Feed the Fish
2024-09-06 09:30 - 2024-09-07 10:00 (America/New_York) | Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Avenue, Buffalo, NY, 14218-1526, United States
Feed the Fish
Get up close and personal with our family of koi fish with this unique Gardens Exclusive! Enjoy early access to the Botanical Gardens before we open to the public with a special learning experience that’s fun for all ages. Each participant receives a cup of koi fish food and time to help feed our fishy friends!

9:30 am – 10:00 am
Cost: $22/ticket | $16/child 3-12

Adults & Students ages 13 and up – $22.00 Admission is included!
Kids ages 3-12 – $16.00 Admission is included!
Kids 2 and under free but must have a ticket
Member discount does not apply for this special event
Regular admission for the day is included, so you can explore the conservatory after the feeding! This special encounter is limited to 15 people per experience. All tickets must be purchased ahead of time online. Every person must have a ticket!
Our family of koi fish and the Feed the Fish program are proudly cared for in partnership with Masterson’s Garden Center.

Thursday Night Live: George Kane Quartet
2024-11-14 17:30 - 19:30 | Buffalo AKG Art Museum, 1285 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY, 14222, United States
Thursday Night Live: George Kane Quartet

Thursday, November 14, 2024
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm EST

The guitarist George Kane. Photo courtesy of the artist.

FREE
Wilson Town Square, Knox Building
Join us for a live performance by the George Kane Quartet!
About the Artists
A collaboration of the area’s most highly talented jazz musicians, the George Kane Trio is comprised of Tim Clarke on trumpet, cornet, and flugelhorn, Wayne Moose on bass, Devin Kelley on drums, and George Kane on guitar.
Individually, each musician has made their mark as a well-established jazz artist. Collectively, they have created unique arrangements from the Great American Song Book, as well as Latin and more contemporary compositions.
Immersed in the region’s jazz culture, the group’s passion and dedication to the art are evident in every performance. Over the years, jazz enthusiasts and novices have enjoyed the group’s performances.

Holiday Card Linocut Workshop
2024-11-14 18:00 - 19:00 | Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Avenue, Buffalo, NY, 14218-1526, United States
Holiday Card Linocut Workshop

November 14, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Cost: $45/ticket | $40.50/member

Explore linocut printmaking! Use carving tools to create your own unique rubber print block and Holiday Card. Discover this century old process while drawing inspiration from our beautiful Poinsettia Exhibit. Participants will be guided through the entire process of sketching, carving, and printing. All supplies are included. Registration Closes on November 11.

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Meet your instructor, Liz!

Liz is a new face at the Botanical Gardens, joining our team in April of 2023 as our Educator and
Program Coordinator. Liz graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Art History with Museum Studies from
Niagara University. She is passionate about museum education and is excited to bring her creativity to the
gardens. Her special interests include Botanical Illustration, Impressionism, and the history of Land Art.
Prior to joining the Botanical Gardens’ team, Liz worked in the department of Art and Family Programs for
several years at Artpark in Lewiston, NY and has interned with multiple galleries including the Buffalo AKG
Art Museum. Liz is also an artist herself, her love for botany and nature shines through her personal
artwork. She is very much looking forward to getting the public inspired by the gardens and offering
creative workshops. In her spare time Liz enjoys drawing, painting, traveling, drinking coffee, visiting
museums, and taking care of her many houseplants!

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
2024-11-08 19:30 - 22:00 | Shea’s Smith Theatre, 654 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14202, United States
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a musical comedy that takes place at Sheas Performing Arts Center in Buffalo, New York, as part of its theater season. The show is a hilarious, heartwarming, and sometimes poignant look at the quirky world of a spelling bee competition.
Set in a high school gymnasium, the plot revolves around six eccentric, over-achieving middle school students competing for the coveted title of Spelling Bee Champion. Alongside these young contestants are three equally unique adults who are there to oversee the event. The story highlights the challenges, pressures, and personal stories of the participants, all while infusing humor, catchy songs, and touching moments.

