PODCAST · society
WNY Soundstage
by Buffalo Rising
Explores WNY's creative economy through a series of conversations with artists, musicians, producers, directors, and authors from WNY and beyond. Join host, Daniel Lendzian, as he pulls back the curtain and gives listeners a behind the scenes look at current trends in the arts industry.What started during the pandemic as a series of free virtual concerts while stages were mostly dark, has turned into an in-depth reflection on current trends in the creative economy. Western NY's arts and cultural organizations generate more than $352.1 million in total economic activity throughout our region. Through this series we look at where the industry is heading with an evolving definition of art in all its forms, as well as feature the best our region has to offer across all artistic genres.In addition to this podcast, local event guides are posted monthly on BuffaloRising.com. Hosted By Daniel Lendzian | a working artist, author, and educator. He has mentored thousands of students a
Episodes
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From Science to Symphony: A Conversation with BPO’s Amy Glidden
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Amy Glidden, Associate Concertmaster and Louis P. Ciminelli Family Foundation Endowed Chair of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Amy Glidden is associate concertmaster of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and a lecturer in...
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Tullis Johnson on the Art of Curating Something Sinister: The Haunted Landscapes of Charles E. Burchfield
On this episode, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Tullis Johnson, Charles Cary Rumsey Curator at the Burchfield Penney Art Center. Johnson curated Something Sinister: The Haunted Landscapes of Charles E. Burchfield, which opens October 29, 2026, and runs through February 28, 2027. The exhibition...
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JB Smoove on Laughter, Live Comedy, and a “Vacation of the Mind”
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with JB Smoove. Audiences will recognize JB Smoove from his Emmy-winning work on Curb Your Enthusiasm, as well as his roles in Spider-Man: No Way Home and Spider-Man: Far From Home. A comedian, actor, writer, and producer, Smoove has...
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Inside Becky Shaw: Gina Gionfriddo on Humor, Morality, and Human Messiness
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Gina Gionfriddo, playwright of Becky Shaw at Alleyway Theatre. Gina Gionfriddo’s plays Becky Shaw and Rapture, Blister, Burn were finalists for the 2009 and 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, respectively. She has written for the...
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Ron Spigelman on the Magic of Gershwin and the Power of Pops
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Ron Spigelman, conductor of S’Wonderful Gershwin at the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Ron Spigelman is the Principal Pops Conductor of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and brings decades of experience conducting symphonic...
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Where Art Meets Camp: Adam Weekley on Building Camp Everything
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Adam Weekley, whose exhibition Camp Everything is on view until October 26, 2026, at The Burchfield Penney Art Center. Adam Weekley is a Buffalo-based visual artist, arts educator, and professor. His work has been exhibited...
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Conversation with Tiffany Gaines, curator, and Valeria Cray, Artist, Surface Tension is now on view at The Burchfield Penney Art Museum
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Tiffany Gaines, curator at The Burchfield Penney Art Museum, and Valeria Cray, whose exhibition Surface Tension is now on view until September 27, 2026. Valeria Cray is a sculptor and public artist, a longtime Buffalo resident…
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Bandits on the Run on Rough Magic, Busking, and Coming Back to WNY
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Bandits on the Run about their upcoming performances at the Chautauqua Institution. Hailing from the Brooklyn-Queens Border, Bandits on the Run is a trio featuring Adrian Blake Enscoe, Sydney Shepherd, and Regina Strayhorn....
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Jeff Miers on Buffalo’s Alternative Rock Legacy and Analog Rewind at Artpark
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Jeff Miers, a Pulitzer Prize-nominated music journalist whose insightful criticism and reporting have made him one of Western New York’s most respected voices on music. Through his Substack, Miers on Music, he continues to cover...
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Grant O’Brien on Making Classical Music Accessible, One Free Concert at a Time
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Grant O’Brien, the inaugural JoAnn Falletta Conducting Fellow with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Grant O’Brien is a conductor known for imaginative programming, dynamic performances, and a commitment to making orchestral...
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Kevin Cirone on Cinematic Writing, Sherlock Holmes, and the Art of the New Play
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Kevin Cirone, playwright of His Girl Watson: A Sherlock Noir at Alleyway Theatre. Kevin Cirone is a playwright and Kennedy Center Playwriting alumnus whose work has entertained audiences across New England, New York, and beyond…
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Leslie Odom, Jr. on Performing With the BPO
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Leslie Odom, Jr. Leslie Odom, Jr. is a Tony and Grammy Award-winning, Emmy- and Oscar-nominated actor, songwriter, and New York Times bestselling author, best known for originating Aaron Burr in Hamilton. He returned to the role…
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The Necessity of Joy: Douglas Lyons on the importance of joy and chosen family
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with playwright Douglas Lyons and cast members Michael ‘Bebe’ Blasdell and Matthew Crehan Higgins about Second Generation Theatre Company’s production of Pure Glitter. Douglas Lyons is a two-time Emmy-nominated multi-hyphenate artist...
