Buffalo news: Take a look back … and vote!

2025, what a year!

We could say that for a lot of reasons, but the one we’re going to focus on right here is that it has been our first full calendar year of covering the Buffalo region’s arts and culture. Before we vault forward into 2026, it’s worth taking a look back and getting your thoughts on what has happened in the past year, and how we’ve written it.

So here is our first end of the year survey, where you get to vote for what you think were the biggest stories and what were your favorite stories.

Meanwhile, here are the candidates. Give them a read before you vote if you need to refresh your memory!

What were the biggest stories?

• Cuts to the National Endowment for the Arts.  
  
• Cancellation of major exhibition at Hallwalls by Canadian artist.
  
• The death of Shakespeare in Delaware Park’s Saul Elkin.
  
• MusicalFare’s move from the suburbs to Shea’s downtown campus.
  
• The deaths of Mickey Harmon and Jordan Celotto and the effect on the WNY community.  
  
• Fire at Brick Bar adds to gap left by Pink arson.
  
• The death of artist Steve Kurtz.
  
• Mohawk Place closes.
  
• Mohawk Place is saved!
  
• The death of Irish Classical’s Vincent O’Neill.
  

What are some of your favorites?

• MusicalFare set to launch its new era at 710 Main.
  
• New ownership at takes over Nietzsche’s legacy.
  
• The Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus adds an upper-voice choir, the Nickel City Treble Makers.
  
• Mohawk Place invokes new era.
  
• Andrew Galarneau’s writing, like his take on the rise of BagelGrounds.
  
• Jeff Miers’ David Byrne review: Love Is the New Punk Rock.
  
• The Sportsmen’s Tavern celebrates 135 years.
  
• PA Kane’s author talks, like his interview with Moxie Gardiner.
  
• Parrish Gibbons takes the helm at Hallwalls.
  
• How not to watch a rock or country show!

Remember to VOTE  … and if there are some we missed, let us know!

Meanwhile, check out this site all of our current offerings (great podcasts from Greg Hennessey, the Buffalo Music Players and the Nickel City Soundtrack crews, food writing from Andrew Galarneau and our usual great crop of curated calendars).

We look forward to seeing you next year … with our list of audience picks!

Have a great holiday!

Elmer Ploetz
Editor-in Chief