This Summer Music Is In the Air

By Steve Karosik

Music fans in Buffalo and Toronto have plenty to be happy about this summer, between free outdoor concerts in both cities, and awesome music programs playing on WNED-TV.

Storm Stories

By Suzanne Kashuba

I live in Buffalo, N.Y. and, true to the stereotype, I’ve seen my share of monster storms -- notably the Blizzard of ‘77 (snow drifts up the rooftops) and the October Surprise Storm of 2006 (no power and tree-clogged streets for nearly a week).

But these pale in comparison to “The Dust Bowl,” the Depression-era, decade-long disaster that Ken Burns brings to life in his latest two-part saga. Even he was amazed at the scope of this tragedy: “It's like a chapter out of the Bible,” he said. “Could you really have locusts and dust storms like that, that actually kill children?”

Get a sneak peek of the film here (and below).

Your (Free) Ticket to Summer Art and Music

by Suzanne Kashuba

Before summer passes by in a flash, be sure to take advantage of outstanding free arts and cultural events in Western New York. You’ll find plenty of choices. Here are a few of my favorites.

Happy (Fiscal) New Year! WNED Celebrates Multiple Milestones

By Suzanne Kashuba

Break out the champagne and the noisemakers. July 1 marks the start of a brand new (fiscal) year—that’s right, FY 2013 is about to begin! Since I happen to be a fiscal new year baby, I’ve always felt this day should be given more significance (why wait three more days for parades and fireworks!?).

Landing smack dab in the middle of the year, it’s a good time to look back and reflect. Although my own fiscal year was fairly uneventful, fiscal year 2012 will go down in history as a significant era for WNED public broadcasting. As I’ve been gathering information for our upcoming annual report, I wanted to share some impressive highlights. So here’s my Top 10 WNED Triumphs for Fiscal Year 2012.
Drumroll, please …

Behind the Scenes at the Falletta Comp: The Other Conductor

By Suzanne Kashuba

 

Left: JoAnn Falletta, music director of the BPO; Celil Refik Kaya, winner of the 2012 Falletta Competition; Christye Peterson, competition manager Right: Celil Refik Kaya of Turkey captured first-place honors in this prestigious classical guitar competition.

With the winner named and the eight international contestants heading home with memories of Buffalo, N.Y., the 2012 JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition is history. But what did it take to make it happen?

Hail to the Chiefs! (Buffalo-area Presidential Connections)

By Suzanne Kashuba

Through the years, several U.S. presidents have slipped in and out of the Queen City for campaign tours or quick visits, most recently President Barack Obama in May 2010.

But several U.S. presidents have lived, worked, made history — or died — right here in Western New York.

Finally! The “Nickel City” Gets Respect it Deserves.

By Suzanne Kashuba 

Buffalo, N.Y.?! “No-respect” Rodney Dangerfield would fit right in.

I sometimes question why I’m such a staunch advocate of this weather-beaten city on the Great Lakes. But when I had the chance to go “on camera” and publicly share my thoughts and dreams for my hometown, I didn’t hesitate.

Make Your (Healthy) Voice Heard!

By Suzanne Kashuba

If you do something good, tell people about it! I’ve always believed it’s important to set an example for young people. But it’s amazing what young people can do to set an example for their peers when they are truly passionate about a cause.

The Best of Both “WORLDS”

By Suzanne Kashuba

What else is on? Plopped on the sofa on any given evening, that’s what I want to ask my trusty, old TV. There’s not much on the air that appeals to me these days. I like “The Office” and admit to being an “Idol” fan, but, more often than not, I surf the channels wanting something different, something relevant -- programming that’s worth my “eyeballs” and my time.

It’s Elementary: Viewer Support is Key to Quality Television

By Suzanne Kashuba

On a Thursday night in late July, more television viewers in Western New York were tuned into WNED-TV than any other station. What were they watching? The Sherlock Holmes mystery “The Sign of Four.”

Creative Culinary Helping the Community

By Suzanne Kashuba

Do you remember the first time you tasted kiwi or tried salmon? Do you still puzzle over the odd-looking items in the produce department?  As we’ve all experienced, eating can be an adventure!  Making healthy choices also can be adventurous, fun and creative.

Blazing a trail of local innovation

By Suzanne Kashuba
 
In 1998, after living in Ohio for more than 15 years, I decided to move back home to Western New York. As I announced my decision to colleagues, the anticipated question was posed: “Why would anyone want to live in Buffalo?”

Everyone knows the stereotype: Buffalo is a snow-bound, beaten-down, old-hat, rust-belt kind of town. But few out-of-towners know the reality.

WNED Is Strong As Steel

By Annmarie Dean


Well, it looks like it’s award season here at WNED. Don’t worry, we aren’t prancing around in tuxedos and designer dresses (sigh), but we are super excited to share these honors with you! As Suzanne Kashuba mentioned last week, our AM 970 News team won some pretty distinctive AP Awards and now it’s WNED-TV’s turn.