Blues @ Sabres
2024-11-14 19:30 - 22:30 | KeyBank Center, 1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo, NY, 14203, United States
Buy your tickets online! St. Louis Blues @ Buffalo Sabres | 7:30pm, Thursday 11/14/2024

Cris Jacobs w/ The Way Down Wanderers
2024-11-14 20:00 | Buffalo Iron Works, 49 Illinois St, Buffalo, NY, 14203, United States
Cris Jacobs w/ The Way Down Wanderers
Cris Jacobs
From Baltimore comes Cris Jacobs — an unexpectedly gritty soul-blues singer and guitarist with outlaw country ethos. Blending a variety of musical traditions, Jacobs creates a distinctive voice and sound of his own punctuated by emotive songwriting and explosive guitar playing. Equally at home playing heartfeltAmericana ballads or funky blues rockers, Jacobs is known for his mesmerizing live shows, where his improvisational guitar playing, powerhouse band, and deep reservoir of songs make each night a unique experience.
Named one of Rolling Stone’s “10 New Country Artists You Need to Know” in 2017, Jacobs has collaborated with the Grateful Dead’s Phil Lesh and Dumpstaphunk’s Ivan Neville, and earned opening slots on tours with Sturgill Simpson and Steve Winwood.
With three solo albums to his name, a collaborative record with Ivan Neville aptly titled “Neville Jacobs”, songwriting credits that include bluegrass artists Audie Blaylock and Frank Solivan, New Orleans funksters Dumpstaphunk, and gospel legends Blind Boys of Alabama, Jacobs continues to evolve and display his wide range of writing and performing prowess. “No matter the song”, he says, “I just like to keep it soulful and let the music speak for itself”.

Will Downing
2024-11-14 20:00 | Kleinhans Music Hall, 3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY, 14201, United States
Will Downing
Kleinhans Music Hall & Soul of Buffalo Present:
Will Downing
with Special Guest, Buffalo NY’s own
WILL HOLTON
Thursday, November 14, 2024
Kleinhans Music Hall
Doors at 6:30PM / Show at 8PM
All Ages / Reserved Seating
Will Downing will appear with his full band (not the BPO)

Celebrating an insane 35 years in the “bizness” and with 27 records to his credit, Grammy-nominated R&B | Smooth Jazz singer Will Downing will not be stopped! Flexing on his international appeal, lead single “What Part of My Love” from his new record Soul Rising shot to the top of the UK Soul Chart Top 30 and parked there. With recordings for Island, Mercury, Verve, Motown, Sophisticated Soul, and Shanachie Records, Downing is an industry veteran whose silky baritone has been compared to Luther Vandross and Brian McKnight.
About Will Downing
Career highlights include the #1 R&B chart-topping album After Tonight (2007) and Classique (2009), which peaked at #22 on the Billboard 100. Downing’s collaborators include a Who’s Who of R&B | Soul | Jazz headliners: Jennifer Holliday, Kool & the Gang, Gerald Albright, Billy Ocean, Regina Belle, and Maysa, among others.
Will Downing was born and raised in a working-class family in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. His father was a skycap at a local airport and his mother was a schoolteacher. As a teen, Downing was a member of a school choir. At age 16, he sang publishing house demos for songwriters who couldn’t sing well, earning $50 each.
In 1988, he signed a recording contract with 4th & B’way Records and released his first solo album Will Downing. It included a cover version of the John Coltrane classic, “A Love Supreme,” which reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs record chart. Downing switched to Island Records for his second release, Come Together as One (1989).
Downing moved to Mercury Records for his fourth outing, Love’s the Place to Be (1993). All the Man You Need, released on Motown Records, received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Traditional R&B Album in 2000. It included “When You Need Me,” a duet with Chante Moore. In 2002, Downing received the International Association of African-American Music Diamond Award.
In 2023, Will suffered a soul-crushing loss, with the unexpected passing of his daughter Aron Siobhan Downing in January. As a father, he was devastated…heartbroken. As an artist, he sought solace and comfort through his craft, facing the hurt head-on, exploring multiple themes of love to begin healing. Persevering through the pain, Downing’s soul is rising…literally! The Prince of Sophisticated Soul is proud to share his 7- song masterclass of triumph over tragedy, Soul Rising! Although not a “concept” album, the pieces of Soul Rising fit together beautifully as a single statement in honor and celebration of his eternal love for Siobhan.

