By Joyce Kryszak
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-766480.mp3
Buffalo, NY – Ani DiFranco has a whole separate fan base of people grateful for her support of the community and investment in the former Asbury Church in Buffalo. But after one year, some people still aren't big fans of the building's new name.
You'll hear it called Asbury Hall. Or the Church. Or Asbury Hall at the Church. Or the venue formerly known as the Church. Some people just have a hard time saying Babeville - even one year after Ani changed the name. That includes people such as UB President John Simpson at his address there last week. He thanked Ani for the beautiful venue that he referred to as Asbury Hall.
People do love the venue - and Ani DiFranco for saving it. But Babeville? Well, that's another story. Scot Fisher is President of Righteous Babe Records, Ani's record label. It's offices are in Babeville. And it has other tenants. But Fisher said they're all part of Babeville. Even if people aren't quite comfortable with it.
The name is not so much a problem for music, art or cultural events. But when perhaps more formal organizations or businesses use the venue - such as the UB president's office for example - the name Babeville doesn't hold quite the dignity some might be looking for. Fisher said, too bad.
"Ani is a young woman who speaks in many ways to the empowerment of the individual...and I think Babeville to her represents her strong belief in feminism... and she's a woman...and if you can't say Babeville, that's your problem," said Fisher.
And he said if anyone wants to buy the naming rights, they can always throw in six million dollars of their own money. In the meantime, the name isn't keeping anyone away. Fisher said Babeville is busy just about every day. Click the "listen" icon above to hear Joyce Kryszak's story now or use your podcasting software to download it to your computer or iPod.