look like a bargain. Spacek has added a physical element to his game at the request, err, demand of coach Ruff and he has delivered. Spacek is playing like a top ten defender in the league right now and it is having a huge impact on his team.
Very quietly, Jochen Hecht is has become the MVP of this young team. He is scoring the big game winning goals and becoming worthy of the title "Mr. Clutch". Hecht has been superb on the penalty kill as well as in full strength.
The Sabers are currently making their way home to enjoy a much-needed Christmas break after the fierce game they won last night.
Regards,
Wax Cupp
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