Here are 12 Editor's Picks of cool and interesting events going on in the area for the week of January 26 - January 31, 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.
Winter Orchids 2015
This new exhibit will celebrate amazing orchids! Along with our fantastic collection of cymbidiums, we will showcase beautiful and colorful orchids in bloom throughout the Gardens. Special features include artistic window displays to demonstrate how easy it is to grow orchids in your home, informal Q&A’s, and orchid re-potting with the Niagara Frontier Orchid Society on January 31, February 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 from 1-4pm. And an additional Award Winning Orchid Display will be held on the final weekend (see Orchid Show). Indulge in some eye candy… Orchids Winter 2015!
Buddy Wakefield In The 9th Ward With Special Guest Kaylen Alan Krebsbach
BUDDY WAKEFIELD is the three-time world champion spoken word artist featured on NPR, the BBC, HBO’s Def Poetry Jam, ABC Radio National and most recently signed to Ani DiFranco’s Righteous Babe Records. In 2004 he won the Individual World Poetry Slam Finals thanks to the support of anthropologist and producer Norman Lear then successfully defended that title at the International Poetry Festival in Rotterdam, Netherlands against the national champions of seven European countries with works translated into Dutch.
Michelle Wright
In 1990, Chatham, Ontario native Michelle Wright took the country music world by storm and quickly became the hottest female vocalist north of Nashville. See the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame inductee in the intimate 440-seat Bear’s Den Showroom and hear her chart-topping tracks such as “Take It Like A Man,” “One Time Around,” and “Guitar Talk” in person.
Crash
From the Director who brought TOY audiences last year's ROBIN HOOD, Chris Kelly. CRASH, adapted from the novel by beloved young-adult author Jerry Spinelli, is a rare glimpse into the life of a bully and an unforgettable story about stereotypes and surprises.
Ben Vereen
Ben Vereen is the original triple threat, known for both his prowess on Broadway and roles in shows like “Roots.” Be there as this legendary entertainer joins your BPO for an unforgettable evening.
Larkin Square Author Series Presents: Ethan Cox
Author of the upcoming book, Buffalo Beer: a History of Brewing in the Nickel City by Mike Rizzo and Ethan Cox. Ethan Cox is one of the founders of Community Beer Works. Community Beer works is now operating a satellite brewery across the street from Larkin Square in the Hydraulic Hearth. Buffalo has a rich history of beer brewing, learn more in this talk at the Filling Station and then head across the street after to try some freshly brewed beer by CBW along with other locally brewed beers. Event includes book sales and signing. Free glass of CBW beer at the Hydraulic Hearth with the purchase of a book! This event will be part of the 1st Annual Larkinville Ice Festival on January 31st.
Inaugural Larkinville Ice Festival
Join us on Saturday January 31st 11-3pm for the Inaugural Larkinville Ice Festival! The festival will span 3 destinations in Larkinville: The Filling Station Restaurant (next to Larkin Square), the Hydraulic Hearth, and Flying Bison Brewery!
Take a walk across the street to the Hydraulic Hearth for the morning opening of Mickey Harmon’s newest exhibition at (716) GAL LERY: A Pie-Eyed Night With Peggy O’Neil. Enjoy the Hearth’s signature “Bagels and Brooze” brunch special, complete with ready-made bagels, gourmet spreads, and unique drink specials, and live music.
End your tour at the Flying Bison Brewery with a Blizzard Bock and a bite from the food trucks. Take a tour of the new space and sample an array of beers, all brewed on site. Keep your eye out for live ice carving and completed ice sculptures!
Josh Blue
Josh Blue exploded onto the national comedy scene by capturing the endearment of the country as the winner of NBC's Last Comic Standing. Josh continues to break down stereotypes of people with disabilities one laugh at a time. Josh has appeared as a regular guest star on "Mind of Mencia," "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," and made a standout guest appearance on "Comics Unleashed."Josh Blue exploded onto the national comedy scene by capturing the endearment of the country as the winner of NBC's Last Comic Standing. Josh continues to break down stereotypes of people with disabilities one laugh at a time. Josh has appeared as a regular guest star on "Mind of Mencia," "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," and made a standout guest appearance on "Comics Unleashed."
Wayne Brady
The multi Daytime Emmy Award-winning Wayne Brady has been cracking audiences up for decades with his quick witted improvisational comedy on the hit show Whose Line Is It Anyway? and more recently on the CBS relaunch of the classic game show Let’s Make a Deal. Take this opportunity to spend an evening being charmed by this old-fashioned all-around great performer.
Buffalo Winter Beer Brewfest
The Buffalo Winter Brewfest is an indoor event hosting a wide variety of beers. Upon entering the Armory you'll be surrounded with delicious craft beers from all over New York state and beyond. Use your complimentary glass to get unlimited samples of different brews. Mingle with brewers and representatives, listen to music from our band, shop the vendors, eat and most importantly enjoy! The Buffalo Winter Brewfest is a true celebration of craft beer. There's no better way to spend a cold winter Saturday!
Fleetwood Mac
Rock legends Fleetwood Mac have confirmed they will be adding at least 28 more dates to their ON WITH THE SHOW tour. Fleetwood Mac is currently performing with their five star lineup including the returning songbird Christine McVie who rejoined the band following a 16 year absence.
A Public Reading Of An Unproduced Screenplay About the Death of Walt Disney
Meet Walt Disney - violent, virulent, and desperate for immortality. Join him and his long-suffering brother Roy as they stage a table read of the screenplay that will set the record straight once and for all about Walt's dreams of founding the Happiest Place On Earth (a city where problems don't exist, or at least are whisked promptly out of sight) and his status as "one of the most important people who ever lived."