Something for everyone this weekend in Western New York. Head downtown for the final weekend of the Buffalo Niagara Film Festival and maybe meet a star or two.
Here are 9 Editor's Picks of cool and interesting events going on this weekend in WNY. 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 a "Top Happenings" for the week.
OCD: MOOSH & TWIST
Waiting Room
Fri May 2
OCD: Moosh and Twist are rapidly emerging as Philadelphia's young new face of hip-hop. Both seniors in high school, Moosh and Twist continue to shock listeners with their lyrics and rock crowds with their energetic performances. Team OCD is a global team; fans continue to emerge from countries across the world every day. Through nationwide performances, global fans, and unrivaled focus; OCD: Moosh and Twist are truly 'Up Before the World,' and plan to take things to new heights. More info here.
Buffalo Bike Party
Café 59 & Allen Street
Fri May 2
Join us for the first ever Buffalo Bike Party! Following the collaborative First Friday Artists & Cyclists event on Allen St. we will gather at Café 59 and Don Tequila to grab a drink and mingle before heading out. ($3 craft beers & $5 glasses of wine @ Café 59 til 10pm) Bring your bike, lights, music, costumes and whatever else you may want--it's your party! Official site.
Free Drawing Workshop
WNY Book Arts
Sat May 3
In conjunction with his current exhibition at WNYBAC, entitled The Life and Times of Grovey Cleves, Mickey Harmon is partnering with WNYBAC to offer a free workshop introducing participants to the style and technique used in his work. Harmon will introduce participants to his drawing style and techniques (stippling, crosshatching, & inking) by leading them through the process of illustrating an object or person. Participants aren't required to bring any materials, except a reference object or image. This workshop is free, but pre-registration is required. Official site.
Big Band Salute with Matt Catingub
Kleinhans Music Hall
Sat May 3
Multi-talented musician Matt Catingub wears many hats: saxophonist, woodwind artist, conductor, pianist, vocalist, performer, composer, and arranger. Recently appointed Artistic Director and Conductor of the newly formed Glendale Pops Orchestra, Matt is also the Pops Conductor of the newly reformed Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, as well as the Pops Conductor Of The New Hampshire Music Festival. Matt previously held positions as Pops Conductor of the Honolulu Symphony and Principal Pops Conductor of the New Mexico Symphony, where he consistently garnered praise for his innovative programming. Matt is generating excitement throughout the entertainment industry for his impressive catalog of unique abilities. Official site.
Saturday Soiree at Epic
Epic Restaurant and lounge
Sat May 3
This Saturday at Epic on Elmwood, Spooky Stephen and Crop Top will be spinning all of your favorite 90's hits to current jams all night starting at 11pm! The Saturday Soirée has been packed with energy lately and we continue to grow every week. Epic is going to be extending their happy hour from 10pm-12am with drink and bottle specials. From 10pm-12am, customers will be able to buy $15 bottles of wine + $25 bottles of champagne on a first-come, first-served basis. Message @spieroni and/or @alisonpieroni on twitter for more details. Celebrate and come experience the best nightlife in Elmwood Village!
Buffalo Niagara Film Festival
Fri May 2 – Sat May 3
Market Arcade Film & Arts Cente
Last couple days to get to the festival honoring all things related to the “Big Screen.” Click here for more information and weekend schedule.
Les Miserables
UB Center for the Arts
Fri May 2 – Sun May 4
The cast for Les Misérables will be comprised of students from the UB Music Theatre BFA degree program including Buffalo area students Bailey Humiston, Tommy MacDonnell, Zachery Snyder, Shelby Bosse, Leah Berst, and Ernest Schieferstein. Joey Porth and Charlie Hearn will share the role of the boy, Gavroche. This UB production will receive full support with complete orchestra and include newly designed and executed sets, lights, and costumes. Official site.
SHLOHMO
Waiting Room
Sun May 4
Shlohmo is the creation of 22-year-old Henry Laufer, LA-native and visual artist turned self-taught musician. As a founding member of the WEDIDIT collective (RL Grime, Groundislava, D33j, Purple, 2kwtvr, Juj, Nick Melons), Henry's early work placed him at the forefront of a new wave of rising talent amongst west coast producers. With an effortless grasp on sound design, Laufer combines deceptively simple and emotive melodies, subtle bass drops and swinging slow motion drums. Receiving support from Pitchfork, BBC Radio, the New York Times, NPR, Resident Advisor and many others, Shlohmo leads the way in a new generation of promising young producers with his unique blend of dark and sensual R&B tropes.
What Model Citizens
The Rockin Buffalo Saloon
Sun May 4
The brainchild of Alex Musto, What Model Citizens' unique electronic sound is a danceable storm that firmly places the band in New York's music scene. Compared to groups such as Gang of Four and The Faint, What Model Citizens delivers reverb-laden guitars, heavy with electronic sounds and a driving tenacity. Official site.
