Buffalo Rising

THE BASICS: JEEVES & WOOSTER IN PERFECT NONSENSE, a play created by Robert Goodale and David Goodale from the humorous work of P.G. Wodehouse, directed by Brendan McMurtry-Howlett, starring Damien Atkins, Jeff Irving, and Travis Seetoo. 5/8 – 10/10 in repertory at the newly appointed Court House Theatre, 26 Queen St, Niagara-on-the-Lake 1‑800‑511‑7429 shawfest.com (http://shawfest.com/)

THUMBNAIL SKETCH: Longtime viewers of WNED-TV will fondly recall the “Jeeves & Wooster” series which starred Hugh Laurie as Bertie Wooster, a member of the idle rich, and Stephen Fry as Jeeves, his highly intelligent and competent valet. In this Canadian premiere, Bertie Wooster continues to be a young upperclass twit who is forever getting himself into frightful scrapes, only to be rescued by his butler, the unruffled Jeeves. It’s performed by three remarkable actors (Jeff Irving as Bertie, Damien Atkins as Jeeves and others, and Travis Seetoo also as a variety of people) whose lightning fast costume changes bring to life a host of characters.
https://www.buffalorising.com/2026/08/three-actors-countless-characters-shaw-festivals-jeeves-wooster-is-gloriously-out-of-control

The City of Buffalo Department of Public Works (BDPW) is asking the public what their thoughts are pertaining to a proposal to re-configure access to the Gates Circle roundabout. Obviously, something needs to be done at this intersection, as there are constantly cars ramming into the circle.
https://www.buffalorising.com/2026/08/survey-gates-circle-roundabout-project

The Central Terminal Neighborhood Association (CTNA) and Greater Eastside Block Club Fields of Dreams Buffalo recently came together to discuss the potential of a new City of Buffalo Animal Shelter at the former Plewacki Post, 379 Paderewski Drive. After years of discussions, and identifying a potential new location on Niagara Street that never came to fruition, the City of Buffalo continues to weigh its options.
https://www.buffalorising.com/2026/08/getting-ahead-of-the-game-city-of-buffalo-animal-shelter

Rhythms of the World returns for its third annual festival from August 13 to August 15 at Elmwood Commons, 3200 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14217. Elmwood Commons is home to numerous arts groups and organizations including O’Connell & Company, Rob’s Comedy Playhouse, Devi Performing Arts, and now The Screening Room.
https://www.buffalorising.com/2026/08/rhythms-of-the-world-celebrates-dance-culture-and-community

On August 22, 2026, Analog Rewind brings five iconic Buffalo alternative rock bands back to the Artpark Amphitheater for one night only. The event, curated by music journalist and musician Jeff Miers, is a fundraiser supporting Artpark’s Memory Cafe, a free program for individuals living with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or memory loss and the caregivers who support them.
https://www.buffalorising.com/2026/08/analog-rewind-at-artpark-ansley-court-the-band-behind-the-stone-cold-classic-album-bakers-dozen

Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences (BSNS) and advocates of a more accessible Tifft Nature Preserve have officially cut the ribbon on a new ADA-compliant trail. The $2.15 million accessible trail is wheelchair, walker, and stroller friendly, and is deemed the longest of its kind in Western New York.
https://www.buffalorising.com/2026/08/tifft-nature-preserve-opens-ada-compliant-accessible-trail

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The first new Buffalo home constructed under Buffalo Erie Niagara Land Improvement Corporation’s (BENLIC) Build Buffalo Roots initiative has been sold. The residence at 236 Miami Street in the Old First Ward was purchased on Friday for $205,000.

BENLIC is constructing 47 income-qualified single-family homes in the city—part of a historic $24.5 million investment made possible through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding from the City of Buffalo and Erie County.
https://www.buffalorising.com/2026/08/done-deal-first-city-build-buffalo-roots-home-sold

Shipwreck – an inaugural surf-and-shipwreck-themed event on Saturday, August 15 will give the public a firsthand account of the Buffalo Rowing Club’s vision for a new rowing hub along the Buffalo River, with live music, tours led by club owner RJ Rubino, food and drink by Black Jack

On Saturday, August 15, the inaugural Shipwreck party will be held at the Buffalo Rowing Club on Kelly Island. The Buffalo Rowing Club was founded by rowing enthusiast RJ Rubino in 2024 (learn more (https://www.buffalorising.com/2024/08/podcast-head-coach-rj-rubino-discusses-row-buffalos-growth-into-an-elite-rowing-organization/)).
https://www.buffalorising.com/2026/08/inaugural-surf-and-shipwreck-themed-party-buffalo-rowing-club-on-kelly-island

The Ashford Hollow Foundation has announced the lineup for the 2026 Griffis Sculpture Park Summer Festival, which will be held on Sunday, August 16, from noon to 6pm. The following bands will be playing at the park’s scenic Mill Valley Road section throughout the course of the day.

- Letter to Elise: The headlining Buffalo alt-pop band known for blending ’80s-inspired synth sounds with modern energy, recently seen on NBC’s The Voice

- La Krema: A high-energy Latin band performing with a unique English twist

- Karma Queen: An independent rock group

- Alex Glenfield & Ravi Padmanabha: A collaborative performance featuring throat singing and dynamic percussion

- Shaky Paw: A groove-heavy electronic music act

Headlining the 2026 Griffis Sculpture Park Summer Festival is Letter to Elise, a rising band known for blending shimmering ‘80s-inspired alt-pop with raw modern energy.
https://www.buffalorising.com/2026/08/2026-griffis-sculpture-park-summer-festival-features-headliners-letter-to-elise

Across the country, an economic counter-movement has been gaining momentum, one built not on fast shipping and algorithm-fed impulse buys, but on sharing, reusing, and buying local.

I know I feel the squeeze right now. Grocery bills are climbing higher every week.
https://www.buffalorising.com/2026/08/why-buffalo-is-built-for-the-anti-amazon-economy