About West Falls Center for the Arts

West Falls Center for the Arts, located at 1863 Davis Rd in West Falls, NY, is a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to creating a destination for arts entertainment, collaboration, education, community, and performance. Their aim is to support and inspire members of the community who may otherwise not have access to the arts and provide a venue that encourages collaboration and growth between amateur and professional artists. WFCFA is dedicated to offering visual, culinary, performing, and healing arts to all, with special attention given to military veterans, children/adolescents, caregivers and their loved ones with disabilities, and isolated adults in this rural community. West Falls Center for the Arts is committed to supporting the community and enriching the quality of life of individuals and groups throughout WNY by collaborating, inspiring and educating through music.

The West Falls Center for the Arts has a rich history that traces back to its origins as the West Falls Fire Company in 1918. This historic building witnessed a transformative journey when it was purchased in 1996 and became home to Butterwood Desserts. Over the years, the building saw numerous enhancements and expansions. In 2009, after the dessert business was sold, the site embarked on a new adventure, repurposing the former retail space and balcony for morning piano lessons. Held from 6 AM to 8 AM on weekdays, these classes provided students with invigorating mental exercises before school, leading to remarkable progress. The enthusiasm of the young musicians spread quickly throughout the community.

As word of their success grew, the center began to thrive, hosting weekend concerts in the modest front space. Musicians initially performed on the floor in front of a parking lot side wall, but as the center’s popularity increased, so did their aspirations. Achieving their 501(c)(3) nonprofit status marked a turning point; they began extensive renovations with the help of the Amish community and numerous volunteers. Walls were dismantled, temporary tarps were erected, and a welcoming atmosphere was cultivated even amid construction. After several years of passionate work, the transformation was complete. A stage was ingeniously crafted from plastic milk crates and plywood, the snackbar was relocated, and a bar offering beer and wine was added. New restrooms were constructed, and the interior was adorned with pine, chairs, and donated furniture, topped off with a welcoming sign.

Today, the West Falls Center for the Arts is a hub of cultural and communal activity. Beyond weekend concerts, the center hosts a diverse array of free community programs. These include music lessons for veterans, the Musical Memories Cafe for caregivers and those with dementia, Kids Music Jam, the Southtowns Youth Jazz Orchestra, and masterclasses and music clinics. They also celebrate community events like Thanksgiving gatherings.

The center continues to expand its board and volunteer list, sustaining its vibrant schedule of musical events. Each visit to the West Falls Center for the Arts offers a warm, family-like atmosphere, where both guests and artists feel at home and part of a thriving community legacy.

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About Record Store Day

Record Store Day was started in 2007 and is celebrated yearly at global independent record stores. This day is for everyone in the record store world – the staff, customers, and artists – to honor their unique culture and community role. Special releases and promotional items are made just for this day, accompanied by various festivities. Each year, artists from all genres and levels participate in Record Store Day, and the significance of these stores has been recognized by numerous renowned artists. The initiative has gained official holiday status in several U.S cities and has received several accolades.

Although there’s only one Record Store Day, the organization works throughout the year to support independent stores with contests, special releases, and promotions. It has also launched initiatives like RSD Black Friday, RSD Summer Camp, and partnerships for exclusive releases. Even during the 2020 global pandemic, record stores proved crucial, and Record Store Day adapted with three RSD Drops dates. The next Record Store Day is set for April 20, 2024.

Out of the 18 records stores we have here in Buffalo, 13 of them will be participating in Record Store Day this year. We’ll be starting off with Hi-Fi Hits, located in Williamsville where they have a large selection of special Record Store Day releases. Sign up to be a Born Buffalo member for your chance to win a Hi-Fi Hits gift card during our DAILY giveaways!

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Located in our Shopping section, you can find concise descriptions about each record store in the area, where to find them and possibly some history about the store as well!

As someone who has been collected vinyl and all sorts of physical media, I know sometimes it can be difficult to be aware of all the record stores in the area. I thought I knew all, at the very least most. I was pleasantly surprised while compiling this collection of WNY’s record stores to have found multiple stores I had never even heard of.

Join Born Buffalo on this journey as we dive in deeper into the culture and heartbeat of our area!

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The district’s remaining buildings are legacy to Buffalo’s significance as a product-manufacturing and industrial epicenter during and after the American Civil War. The Erie and Hamburg Canals, Buffalo River, and Buffalo Harbor’s close proximity fueled growth and prosperity for manufacturers, metalworking shops, and maritime suppliers. Some of these businesses’ successors continue to thrive in the Cobblestone District to this day.

In 2014, the National Parks Service placed the Cobblestone District on the National Register of Historic Places.

Businesses in the District

Lockhouse Distillery & Bar

“Lockhouse Distillery is the first distillery to operate in Buffalo, N.Y. since prohibition. Nestled in the Historic Cobblestone District we produce six flagship and two seasonal spirits. Our dedication is to producing spirits that are high quality and distinctive both in cocktails and on their own.”

Location: 41 Columbia Street Buffalo, New York 14204

Buffalo Iron Works

“Intimate live music lounge built into an early 1900s factory space featuring national, regional and local artists of all kinds. Established in 2013, Buffalo Iron Works welcomes all types of events from concerts and acoustic shows, to book signings and birthday parties”

Location: 49 Illinois Street Buffalo, NY 14203

Helium Comedy Club

“Helium is a contemporary entertainment venue in Buffalo’s historic Cobblestone district, featuring multiple meeting spaces, comprehensive audio visual systems, and a showroom capacity of 275 people. Our venue amenities have been carefully tailored to accommodate most special event objectives and needs. With seven comedy clubs and four full restaurants, our extensive event planning and talent-booking knowledge are at your disposal.”

Location: 30 Mississippi Street Buffalo NY 14203

Abbey Mecca

“Our mission is and always will be to help our clients build long-term brand value. We get it. We’ve been at it for more than 50 years. Our brand-focused culture puts our clients first, streamlines project flow, increases effectiveness and through collaboration, results in award-winning campaigns.”

Location: 95 Perry Street, Suite 101 Buffalo, NY 14203

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