Skip to main content

entertainment

Summer concerts part of entertainment mix at Batavia Downs that keeps officials humming

By Howard B. Owens

bataviadownsfeb152018.jpg

Last summer's concert series is one of many reasons Batavia Downs has been able to grow revenue and remain competitive in a saturated gaming market, said Henry Wojtaszek, president of Western OTB, and Mike Nolan, CEO, today at a press conference announcing an eight-show lineup for this season.

"We offer a lot of different things," Nolan said. "We have our own little niche here."

Wojtaszek said the key is offering options for customers and when you get them in the door, treating them right.

"That includes entertainment, it includes better food, it includes a cigar lounge, and frankly, just provide the best customer service," Wojtaszek said. "We like to think that’s why we’re growing. That’s what we like to concentrate on. Our focus is on providing excellent customer service."

The eight shows announced for this summer:

  • Eddie Money, June 22
  • Grand Funk Railroad, June 29
  • Blue Oyster Cult, July 6
  • Rik Emmett of the Band Triumph along with Carl Dixon of Coney Hatch, July 13
  • Rumours, a Fleetwood Mac Tribute, July 20th
  • Puddle of Mudd, July 27
  • Three Dog Night, Aug. 3
  • Lee Ann Womack, Aug. 10.

Wojtaszek said the concert series went so well last year that Batavia Downs would like to add more shows, but one step at a time.

He also said Batavia Downs will be working with the City and the Town to accommodate larger crowds. Last year, attendance was about 4,000 and this year the casino would like to attract 5,000 to 6,000 fans to the shows.

The concentration on classic rock and country is a conscious effort to bring in shows more appealing to older music fans, Wojtaszek said.

"They are the patrons coming into Batavia Downs and we wanted to provide them with the entertainment they’re looking for at a reasonable cost," Wojtaszek said.

Tickets for the shows will be $10 each.

Batavia Downs is hosting several other events this year sure to bring people from throughout the region to Genesee County.

There will be professional wrestling Feb. 24, a Whiskyfest in June, a Mixed Martial Arts event during the summer, plus Batavia Downs is in the midst of a $4 million capital improvement project that includes opening a cigar lounge, expanding 34 Rush sports bar, Fortune's Restaurant, and the conference center.

"There’s a lot of demand to have things here and it’s amazing to see the response we get to the events we do have," Wojtaszek said. "It’s a perfect location, right between Buffalo and Rochester and we're even getting people here from as far as Syracuse."

GCC drama students get chance to improve improv skills at workshop

By Howard B. Owens

gccimprovefeb12018.jpg

Genesee Community College drama students participated in a workshop today with members of Polite Ink, a sketch and improv troupe from Rochester that will perform this Saturday at the Stuart Steiner Theater.

Polite Ink is a co-ed comedy team that writes and performs its own original sketches and improv games live on stage with the help of the audience.

Saturday's performance is at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for seniors (55+) and GCC faculty/staff. Students and children are $3, and GCC alumni with ID will receive a $2 discount on an adult ticket.

To reserve seats, contact the GCC box office at boxoffice@genesee.edu(link sends e-mail) or (585) 345-6814.

gccimprovefeb12018-2.jpg

gccimprovefeb12018-3.jpg

ILGR features Chris Humel in series of shows for artists with disabilities

By Howard B. Owens

indielivingartshowjan202018.jpg

Artist and musician Chris Humel was featured in an opening art show reception at Independent Living of the Genesee Region at 113 Main St., Batavia, on Friday night.

Titled "8 X 10," the show features the work of Humel, who uses intensely hued acrylics, to depict postage stamps and other mail-related themes. Twenty years ago, he co-founded the still-active band BC Psychos. 

"I am a person with disabilities," Humel said. "I am 55 years old. I have been battling schizophrenia and related depressing problems for most of my life. My work is about breaking out of isolation and 'going postal' in a good way, by making contact with artists, writers and through the Post Office."

This is the third show in the series of the ARTiculations Ability Exhibition sponsored by ILGR and the University Heights Arts Association. The goal is to help artists with disabilities reach a wider audience. The association has a program to place art on the walls of local businesses and nonprofits.

Together they are looking to reach more artists with disabilities and feature them in art shows. ILGR serves Genesee, Wyoming, and Orleans counties.