Textile Curiosities
2023-11-25 10:00 - 16:00 | Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Avenue, Buffalo, NY, 14218-1526, United States
Textile Curiosities
Step into a world where art and nature converge in a display of faux-taxidermy moth and butterfly sculptures. Aleah Ford, known as “Moth On The Wall,” invites you to experience the enchanting realm of these ephemeral creatures through her meticulously crafted works. In this exhibition, Aleah’s sculptures come to life using textiles, wire, faux fur, clay, and flocking. The sculptures are presented within shadow boxes, reminiscent of Victorian curiosity cabinets, inviting viewers to step back in time to an era of exploration and discovery. Each box offers a glimpse into the fascinating world of the Lepidoptera.

The Music of Queen
2024-11-15 19:30 | Kleinhans Music Hall, 3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY, 14201, United States
The Music of Queen
Bradley Thachuk, conductor
MiG Ayesa, vocals
Dan Clemens, bass, background vocals
Powell Randolph, drums, background vocals
George Cintron, guitar, background vocals
Justin Avery, keyboard, background vocals
Dive into the dynamic world of Queen with a concert that marries the band’s iconic rock anthems with the majestic sound of the BPO. Headlined by the incredible MiG Ayesa, whose energy and voice channel the essence of Freddie Mercury, this concert is a high-energy celebration of Queen’s enduring legacy. Backed by seasoned rock veterans and under the direction of Bradley Thachuk, classics like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You,” and “Somebody to Love” are reborn with orchestral grandeur, creating a live music experience that’s both nostalgic and exhilarating. With rock concert lighting and the full force of the orchestra, prepare for an unforgettable night that’s a fitting tribute to the kings of symphonic rock.

lespecial + Doom Flamingo
2024-11-15 20:00 | Buffalo Iron Works, 49 Illinois St, Buffalo, NY, 14203, United States
lespecial + Doom Flamingo
lespecial
lespecial is redefining the term “power trio”.The multi-instrumentalists from Connecticut continue to push the boundaries of what a three-piece band is capable of both live and in the studio ahead of their latest album, “Odd Times”.
The band’s signature blend of “heavy future groove” combines head banging metal riffage and surgical rhythmic precision with bone shaking 808s, sub synths and ethereal vocal stylings for a dance floor that welcomes moshing, dancing and hip swaying alike. Listeners are taken on a journey to the musical netherworld through esoteric soundscapes punctuated by raw, primal power.
Odd Times, lespecial’s darkest and heaviest record to date, is an enigmatic and compelling musical project that explores the ever-changing nature of time amidst isolation. With heavy riffs, tribal drumming, and hints of levity, it’s a captivating journey crafted in collaboration with Havok’s David Sanchez. An intriguing blend of old-school metal and modern djent-inspired riffage awaits in this haunting sonic experience.
Doom Flamingo
Doom Flamingo is a multi-headed synth rock sexy-tet with a Jekyll and Hyde element to the songwriting. Top Gun guitar riffs and Miami Beach poolside lounge-vibes, are all at once contrasted with eerie dark synth soundscapes reminiscent of old John Carpenter films.
Doom Flamingo came together organically through friendships and past collaborations in their hometown of Charleston, South Carolina and features dynamic vocals alongside a powerhouse of musicians and soaring instrumentation.