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Dinner Party at the End of the World: a Conversation with Kristoffer Díaz
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Kristoffer Díaz about his play Things with Friends, now playing at Alleyway Theatre. Kristoffer Díaz is a playwright, librettist, screenwriter, and educator whose work often blends sharp social insight with kinetic,...
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Barry Privett of Carbon Leaf on 30 Years of Music and Why Live Shows Matter More Than Ever
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Barry Privett, lead singer of the band Carbon Leaf. Formed in 1992, Carbon Leaf is a Virginia-based band known for blending rock, folk, and Celtic influences into a signature sound. Over three decades, they’ve released numerous...
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Gotham Comes to Kleinhans: James Olmstead on Batman in Concert
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with James Olmstead. James Olmstead is a Broadway and symphonic music director, arranger, and orchestrator known for his work on both stage and concert productions. He specializes in creating live orchestral arrangements of iconic…
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Danté Williams on Building Platforms Without Boundaries
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Dante Williams, host of the No Label Podcast. Dante Williams, an East Side Buffalo native and versatile creative, has built a career blending music, art, fashion, and media, co-creating the respected No Label The Podcast with...
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Different from the Rest: Exploring the Art and Legacy of AP Gorny
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Heather Gring, Rare Book Curator at the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, and Michael Bosworth, Executive Director of WNY Book Arts Center, about the exhibition AP Gorny: Different from the Rest. The exhibition showcases the...
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A Conversation with Blockbuster Conductor Anthony Parnther
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Anthony Parnther, guest conductor of Mozart’s Violin presented by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor and Bassoonist Anthony Parnther is in his sixth season as Music Director of California’s San Bernardino Symphony...
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BPO UpClose, conversation with double-bassist Jonathan Borden
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra’s double-bassist Jonathan Borden about BPO UpClose. BPO UpClose is an intimate, in-the-round concert experience in Kleinhans Music Hall’s Mary Seaton Room that places audiences at the heart of the...
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Sugar, Booze, an Unexpected Apology, and Big Holiday Energy with Ana Gasteyer
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Ana Gasteyer. Ana Gasteyer is an actor, singer, and comedian best known for her six seasons on Saturday Night Live. She has made countless television appearances, in addition to an extensive stage career (including starring as...
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Playwright Terry Guest on the power of new plays and the roots of OAK on stage at Alleyway Theatre
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Terry Guest, playwright of OAK at Alleyway Theatre. Terry Guest is an award winning playwright, actor, director and producer. His play The Magnolia Ballet had its National New Play Network (NNPN) rolling world premiere in 2022....
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UB’s Season of Sound: Conversations with Eric Huebner and Alex Sesenton
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Eric Huebner and Alex Sesenton. Eric Huebner is an Associate Professor and Chair of Music at the University at Buffalo (SUNY) where he maintains a studio of graduate and undergraduate piano majors and minors and teaches courses…
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Laughing Out Loud with Preacher Lawson: Comedy, Life, and the Art of Connection
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Preacher Lawson. Preacher Lawson is a comedian best known for his energetic delivery, physical comedy, and charismatic stage presence. He gained national recognition as a finalist on America’s Got Talent in 2017 and returned for...
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Flipping the Script: Sandy Rustin on Writing Women Who Take the Lead in Farce
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Sandy Rustin, actor and playwright of The Cottage at Alleyway Theatre. Sandy Rustin is a prolific American playwright, librettist, and actress whose works often blend sharp wit, feminist perspective, and a fresh take on classic...
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Melissa Etheridge Brings the Yes We Are Tour to Buffalo
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Melissa Etheridge. Melissa Etheridge is a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and activist whose powerful voice and raw honesty have defined her decades-long career. Known for hits that blend rock, folk, and soul, she has captivated...
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Kimberley Rampersad’s Triple Bill at Shaw Festival Theatre, A Season of Musicals, Jazz, and Drama
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Kimberley Rampersad, Associate Artistic Director of The Shaw Festival, in Niagara-on-the-Lake, in Ontario, Canada. Set against the backdrop of charming Victorian architecture and scenic vineyards, The Shaw Festival, was named for...
