A cold snap such as the one we’ve just endured, with cruel February stretching ahead—this alone encourages squirrelly behavior, spiritual regression, dark paranoia. It is easy in midwinter to believe this city is cursed: bad politics begetting bad government, bad sports teams begetting bad tempers, bad economies begetting bad times. Maybe we are cursed, and maybe we are in need of an exorcism, and maybe the only one who can tell us for sure whether the region’s problems are substantial or spiritual in nature is ghosthunter Mason Winfield. Winfield hosts a party this Saturday at which the curse of star-crossed Buffalo will be examined, diagnosed and—hopefully—dispelled through that most potent of local rituals: libations, provided in this case by Flying Bison Brewery. There will be traditional healers, psychic readers, astrologers and a dowser on hand, as well as guided tours of the reputedly haunted Town Ballroom. A historian from the Seneca Nation will discuss the Iroqouois perspective on the curse and Michael Bastine, Algonquin teacher and activist, has prepared some special guidance for those in attendance. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Landmark Society of the Niagara Frontier.

6-9pm. Town Ballroom, 681 Main Street (852-2900, town ballroom.com). $15.Call 655-6663 or visit www.MasonWinfield.com to register in advance.