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Artvoice Weekly Edition » Issue v5n1 (01/05/2006) » Section: See You There


Syd Barrett Birthday Tribute

When the cult-icon rockstar roll call is finally revealed, the name Syd Barrett is sure to be at the top of the list. Sadly, Barrett’s long-standing appeal has as much to do with the musician’s rapid personal decline as it does with his ground-breaking artistry. While the band that Syd formed in the mid-1960s, Pink Floyd, has managed phenomenal chart success and riches beyond imagination, the group’s founder has remained in self-imposed exile for over 30 years (Barrett left or was fired from the group early in its career). Yet the music of Pink Floyd, as the group’s members have frequently mentioned, has remained haunted by Barrett’s shadow (case in point, ol’ Syd got a shout-out when The Floyd reconvened for Live 8 this summer). Locally, Barrett’s continued popularity is celebrated with an annual birthday tribute concert. Organized by Dave Gutierrez, vocalist and guitarist for The Irving Klaws and Magi Chippie, this year’s concert honors Syd’s 60th birthday and feature electric and acoustic interpretations of Barrett’s music from local musicians. As always, expect an “all-star” jam on the Pink Floyd chestnut “Interstellar Overdrive” at the evening’s conclusion.



Nickel City Poetry Slam

The Nickel City Poetry Slam returns for a spoken word competition for all ages this weekend as part of the Gusto at the Gallery series at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. A do-not-miss event for spoken word fans, Friday’s slam features a performance by the powerful slam poet, Dawn Saylor (pictured). An original member of HBO’s “Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry,” Saylor first got involved with spoken word in Kalamazoo, Michigan where she led three poetry slam teams to the National Poetry Slam championships. She then spent time in New York City managing the Bowery Poetry Club, eventually moving on to Austin, Texas and several major cross-country tours. Dawn has appeared on many National Poetry Slam stages around the country, and is known for her mastery of the “group piece,” or multi-voiced poem. The winner of Friday’s slam earns a little cash and the chance to compete with Buffalo’s first-ever National Slam team, which travels to Austin for the national competition this August. Come out and support the troops, or sign up to read at least three of your own original poems.



Red Spirit

Artist Mae Leong was born in Hong Kong, but she is currently residing in the U.S. and Canada, splitting time between Buffalo and St. Catherine’s, Ontario. Her artwork is a construction of abstract panels based on Zen paintings and images, and her latest exhibit, “Red Spirit,” has been on view at the Arts Council throughout the holiday season. The use of red is said to suggest renewal—an appropriate theme for the western New Year (the Chinese New Year is coming up on January 29)—and it fits well with the themes of decomposition and reconstruction that are evident in Leong’s work. She has exhibited internationally at many prestigious galleries in Canada, the U.S., and Hong Kong, as well as being featured at UB’s Center for the Arts during its recent exhibition of Chinese art. Leong’s work will be presented next at A Space Gallery in Toronto, and at the ARC Gallery in Chicago. A closing reception and last-chance viewing opportunity for “Red Spirit” is planned at the Arts Council’s downtown space, where installations such as this one (pictured above) can be seen up close in all their vivid glory.



Snowshoeing in Delaware Park

A favorite winter pastime of mine is donning my 30-inch mountaineering snowshoes and traipsing off into knee-high drifts off of some country lane near Chestnut Ridge or Zoar Valley. There’s magic in the way fresh snow can transform an unassuming woodrow into an undiscovered, primordial forest or a meadow into a stark, Antarctic ice field. It’s best to start out slowly, though, especially if you’ve never been snowshoeing, or if it’s been a while since your last trek (believe me, it can be awkward in those clodhoppers). Along those lines, the Olmsted Park Conservancy has scheduled two simple snowshoeing events in Delaware Park this month. The first, this Saturday morning, will be a one-mile hike around the golf course. Registration begins at 9 am in the Parkside Lodge and costs $5 per person (under 10 free). Snowshoes are available for rent from the Conservancy. All ages are welcome to attend and, if the weather doesn’t change soon, to bring along their clubs for a rollicking round of snowshoe golf (aerate the course while you play!). The second event is a 3-km hike at the same time and place the following Saturday (1/14).





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