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Celebrating 50 Years of Shakespeare in Delaware Park: Conversation with Lisa Ludwig on legacy, laughs, and logistical magic
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Lisa Ludwig, Executive Director of Shakespeare in Delaware Park. Celebrating its 50th Anniversary, Shakespeare in Delaware Park is a beloved summer tradition in Buffalo’s Olmsted‑designed Delaware Park, offering free…
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Theatre That Bites Back: Keelie Sheridan on Directing ‘Crocodile Fever’ at ICTC
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Keelie Sheridan, artistic director of Irish Classical Theatre Company and director of Crocodile Fever. Set in Northern Ireland in 1989, Crocodile Fever, a surreal black comedy, follows two estranged sisters who reunite after…
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Artpark at 50: Dave Wedekindt on Music, Marketing & the Future
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Dave Wedekindt, President of Artpark. Artpark is a renowned cultural venue located on the scenic Niagara River Gorge in Western New York, offering a unique blend of art, nature, and community. Established in 1974, it hosts a...
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Kishi Bashi: Orchestrating the End of the World (and Other Joyful Acts)
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Kishi Bashi about his upcoming performance at Babeville Buffalo, Asbury Hall on May 12, 2025 at 8:00 PM. Tickets are available here. Kishi Bashi is the stage name of Kaoru Ishibashi, a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and composer...
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Three-time GRAMMY®-nominated artist Ryan Shaw on Channeling R&B Classics—and Creating New Ones
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Ryan Shaw, vocalist of Ryan Shaw: Masters of R&B, presented by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 7:30 PM. Ryan Shaw is a three-time GRAMMY®-nominated artist whose dynamic career spans Broadway,...
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Creating Characters and Solving Crimes: A Conversation with Playwright Heidi Armbruster
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Heidi Armbruster, actor and playwright of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. Heidi Armbruster is a New York-based theater artist committed to creating new work and reimagining classical literature. Her plays—including Mrs. Christie,...
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Composing Courage: A Conversation with Composer Paul Moravec and Guest Conductor Dr. Malcolm J. Merriweather on Sanctuary Road and The Montgomery Variations at the BPO
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with composer Paul Moravec and guest conductor Dr. Malcolm J. Merriweather about Sanctuary Road, presented by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra at Kleinhans Music Hall on March 29 at 7:30 PM and March 30 at 2:30 PM. Sanctuary Road is...
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Making the Case for the Arts: Jen Swan-Kilpatrick on ASI’s Mission & the Importance of Community Support
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Jen Swan-Kilpatrick, Executive Director of Arts Service Inc., about Lawyers for the Arts. ASI is a vital resource for Buffalo’s artists and arts organizations, offering grants, calls for work, fiscal sponsorship services, health...
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Conversation with Erica Murray, playwright of ‘The Loved Ones’ at ICTC
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Erica Murray, playwright of The Loved Ones. Set in a secluded farmhouse in West Clare, The Loved Ones centers on Nell and her daughter-in-law, Orla, who gather to scatter the ashes of Nell’s son, Robin. What begins as a solemn...
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Zodiaque Dance Company Celebrates 50 Years, Conversation with co-directors, Kerry Ring and Michael Deeb Weaver
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Kerry Ring and Michael Deeb Weaver, co-directors of the Zodiaque Dance Company Celebration 50 Spring Program at UB Center for the Arts. Zodiaque Dance Company, UB’s premier pre-professional dance company, celebrates its 50th...
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Playwright Karissa Murrell Myers on the thrill of long-from storytelling and the power of image in live theatre
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Karissa Murrell Myers, artistic director of Bramble Theater, actor, director, playwright of Black Bear Island at Alleyway Theatre. Karissa Murrell Myers is an award-winning Filipino American theatre artist based in Chicago. Her...
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Gabriella McKinley, Director, 2nd Gen’s ‘The Niceties’ on the Power of Empathy and Theatre’s Role in Meaningful Conversations
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Gabriella Jean McKinley, director of Second Generation Theatre Company’s production of The Niceties. Gabriella Jean McKinley holds a B.A in Theater Arts from Buffalo State University. She recently won her first Artie Award for…
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Kevin Zak, playwright of ‘A Kidman Carol: A Gay Dementia on Australian Dames’ at Alleyway Theatre
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Kevin Zak, playwright of A Kidman Carol: A Gay Dementia on Australian Dames at Alleyway Theatre. Kevin Zak is a Queerty-nominated comedian, writer, and Lucille Lortel-nominated actor known for his work in television and theater....
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Fascinatin’ Rhythm: A Deep Dive into jazz and Gershwin’s Legacy with Maestro Byron Stripling
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Byron Stripling, guest conductor of Fascinatin’ Rhythm: A Gershwin Celebration, presented by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra on Saturday, November 16 at 7:30 PM. Byron Stripling is the artistic director and conductor of the...