SEBASTIAN MANISCALCO ANNOUNCES MASSIVE 2024 ‘IT AIN'T RIGHT’ TOUR
2024-11-16 19:00 | KeyBank Center, 1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo, NY, 14203, United States
SEBASTIAN MANISCALCO ANNOUNCES MASSIVE 2024 ‘IT AIN’T RIGHT’ TOUR
General Onsale Begins Friday, December 1 at 10am Local on SebastianLive.com
Comedian, actor, and podcast host Sebastian Maniscalco has announced his 2024 ‘It Ain’t Right’ Tour. Sebastian Maniscalco will perform at KeyBank Center on Saturday, November 16, 2024. To celebrate the announcement of his biggest tour to date, Sebastian highlighted landmarks and iconic buildings with light projections across New York and his hometown Chicago at The Magnificent Mile, Madison Square Garden, Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge (Brooklyn side), as well as additional billboards in Boston, Austin, and Atlanta, among others.
“Hop on the ‘It Ain’t Right’ tour, where I’ll roast today’s absurdities – non existent manners, wallet-wincing prices, and the social media circus,” said Maniscalco. “Join me in laughing at the wrongs in this shameless world!”
Produced by Live Nation, the 47-city tour, his biggest tour to date, kicks off on July 11 at Norfolk Scope Arena in Norfolk, VA making stops across North America in Atlanta, New York, Chicago and more before wrapping up in Des Moines at Wells Fargo Arena on December 15.
TICKETS: Tickets will be available starting with artist presale beginning Wednesday, November 29. There will be a KeyBank Center presale on Thursday, November 30. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning Friday, December 1 at 10am local time on SebastianLive.com.

Fascinatin’ Rhythm: A Gershwin Celebration
2024-11-16 19:30 | Kleinhans Music Hall, 3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY, 14201, United States
Fascinatin’ Rhythm: A Gershwin Celebration
Byron Stripling, conductor, trumpet, vocals
Join the BPO and maestro Byron Stripling for a spectacular tribute to George Gershwin, marking 125 years of his musical genius. This concert showcases Gershwin’s unparalleled ability to blend classical music with jazz influences, creating timeless standards that continue to resonate. Stripling, a virtuoso trumpeter and charismatic performer, brings his unique flair to classics such as “I’ve Got Rhythm,” “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “Strike Up the Band,” and “Love Is Here to Stay.” This evening is a testament to Gershwin’s legacy as a composer who captured the essence of American music, making for a night of enchanting rhythms and melodies that celebrate the very heart of the American musical landscape.

Ryan Montbleau Band
2024-11-16 20:00 | Buffalo Iron Works, 49 Illinois St, Buffalo, NY, 14203, United States
Ryan Montbleau Band
A relentless road warrior and masterful wordsmith, Ryan Montbleau has spent the better part of thirty years cultivating a devoted audience on the strength of his ecstatic live shows and exhilarating sonic versatility. He’s collaborated with artists as diverse as Trombone Shorty, Galactic, Steel Pulse, Tall Heights, Martin Sexton, Anders Osborne, and George Porter, Jr; shared bills with the likes of Tedeschi Trucks Band, Ani DiFranco, Todd Snider, The Wood Brothers, Rodrigo y Gabriela, and Mavis Staples; and racked up more than 150 million streams on Spotify alone. NPR’s Mountain Stage compared his “eloquent, soulful songwriting” to Bill Withers and James Taylor, while Relix celebrated his “poetic Americana,” and The Boston Herald raved that “he’s made a career of confident, danceable positivity.”
Montbleau’s freewheeling new album finds him exploring the full spectrum of his influences like never before, touching on folk, rock, funk, soul, hip-hop, and reggae, all with a preternatural ease that belies the intensely focused craftsmanship behind it. The songs are sprawling and unpredictable, grappling with a modern world perpetually teetering on the edge of chaos, but the performances are relentlessly optimistic, insisting on hope and joy in the face of it all. The result is Montbleau’s most vulnerable and cathartic work yet, an album that acknowledges the inevitability of doubt and pain while at the same time celebrating our limitless capacity for growth and love.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
2024-11-16 20:00 | Shea’s Buffalo Theatre, 646 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14202, United States
“Final Fantasy VII Rebirth” at Shea’s Performing Arts Center is a captivating live concert experience that celebrates the beloved video game series. This event features a full orchestral performance of the game’s iconic score, accompanied by stunning visuals and cinematic footage. Fans of the franchise can expect an immersive journey through the music and themes that have defined “Final Fantasy VII.” With a blend of nostalgia and excitement, this performance brings the game’s rich narrative and memorable characters to life, making it a must-see for gamers and music lovers alike.

