Arts - The Spectrum

ARTS

Huge turnout for tiny art in Buffalo

By JULIA MARCOTULLIO | Mar. 15, 2023

An art gallery after hours isn’t typically somewhere to expect a party.

Senior theatre performance major Moriah Armstrong played Eurydice in UB’s production of the play.

ARTS

UB’s ‘Eurydice’ breathed new life into theatre… and the dead

By ALEX NOVAK | Mar. 15, 2023

Lights in the Black Box Theater dimmed before whirring back to life on a vibrant beach scene, plunging theatergoers into a haze of nostalgia.

Students used screen-printing and sidewalk chalk to protest Knowles' speech outside of Slee Hall.

ARTS

‘A device for revolution’: students protest Michael Knowles appearance through visual art

By MERET KELSEY and ALEX NOVAK | Mar. 10, 2023

One fine arts student opened their gallery to protesters who needed to warm up or take a break from the demonstration.

The Sunday show’s sendoff was especially important for the seniors in the group, affectionately referred to as “Zeniors.”

ARTS

‘Dreams can come true’: Zodiaque’s seniors bid company adieu

By MERET KELSEY and ALEX NOVAK | Mar. 8, 2023

The Sunday show’s sendoff was especially important for the seniors in the group, affectionately referred to as “Zeniors,” as each took their final bow with Zodiaque.

The Filipino-American Student Association took home three trophies at this year's International Fiesta, including first place.

ARTS

‘It felt like a dream’: Students tell cultural stories through dance at 2023 International Fiesta

By ALISHA ALLISON , JULIA MARCOTULLIO and ALEX OLEN | Mar. 2, 2023

International Fiesta, UB’s annual dance competition showcasing international clubs and organizations on campus, took place Saturday in the CFA Mainstage Theatre.

The Harlem Quartet performing at Lippes Concert Hall. The group recently won the Best Classical Compendium Grammy award.

ARTS

‘For you, for me, for everyone’: The Harlem Quartet brings diversity to classical music

By MERET KELSEY | Mar. 1, 2023

The Harlem Quartet delivered an immersive performance full of energy and humor to a packed Lippes Concert Hall last Saturday.

Michael Formato, production manager at UB’s Department of Theatre and Dance, has retired after 29 years at the school.

ARTS

‘To dream the impossible dream’: Michael Formato’s last bow at UB

By ALEX NOVAK | Mar. 1, 2023

In the back of the CFA’s basement, on a now-vacated desk, sat a bizarre assortment of pooping animal figurines. Much like the office’s former occupant, these figurines have since retired from the UB Department of Theatre and Dance.

Dancers from the Asian American Student Union practice their high-energy performance in the Natural Sciences Complex.

ARTS

Practice before the party: UB dance groups ahead of International Fiesta

By MERET KELSEY and ALEX NOVAK | Feb. 22, 2023

UB’s international clubs and cultural organizations will take the stage this Saturday for International Fiesta, an annual dance competition held at the Center for the Arts.

George Hughes’ exhibition is full of paintings that explore the personal and the political.

ARTS

World-renowned artist and UB professor debuts solo exhibition

By JULIA MARCOTULLIO | Feb. 22, 2023

George Hughes, an associate professor of painting at UB whose art has been displayed and received praise everywhere from China to South Africa, debuted his solo exhibition “George Afedzi Hughes: Identity, Power, and Reconciliation” at Buffalo Arts Studio on Jan. 27.

The Buffalo Chips singing at their sound check before their 28th anniversary concert.

ARTS

28 years of brotherhood, sweethearts and a capella

By ALEX NOVAK | Feb. 22, 2023

This past Friday, the Chips commemorated the a cappella group’s 28th anniversary with a Valentine’s Day concert filled to the brim with swoon-worthy ballads, upbeat anthems and a healthy dose of humor.

The Burchfield Penney’s gallery walls are lined with Johnson’s vibrant, colorful pieces.

ARTS

Celebrate Black History Month through local art

By MERET KELSEY | Feb. 15, 2023

Celebrate Black History Month this February with local art exhibitions that highlight the contributions of Black visual artists. These three diverse exhibitions in Western New York bring Black art to the forefront:

Rihanna performed at the Super Bowl LVII halftime show Sunday.

ARTS

Rihanna on the brain — and millions of TV screens

By ALEX NOVAK | Feb. 15, 2023

Rihanna opened the Super Bowl LVII halftime show in a glossy-red, custom-made Loewe and Alaïa getup, defiantly staring into the camera on a floating platform while her 2015 hit “B—h Better Have My Money” blared through State Farm Stadium in Arizona this past Sunday.

The three-piece rock group, fronted by UB electrical engineering senior Joseph Gogan (left) with guitarists Katie Missert (middle) and Matthew Riley (right), played a raucous set that featured both original songs and a host of classic covers.

ARTS

DaisyChain kicks off The Spectrum’s concert series

By MERET KELSEY | Feb. 8, 2023

Local band DaisyChain stopped by the newsroom in December to give the inaugural performance in The Spectrum’s brand new concert series.

ARTS

The Grapevine

By MERET KELSEY | Feb. 8, 2023

From avant-garde dance showcases to nostalgic film screenings to Celtic fiddle music, there’s something for everyone in Buffalo to enjoy as the weather warms up.

UB students told The Spectrum what songs they’re listening to this semester.

ARTS

What music ‘UB’ listening to?

By ALEX NOVAK | Feb. 8, 2023

The Spectrum asked UB students what songs they’re emulating this spring semester.

Student-members of Dreams Affirmed pose for a photo with Broadway actress Karen Burthwright (center).

ARTS

Broadway actress Karen Burthwright wants UB’s actors of color to eclipse her success

By ALEX NOVAK | Dec. 9, 2022

UB’s Dreams Affirmed club sold Karen Burthwright with just five words: “Black musical theatre student group.”

Buffalo-based singer-songwriter Grace Greenan has released two full-length albums, “Eden” and “Emerald City.”

ARTS

Giving up isn’t an option for Grace Greenan

By MERET KELSEY | Dec. 9, 2022

Grace Greenan was a toddler when she first started songwriting.

The Spectrum lists the five holiday songs that you shouldn't let fly under your radar this Christmas.

ARTS

Five holiday songs you’ve never heard of that’ll jingle your bells

By ALEX NOVAK | Dec. 9, 2022

Step aside, Mariah Carey.

Sameer Gadhia, lead singer of Young the Giant, headlined Fall Fest in 2019, the last Fall Fest before the pandemic.

ARTS

The ultimate concert survival guide

By DOMINICK MATARESE | Dec. 9, 2022

First step: learn the tricks of the trade from experienced concert-goers.

Many Taylor Swift fans waited for hours during Ticketmaster’s Verified Fan Presale on Nov. 15 with the hopes of securing tickets for her upcoming tour.

ARTS

Swifties’ ‘Bad Blood’ with Ticketmaster

By ALEX NOVAK | Nov. 29, 2022

After spending hours in the queue on Ticketmaster, only to be kicked out or find no tickets available, many Taylor Swift fans — UB students included — found themselves disillusioned with her massively popular “The Eras” Tour.