THE HOT 5 An opinionated to-do list By Christopher Schobert June is when summer wraps her mighty paws around us, plants a big, wet kiss, and holds tight. Festivals are in full effect, evening walks are de rigeur, and there’s a generally sunny disposition in the air. Oh, yeah—it’s concert season, too, and June sees visits from No Doubt, a reunited New Kids on the Block, and the rock-tastic triple bill of Def Leppard, Poison, and Cheap Trick. If those don’t excite, let Spree’s own Rock of Love Bus transport you to these five treats. 1. Ride for Roswell The sight of bicyclists cruising through UB North on June 27 is a heartwarming one, as that’s the date for the annual Ride for Roswell. The event has become one of Roswell Park Cancer Institute’s biggest fundraisers, and offers a variety of routes and riding options; you don’t need to be a speedy racer. And heck, you can even be a “virtual rider”! (Info online for that one.) Or help sponsor a participant, or even volunteer to help on the day. UB North is always a hub of bikes, blades, and foot traffic during the warm days. Consider coming out with family and friends, and help fight a devastating disease. Saturday, June 27, at Baird Point, University at Buffalo North Campus, Amherst; 843-7433 or www.rideforroswell.org. 2. Coldplay at Darien Lake Many bands are made for intimate, low-lit settings in grungy clubs filled with horn-rimmed emo chicks and skinny guys with beards—I’m looking at you, Jesse Malin, Ted Leo, and Mates of State. But occasionally, the world of pop spills out groups that demand a large stage, a huge crowd, and a mighty sound—the Killers, the inexorable Nickelback (shudder), and, of course, Coldplay. I’ve seen the Chris Martin-led foursome twice now, and in both instances I was blown away by the utter size of the group’s sound. They played Darien Lake once before, in 2005, and the concert culminated in Martin scampering into the crowd and climbing one of those big, ugly poles scattered to and fro at the DL. It was awesome, and this show—with opening act Pete Yorn, an oft-visiting and always-welcome singer-songwriter—is worth it for the sheer, head-bursting hookiness of Viva la Vida alone. (After all, Coldplay’s made the finest U2 album in years.) Monday, June 1, at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center, 9993 Allegheny Rd., Darien Center; www.livenation.com. 3. Scenic Rail Excursions Field trips hold a special place in the hearts of young’uns, and one of my favs was a jaunt to ride the rails (and I don’t mean as train-hopping hobos). Kids and trains still go together nicely, as Thomas the Tank Engine proves, and so the New York & Lake Erie Railroad in Gowanda is a great idea for some family choo-choo fun. The “Scenic Rail Excursions” begin in June and run every weekend through October (minus Father’s Day, June 21; that day features a special reservation-required chicken barbecue). The NYLE opened in 1978 and has run locomotives ever since. Let children see the trains in person, and consider packing the grandfolks in the car, too. Saturdays and Sundays, June through October, at New York & Lake Erie Railroad, 50 Commercial St., Gowanda; 532-5716 or www.nyletrainrides.com. 4. June in Buffalo This long-running annual event describes itself as “a festival and conference dedicated to composers,” making it stand out in a busy music calendar. There truly is no other local event quite like it—seminars, workshops, master classes, and lectures draw in musicians from around the world, yet it’s also a treat for fans of classic and experimental new music, as concerts are open to the public. For the entire rundown of participating artists, visit the June in Buffalo site listed below. June 1 to 7 at the University at Buffalo North Campus, Amherst; 645-0624 or www.music.buffalo.edu/juneinbuffalo. 5. The Barber of Seville Opera is hot again, and it’s getting hotter, as the piece in Spree’s April music issue demonstrated. Consider June 26 and 28 the climax of this opera love, as Rossini’s Barber of Seville will be staged by Buffalo’s own Valerian Ruminski. This local opera-boy-makes-good tale is pretty special. Ruminski is a product of the local scene and recently started the Nickel City Opera Company. Barber is the NCOC’s first full production, and Ruminski is acting as artistic director. The 1,100 seats of the Riviera should be filled with O-buffs. Friday, June 26, and Sunday, June 28, at the Riviera Theatre, 67 Webster St., North Tonawanda; 692-2413 or www.rivieratheatre.org. Spree associate editor Christopher Schobert wishes leaving Darien Lake was a tad easier. SUBSCRIBE NOW Back to the Table of Contents Back to Top