"This gives them a venue for their art in the community," said Rae Frank, director of ILGR.

The partnership with University Heights helps integrate artists with disabilities into the wider artists' community, said Mary Ouimette-Kinney, cofounder of the association.

"It doesn't matter if somebody is in a wheelchair or has PTSD, we just want to make sure that people who are interested in art and would like for their art to be seen to put their art on walls," Ouimette-Kinney said.

indielivingartshowjan202018-2.jpg

Mary Kate, of Buffalo, with a postcard she made at last night's show. Humel has created a handmade postcard program for people to share with each other through the postal mail.

indielivingartshowjan202018-3.jpg

Local film production of 'Macbeth' debuts at Harvester 56 tomorrow

By Howard B. Owens

Tomorrow the Batavia Players will screen a premier showing of "Macbeth," filmed and produced in Batavia, at the Harvester 56 Theater.

"Though the language is true to the original Shakespeare, the period is modern with a 'West Side Story' flare," said Emily Crawford, publicist for Harvester 56.

"The roles of nobility and the murderous rivalry between them has been adapted to a gang environment. This is the first time many of our actors are appearing on screen, though we do have a few veterans in the mix."

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for a reception. The screening starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $18 at the door.

Photos: Asian fusion demonstration and art show at GO ART!

By Howard B. Owens

goartthursdaydec2017.jpg

At GO ART! on Thursday night, there was both a cooking class and an art show opening.

Joseph Rojo, above, provided a demonstration of Asian fusion cooking. Below, Kimberly Perl and Marie Scofield get to participate in creating a chicken adobo.

For the art show below, Judy Wenrich poses with her painting, "My 3 Pets." Look closely and you'll find three ferrets. The show features work by GO ART! members on the theme of "Juxtaposition."

GO ART! also has an art sale in the main gallery featuring both current member works and works from the archives.

goartthursdaydec2017-2.jpg

goartthursdaydec2017-3.jpg

goartthursdaydec2017-4.jpg

goartthursdaydec2017-5.jpg

Travis Tritt to play at The Ridge in Le Roy in August

By Howard B. Owens

travistrittjamat_ridge.png

Two-time Grammy Award winner Travis Tritt will be in Le Roy on Aug. 25 to play a concert at The Ridge (Frostridge Campground).

Tritt is the first headliner announced for the annual summer concert series, Jam at the Ridge, by owners David and Greg Luetticke-Archbell. The venue's owners are still working on booking more acts for the season.

David and Greg expect to announce a headliner for Aug. 24 soon to make for a weekend of great music.

Tickets and campground sites for the weekend will go on sale after the first of the year.

Photos: GSO to perform holiday concert Sunday

By Howard B. Owens

gsodec92017.jpg

The Genesee Symphony Orchestra performs its annual Christmas concert tomorrow (Sunday) at 4 p.m. at St. Mary's Church in Batavia.

The program includes "Dance of the Tumblers" from Snow Maiden by Rimsky-Korsakov, Canadian Brass Christmas, "The Snowman," by Howard Blake and narrated by Laurence Tallman,  (top photo), Holiday Favorites with a special guest vocalist: "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas," "(There’s no place like) Home for the Holidays," "White Christmas," "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," "Sleigh Ride," and "Christmas Festival."

Tickets will be available at the door.

gsodec92017-2.jpg

gsodec92017-3.jpg

gsodec92017-4.jpg

gsodec92017-5.jpg

gsodec92017-6.jpg

gsodec92017-7.jpg

Decks, Dice, and Meeples at Moon Java

By
Join us for a game night at Moonjava Cafe in Batavia! We will have over 40 board and card games for you to play: you only need to bring your gaming spirit and be prepared for hours of fun! Don’t know how to play a game or want to learn a new game? Decks, Dice, and Meeple’s Gaming Guides will be happy to teach you any of the games. Moonjava Cafe’s friendly staff will be selling baked goods, coffees, and sandwiches. There will be a $5 cover charge to play as many games as you would like!
Event Date and Time
-

Batavia High School Class of 1987 • 30th Reunion

By
Batavia High School Class of 1987 • 30th Reunion Friday September 1st from 6-10pm Batavia Country Club Open Bar and Appetizers from 6-8 Band Rise Again (Ray Eighmey) 8-10pm $35 per person Contact Joe Fiannaca, jfiannaca@usapayroll.com or Stephanie Mogavero Choate, smogavero@yahoo.com
Event Date and Time
-

