The Buffalodown, Vol. 3, Issue 3
Stories & Events for Social Connection
By Seamus Gallivan
- On Solidarity, RIP Jesse Jackson
- Musings on Music: Flood relief for local musicians
- Featured Events: 25 in this issue, always encouraging submissions!
- Links to the Deep End: I-Post, WBEN, Just Buffalo & more
Thank you for your attention!
Please forward this to kindred souls, and subscribe here if you haven’t yet!
Solidarity is an essential element of the beloved community, in which everyone is loved, seen and valued.
Solidarity is defined as “community of feelings, purposes, etc.” How we dig each other out of a snowstorm. How we took care of each other when the pandemic took over. How everyday people in Minneapolis stood in front of their neighbors facing a surge of masked government agents.
Solidarity is a guiding light in dark times.
This week, one of my favorite podcasts, Vox’s Today Explained, explored examples of solidarity and the distinctions between solidarity and charity with an episode entitled, “No one will save us but ourselves.”
Below and in every issue of the Buffalodown is an abundance of opportunities to show solidarity. I’d love to hear more from you – what are your favorite examples of solidarity in Buffalo and Western New York? Where is it lacking and how can we change that? Please keep sharing your events and ideas!
Rest in power, Jesse Jackson, 10/8/41-2/17/26
Become a paying member to support social connection!
Musings on Music
Flood relief for local musicians
The subtitle of the aforementioned podcast on solidarity reads, “When crises hit, neighbors turn to mutual aid.”
A current example of this is in the wake of a recent water main break in Black Rock that flooded a shared practice space, ruining the equipment of many Buffalo musicians. Two grassroots music nonprofits and a slew of caring musicians have stepped up for the cause and invited everyone to get involved:
From Music is Art: “If you have ANY instrument, amps, PA gear, etc. that is pro gig ready and you’re willing to part with, please drop it at one of our drop off locations below ASAP, or contact saraelizabeth@musicisart.org to arrange a pickup.”
Third Space Cafe and Entertainment
777 Main Street, Buffalo
Monday: 7:30am-3pm
Tuesday-Friday: 7:30am-9pm
Saturday: 8:30am-9pm
1090 Niagara Falls Blvd, Tonawanda
Monday-Friday: 3pm-8pm
Saturday: 10am-3pm
“BUFFALO MUSICIANS – please don’t hesitate to reach out with any specific needs! We are so sorry for all of your losses and we’re here to help however we can.”
And from Sportsmens Americana Music Foundation (SAMF) executive director Jeff Miers: “If you’re a musician (or if you know a musician or band) affected by the flooding, and your immediate ability to work has been compromised by loss of instruments, pedals, amps, PA equipment, or transportation, please reach out to me at jeffmiersmusic@gmail.com.
“SAMF would like to help with your immediate needs where possible, and offer a helping hand to get you back out there and gigging again.
“If you haven’t been directly affected by the flooding, please share this information and tag musicians and bands you might know who have been affected!”
Finally, a bunch of Buffalo musicians have banded together for a benefit show this Wednesday at Jack Rabbit.
Flood coverage by WGRZ-TV:
Become a paying member to help us present and promote more music!
Events in the Week Ahead
Thanks to all who’ve submitted their events! Welcoming submissions with a flyer and link to seamus@reconnecter.org
Kindred calendars:
The Buffalo Hive – arts
Choose Your Own Adventure (CYOA) – arts
Buffalo Community Calendar – activism
Become a member to help us promote community events!
Links to the Deep End
- Investigative Post on the good news that ICE frees UB scientist arrested at Peace Bridge, as Thousands of immigrants challenging detentions in court; and the bad news that Cheektowaga kicks the can on immigration policy, and in Buffalo, Continued questionable spending of opioid funds.
- More from former Buffalo News reporter Jerry Zremski in his own column, “Why Don Lemon’s arrest is your problem, too,” which had me from the first line: “Don Lemon might annoy you.”
- Even a MAGA mouthpiece finds the truth sometimes – while WBEN Radio bears a great share of responsibility for advancing the Trump agenda locally, props are due for their hiring of reporter Jim Fink, whose coverage of a recent “Queen City Forward” public listening session in Amherst on the future of Humboldt Parkway and the Kensington Expressway opened, “In a scene and scenario reminiscent for other recent “Kensington Expressway” listening and learning sessions, the overwhelming support leaned towards reverting significant portions of the busy highway back into its original Frederick Law Olmsted-designed parkway.”
- Finally, thanks to the brilliant folks at Just Buffalo Literary Center for offering a new initiative called “In Gratitude, a city-wide reading and writing initiative designed to bring our community together.”Their Gratitude Boxes are now being installed at seven city locations and a series of events will soon commence, all leading up to a summer celebration of gratitude. More things like these, please and thank you!
Thank YOU for reading this far and being part of it all – extra thanks to everyone supporting this work with a membership at www.reconnecter.org!
Please share with friends to sign up for the next Buffalodown, and reach out with any feedback, all ideas welcome!
Related Posts
