Buffalo Toronto Public Media Blog
Explore the latest stories, innovations, and community voices shaping public media. From behind-the-scenes looks at groundbreaking productions to in-depth features on local culture and initiatives, the BTPM Blog keeps you connected to the heart of public storytelling. Dive into inspiring narratives that amplify the power of media to inform and engage.
BTPM Blog
Kathryn's Must-Sees for August on BTPM PBS
Kathryn’s Must-Sees is your guide for the most compelling and thought-provoking programs on BTPM PBS. Curated monthly by Kathryn Larsen, our Vice President of Content Distribution with over 40 years of programming experience, these standout programs entertain, inspire, and spark conversation.
Defunded, not defeated: What's next for Buffalo Toronto Public Media
The House and Senate voted in favor of the recessions proposal, which eliminates federal funding for public media. In simpler terms, we are defunded. Though we are not defeated.
Top 5 Things To Do in Buffalo in July
Here's a list of festivals, tours, and farmers markets happening in Buffalo in July to help you get through the Dog Days of Summer.
Shakespeare Under the Stars: 50 Years of Theater in Delaware Park
Discover how BTPM PBS’ Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits shines a spotlight on Western New York’s most iconic landmarks through the power of Shakespearean performance.
Kathryn's Must-Sees for July on BTPM PBS
Kathryn’s Must-Sees is your guide for the most compelling and thought-provoking programs on BTPM PBS. Curated monthly by Kathryn Larsen, our Vice President of Content Distribution with over 40 years of programming experience, these standout programs entertain, inspire, and spark conversation.
Kleinhans Music Hall as a Cultural Stage for Buffalo’s Milestones
From symphonies to graduation ceremonies, Kleinhans Music Hall echoes the stories of Buffalo’s people, past and present.
The Fight is On: You Matter More Than Ever
The White House has formally asked Congress to rescind federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Public Media needs your voice now more than ever.
Showing Up with Pride: BTPM at the Buffalo Pride Parade
BTPM arrived at Buffalo Pride with a full cast of lovable characters. It was a celebration and
Sounds of the Stadium: What a Bandits Game Feels Like Live
An inside look at Banditland: the energy, passion, and pride of Buffalo fans captured during the NLL Championship Game 3.
Reflections of Honor: Memorial Day and the Power of Remembrance
It’s easy to think of Memorial Day as a start to summer. But for families who’ve lost someone in uniform, it’s a day that never loses its gravity.
Scenes from "Meet Us at the Market"
Buffalo Toronto Public Media was among the many vendors at this past Saturday's opening of farmers' markets across Buffalo. Check out our gallery of photos in this blog.
Buffalo's Soundtrack: The Role of Music Shaping Local Culture
In Buffalo, music isn’t just entertainment — it’s part of our identity.
The BTPM Classical Blog is presented by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra
BTPM Classical Blog
EN BATEAU: A BTPM Classical Blog
BTPM Classical Host Marty Wimmer explores how boats have inspired many songs in the history of music. And that inspiration even goes so far back in the history of classical music.
Presto! The Tempo of Summer
Our perceptions of time and tempo are affected by many things. In this blog, BTPM Classical Host Genevieve Randall wants us to slow down the time this summer.
Piano Teachers Teach Music & More
BTPM Classical Host Marty Wimmer reflects on piano teachers who have made him the piano player that he is today.
Long Playing
Ed. Simone still listens to vinyl records. He delves into his passion in this BTPM Classical Blog.
Taking Time To Relax
Marty Wimmer of BTPM Classical reflects on what a vacation should feel like, with some help from classical composers.
Music and Memories: A Singer’s Perspective
Kerrykate Abel, Buffalo’s First Lady of Cabaret, details her personal soundtrack in this BTPM Classical blog.
Who Brought Classical Music Into Your Life Part II
I wrote a blog post in 2023 titled, Who Brought Classical Music into Your Life? I mentioned Don Dolloff, a legendary classical music radio announcer on WCNY-FM in Syracuse, NY, where I grew up. Last month, I received a message that Mr. Dolloff called me at BTPM.
Shakespeare's TWELFTH NIGHT Returns to Delaware Park for SiDP’s 50th Season, But Is It “Free”?
So, some thoughts: Just as we at BTPM Classical try to avoid playing only single movements and excerpts in favor of the entire concerto, symphony, or opera, why not enjoy the entire play? Your attention span is longer than the duke’s.
Cloud Music
Ed. Simone reminisces on a trip to Costa Rica and how nature's music became the soundtrack to his trip.
How It Started Vs. How It’s Going: Spring Edition
The average last frost date in Western New York is April 30 to May 15, some sources say May 11-20 for Southern Ontario. On the calendar, March 20 is the official start of spring.
Video Game Music Weekend: March 21-23, 2025
Imagine you are a composer tasked with creating the score for a new movie. You have about one hundred minutes of time to fill and your music must enhance what is happening on the screen. Now imagine that movie is 20+ hours long!
