September M&T Second Friday

On the second Friday of every month, thanks to the support of M&T Bank, the Burchfield Penney stays open late and admission is free! From exhibition openings to all-ages art-making, screenings, and special programs, visitors experience the best of the Burchfield Penney. Explore the galleries and enjoy live music. The cash-only pop-up bar will be open, serving soft drinks, wine, and beer.

Pssst! Don’t miss out! Receive 10% off your Museum Membership when you sign up in person during M&T Second Friday!

Reading and Book Signing: Celes Tisdale – When The Smoke Cleared

Co-presented by The Challenger News
Friday, September 8th | 6:00 p.m. 
Large Conference Room

Join former Buffalo and Western New York resident, Professor Celes Tisdale, for a special reading and signing event exploring his new book, When the Smoke Cleared: Attica Prison Poems and Journal, by Duke University Press. He is also the author of Betcha Ain’t: Poems from Attica (Broadside Press), and We Be Poetin’ (We the People Publishers).

Professor Tisdale is a distinguished emeritus professor of English, having received the State University of New York Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, and he has taught at several colleges and universities and read his poetry, and lectured throughout the United States and Canada.  He acted on the Off-Broadway stage prior to his work as a radio and television personality for ABC, CBS, and NBC, and he was an on-air announcer and host of his own weekly public affairs television program (ABC).

The Buffalo, New York Philharmonic Orchestra conductor invited Professor Tisdale to narrate Sergei Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf” and Aaron Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait”.  Professor Tisdale’s love for children led him to become a professional storyteller for Young Audiences of America, Inc.  He and his wife now reside in Georgia.

Among the many favorable reviews of When the Smoke Cleared: Attica Prison Poems and Journal are those by The Paris Review, PEN America, Poets and Writers, Inc., the magazine: Dissent, the Harvard University School of Law publication: Inquest, and the publication, The Nation.

Professor Tisdale’s many invitations to discuss carceral concerns include the School of Law at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, and PEN America in Manhattan, New York.

Performance by Jungle Steve

Friday, September 8th | 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Reception Space 

Introducing Jungle: A Musical Journey from Buffalo, New York. Hailing from the vibrant city of Buffalo, New York, Jungle is an extraordinary musician who forged his path through the streets and stages of the East Coast. From his humble beginnings, this self-taught guitarist discovered his passion for music at a young age and embarked on a remarkable musical journey that has brought him to the forefront of the music scene. Leaving home at the tender age of 15, Jungle's experiences on the road shaped him as an artist. Each word he sings carries the weight of his personal journey, evoking emotions that tug at the heartstrings of those who listen. His voice, both haunting and powerful, has found its home on the iconic Nietzsche's stage, where his performances have captivated audiences and left them yearning for more. Jungle's music transcends genres, blending elements of rock, folk, and soul, weaving together a tapestry of sound that is uniquely his own. His songs serve as a testament to the human experience, exploring themes of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit. With each chord he strikes and every lyric he sings, Jungle invites you into his world, where the shadows and the light intertwine to create something truly magical. Prepare to be moved, uplifted, and inspired as you embark on a musical journey with Jungle, an artist whose soulful melodies and heartfelt performances will leave an indelible mark on your heart. 

Process: WNY Artists

Friday, September 8th | 6:30pm 

Auditorium 

Selections from a short documentary film series focused on the artist’s process. 

"How did they do that?" The Process: WNY Artists film series documents the creative process of Western New York Artists.   Each film features a discussion with the artist and follows them on the journey of creating a new work.   The series is produced by Meg Knowles for the Burchfield Penney Art Center. Artists featured in this screening include: Julia Bottoms, Dorothea Braemer, Kyle Butler, Jalen Law, Jodi Lynn Maracle, Brian Milbrand, Shasti O’Leary Soudant and Colleen Toledano.