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The Fitzgeralds of St. Paul: A Deep Dive with the Creator, Christie Baugher
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Christie Baugher, who wrote the book, music, and lyrics for The Fitzgeralds of St Paul. Christie Baugher is a Los Angeles-based writer whose musicals include The Fitzgeralds of St. Paul, and Leni Riefenstahl Is Going To Tell You...
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Debbie Gibson Talks Electric Youth, Broadway, and Her Upcoming Buffalo Tour Stop
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Debbie Gibson. Debbie Gibson is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer. She rose to fame in the 1980s as a teen pop idol, known for her catchy melodies and energetic performances. With hits like ‘Electric...
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Broadway’s Mandy Gonzalez to Perform with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Mandy Gonzalez. Her incredible Broadway career includes leading roles in Aida, Wicked, Hamilton, Sunset BLVD, and originating the role of Nina in In The Heights. She will perform Mandy Gonzalez: Broadway Today with the Buffalo...
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Keelie Sheridan, Artistic Director of Irish Classical Theater Company, Makes Her Official Buffalo Debut
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Keelie Sheridan, artistic director of Irish Classical Theatre Company. The Irish Classical Theatre Company (ICTC) in Buffalo, NY, is a professional theatre company dedicated to presenting the finest works of dramatic literature,...
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Aurora Real de Asua talks about her play ‘WIPEOUT’ on stage at Alleyway Theatre
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Aurora Real de Asua, actor, filmmaker, and playwright of WIPEOUT at Alleyway Theatre. In addition to WIPEOUT, Aurora Real de Asua’s work has been developed at Manhattan Theater Club, Williamstown Theatre Festival, the New Harmony...
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Conversation with Kimberley Rampersad, Associate Artistic Director, Shaw Festival Theatre
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Kimberley Rampersad, associate artistic director of Shaw Festival Theatre, in Niagara-on-the-Lake, in Ontario, Canada. Set against the backdrop of charming Victorian architecture and scenic vineyards, Shaw Festival Theatre, was...
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Singer-Songwriter Jason Mraz on the inspiration behind his tour, Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride, “…enjoy the ride and be as expressive as you can or as you want to be.”
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Jason Mraz Jason Mraz is a singer-songwriter known for his upbeat, folk-pop sound and lyrical wordplay. He gained widespread recognition with his hit single “I’m Yours” which showcased his distinctive voice and laid-back style....
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Puppet Horror Rocks Buffalo Iron Works with Original Musical. Interview with Josh Gross, Puppeteers for Fears
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Josh Gross, artistic director of Puppeteers for Fears. Puppeteers for Fears is an Oregon-based comedy troupe, specializing in original horror and science fiction rock’n’roll musicals performed with puppets. Their production of...
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Broadway Meets Buffalo: “Unsinkable” Songs in Starring Buffalo’s “Titanic”. Conversation with Music Director Dr. Alison d’Amato, and actors Diane Phelan and Jonathan Young
On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with music director Dr. Alison d’Amato, and actors Diane Phelan and Jonathan Young about Starring Buffalo’s production of Titanic at Shea’s 710 Theatre for three performances, May 31 (7:30PM), June 1 (2:00PM & 7:30PM). Starring…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Explores WNY's creative economy through a series of conversations with artists, musicians, producers, directors, and authors from WNY and beyond. Join host, Daniel Lendzian, as he pulls back the curtain and gives listeners a behind the scenes look at current trends in the arts industry.What started during the pandemic as a series of free virtual concerts while stages were mostly dark, has turned into an in-depth reflection on current trends in the creative economy. Western NY's arts and cultural organizations generate more than $352.1 million in total economic activity throughout our region. Through this series we look at where the industry is heading with an evolving definition of art in all its forms, as well as feature the best our region has to offer across all artistic genres.In addition to this podcast, local event guides are posted monthly on BuffaloRising.com. Hosted By Daniel Lendzian | a working artist, author, and educator. He has mentored thousands of students a
HOSTED BY
Buffalo Rising
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does WNY Soundstage have?
WNY Soundstage currently has 89 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is WNY Soundstage about?
Explores WNY's creative economy through a series of conversations with artists, musicians, producers, directors, and authors from WNY and beyond. Join host, Daniel Lendzian, as he pulls back the curtain and gives listeners a behind the scenes look at current trends in the arts industry.What started...
How often does WNY Soundstage release new episodes?
WNY Soundstage has 89 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to WNY Soundstage?
You can listen to WNY Soundstage on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts WNY Soundstage?
WNY Soundstage is created and hosted by Buffalo Rising.
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