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Photos: In Plain View at Dwyer Stadium

By Howard B. Owens

Local band In Plain View opened for the Batavia Muckdogs at Dwyer Stadium tonight. 

The band played a set of songs starting a little more than 30 minutes before game time in the concourse of the stadium.  

For a video of the event produced by Geoff Redick for WBTA, click here.

Photos: Roof top concert at Glass Roots

By Howard B. Owens

It wasn't the Beatles, but an area band known as Monkey in a Bottle, put on a good grove atop the roof of Glass Roots on Friday evening.

The band started playing shortly after the end of the Jackson Square concert, with Glass Roots providing some refreshments to guests and a parking lot cleared of cars, giving plenty of room to enjoy the music.

Photo: The Feast at Center Street Smokehouse

By Howard B. Owens

After an evening at the Genesee County Fair -- yes, I finally made it, in the last hours of the last day -- I stopped by Center Street Smokehouse for some ribs and a drink. A band called The Feast was rocking the house, so I had to take a picture.

Photos: 2011 Ramble Music and Arts Fest under way

By Howard B. Owens

Kelly Kubala from Go Art! opened the 2011 Ramble Music and Arts Fest in Downtown Batavia shortly after 11 this morning.

The Ghost Riders followed and more musical acts will be performing throughout the day, plus there's food, crafts and arts.

Parking is available off School, Jackson and Center streets.

The event goes until 9 p.m.

UPDATE: Video shot by Steve Ognibene:

Photo: Musicians will 'ramble' into downtown for annual festival July 2

By Howard B. Owens

It's just about time once again for Batavia's premier music and arts festival -- Ramble.

This year's Ramble is from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. next Saturday, July 2.

More than 30 music acts will perform on two stages (Jackson Square and T.F. Brown's), plus there will be the arts, crafts and fun for the kids.

Admission is free to this family friendly event.

Pictured above are local musicians Bill Pitcher, Kay McMahon, Jim Catino, Brian Garz, Charlie DelPlato, Bill McDonald and Tim Pitcher.

'Taylor Tots' prepare for Taylor Swift concert by making a video

By Howard B. Owens

Caitlin Zipfel alerted us to this video of her young cousin and her friends, all from Elba, whom she said are excited to be going to the Taylor Swift concert in Buffalo tomorrow. Caitlin said they call themselves the "Taylor Tots."

Photos: Live music at Larry's

By Howard B. Owens

It's always fun to take pictures of musicians playing live and so with Kay McMahon, Jim Catino and Bill MacDonald laying down some countrified grooves on the patio of Larry's Steakhouse this evening, I thought I should stop by.

The trio plays an acoustic set at Larry's each Thursday through the summer.

And Bill wanted me to remind everybody that the Ramble Music and Arts Fest is coming. Mark your calendars for July 2.

African Drumming at Woodward Memorial Library

By Trisha Riggi

Thursday, June 30, 7-8 p.m. In this adult program you will experience the music of West Africa through authentic African Drums. It is led by Katie Zelig and registration is required. There is a $3 fee. You may call 585-768-8300 or sign up at the front desk.

Event Date and Time
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Photo: Singer performs for residents of Washington Towers

By Howard B. Owens

Residents at Washington Towers were treated to an afternoon of music sung by Danielle DiStrefano, a classically trained soprano who performs opera, sacred songs, Broadway hits, love songs and ballads. It was part of a "Our Tribute Tea to Women" at the complex.

Original 'RENT' cast member joins local performers on stage

By Howard B. Owens

An original Broadway cast member of "RENT," Gwen Stewart, was back in Batavia this weekend, making a side trip while visiting friends in Buffalo, to catch the local performance of the hit musical. Stewart joined the WNY Arts Society cast on stage for one of the production numbers.

WNYAS's final performance of "RENT" is today at 2 at the Ross Street Performing Arts Center, Batavia Middle School, 96 Ross St., Batavia.

The Batavian still has a few specially discounted tickets available. Click here for more information.

Local bars and restaurants planning good food and good times for New Year's revelers

By Howard B. Owens

When it comes to ringing in the new year, there will be no shortage of good food and fun times in Batavia.

From special menus to live music, Batavia's restaurants and taverns are inviting residents to join friends, family and neighbors in saying goodbye to 2010 and hello to 2011.

The festivities start early at O'Lacy's on School Street, where everybody's favorite Irish pub will celebrate the flip of the calendar on Dublin time.

O'Lacy's will have an Irish band playing from 5 to 8 p.m., with a break at 7 p.m. -- that's midnight in Dublin -- to toast in the New Year. The pub closes promptly at 9 p.m.

But no worries, the party can continue all night in Batavia. Just around the corner and within a block are Center Street Smoke House and T.F. Brown's.

At Center Street, you can put your glad rags on and bop in your suede shoes to the rockabilly twang of Kickstart Rumble from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. There will be free pizza at 1 a.m.

At T.F. Brown's, the rock band In Plain View plays from 10:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. On the special dinner menu are twin center-cut pork chops in a honey glaze and a surf-and-turf for two that features two 16-oz. sirloin steaks, shrimp, mashed potatoes and a side salad.

There will also be live music at South Beach from 6 to 9 p.m. with John Canale and a three-piece jazz band. For dinner, there will be a buffet, with the kitchen open until 11 p.m., and the bar will be open as late as there are customers to serve.

