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Artvoice Weekly Edition » Issue v5n26 (06/29/2006) » Section: See You There


Discover the Niña

In 1988, John Patrick Sarsfield, an American engineer and maritime historian, began a project to build the world’s first historically accurate replica of Christopher Columbus’ acclaimed ship, the Niña. Built in Bahia, Brazil by the Columbus Foundation, the ship—a caravel—was constructed almost entirely by hand and without the aid of power tools, only axes, handsaws and adzes, in addition to naturally shaped timbers from the forest. After four years of construction, the new Niña took sail in December 1991. The ship, which stands over 17 feet tall and has a deck length of 66 feet, has sailed the world since its launch and even co-starred with Gerard Depardieu in the film 1492. And now this sailing museum is on its way to the Queen City, where it will be docked at the Erie Basin Marina from Friday, June 30 until it sets sail again on Monday morning, July 3.



Alison Pipitone Band

Buffalo-based, nationally recognized singer/guitarist/songwriter Alison Pipitone will be celebrating the release of her sixth CD, Tigerbabies, with an already sold-out pre-release party featuring cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a performance and Q&A discussion at Sessions Recording on Thursday, June 29 from 7-10pm. Then, at Nietzsche’s on Friday, June 30 at 10pm, the Alison Pipitone Band—which includes stand-up woman Rebecca Mercurio on upright bass, Patrick Shaughnessy on drums, Graham Howes on guitar with Natalie Howes and Sheila Connors on backing vocals—will jam the joint with a legion of their enthusiastic and fun-loving fans. An added treat will be the opening set by Pamela Ryder, back from Austin, Texas to play a special solo gig at the event. Later, Canadian art rockers Mit City from Toronto will finish off the full evening. Pick up a copy of the new album at this big party toasting a great local songwriter with her tight little band.



Summer on the Slopes

Just because it isn’t snowing—for a few more months, at least—doesn’t mean that Western New Yorkers can’t enjoy a few days of family fun at the Holiday Valley Ski Resort. The Ellicottville Summer Festival of the Arts kicks off on Friday at 6pm with the HoliMont Sponsors Reception featuring Bob Lucia and the Seven Swing Street Band, followed by a gazebo concert with family entertainment by Glenn Colton. Saturday promises a day full of arts and activity with the annual pet parade and a house and garden tour; rounding off the evening, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra plays outdoors beginning at 8pm, performing an Armed Forces Salute as well as John Williams’ memorable musical scores from the Star Wars movies. Rebel and Imperial forces collide, up close and personal, when members of the North Ridge, Buffalo’s official FanForce chapter, present full-costume appearances by Darth Vader, stormtroopers, Tusken raiders, Anakin Skywalker and many other movie favorites. An elaborate fireworks display follows the BPO performance, marking this Independence Day weekend. The Strawberry Festival begins at 1pm Sunday, and Tommy James and the Shondells bring the festival to a close that night. All weekend there will be a juried arts & crafts show, food and beverages and Ellicottville’s famous professional championship rodeo.



The Dresden Dolls/Panic! at the Disco

When the Dresden Dolls last visited Western New York in October, it was as the ringmasters of their own elaborate circus. The Boston-based duo provided acrobats, magicians and a master of ceremonies to entertain the crowd between sets of the critically-acclaimed “Brechtian punk cabaret.” On their current tour, the Dolls take a less commanding role under the big top, as the supporting act for MTV emo-punk teen idols Panic! at the Disco. It’s an unlikely pairing for the seasoned performers, who had already made their name as one of Boston’s hottest live acts when the members of Panic! were still sophomores in high school. But the young group’s video for their hit single “I Write Sins Not Tragedies,” which draws inspiration from Moulin Rouge! and vaudeville imagery, suggests a theatrical (if not musical) kinship between the two acts. Hopefully, teenage fans impatiently waiting to ogle singer Brendon Urie will give Amanda Palmer’s confessional-but-sarcastic tunes a chance, and hopefully pick up the Dolls’ stellar second album Yes, Virginia... on the way to the exit.





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