Chiefs @ Bills
2024-11-17 16:25 - 19:25 | Highmark Stadium, 1 Bills Dr, Orchard Park, 14127, United States
Buy your tickets online! Kansas City Chiefs @ Buffalo Bills | 4:25pm, Sunday 11/17/2024

Andrea Cicalese & Zsolt Bognár
2024-11-19 19:30 | Kleinhans Music Hall, 3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY, 14201, United States
Andrea Cicalese & Zsolt Bognár
Kleinhans Music Hall Presents
Andrea Cicalese, Violin
Zsolt Bognár, Pianist
Tuesday, November 19, 2024｜7:30 pm
Sponsored by Bud and Sandy Whistler
“CLEARLY A STAR IN THE MAKING” – Pianist Magazine, London.
Program
• Mozart: Sonata in G major, K.301 for violin & piano
• ⁠Mozart: Sonata in E minor, K.304 for violin & piano
INTERMISSION
• ⁠Franck: Sonata in A major for violin & piano
• ⁠Saint-Saens: Introduction & Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 28

About Andrea Cicalese​
A quickly rising presence in the musical world in Europe and in the United States, violinist Andrea Cicalese, was born in Naples, Italy, in 2005. Despite his young age, Andrea regurarly performs in some of the most renowned concert halls in Germany, Italy, France, Austria, the Czech Republic and the United States of America, such as the Berliner Philharmonie, Tonhalle Zürich, Kleinhans Music Hall of Buffalo or Gasteig and Herkulessaal in Munich, both as a soloist and recitalist.
About Zsolt Bognár
Pianist, host, and author Zsolt Bognár is known to many around the globe in musical and cultural circles. As pianist, he has performed in Europe, Asia, and United States, and recorded a highly-praised debut album of works of Schubert and Liszt. He has appeared at New York’s Lincoln Center and 92nd Street Y, and at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. With notable performances in Berlin, Vienna, Munich, Amsterdam, Tokyo, Chicago, and Los Angeles, he has appeared on many NPR programs including full-length recitals and interviews. As producer and host of the award-winning film series Living the Classical Life, featured in The New York Times, The New Yorker, and Pianist Magazine, he has shared the lives and stories of living musical legends in nearly 200 episodes filmed as of 2024. Born in Urbana, Illinois, Zsolt Bognár studied with Sergei Babayan and Paul Schenly at Cleveland Institute of Music.

Singles Age 50-69 Speed Dating Event for Singles Ages 50+ by Pre-Dating
2024-11-20 18:30 - 20:30 | Rizotto Italian Eatery & Sweetery, 930 Maple Road, Williamsville, NY, 14221, United States
Speed Dating Event in Williamsville, NY
Join us Wednesday for this Pre-Dating Speed Dating Event for local singles 50 plus! During our events you’ll go on a series of mini face to face 6 minute dates for a refreshing alternative to online dating. Instead of spending countless hours swiping through profiles and encountering people who may not be genuine or looking for a serious relationship, this offers a more authentic and personal approach. We’ll be at Rizotto Italian Eatery & Sweetery, consider arriving early to treat yourself to the delicious food and beverages they have to offer!