Ravel at 150: The Fonzi of Classical Music
March 7th marks Ravel’s 150th birthday. We’ll celebrate on WNED Classical with several Ravel masterworks. RAVEL is cool – always has been – always will be. But what makes Ravel the Fonzi of classical music?
BTPM The Bridge Blog
Upcoming Local Shows for 7/31 - 8/7
Check out local music shows happening in Western New York and Southern Ontario, including Good Monster, Howlin' Circus, and Cammy Enaharo.
Upcoming Local Shows for 7/25 - 7/31
Check out local music shows happening in the Western New York and Southern Ontario region, including the Disability Pride Festival, the Historic Colored Musicians Club & Jazz Museum, and Food Truck Tuesday at Larkinville.
Upcoming Local Shows for 7/18 - 7/24
Check out these local shows happening in the Western New York and Southern Ontario region, including Prairie Pavement, Skye Wallace, Goat Farm, and more.
Upcoming Local Shows for 7/11 - 7/17
Check out the local shows happening in Western New York and Southern Ontario, including Maria Sebastian, The Empties, and Saranaide.
Upcoming Local Shows for 7/4 - 7/10
Check out local shows for July 4 through July 10, including Alison Pipitone, FARROW, Molly Conrad, and Lynne Hanson.
Upcoming Local Shows for 6/27 - 7/3
Check out local shows for June 27 through July 3 at Goodbar, Delaware Park, and Jack Rabbit.
Upcoming Local Shows for 6/20 - 6/26
Check out local shows for June 20 through June 26, including By Divine Right, David Cloyd, and Curtis Lovell.
Upcoming Local Shows for 6/13 - 6/19
Check out local shows for June 13 through June 19 at Nietzsche's, Duffy's Tavern, Cazenovia Park, and more.
Upcoming Local Shows for 6/6 - 6/12
Check out local shows for June 6 through June 12 at Goodbar, Jack Rabbit, Larkinville, and more.
Upcoming Local Shows for 5/30 - 6/3
Local shows across WNY & Southern Ontario, including Tyler Westcott, Tuesday Nite, Laila, and Rabbit Jaw!
Heritage Moments
Heritage Moments: John Lewis’s Boyhood Trip to Buffalo, and How It Changed America
When John Lewis, the last of the great figures of the Civil Rights era, died at age 80 in 2020, Americans reflected with near-universal admiration on a life well lived. And, thanks to Lewis himself, they knew of the pivotal role that Buffalo played in molding this national icon.
Heritage Moments: A Black poet's 'song of fiercest passion'
James Monroe Whitfield was a remarkable figure in a remarkable time: a free Black man who owned his own home and his own business in pre-Civil War America; a renowned Romantic poet; and a leading voice in the abolitionist movement.
Heritage Moments: From a death march to liberation, to a quiet street in Kenmore, love prevails
Gerda Weissmann Klein lived a life of unimaginable sadness, loss, and misery, yet paradoxically, one of soaring hope, happiness, and achievement.
Heritage Moments: From New York to Paris in 1908, via Buffalo and Mongolia
Imagine driving across the continent on unpaved roads, railroad ties and trackless wastes… in an open car with no heat, no windshield, no nothing.
Heritage Moments: Chauncey Olcott, WNYs 'Wild Irish Rose'
Chauncey Olcott, a son of Buffalo and Lockport, did not set foot in the Emerald Isle until he was 40 years old.
Heritage Moments: How 'racial covenants' segregated WNY neighborhoods
Today, if you own a home across the Western New York suburbs and even in certain neighborhoods in Buffalo itself, you may still find “racial covenants” in your deed.
Heritage Moments: That’s why we call it Buffalo. Maybe.
We know why most cities have their names, but not Buffalo. New York City is named after York, England; Los Angeles is the city of Our Lady, Queen of the…
Heritage Moments: Annie Edson Taylor, Falls daredevil and a widow’s hard choices
In the days before death benefits, pensions and social security, an aging widow had to fend for herself, even one who was a trained, experienced…
Heritage Moments: Mary Jemison of the Seneca Nation, the ‘White Woman of the Genesee’
In 1823 along the Genesee River there lived an old woman who was quite famous in the region. She was Seneca, yet her features were European and her…
Heritage Moments: Mortally wounded, William McKinley thinks of his assassin - and his wife
The Pan-American Exposition of 1901, a world’s fair that marked Buffalo’s arrival as a major city — it should have left a legacy of joy. Instead, it left…
Heritage Moments: The Attica Prison Uprising — 43 dead and a four-decade cover-up
The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 is one of the most disturbing episodes in the history of New York State and, indeed, the nation as a whole. It lasted…
Heritage Moments: Marilyn Bell, the teenager who conquered eels, exhaustion and Lake Ontario
Overnight sensation — that term gets bandied about from time to time. But Marilyn Bell literally was one. At 11:07 p.m. on Sept. 8, 1954, when she dove…