August Fun Fest

By
You are invited to come to “August Fun Fest” Theme: “Finding the Light of the World” Wednesday, August 23, 2017, 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Location: Batavia First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Rd., Batavia, NY Activities: Interactive Games, Skits, Craft Projects, Emmanuel UM Church Worship Leaders Song Fest, Playground, Sand Table, Basketball Hoops, Praise Singing with Music & Motion DVD Food: Pasta Dinner provided & S’mores! No charge for food or event activities. Public Welcome – All children must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations not needed.
Event Date and Time
-

O’Lacy’s Irish Pub celebrates 20 years in business

By
On Saturday (April 15), O’Lacy’s Irish Pub will celebrate 20 years of business in Downtown Batavia. The all-day celebration will feature specials and giveaways. Live Celtic music will kick off at 8 p.m. by the Rochester group called “Himself.” The public is invited to come celebrate at the pub and enjoy anniversary cake, which will be served at about 8:30 p.m. The celebration and band will continue until 11 p.m. O’Lacy’s is located at 5 School St. in the City of Batavia.  
Event Date and Time
-

GC Master Gardeners host annual Fall Garden Gala at Cornell office

By
Genesee County Master Gardeners will be hosting their annual Fall Garden Gala from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday, Sept. 17, at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 E. Main St.
Event Date and Time
-

Magic Marlin at Richmond library

By
Join us at the Richmond Memorial Library this summer for Family Fridays at 2:30 p.m. Find out about even more programs and events available to ALL AGES! Bring the whole family! Fun for all ages! Free! No registration needed!  July 29th – Magic Marlin  August 5th – Party Productions with Flyin’ Brian & Nancy Check out our flyers online! Richmond Memorial Library 19 Ross St. Batavia, NY 14020 (585)-343-9550 ext. 4 www.batavialibrary.org
Event Date and Time
-

Annual Safe Summer Children’s Carnival at Falleti Ice Arena

By
The Genesee County AmeriCorps Program, in collaboration with the Genesee County and Batavia Youth bureaus, is planning the annual Safe Summer Children’s Carnival. It is open to the public and will take place on Thursday, July 28, from 10:15 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Falleti Ice Arena, 22 Evans St., in Batavia. One dollar buys a ticket to play 10 games, and children can win “funny money” to redeem for prizes. Entertainment by “Charlie and Checkers” is scheduled from 10:15-11 a.m. and the games will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a 30-minute lunch break.
Event Date and Time
-

Special Edition of Reel Discussion for adults: ‘Center Stage’

By
Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St., Batavia Special Edition of Reel Discussions for Adults Thursday, July 14th at 6 p.m. The movie for this Special Edition of Reel Discussion for Adults is “Center Stage.” A dozen adolescents have begun their training at the renowned American Ballet Academy, where they encounter tremendous physical and mental stress while vying for a coveted spot in a celebrated dance company. Come view the movie and then join us for a group discussion afterward. For more information, call the library at 343-9550 or log onto www.batavialibrary.org.
Event Date and Time
-

Reel Discussion at Richmond library: ‘The Big Short’

By
Reel Discussion at Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St., Batavia. Date & Time: Thursday, June 30th at 6 p.m. Come view the movie and join us for a group discussion afterward. This month’s movie is “The Big Short.” In 2008, Wall Street guru Michael Burry realizes that a number of subprime home loans are in danger of defaulting. Burry bets against the housing market by throwing more than $1 billion of his investors’ money into credit default swaps. His actions attract the attention of greedy opportunists.
Event Date and Time
-

Special Edition of Reel Discussion at Richmond library: ‘A Beautiful Mind’

By
The movie for this Special Edition of Reel Discussion for Adults is “A Beautiful Mind.” From the heights of notoriety to the depths of depravity, John Forbes Nash Jr. experienced it all. A mathematical genius, he made an astonishing discovery early in his career and stood on the brink of international acclaim. But the handsome and arrogant Nash soon found himself on a painful and harrowing journey of self-discovery. Come view the movie and then join us for a group discussion afterward. For more information, call the library at 343-9550 or log onto www.batavialibrary.org.
Event Date and Time
-

Authentically Local