Don't let the snow scare you away. There are lots to do this week around WNY, especially in the thriving Canalside District. From a fabulous author series at Larkin Square, to singer-songwriter legend Don McLean at Seneca Niagara Hotel & Casino, there is something for all ages.
Here are 13 Editor's Picks of cool and interesting events going on in the area for the week of January 12 - January 18, 2015. Be sure to check out our events calendar for much more of what's going on in the area, and check back every Monday for more Weekly Best Bets in WNY.
That 1 Guy
Imagine the brainchild of Dr. Seuss, Captain Beefheart, Frank Zappa, Stanley Kubrick and Rube Goldberg, and you begin to understand the spectacle of a That 1 Guy performance by Berkeley, CA-based, classically trained musician Mike Silverman. As inventor and player of The Magic Pipe, That 1 Guy’s show has to be seen to be believed, as he single-handedly (and foot-edly) plays his amazing instrument, made out of miked steel pipes with a single, thick bass string wired from top to bottom, not to mention an Appalachian handsaw, an electric cowboy boot and belching smoke.
Larkin Square Author Series Presents: Cathy Gildiner
Author of the newly published memoir Coming Ashore. Cathy also wrote the memoirs Too Close to the Falls and After the Falls. The Filling Station doors open at 4:45pm for the sale of food and drink. Free and open to the public.
Ice Skating at Canalside
Lace up your skates for The Ice at Canalside presented by BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York! Whether you're on your lunch break, on a date, with family, or with friends you'll love to take a spin on the Canals on Downtown Buffalo's Waterfront!
Family Furniture
Amid the gin and tonics, vichyssoise, and tennis doubles of Buffalo's summer scene, siblings Nick and Peggy must confront their mother's possible infidelity, their father's apparent indifference, and their own increasingly complicated love lives.
Jesse Joyce
Jesse has entertained audiences across America as well as in 15 countries on 4 continents with his live show at clubs, colleges, and festivals. An established performer with the USO, he has performed overseas on numerous occasions. In addition to his busy club and college schedule, Joyce has appeared at the 2013 Just For Laughs Montreal Comedy Festival, the TBS Comedy Festival in Las Vegas and in 2008 was selected to participate in the Great American Comedy Festival a festival sprung of Johnny Carson's legacy. When not headlining clubs or performing all around New York City he can be seen in theaters as part of The Comedy Addiction Tour where comics bring humor and poignancy to the struggles of addiction.
Satisfaction – The International Rolling Stones Show
Part of the Riviera Theatre tribute to the Aud Series, Satisfaction is the international touring tribute show dedicated to the “World’s Greatest Rock & Roll Band”. This glamourous show has been in production and touring since 2001 with over 2000 performance dates to its credit. It is the only full time touring show of it’s kind in the world. This highly acclaimed production showcases the most authentic cast and costuming audiences have ever witnessed.
Artisan Market in the Winter Village
Take a break from the skates and shop local! Artisans and merchants will be set up Thursdays-Sundays throughout the winter season at the Ice at Canalside! Up to 5 local vendors* will be set up in the Winter Village, next to the ice bike rentals.
Max Creek With Special Guests Preach Freedom & Connect
Legendary. Contemporary. Ever evolving. This is Max Creek. For over 40 years, Creek has been blowing minds with their unmistakable blend of Americana, country, rock, calypso and jazz. Over 200 songs in the current catalog guarantee different shows with different songs every night. Max Creek was the first "Jam Band" before such a term existed. Billy Kreutzmann of the Grateful Dead and Mike Gordon of Phish are among Creek's long time fans.
The Lion in Winter
It is Christmas Day in the year 1183 at the castle in Chinon, France. A grand battle brews as King Henry II of England and his wife, Queen Eleanor of Acquitaine square off to determine which of their three sons will inherit the throne. Replete with palace intrigues and wicked scheming, the play is a sheer delight with its dangerous, bawdy humor and razor-sharp wit. Goldman's celebrated and popular Broadway play stars Vincent O'Neill and Josephine Hogan as the passionate and matchless pair.
2015 Buffalo On Tap
Buffalo On Tap is back bigger and better this year with two sampling sessions on Saturday, January 17th at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. Choose to attend from 1PM to 4PM (VIP Hoppy Hour Starts at 12PM) or 6PM to 9PM to sample over 150 releases from some of America's best craft breweries. Plus hang out in an atmosphere filled with live music, delicious food available for purchase, and great vendors.
M&T Third Friday
PEACEFUL BORDER 1812 A Commemorative Program. Free admission to The Buffalo History Museum (1 Museum Ct) and the Resource Center (459 Forest Ave). 1-3 pm: Free guided tours at main Museum and Resource Center. Every month, M&T THIRD FRIDAYS’ visitors will experience new programs, family events, entertainment, docent-led tours, and more. Members always receive free or discounted admission to special happenings. Through this support, M&T Bank demonstrates commitment to WNY and the mission of the History Museum. The sponsorship package emphasizes program offerings, inspires opportunities for collaboration with partner venues, and provides diverse opportunities for engagement with the community.
Steven Page Formerly of Barenaked Ladies
Experience former frontman of The Barenaked Ladies Steven Page at the Bear’s Den Showroom! One of the most instantly recognizable voices in popular music today, Page brings his same distinctive sound and dynamic stage presence to his new gig as a solo artist performing with his six-piece band of multi-instrumentalists. Don’t miss the original sounds and critically acclaimed songs of this musical mastermind, bringing his catchy melodies to the stage for one night only.
Don McLean
You know you’ve really done something special when one of your songs is ranked at number 5 “Songs of the Century” by the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment for the Arts. “American Pie” is that special something. Now see and hear the true-life troubadour Don McLean up close in the Bear’s Den Showroom.