Singles Age 45-59 Rochester Speed Dating Event for Singles Age 45-59 by Pre-Dating
2024-11-20 18:30 - 20:30 | K2 Brothers Brewing @ Freewill, 4320 Canandaigua Road, Walworth, NY, 14569, United States
Speed Dating Event in Walworth, NY
Your Teacher said No talking in school… certainly no drinking in school! K2 Brothers Brewing in Walworth NY is breaking the rules & we love it! They bought the old school and turned it into a brewery… This is the kind of innovative repurposing that we love to see! It is a great space to bring together a group of friends with excellent food and drinks! Join us to meet up to 12 potential matches at our Rochester singles event! Trust the experts at Pre-Dating to host a wonderful evening full of excitement and brewing romance — a fun night out in a safe environment. You’ll love this very efficient and fast way to date. No pressure, no games, just a great time. We’ve Hosted +38,000 speed dating events! Join the thousands of people that have found their person at our events. Will you be our next success story?

Photography Night
2024-09-24 16:00 - 19:00 | Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Avenue, Buffalo, NY, 14218-1526, United States
Photography Night
4-7pm
FREE for Members and children under 2
Guest Passes not valid for Photography Nights

Make your reservation today! Bring along your favorite photographer and join us for Photography Nights to get the most out of your photo experience at the Botanical Gardens! We are opening up the Botanical Gardens for the public to take family photos, engagement shoots, senior portraits, maternity photos, baby photos or photos of any special occasion at a reduced rate.

Our Photography Policy (below) will apply during your reservation. Please keep in mind that Photography Nights provide a shared space and you must be respectful of other guests.

KEEP IN MIND! As the sun begins to set in the fall and winter, the Botanical Gardens conservatory will also lose daylight as we are an open glass greenhouse. We will be providing our house lights to create a lovely experience during sunset, but please keep this in mind as both a photographer or model.
If you would like to take posed photography outside of these days and times, a Photography rental reservation is required. To inquire, please contact events@buffalogardens.com.

Photography Policy:

Pets are not permitted.
Furniture and large props are not permitted.
We do not allow drone photography inside.
The Botanical Gardens’ plants, arrangements, exhibits, benches, chairs, tables, signage etc. are not to be moved, walked on, or disturbed in any way. Any destruction will be at the cost of the guest.
If your party is late for your reservation, you will be held to the remaining time of your reservation or you can reschedule for a full session.
No alcoholic beverages are allowed in the facility. We reserve the right to ask anyone who appears to be intoxicated to leave without a refund.
Some exhibits or special events may be taking place on the day of your reservation; therefore, some rooms may be unavailable or altered.

Upcoming Events

September 24, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
October 15, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
November 21, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
November 26, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
December 5, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
December 10, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
December 17, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Thursday Night Live: Jay/Sharp-tet
2024-11-21 17:30 - 19:30 | Buffalo AKG Art Museum, 1285 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY, 14222, United States
Thursday Night Live: Jay/Sharp-tet

Thursday, November 21, 2024
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm EST

The Jay/Sharp-tet performing. Photo: Jack Zuff

FREE
Wilson Town Square, Knox Building
Join us for a performance by the Jay/Sharp-tet!
About the Jay/Sharp-tet
Based in Buffalo, New York, and founded by Jacob Jay and Dalton Sharp, the Jay/Sharptet performs music with a focus on original compositions and arrangements. Inspired by the ensembles lead by the great Miles Davis, the group strives to make every performance a unique musical statement. Past performances include the Northwest Lewiston Jazz Festival, the Queen City Jazz Festival, the Colored Musicians Club Jazz Festival, the Pappy Martin Legacy Jazz Festival, the Buffalo Jazz Festival, the Palmetto Theatre and Pausa Art House.
