Who are the people behind The Buffalo Hive?
Editor-in-Chief/Executive Director: Elmer Ploetz
Elmer Ploetz is the first editor of The Buffalo Hive. His background includes 27 years in print journalism (the last 23 with The Buffalo News), 16 years (and counting) as a journalism professor at SUNY Fredonia, documentaries (“Bflo Pnk 1.0” and “Bflo Pnk 2.0: A Toys Story”), podcasts, websites and social media. He recorded a music CD with great Buffalo guitarist Matt Smith (“They Don’t Write ‘Em,” as the Demo Daddies), but good luck finding it.
Ploetz is a past member of the boards of directors of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame and the Sportsmen’s Americana Music Foundation (where he edited the JAM newsletter). His interests in music range from early punk rock to blues, country, funk, old rock ‘n’ roll, jazz, folk and even a bit of classical. Some of his favorite bigger-name interviews were with Pete Seeger, Aaron Copland and Captain Lou Albano, but his focus is really on Western New York music, of which he has a collection of thousands of records, cassettes, CDs and audio files.
You can find examples of his earlier work HERE (including his demolition derby experience!) and his videos HERE and HERE.
Editorial Assistant: Chloe Kowalyk
Chloe Kowalyk is The Buffalo Hive’s editorial assistant, where she aids in editing stories, web posting and even writing a few of her own. Kowalyk is the marketing director at local music venue Buffalo Iron Works, where she works directly with local, national and touring artists. Kowalyk graduated from SUNY Fredonia in May 2024, where she studied journalism and psychology, with a focus on covering local music and promoting local artists.
Board of Directors:
Board President: David Lotempio
Dave Lotempio is a highly accomplished nonprofit leader and fundraising expert with 26 years of dedicated experience at People Inc., the largest human services agency in Western New York. As Associate Vice President of Grants, Dave has played a pivotal role in shaping strategic initiatives that secure critical funding for programs benefiting over 4,000 individuals annually. His expertise in grant writing, donor stewardship and strategic planning has raised over $12 million in a decade, enabling People Inc. to expand its impact across services including employment, residential housing, healthcare and senior services.
Throughout his career, Dave has consistently demonstrated a commitment to fostering dynamic partnerships and implementing innovative practices. His leadership extends to academia, where he inspires future nonprofit professionals as an adjunct instructor at SUNY Buffalo, teaching grant writing and strategic development. His strategic vision and hands-on approach continue to strengthen institutional support, ensuring remarkably sustainable growth and measurable long-term success for nonprofit initiatives across the Western New York region.
Board Vice President: Robert J. McLennan
I am very pleased to be part of the founding structure of The Buffalo Hive. As someone who has always been very interested in the music scene in Buffalo and WNY, I’ve felt for a long time that there is a definite need for a really comprehensive music calendar. And I also miss the journalism that goes with the coverage of all the arts: movies, theater, art and literature.
I spent most of my working life as the president of Branch 3 of the National Association of Letter Carriers. I also served for nearly 20 years as a Vice-President of the WNY Area Labor Federation, so I have been involved in a wide variety of activities in the labor movement.
Since I retired from the US Postal Service, I’ve worked part time bargaining contracts for the Office of Professional Employees International Union and I spent a few years on the staff of NY State Senator Tim Kennedy.
Over the past decade I have served as the president of the Sportsmen’s Americana Music Foundation for over five years. I still co-produce for the SAM Foundation, with Buffalo guitarist Doug Yeomans, the annual show that is now a Thanksgiving tradition at Babeville: The Last Waltz.
I am also the founder of the Buffalo Music Coalition. We book music locally, currently at Flying Bison Brewery, and we arrange to put on various shows throughout the year at different venues.
Buffalo has a very diverse and exciting music and arts scene and it deserves much more coverage and attention than it is getting from traditional media. That’s where The Buffalo Hive comes in.
Thank you for checking us out and for your continued support.
Board Secretary/Treasurer: Sara Ali
Sara Ali is a writer, storyteller and event organizer dedicated to community-building initiatives, particularly within her local queer community. When she’s not working on her next project, you’ll find her reading, writing poetry, spending time with her cat or crafting resin trinkets in her studio. If you see her out in the wild, don’t hesitate to say hi — she loves a good conversation.
Board Member: Curtis Lovell
A storyteller at heart, Curtis Lovell blends creativity, community and digital engagement to amplify Buffalo’s vibrant arts scene. With a background in music and media, they have spent years shaping narratives — whether through writing, social media strategy or collaborating with artists to bring work into the spotlight.
As Artistic Director of Ujima Company, Lovell is dedicated to fostering artistic expression and cultural storytelling, ensuring diverse voices are heard and celebrated. Their leadership at Ujima fuels their passion for elevating underrepresented voices and creating meaningful connections between artists and audiences.
In addition to theater and media, Curtis is a passionate loop pedalist musician, layering soundscapes that blend rhythm, melody and storytelling into unique sonic experiences. They have recorded two albums, collaborated with The Calamus Project and This American Life. Music remains a core part of their creative identity, bridging performance with digital engagement.
Beyond their professional pursuits, Curtis finds joy in supporting their wife and family, whose encouragement grounds them in everything they do.
At The Buffalo Hive, their goal is simple: to give Buffalo’s creatives the digital presence they deserve, ensuring every story and sound reaches the right audience. Through collaboration and storytelling, they hope to connect and uplift Buffalo’s artistic community.
Related media:
Music featured on This American LIfe
Walt Whitman X Curtis Lovell
Board Member: Tom Makar
Tom is a longtime Buffalo-area musician, sound designer, theater pro and general renaissance man.
Regular Contributors:
M. Faust (film)
Aidan Carney (classical music)
Jason Pomietlasz (comedy)
Monica Power (daily music and community listings)
Tanya Gamble (local music)
Benjamin Joe (local music)
Dana Tyrrell (art)
We also have a group of occasional contributors whose stories we offer when there are stories to be told in their specific areas of expertise.
Collaborators:
Andrew Galarneau (Four Bites)
Seamus Gallivan (The Reconnecter’s Buffalodown)
Greg Hennessey (In the Flamingo Lounge with Rockabilly Greg podcast)
Jeff Miers (Miers on Music)
Melinda Miller (MM’s Buffalo Stages)
Peter Palmisano (“Off Road” podcast)
R.D. Pohl (Buffalo Area Poetry & Literature Calendar)
Fredonia Radio Systems (“Local Lo-Down podcast).