THE HOT 5
An opinionated to-do list
By Christopher Schobert

Perhaps, since this edition of the Hot 5 covers two months, it should be a Hot 10. But that’s not how we roll here. Five it is, and five good ones they are. It’s hard to narrow it down, which is why you’re urged to take a long, lingering look at our calendars. This month features several special lists, with music fests and more. Now, to the mighty cinq.


Garden Walk Buffalo photo by Jim Bush
1. Garden Walk Buffalo
What can one say about this one that hasn’t already been said? Odds are, you know that it includes more than 300 gorgeous, beautifully-kept gardens in Buffalo. You’ve probably seen the deluxe Garden Walk Buffalo book and DVD. And you certainly should know that the whole shebang is free. But you might not realize the financial good that the annual event does, partnering with block clubs and neighborhood groups who work tirelessly on community garden and beautification projects. “Projects like these, performed by regular residents in the neighborhoods, are contributing to the rebirth of our urban neighborhoods in the city of Buffalo,” says Jeffrey Tooke, GWB treasurer and beautification grant committee chair. This year’s recipients include such banner organizations as AIDS Community Services and Grassroots Gardens. It’s been happening since 1995, and it grows bigger, better, and bolder every year. Bravo, GWB.
Saturday, July 25, and Sunday, July 26, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. in gardens throughout Buffalo; 879-0123 or www.gardenwalkbuffalo.com.

2. Springville Street Painting Festival
Springville Street Painting Festival photo courtesy of Joanne May
Street painting is cool, but is it art? I say yes, and Springvillians are likely to agree with me. This is the second year for the Springville Street Painting Festival, and it’s a fun, unique way to spend an August day. Last year, some artists reproduced famous works, while others created new pieces from scratch. In addition to the art, there will be food, kid-friendly activities, and live music from Alison Pipitone and others. It’s an August treat in a beautiful part of WNY.
Franklin, Mechanic, and Chapel streets in Springville; Aug. 2, 913-1404 or www.springvillestreetpaintingfestival.com.
Wilco photo by Frank W. Ockenfels
3. Wilco at Artpark
It might be hyperbolic to say that no popular American band has a more soap-operatic story than Wilco, but it ain’t far off. Jeff Tweedy formed the band from the ashes of alt-country legends Uncle Tupelo, and after several brilliant but commercially blah albums, created the mighty Yankee Hotel Foxtrot … which, as luck would have it, was rejected by Warner Bros. What followed was a successful release on Nonesuch Records, a documentary on the whole affair, the exit of [recently deceased] muso Jay Bennett, a Tweedy stint in rehab, and two more solid albums. Now touring behind the simply titled Wilco (The Album), the band visits for the first time in several years (since a memorable Rockin’ at the Knox performance) on July 19 at Artpark. I can’t think of a prettier venue for a band whose sound is ever-changing, and whose concerts are glorious. Talented twerp Conor “Bright Eyes” Oberst opens.
Sunday, July 19, 7:30 p.m. at Artpark in Lewiston; 1-888-223-6000 or www.artpark.net.

4. Lewiston Art Fest
The Lewiston Council on the Arts’ webpage calls the Lewiston Art Fest the town’s “signature event,” and I’ll go one further—it’s one of WNY’s signature events, period. It features almost 200 artists, a long list of awards, entertainment, kid stuff, and more. It’s one of the LCA’s many stellar events: the Lewiston Jazz Project, Blue Mondays, Summer of ‘69—these events have become local traditions, and the Art Fest is two days of summer bliss.
Saturday, August 8, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., and Sunday, August 9, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., on Center Street in Lewiston; www.artcouncil.org.

5. Squeaky Wheel’s Annual Outdoor Animation Festival
The second of a two-parter—part one took place on June 11 at Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Buffalo—this screening takes place on July 25 at Days Park in Allentown. This is year six for the free event, which highlights the work of internationally renowned experimental and underground filmmakers. In an era in which what constitutes film itself is hard to pin down, the idea of seeing new, thrillingly diverse works—out in the fresh air of Days Park, no less—is quite refreshing. It’s also another demonstration of how eclectic and important Squeaky Wheel is.
Saturday, July 25, at Days Park in Buffalo; 884-7172 or www.squeaky.org.

Associate editor Christopher Schobert’s summer plans include seeing Wilco, watching the Yankees, and occasionally venturing outside.


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