Delavan's will also keep the bar open as late as there are people buying drinks. The kitchen closes at 9 p.m. and on the special New Year's Eve menu are chicken Oscar, seafood-stuffed haddock and lobster ravioli.

Larry's Steakhouse will feature oysters Rockefeller and the featured steak is a 22-oz. cowboy-cut, bone-in ribeye served with a garlic peppercorn crust. The surf-and-turf is prime rib and lobster tail.

Alex's Place will serve dinner until 11 p.m. and stay open until at least midnight. The featured items are braised lamb shanks and crusted sea bass. Of course, ribs, steaks and prime rib as well as a selection of seafood are always on the menu.

Outside of Batavia, if you were thinking Red Osier, well, let's hope you already have your reservations. The legendary restaurant is booked through 9:30 p.m.

In Le Roy, D&R Depot's kitchen is open until 9 p.m. and will feature a Chateaubriand for two, carved table side.

Of course, if you're out drinking, you shouldn't drive. 

Deputy Chief Gordon Dibble offered good advice: "Plan ahead."  If you don't have a designated driver, at least have the number of a friend who can pick you up if you drink more than planned. 

There are three local cab services: Batavia Cab Co. 343-5130; Mike's Taxi Service 343-3309; and Checker Cab of Batavia 300-9376.

If you really want to plan ahead, Mancuso Limousine can still accommodate three more reservations (at the time of writing). If somebody finds themselves stuck at a bar or restaurant after midnight, there is a chance Mancuso could provide a ride (for a fee, of course). Mancuso can be reached at 343-1947.

Photo: Brent Persia's CD release party

By Howard B. Owens

Tonight, Pembroke native Brent Persia, hosted a CD-release party at Center Street Smoke House, Downtown Batavia. Before a full house, Persia sang songs from his debut CD as well as some favorite covers. The singer-songwriter's CD will be available for purchase through his website.

Photos: Batavia Concert Band nearing season's end

By Howard B. Owens

The 86th season for the Batavia Concert Band is drawing to a close. Tonight, the group of experienced professionals and enthusiastic amatuers presented its second-to-last show of the summer at Centennial Park.

More than 200 people were on hand in the warm, beautiful evening to hear a mix of classic and popular tunes.

The Concert Band performs its finale of the season at 7 p.m. next Wednesday in Centennial Park.

National Night Out Set For August 3rd

By Kevin Keenan

           In an effort to keep our community safe from drugs and crime, GCASA and the City of Batavia Police Department will be kicking off the sixth annual National Night Out event at Austin Park in Batavia. The event is set for Tuesday, August 3rd from 5:30-8:30pm with a family friendly movie to follow afterwards.

          National Night Out is a collaborative effort to promote neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. This year’s event will feature various agencies in the community such as the City and County Youth Bureau’s, Cornell Cooperative Extension, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, NYS Troopers, Mercy EMS, City of Batavia Fire Department, Care-A-Van Ministries, Genesee County YMCA, GCASA’s SafeHomes Program and the Drug Free Marshals. There is no cost to attend; however, concessions will be available at a minimum cost to participants. There will also be a featured performance by Lisa Barrett and many fun activities for kids. Prizes will be given away around 8:15pm with a free movie sponsored by Genesee County Reality Check starting at dusk.  National Night Out is a smoke free family event. Come join us for some fun!
          For more information contact Kevin Keenan at 815-1875 or Rich Schauf at 345-6312.
 

Olde Tyme Days Photo Gallery

By JIM NIGRO

As it has always done in the past, Olde Tyme Days provided a day of fun and entertainment reminiscent of yesteryear. This year saw a record number of people turn out  to enjoy the event and I thought Batavian readers might enjoy these photos.

Always a high point at Olde Tyme Days is the town meeting - here being called to order.

Who and what is the subject of this years meeting? Why its none other than Cornelius!

The doc and the marshall listen as Cornelius is accused.

The tension builds as the charges are brought....

The marshall prepares to confront Cornelius...

as local townfolk add a bit of fuel to the fire.

Others, however, find the proceedings amusing!

Though Cornelius "skates" as always, a sense of justice - or humor - prevails. 

the maestro directs his charges!

a 21st century rendezvous man.

the little ones enjoyed themselves as the ponies earned their keep on this day!

The doc helps samples some of the homemade jam.

A West Jackson Corners side street.

what are these youngsters aiming at?

None other than Goliath.....

under the watchful eyes of this fellow, who also managed to keep an eye on a couple of roving explorers....those are his grandsons in photo below.

it was a great day at West Jackson Corners, with a good time had by all and by days end,

most were a bit spent.

Photos: Jackson Square concert series opens

By Howard B. Owens

Polka is one of those musical styles that just unavoidably brings a smile to your face. It was an appropriate choice to kick off a fun concert season in Jackson Square on Friday evening. And the Bedrock Boys didn't disppoint.

For more on upcoming shows, check the Jackson Square ad on the right side of the page. The series includes blues, rock, country and jazz and continues through August.

More pictures after the jump:

Photos: Talent Show at BHS

By Howard B. Owens

Students, faculty and staff of Batavia High gathered in the auditorium Wednesday night to show what they could do entertainment-wise to an appreciative and enthusiastic audience.

Here are a few photos of some of the performers.

More photos after the jump:

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