Buffalo might not be able to count Broadway or the Museum of Modern Art as one of its artistic gems, but the city has many entertainment options for those who are artistically inclined.
Vicki Cond, a junior health and human services major, usually spends her weekends in the University Heights district, the immediate area surrounding South Campus.
"I love going out on Main Street because it's so cheap. Most girls can go out and only spend $15 and have a great time without spending tons of money," said Cond.
While bars in the University Heights may be an easy option for some students, many other options exist for those who are not into the bar scene, or simply want a change of pace.
At Musical Fare Theatre, all weeknight and matinee shows are only $12 for students, and Friday and Saturday night shows are $25.
According to their Web site, the Musical Fare Theatre Company, located on the Daemen College campus at 4380 Main St., is the only professional musical theater company in Western New York, and has shows for the entertainment of the general public year-round. The theater can be reached at 839-8540.
This season, the company is featuring a musical about lyricist Johnny Mercer, titled "Moon River: Johnny Mercer's American Songbook."
Along with musical theater, non-musical productions can also be found in Buffalo.
Shea's Performing Arts Center is a venue featuring Broadway musicals, dance programs, concerts, opera, programs for families, and free classical movie screenings.
Tickets to some programs at Shea's can be as pricey as $52.50, but some Broadway shows can be seen for less, depending on when the show is taking place and seat selection.
Performances at Shea's are also available for less if the performance is during the week, according to Lisa Grisanti-Cabrera, the Marketing Manager at Shea's.
"Our tickets start at $22.50 during the week and for this cost you get to see a Broadway production," said Grisanti-Cabrera.
Shea's also offers tickets to smaller productions for $16.
The Performing Arts Center is currently featuring "42nd Street," and will be presenting "Cats" and "Mamma Mia!" in the near future. For more information on Shea's, call 847-1410.
Students may not find that their schedule allows for weekday and early evening performances, however.
"I work almost every night of the week and when I get out it's usually around 11 or later, they don't have theatre shows at midnight, the only thing to do that late is go out to the bar," said Jamie Siffringer , a junior political science major.
Shows at most theaters in Buffalo are between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., both on weekdays and weekends.
Shea's and the Musical Fare Theatre offer Saturday and Sunday matinees that may be easier to fit into the schedules of some students. Matinees are typically lower in price as well.
JoAnn Duke, the ticketing and front of house director at the Musical Fare Theatre, said they do a lot to try and increase student attendance.
"We always have ads up at all the surrounding campuses, I think kids just look past it," said Duke.
Duke added that by the time students realize that theater may be a good form of alternative entertainment, they are already involved in other responsibilities.
"In the first few years of college, all kids care about is eating, drinking, and partying and in the last few years they are trying to concentrate on saving money and getting a job," said Duke. "The only time most students visit the theater is if they are required to do so for a class and then they realize it's a great thing and they should do it more often."
Buffalo also has exciting opportunities for those interested in making art.
Squeaky Wheel is currently accepting installation artwork for their windows on Elmwood Avenue and has open screenings on the second Wednesday of every month.
According to their Web site, http://www.squeaky.org/, media artists can join Squeaky Wheel to enjoy the benefits of inexpensive media equipment, workshops and screenings to show work to other interested artists.
The Albright-Knox, also located on Elmwood Avenue, is a large fine-arts museum whose permanent collection includes the artwork of many internationally known artists, such as Andy Warhol.
The museum also features non-permanent exhibits as well. According to the Albright-Knox Web site, the museum will feature an exhibition of the work of Modigliani and the artists of Montparnasse beginning on Oct. 22. To learn more about this and other exhibits, call 835-7362.
Those seeking contemporary artwork may want to visit Hallwalls, a contemporary art center located on Main Street. Admission to the gallery is free.
The Hallwalls Web site, http://www.hallwalls.org, states that the contemporary art center will host a "cabaret-style reading for the Trampoline Hall Lecture Tour" on Oct. 20. The cost of attending this event is $5 for students. Hallwalls can be reached by calling 835-7362.
Many events are also offered on campus at the Center for the Arts. The art gallery on the first floor holds exhibitions that are free for students. The gallery is scheduled to showcase the sculpture work of Ian Newton from Oct. 3 to Oct.17.
The CFA is also hosting David Sedaris, best-selling author & NPR Humorist on Thursday, Oct. 10 at 8 p.m. The cost of this event is under $18 for students.
Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki
